Filipino alternative pop sensation, Cup of Joe, is serving up a new album and is ready to take the OPM Scene by storm!

The band introduced their sophomore album in an intimate media conference last Jan. 13 at The Astbury in Makati City. Gian Bernardino (vocalist), Raphael Ridao (vocalist), Gabriel Fernandez (guitarist), CJ Fernandez (guitarist), and Xen Gareza (keyboardist) unveiled “Silakbo,” their forthcoming studio album slated for release on Jan. 17. This is the band’s first full album and explores a different sound from their 2023 EP, “Patutunguhan.”

'Silakbo': A Poignant Look into Human Experiences

“Silakbo” features 10 tracks, all of which are emotionally charged and embody the group’s raw honesty and personal experiences. The Filipino word describes a sudden burst of intense emotions which perfectly encapsulates the content of the record for it explores the five stages of grief — with two tracks representing each stage from denial, anger, bargaining, and depression to acceptance.

“We poured our hearts and souls in ‘Silakbo,’ and it’s a reflection of not just the emotions we’ve been through but also those of our listeners,” shared Rapha, one of the band’s vocalists.

The album opens with denial tracks “Bagyo” and “Wine” which the group described as tempestuous and filled with longing and vulnerability. The quintet also talked about how the album showcases a different side of their musicality and how sonically wise, it’s familiar but also different as they explored new sounds and grew as artists while creating the album.

“We’re very excited about this track because there’s something in that track that we’ve never done before. So, watch out!” teased Gian.

“Kanelang Mata” and “Bubog” were written by the band’s vocalists and were explained as the stage where one is trying to blame their pain on the situation, others, or oneself. Rapha shared how “Kanelang Mata,” which in English means Cinnamon Eyes, was written at a time when he felt lost and had “solid anger” towards himself. Meanwhile, track four talks about finding it difficult to look at yourself in the mirror.

The group also offers a more intimate sound with “Siping” and “Pahina” as it talks about the bargaining stage where one starts to question their situation — even the hypothetical ones, such as "What if?" and "If only." Meanwhile, the depression tracks “Multo” and “'Di Maari” provide a haunting retrospection before closing off with “Hinga” and the title track “Silakbo” where the record finds peace in acceptance, offering a powerful resolution.

“This track [Hinga] is about allowing yourself to breathe in the middle of the darkness, and to accept your reality,” Gian explained.

“We actually wrote this in the middle of production,” added Rapha, saying how the idea for the song was unexpected and fit into the concept right away, allowing them to compose and produce it quickly. They also told us how the last two tracks focus more on self-growth rather than the concept of moving on from the pain. We believed it was a beautifully conceptualized album, urging listeners to grow with the highs and lows of life instead of trying to avoid or hold back these intense emotions.

“Hayaang sumigaw ang pusong nabilango” is a lyric shared by Gian from their title track, making us even more excited for its release. The band also performed an acoustic version of the album’s lead single, “Multo” which was released last Sept. 14.

A perfect blend of heartfelt lyrics and musical innovation, Cup of Joe continues to prove that with them, it’s more than just music, but also about the shared experience of being beautifully — and heartbreakingly — human.

The 'Silakbo’ Concert Series

Since forming the band in 2018, Cup of Joe has released a series of singles and collaborations that put them on the map. In 2024, they performed their first solo concert — a two-day sold-out show at the New Frontier Theatre.

This time around, the band is shattering expectations as they announced their upcoming two-day concert series set next door at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, a testament to their ever-growing fan base and their knack for delivering electrifying performances. Happening on Feb. 8 and 9, the event will also serve as the grand unveiling of “Silakbo,” bringing its poignant tracks to life in a night of unforgettable music.

“Having the opportunity to connect with our fans through this album and these concerts feels like a dream come true,” Gian expressed, having manifested their dream of playing at a huge venue from a previous interview.

But that’s not all. Cup of Joe is also taking “Silakbo” on the road with an exciting regional tour. They’ll be back in their hometown Baguio for a two-day concert at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center on Mar. 6 and 7 before moving to Davao to play at the SMX Convention Center on Mar. 22. The tour wraps up in Cebu on Mar. 29 at the IC3 Convention Center.

Tickets are already on sale and by the looks of it, the Araneta show is already sold-out! However, Cup of Joe invites everyone to listen to their new album and join them on this incredible journey of music, emotion, and connection. Whether you’re grieving, healing, or somewhere in between, the band emphasizes that your feelings are validated and hopes that their new album will make their listeners feel more seen and heard.

You can pre-save “Silakbo” here. Follow Cup of Joe on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram for updates, teasers, and behind-the-scenes peeks on their most ambitious project yet.

Every Carat is bound to have the best weekend this week, all thanks to SEVENTEEN.

As if the opening of SEVENTEEN’s Artist-Made Collection Season 1 Pop-Up isn’t enough, SEVENTEEN and Spotify are bringing the “Spotify Carat Station” to Manila, too!

From Jan. 17 to 19, 2025, the Spotify Carat Station is aimed to be the “ultimate starting point” for every Carat attending the upcoming “Right Here World Tour” at the Philippine Sports Stadium this weekend.

The pop-up coincides with the concert weekend, and fans (whether they’re attending the concert or not) will be able to enjoy a playground filled with SEVENTEEN’s colors and creative vision.

The event will also feature metro-themed photo spots and interactive activities carefully curated by SEVENTEEN and Spotify to give fans a thrill of what’s to happen at the “Right Here World Tour.” Fans will also get to listen to SEVENTEEN’s songs all throughout the pop-up to get the vibes up and running before the concert. Exclusive giveaways and concert essentials are also up for grabs at the Carat Station, while stocks last, of course!

The Spotify Carat Station in Manila will be open at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City from Jan. 17 to 19, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 10 PM.

This is the fourth installment of the Spotify Carat Station, following Seoul in September 2024, New York in October 2024, and Tokyo in December 2024.

Looking for the SEVENTEEN playlist to prep for the concert? Tune in to the “SEVENTEEN WORLD TOUR [RIGHT HERE] Live Set” playlist on Spotify!

For more information and updates, follow Spotify Philippines on their Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram pages!

When and Opening Hours: Jan. 17 to 19, 2025 from 10:30 AM to 10 PM

Location: Glorietta Activity Center, Ayala Ave, Ayala Center, Ayala Avenue cor. Pasay Road, Makati Avenue and EDSA, Makati City

Admission Fee: FREE

Thought you’d miss out on this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) screenings? You’re in luck because they’ve just extended it for one more week!

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced on Jan. 6, 2025, that the MMFF official entries will continue screening in select cinemas until Jan. 14, 2025, due to “insistent public demand.”

“We, at the MMFF, are overwhelmed with the continued support of the public for the festival’s 50th edition. Due to public clamor, we have decided to extend the theatrical run of the MMFF movies to further showcase the locally produced films that are truly impressive and artistically excellent,” said MMDA Chairman and MMFF Overall Chairman Atty. Don Artes.

The MMDA also announced that the MMFF complimentary passes will still be honored until Jan. 14, 2025.

Atty. Don Artes and the MMDA added that the proceeds from the MMFF screenings will be distributed to beneficiaries in the film industry, such as the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund), the Film Academy of the Philippines, the Motion Picture Anti-Film Piracy Council, the Optical Media Board, and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is in its 50th year, originally scheduled from Dec. 25, 2024, to Jan. 7, 2025. The annual film festival celebrates Filipino cinema and filmmakers, with movie theaters screening only Filipino-made films (excluding IMAX and 4D theaters).

The 2024 MMFF features 10 official entries, which were awarded at the “Gabi ng Parangal” on Dec. 27, 2024, at the Manila Metropolitan Theater.

The suspenseful prison drama film “Green Bones” was one of the most-awarded films of the night, winning “Best Picture,” “Best Actor,” “Best Supporting Actor,” “Best Screenplay,” “Best Cinematography,” and the “Best Child Performer” awards.

Stay updated with anything MMFF-related through their Facebook page!

Filipinas across the country have found an accomplice in Adelina Eugenio. Her relatable humor and easy-to-follow makeup routines have become a staple for many in her audience, which – might we add – is currently over 3.5 million strong (and growing!).

“It’s still crazy to think I have over 3 million followers on TikTok!” Adelina exclaimed. “Honestly, TikTok feels like the perfect platform for me – it lets me show [people] the real [me].”

Also known as Deng, Adelina is a content creator who’s recently skyrocketed to fame. She came into the social media scene in 2023, posting “get ready with me (GRWM)" videos on her social media page. Before it became a full-time career, Deng recalled that she would film the same kind of content before heading to her classes at university. “From there, I realized I wanted to share more of my life and ideas with a bigger audience,” she said.

Since then, the content creator has banked on both authenticity and relatability to build her name and community. “Staying true to myself and embracing my unique humor and personality is what really helped me stand out,” she mused. “People can tell when you're real, and it’s so much easier to connect with them that way.”

Of course, consistency is key too. Posting regularly keeps the momentum going, which Deng admitted is helpful when navigating unpredictable algorithms. Today, she’s active on three platforms: TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. And while she is her most authentic self on each one, she revealed that different types of content work differently on each one.

“TikTok is all about short, catchy, and fun videos that grab attention right away,” she explained. “On Instagram, I get to showcase more polished content – I can share everything from photos, stories, and reels. It’s a more curated space where I focus on aesthetics and storytelling. Facebook, on the other hand, is where I really focus on building a community. I love interacting with my audience there, whether it's replying to messages or joining discussions.”

Yet, out of all these platforms, Deng finds most of her fan base on TikTok. There, she collaborates with fellow creators such as Zoozoo, who she acknowledges as someone she already follows and admires. She's also filmed content with personalities such as Christian Bautista and Lauren Spencer Smith.

But even on her own, it’s obvious that Deng’s humor – often loud and energetic – is a magnet for viewers. Already knowledgeable about the social media scene, Deng shares that gaining followers – and attention – isn't always easy.

“The first three seconds are crucial for grabbing attention,” she shares of Tiktok. “So I always think of a catchy opening hook. For example, I might ask my followers to guess what I’m about to unbox, or even start with an excited scream to show how hyped I am for a product.”

These kinds of tips showcase Deng’s mastery of her platform. And while she acknowledges that luck has had a role in her virality, she knows that proper timing and understanding algorithms are even bigger factors when determining who gets to be under the spotlight – or on someone’s screen.

“That’s why I always emphasize the importance of posting regularly; the frequency helps keep your content visible on people’s feeds. But beyond that, hard work and genuine passion are the real foundation,” she stressed.

Follow Adelina on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok

Mark your calendars for Feb. 22, 2025 as Maxieverse: The Concert will take center stage at Aliw Theater, Pasay!

Experience a celestial, solar-system-themed extravaganza with Maxie Andreison for one night only, and prepare to be blown away by the fabulous and sensational Filipino drag performer and actress.

Maxie Andreison, the crowned superstar of Drag Race Philippines Season 3 and a standout contestant from Season 2 of the global singing competition Queen of the Universe, is a name that resonates with many.

More than just a concert, Maxieverse: The Concert is a celebration of Maxie's inspiring rise to drag royalty. Hailing from Santa Ana, Manila, Maxie has quickly become a star, celebrated for her intrinsic ability to mesmerize audiences with her powerful vocals and onstage charisma.

Joined by special appearances from her drag family and featuring surprise guest performances from iconic Original Philippine Music (OPM) legends, the concert is a must for people wanting to experience unforgettable moments filled with music, glamour, and Filipino pride.

There will also be the chance to meet Maxie herself with an exclusive meet-and-greet schedule after the show.

Tickets are selling fast! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this spectacular, star-dusted event. For tickets, DM Beyond Events here.

For more details, follow Maxie Andreison on Instagram, Facebook, and X (Formerly Twitter).

It’s always a good idea to get to know yourself better. Perhaps that’s why personality quizzes seem to be on the up lately, especially online. Among these tests is the ever-popular MBTI, which classifies people into sixteen different personality types.

Known as the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), MBTI looks at four key dichotomies that include: extraversion versus introversion (E vs I), sensing versus intuition (S vs I), thinking versus feeling (T vs F), and judging versus perceiving (J vs P). The theory is that this spectrum can describe an individual’s tendency, and knowing where one lies can help one understand one’s self better.

“Being aware of your personality enables you to focus on your strengths and your areas for improvement,” said Clinical Psychologist Ma. Alodia Cueno-Mercado. “If you know your nature, you may be able to describe, define, and control your behavior when exposed to stressful or anxiety-provoking situations.”

Alodia, who’s spent her professional life observing how people act and react, also attests that MBTI results – while often thrown around in the most casual conversations – are reliable indicators of people’s personalities. “The four preference scales on the MBTI assessment have internal consistency reliabilities of around .90, and test-retest correlations are over .80 for periods up to 15 weeks,” she explained. “Basically, this means that MBTI has high reliability and validity.”

This is perhaps why MBTI personality types are so popular: aside from the fact that results are typically easy to access (just take a quiz online!), MBTI personalities tend to be accurate for some time. That doesn’t mean one’s MBTI won’t change, but it does help an individual to be aware of how he or she responds to things at the moment.

To add to that, MBTI results can make something as complicated as personalities easier to understand. They simplify one's tendencies in a way that people find relatable or approachable. This is particularly helpful for those seeking to improve themselves or better their perspective in life. It’s also a helpful step for those looking to be more mindful.

“To be more mindful, observe yourself: how you react to things, how you process information, and how you see the world. Be mindful of your limitations and do something about it,” Alodia advised.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that a person can be reduced to four simple letters. As Alodia has acknowledged, personalities are complex and ever-evolving. They develop through time and are influenced by multiple factors: biology and genetics, environment, and experiences. “The existing needs may also alter the way people prefer to act, most especially when we are talking about survival,” she added.

What MBTI personality types can offer is guidance for people looking to change for the better. This is particularly helpful for the new year when resolutions often come to mind. A helpful tool that Alodia recommends is a journal. Journaling has been proven to have benefits for one’s mental health and it can also be a valuable stepping stone to achieving goals.

“If you want to change or achieve something, you can monitor yourself better if you have a planner that can guide you through your journey in actualizing your plans,” said Alodia.

For this, people can turn to the 2025 MBTI Planner from Limelight Planners. Tailor-made for each personality, this innovative journal promises users 365 days of self-discovery, using tools that are sure to be beneficial to different thinkers.

To know more about the planner, visit their social media pages or grab one from Shopee or Lazada.

The Beat Manila’s Up and Coming is a series where we feature rising talented artists from the Philippines, giving them a platform to share what they’re passionate about and to promote the music they (and us too!) would love for the world to hear. Do you want or know someone who wants to be featured? Email us at [email protected] or slide through our DMs on Facebook or Instagram!

On stage, this up-and-coming artist is like an angel who graced the Earth with her mesmerizing visuals — but wait ‘til you hear her sing — trust us, you'll be enchanted further.

Meet Jolianne Salvado, an emerging singer-songwriter from Cebu. Hailing from the province, Jolianne is slowly but surely making her name in the industry with her groovy R&B and sentimental acoustic tracks and her smooth-as-butter vocals. Just a few months ago, the singer also collaborated with OPM R&B star Arthur Nery for his second album and took the stage as a guest at the latter’s solo concert, proving that hers is a name worth watching out for.

From fangirling to writing her own music, Jolianne is now gearing up to release her first-ever solo album.

In an interview with The Beat Manila, Jolianne shared with us the story of her beginnings as a musician, some of her biggest goals, and many more. Read on and get to know this talented Cebuana artist!

Hi Jolianne! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hi! I’m Jolianne, and I’m a songwriter from Cebu, taking snapshots of my creative and personal experience through music.

How did you get into music? What made you pursue the craft?

I’m a fangirl through and through. I used to run fan accounts on Twitter for One Direction, Ariana, and BTS. Those deep dives into fandoms were my gateway into the world of music.

Pursuing it as a career, however, was never my intention. Writing songs was always just something I did for my own enjoyment. But everything changed one day when a local radio station invited me to perform. They asked if I [can] play at least one original. That song was “Irises.” I decided to release that song, and it hit 10,000 streams in two months. I remember feeling like Beyoncé. At the time, that was the ego boost I needed to continue sharing the work that I’d been hiding for so long.

We are in love with your vocals! Were you always such a good vocalist even when you were young, or did you have any professional training?

Thank you! My mom used to be a singer herself. She was more Whitney Houston, Celine Dion-adjacent, which is very different from the type of music I sing now. But she laid the foundation for everything I know about singing — breath control, phrasing. The basics transcend all genres.

Your songs are mostly (if not all) written by you. How do you usually write your lyrics? Where do you get your inspiration?

Up until this point, I’ve been writing about anything and everything under the sun. A lot of my previous writing was fictional, based on books or secondhand experiences. It was only recently I realized how important it is to create art that is true to you. People can sense authenticity, and they can just as easily spot when it’s missing. So now, I write with more intention, choosing to tell stories that feel true to my experience.

You released your collab track "Lullaby" with Arthur Nery and performed with him at his solo concert! How does it feel to be able to work with him?

Working with Arthur felt like a masterclass. His technical skills are exceptional, but what truly sets him apart is his creative taste. He has this ability to make the perfect choice for the moment, whether it’s a subtle adjustment or a bold leap. It’s the kind of instinct you can’t teach; it comes from experience and a genuine love for the art. He’s also both secure and humble. He never feels the need to prove himself because his work speaks for itself. And he uses that confidence to lift his fellow artists up.

What is "Lullaby" all about? Is there any behind-the-scenes story from making the song that you would love to share?

“Lullaby” is a tender celebration of love's simplicity and depth. The vision for the song was “high school harana.” I was a nervous wreck during our recording session. The studio is usually my safe space, but I was just really intimidated about singing in front of one of my favorite artists. I ended up having to record my vocals separately (laughs).

Your latest track, "Dili na Lang," is one of PhilPop x Himig Handog Songwriting Festival's finalists! How do you feel about this achievement, and what made you decide to lend your voice for this song?

I’m really stoked to be playing a little part in this celebration of Philippine artistry. Ate Relden Campanilla, who wrote this song, is among the finest writers of Cebu, of the Philippines. I’m so honored I get to spin my take on this song and be a vessel for her artistry. I’m really proud that we get to represent Cebuano talent in this way, with a Cebuano song.

Who are your biggest inspirations in music? How did they shape your own craft?

Right now, my biggest influences are the pop girls (of all generations): Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, Whitney Houston, to name a few. I listen to a broad spectrum of music, but at the end of the day, I am a pop enjoyer. I’m inspired by how they can take complex and plain emotions and convey them for people to make sense of their feelings so that people can live vicariously through it.

Any dream collaborations that's on your bucket list?

I would love to do chorus vocals on a rap song — something like Kali Uchis and Tyler, The Creator or SZA and Kendrick Lamar. That would be the dream!

Hailing from Cebu yourself, what advice would you give to other young artists from Cebu who would love to pursue music?

Get comfortable with failing. The sooner you fail, the better. Every misstep brings you one step closer to getting it right.

What's next for Jolianne? Any new albums, projects, or gigs that we should look out for?

I’ll be putting out my very first EP this January! This project is a really great snapshot of where I am creatively and personally at this point in time.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. To learn more about Jolianne, follow her on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, and stream her music on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube.

Enjoyed this article? Check out our previous Up-and-Coming articles here.