Good things come from humble beginnings, and for rising OPM artists Cup of Joe and TJ Monterde, what they have now is more than what they wished for.

Shaping their passion and love for music in the creative pulse of Baguio City, Gian Bernardino, Raphaell Ridao, Gabriel Fernandez, CJ Fernandez, and Xen Gareza were

just a bunch of kids making music together.

Their story began in August 2018, when Gian and Raphaell—fondly called Rapha—were Grade 12 students at Saint Louis University Laboratory High School in Baguio City.

After being invited to perform at their school’s Buwan ng Wika celebration, they decided to form a band officially and began reaching out to other musicians, including Gabriel and two others.

United by a shared love for music, they came together naturally—without a dramatic origin story or a single defining moment—just a quiet beginning that marked the start of their journey as a band.

Jamming to songs by Kodaline, Coldplay, and Panic! At The Disco, these boys not only bonded through Music but also formed a new bond of brotherhood.

Dabbling in the chaos of teenage life—balancing academics and extracurriculars, dealing with terror teachers, and more. Cup of Joe took a leap of faith and released their first song, "Nag-Iisang Muli," on a digital music platform, as a goodbye to their high school life.

"Ni-release namin sa Spotify for fun. Parang may memory lang kami nung mag-graduate kami ng Senior High... (But) For some reason nakaabot po siya ng algorithm ng Metro

Manila. Tas nakapag-chart," Gian shared.

While notifications piled up, an email arrived that would change their lives. In March 2019, Cup of Joe officially became a part of VIVA Records. Being new to the music industry, the band recalled having to bring their parents to the label’s headquarters in Ortigas to sign the contract. And, as the saying goes, the rest is history.

Since then, Cup of Joe has been attracting fans from all over the archipelago. While doing gigs and guesting on various shows, the boys were challenged to balance their time between academics and their growing commitment to music.

Despite the constant back-and-forth between school and gigs, each member was quietly striving to hold on to both paths of their future. Even when they had to prioritize one over the other—classroom over stage, or the reverse—they remained committed to what they were building together. The sacrifices were never simple, but they were always meaningful.

Starting with 13 songs on their streaming platform, Cup of Joe is more than just a one-hit wonder. In 2022, the band dropped two singles that endeared them even more to

their growing fan base. "Mananatili" and "Estranghero" showed a more mature sound and style, drawing inspiration from the pop hits of the 80s and 90s.

Since then, Cup of Joe's music has been making waves on charts and garnering recognition from different award-giving bodies.

Despite the hurdles and triumphs they faced along the way, it was their timing and unwavering passion that kept them moving forward and doing what they love.

Last October 2025, Cup of Joe marked a milestone in their career after holding a three-night sold-out concert at the Araneta Coliseum.

Entitled "Stardust," the band has brought nothing but joy and all the feels as they took their fans on a journey into a dazzling galaxy, with the LED screens showing immersive visuals as Cup of Joe embarked on its voyage across the planets Crimson, Ivory, Pink, Green, and Blue.

The group performed their hit songs "Mananatili," "Tingin," "Multo," and "Hulaan," with guest Janine Teñoso. "Ang ganda ninyong tingnan, kayo ang nagbibigay ng liwanag sa amin," Gian told fans."

The "Stardust" concert symbolizes the universe that they and the fans had created together. Cup of Joe also received recognition from the Araneta Group on the final night of the three-day concert, where Officer in Charge Irene Jose awarded them a Plaque of  Appreciation.

The honor celebrated the band’s milestone as the first Filipino act to hold five sold-out shows at the venue within a single year—two nights for Silakbo in February and three nights for Stardust.

Just like Cup of Joe, TJ also started from his own humble beginnings. The Cagayan de Oro native, who began with covers on YouTube, has captivated audiences with his honest songwriting and soulful voice.

Growing up with a dad who's a radio DJ, music was always a part of his life. This early exposure nurtured his love for diverse sounds and laid the foundation for his own unique style.

Dabbling in his notebook with lyrics and emotions, TJ left his hometown and braved the chaotic streets of Manila to fulfill his dreams of becoming a singer.

From jumping to different record labels, TJ took the risk and performed his original song, "Ikaw at Ako," which later became his debut single at Polyeast Records.

"There was this time na pumunta ako sa PolyEast Records, nag-audition ako, and I sang the song. Tapos sabi nila, "Uy sakto ikaw pala kumanta niyan. We've been looking for that song kasi narinig namin online. So sobrang sumakto. Yun binigyan nila ako ng deal, and dun na nag-start ang career ko kumbaga," TJ said from his interview.

Since then, TJ used music as his bread and butter to fulfill his dream. In addition to juggling multiple jobs, like voice acting for radio and TV commercials, he also took on

hosting events.

During his early years as an artist, TJ recalled a moment where he became an opening act for Martin Nievera's CD launch decades ago. Fast forward to today, TJ's song and musical journey inspired the younger generation of artists.

In February 2025, TJ reached a remarkable milestone when he staged a three-day sold-out concert at the Big Dome.

Dubbed the "Sarili Nating Mundo" concert, the event marked a significant milestone in his career, as the sheer enthusiasm and support from the crowd highlighted his undeniable talent and growing popularity in the industry.

At 35, TJ found himself reflecting on his musical journey. He confessed that he had never envisioned himself performing to sold-out crowds, an experience that felt surreal yet exhilarating.

Marking the concert as one of his biggest dreams, TJ gave his fans a heartfelt message for their support over the years.

"Noong sinabi sa akin na mag-a-Araneta ako for three nights, to be honest nanginig ako. Hindi ko talaga alam paano siya gagawin. Pero nandito kayo ngayon. Tatlong araw tayo sa Araneta ng dahil sa inyo. Maraming salamat for making this simple songwriter's dreams come true. Tinupad ninyo ang mga pangarap ko," he said.

The three-day concert was filled with love as TJ, together with his wife KZ Tandingan, performed the song, "Palagi." Making the concert more special was when Martin Nievera

opened for TJs's concert, a promise he made to him

decades ago.

Martin, who did the front act for one of the shows, said, "Filling up this beautiful venue three nights in a row is not easy. But nobody deserves the success more than my boy TJ. His humility, his hard work, his dreams, his love and faith in God, and his dedication and love to each and every one of you have brought us all here tonight."

Seeing the surprise, TJ couldn't help but feel emotional while watching Martin on stage.

On the final day of the concert, Billboard Philippines took the opportunity to recognize TJ and KZ’s “Palagi” as the number one song on their Top Philippine Songs and Hot

100 charts for 2024.

Shortly after, the Smart Araneta Coliseum management formally gave TJ the distinction of being the first Filipino solo male artist to stage three consecutive sold-out shows at the Big Dome.