Cup of Joe makes historic firsts

MANILA, Philippines — Cup of Joe (COJ) figures in historic firsts. Think four billion streams across all platforms, a first for a Filipino band. The recognition was conferred by Believe, the global digital music company during the band’s recent concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Georgette Tengco, Believe’s country manager, handed the plaques to the boys on stage. It says, “This milestone is a testament to their artistry, dedication and the enduring impact of their music on audiences worldwide. Through their creative excellence, they continue to enrich and elevate original Filipino music.”

Wonderfully said Believe. That music jampacked the Big Dome for three nights in “Stardust,” the concert held on Oct. 10, 11 and 12. Gian Bernardino on lead vocals; Rafael Ridao, also on lead vocals; Gabriel Fernandez, lead guitar; CJ Fernandez, rhythm guitar; and Xen Gareza, keyboards, entertained their beloved fandom, the Jowahs and more, with an interplanetary journey where COJ music helped save imaginary planets from wars and extinction.

And what can you say about having Jim Paredes and Boboy Garrovillo join them on stage? It was COJ’s way of paying tribute to their music heroes.

More firsts there for the boys from Baguio. “Stardust” was the first three-night concert series where tickets sold out within only a few hours. And I mean sold out including a General Admission area filled to the rafters and a crowded mosh pit. It also had an almost all-Filipino repertoire, a big deal for OPM. Almost because all of the members of COJ sang vocals in Goo Goo Dolls’ Iris. It was very good.

As for the song line-up, the fact that they had enough original hits to sustain a full concert within only a period of seven years is truly remarkable. Some artists get by with only two or three hits in a show. That is not bad. But Cup of Joe did more than that and the audience loved every number and sang along with all of the songs. It has been quite a while since the Araneta reverberated with music like theirs. What a show!

COJ performs the hit Tingin with Janine Teñoso on Day 1.

Photos from Cup of Joe’s Facebook page

And what can you say about having Jim Paredes and Boboy Garrovillo join them on stage? It was COJ’s way of paying tribute to their music heroes. Alas Dose, one of their compositions from the early days was inspired by the Apo’s Panalangin. Hearing both songs performed together by the two groups was one of the highlights of “Stardust.”

Now, about another first, nothing historic but a first for Cup of Joe to celebrate. This is their first album on vinyl, where the music can be enjoyed in its purest form. The big-selling Silakbo will now be available on flaming red vinyl. Stocks are limited, so Jowahs should now go online and order their copies. They have only until Oct. 31 to do so. Cost is P2,500 per album and delivery will be in November.

The band has been on a roll, mounting a three-night concert series, ‘Stardust,’ at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where tickets were sold out within only a few hours. Their music was also recognized by Believe, the global digital music company, for having four billion streams across all platforms.

After “Stardust” in Manila, Jowahs in the U.S. of A. and Canada, will next get the chance to enjoy COJ’s music. The tour schedule is: Saran Theater in Los Angeles on Oct. 31; Graton Resort and Casino in Santa Rosa, San Francisco, Nov. 1 and 2; Chinese Cultural Center in Calgary, Nov. 7; Edmonton Expo Center in Edmonton, Nov. 8; Transcona Country Club in Winnipeg, Nov. 14; Chandos Pattison Auditorium in Vancouver, Nov. 15; and The Arena Pickering Casino Resort in Toronto, Nov. 16.

Then after a brief rest, Cup of Joe will bring “Stardust” to the Coca Cola Arena in Dubai.

As for the hit lists, COJ’s Multo continues to lord it over the Billboard Philippines’ Hot 100 and the Spotify Philippines’ Daily Chart. The Demon Hunters were no match for it, and it looks like Taylor Swift’s Showgirl will also suffer the same fate.