From a simple high school band to dominating the charts, Cup of Joe has become one of today’s most in-demand Filipino acts. Hailing from Baguio City, the Gen Z boy band composed of CJ Fernandez, Gabriel Fernandez, Gian Bernardino, Raphaell Ridao, and Xen Gareza proves that what once began as a shared teenage dream can grow into something much bigger.

During a recent Tang’s Refreshing Rave event on April 17, 2026, in San Juan, La Union, we caught up with Cup of Joe as the boys opened up about their student life, dream projects, and what lies ahead for the group.

Rapha: We were all studious, especially when we were in senior high school. Music was a big part of our student life, but our main focus was our studies and assignments, while still finding time to hang out, listen to music, and play. Xen actually used to be a pianist for a church choir, so music has always been part of our school life.

Xen: We were great students, guys. We really did study back then. Again, just like with our band, we tried to balance everything. We managed our time, stayed focused, but still made sure to enjoy it. I even feel like we’re still students sometimes.

Gab: We started when we were in Grade 12, during our senior high school years at SLU Baguio. Actually, Rappa and I began in Grade 11. We had a band called Pink Soda and joined a Battle of the Bands, but we were the only two members, and we lost.

In Grade 12, the head of our school’s music department invited us to perform. At that time, it was still just the two of us. Then, one by one, we met the others—Gian, Xen, and CJ—and started performing together. We decided to release an original song as a way to capture our high school memories. Unexpectedly, it became a hit. After that, music labels started reaching out, and eventually, we were discovered by Viva and signed with them.

Even as our music career grew, we continued with school and went on to college. Most of the time, we had to balance both music and academics, which was challenging since it was hard to fully focus on both. After graduating, CJ and I decided to fully pursue our music career.

And here we are now, with all of you, with Tang, here in La Union, right by the beach.

Gian: I used to watch singers on TV like Sarah G, and that’s when I started envisioning myself as a pop star. I got hooked on performing in front of big crowds and joined singing contests. I guess I never gave up on that dream, and somehow the universe led me to meet the others.

CJ: I became interested in music when I saw my uncle playing the guitar. I wanted to learn too. It started as a hobby, then I met them. A part of me has always wanted to perform in front of many people.

Rapha: I’ve always loved music. Back in elementary school, I would form bands and join contests. I never imagined entering the music industry until I met them. They broadened my horizons and made me realize that this is something I can and want to pursue.

Gab: We don’t really treat the band as work. We see it as something we do as friends, like a hobby. Everything feels organic and natural, we never force things. We make sure to keep our relationship as friends rather than just colleagues.

Gian: It’s also important for us to spend time together outside of work—just sitting down and talking.

Rapha: It’s our dedication to music. We don’t fake anything. We try to stay true to ourselves. There’s no need to hide who we are. We just let our individuality shine.

Gian: Coachella, that’s definitely part of our dream. Also Summer Sonic, Lollapalooza, and other major festivals around the world.

With their eyes on international stages, the Cup of Joe is ready to make their mark. Yet beyond the growing list of milestones, what grounds them is the same thing that brought them together in the first place: friendship, authenticity, and a shared love for music. As they continue to ride the wave of their success, the boys remain refreshingly real, proof that even the biggest dreams can stay rooted in where they began. (With report from Nancy Marie Andam)