Around GMA

Article Inside Page

Members of the alternative pop band Cup of Joe are in disbelief that their upcoming two-night Silakbo concert is already sold out.

The hot young band from Baguio--composed of Gian Bernardino (vocals), Raphael Ridao (vocals), Gabriel Fernandez (lead guitar), CJ Fernandez (rhythm guitar), and Xen Gareza (keyboards)--is all set to conquer the Araneta Coliseum on February 8 and 9.

“Gulat na medyo inis,” said CJ, looking confused, when asked how they felt about their concert's ticket-selling outcome.

He then felt obliged to explain when the media burst into laughter during the press conference prepared for them by Viva Music last week.

CJ smiled, “Hindi, kasi yung mga close friends ko kasi gusto rin bumili. Kaya lang sa sobrang dami, hindi sila makabili. Kaya hindi ko alam kung paano sila sasagutin.

“Pero at the same time, siyempre, sobrang happy. Parang yun yung point na na-realize namin na nandito na kami sa point na 'to, sold out po. Kasi, even before, kahit nakagawa na kami ng pangalan, parang di pa rin nagsi-sink in sa amin na, ah may pangalan na pala. Parang feeling lang namin nag-e-enjoy na lahat.”

He also mentioned that having a sold-out two-night concert feels overwhelming.

“Kasi, hindi naman kami masyadong nag-expect kasi, siyempre, Araneta level. Kaya sobrang nakakagulat pa rin kahit na alam namin na maraming supporters ang nagmamahal sa amin parang ginugulat pa rin nila kami every time pagdating sa pagpapakita ng support sa amin. Kaya love na love namin ang Joewahs, na tawag namin sa fans.”

Gabriel, on the other hand, admitted he felt nervous because they will be performing at a bigger venue.

“Pero sobrang thankful kami kasi nabigyan kami ng chance na mag-perform sa harap ng fans namin. 'Tapos, this year, mas malaki pa yung maa-accommodate namin. Kaya very thankful kami and nervous.”

For Gian, on the other hand, performing at the Big Dome is a dream come true since it's a popular concert venue of some music icons.

“Ever since noong bata pa po ako. I mean, every child's dream naman po… Ako, personally, as someone na lumaki kay Sarah [Geronimo], as someone na talagang pop kid, talagang in disbelief pa rin ako na magpe-perform kami sa same venue ng mga stars,” he said.

The two-night event, which marks a new milestone in Cup of Joe's music career, draws inspiration in their newly launched debut album Silakbo.

“Actually, parang magpo-focus siya sa [bagong] album namin, yung Silakbo po. Parag yun po, lahat po yun ipe-play po namin. And yung mga old songs din po namin na babagay sa concept ng concert,” Gabriel briefly described what their Joewahs (collective name for their fans) can expect from their concert.

Watch for their exciting renditions of “Sagada,” “Mananatili,” “Nag-iisang Muli,” “Tingin,” “Misteryoso,” “Tataya,” “Patutunguhan,” “Lahat ng Bukas” and others including some surprise numbers.

Gian added, “The word "silakbo" means outburst of emotions that demands to be felt. 'Tapos, Silakbo is about the five stages of grief, which are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. 'Tapos per stage po, two songs, so 10 songs lahat. Yung po ang magiging concept ng concert namin, parang story-centered siya pero, at the same time, mag-i-incorporate po kami ng luma naming songs na sumikat na.”

Aside from performing their new songs live for the first time, the rising OPM band also takes pride in their concert director, Paolo Valenciano.

Gian said, “Ang director ng concert namin is si Direk Paolo Valenciano kaya parang visuals parang guaranteed na 'yan.”

When it comes to their performance, he said, “Same pa rin naman po the way we perform, all-out pa rin. Kahit normal gigs naman, very game kami mag-perform. And every time we perform naman binabali namin lagi ang arrangement ng songs, so mine-make sure namin na mame-maintain ang energy namin.”

Aside from Araneta Coliseum, Cup of Joe is also set to bring Silakbo concert to provinces soon.