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Ben&Ben drummer Jam Villanueva says 2026 is her 'last year with the band'
Ben&Ben drummer Jam Villanueva has announced that 2026 will be her last year with the band.
On Instagram Thursday, Ben&Ben posted a video of Jam giving fans a life update and looking back on the eight years she has spent with the group.
"This was the start of the biggest, craziest in a good way, most fun, and most surreal part of my life. Along the way, I learned many important and crucial life lessons. I gained deep friendships and a chosen family I know I will have and cherish forever," she said.
Per Jam, she also saw the power of community through their fans, whom they collectively call Liwanag.
"Words can never express how deep my gratitude is for everyone on our team, our collaborators and every single person who listens and connects with our music. We literally wouldn't have been able to do and keep doing any of this if it weren't for you," she shared. "You encouraged us to create honest music by fully accepting our awkward and introverted selves and by just allowing us to be who we are."
She also talked about how each band member grew as each year passed.
"We also grew as people, as individuals, living our lives in the pockets of time we had outside being a band, with each experience shaping us and allowing us to rediscover ourselves."
The OPM drummer then noted two events that "redefined the life I see myself living" and why she will only be with the band until 2026.
"In 2024, I got married and in April of 2025, I injured my wrist. These two events have developed and strengthened my values and in turn redefined the life I see myself living. There's no easy way to say this, next year 2026, will be my last year with the band," she said.
She also underscored that the greatest, most important part of this journey were "the friendships and relationships I've gained through it all."
"I hope to see you next year sa mga shows, events, and hangouts. Let's make next year a fun and memorable one," she added.
In May, Ben&Ben announced that Jam has been dealing with Quervain's tendinosis and "Drummer's Wrist," which have affected her ability to play the drums.
Although the band had assured the condition was temporary and treatable, they shared that Jam was advised by her doctor to completely rest her left wrist for at least an entire month to properly heal.
—CDC, GMA Integrated News
