Carrying the torch for the rise of OPM, Cup Of Joe made their mark at MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026 with standout appearances at both Shibuya Sound Scramble and the awards' Premiere Ceremony. Bringing their rich, layered sonic textures to the stage, the quintet immersed audiences in their signature alternative rock sensibilities with a performance of 'Multo', proving exactly why the viral hit earned them the Philippine Popular Music Special Award.
Fresh off the high of receiving the accolade, we sat down with the band to dive into the world of one of the Philippines' biggest musical acts. Looking back on the journey of 'Multo', we explored how the song's runaway success catapulted them into the spotlight, paved the way for their acclaimed EP Sandali, and ultimately led to their landmark victory at MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026.
Congrats on ‘Multo’ winning the Philippine Popular Music Award. How does it feel to represent OPM on a global stage like MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN?
Gian Bernadino: We're really honored to represent OPM on the world stage, especially here in Japan. OPM is very rich. We have a lot of things to offer, and we're really happy that we have a chance to show it to the world. It's really nice.
When you were creating ‘Multo’, did you guys anticipate that it would go as viral as it did?
CJ Fernandez: Well, every time we write songs or produce songs, we don't really think about it going viral. So it's such an honor and a strange feeling to see how it resonated with multiple audiences, not only in the Philippines, but also in Japan and other parts of the world.
I had the chance to watch your performance during Shibuya Sound Scramble, which was awesome. What's your favorite part of performing live?
Raphaell Ridao: I feel like the crowd is interacting with our songs because we didn't expect the crowd to resonate with our songs like that. So yeah, we were surprised and overwhelmed by the anticipation and the reaction of the crowd to our songs.
Your EP Sandali arrives at a time when the band is experiencing unprecedented visibility. How did you make sure the project remained true to who Cup Of Joe is, rather than being influenced by expectations created by the success of ‘Multo’?
Gian Bernadino: Well, the goal has been the same ever since the beginning. We make music out of authenticity, out of passion, and out of love. And we made this all together as a band. We are the five primary songwriters of that and his brother and, same as always. We just really wanted to have fun every time we recorded. And just like what he said, we're not really trying to follow the success of anything. It's all out of love and passion. I love that.
If someone in Japan or elsewhere in Asia discovers Cup Of Joe for the first time during your performances for Music Awards Japan Week or the Premiere Ceremony, which song from Sandali would you recommend they listen to next and why?
Xen Gareza: Mine probably is ‘Isang Daan’.
Raphaell Ridao: Mine is ‘Kung Payagan’.
Gian Bernadino: Mine is ‘Isang Daan’ as well.
Gabriel Fernandez: Mine is ‘Lalayo’.
CJ Fernandez: And mine is ‘Isang Daan’ too.
Looking back at the band that started it all, and the band standing on an international award stage today, what would you tell your younger selves?
Gian Bernadino: I think one of the first things that we will say to our younger selves is to keep the passion burning and just continue what you do and continue what you love doing. Yeah, time will tell that all the hard work and the passion will be there. Yeah.
CJ Fernandez: There's nothing wrong with dreaming big.
Next question. If the band were an actual Cup Of Joe, what kind of toppings would you have and why? Like a dash of cinnamon or a pump of caramel.
Gian Bernadino: Oh. Let's add one each. Okay, I'll probably add in a zero-calorie syrup.
Oh, healthy.
Gian Bernadino: But the kind of sweet that's not harmful to you.
Personal favorite?
Xen Gareza: Uh, a bit weird, honeycomb.
Raphaell Ridao: I would add ice so that it is refreshing.
Gabriel Fernandez: For me, I'll add more ice, so it's gonna be very nice.
CJ Fernandez: I’d add more espresso
Oh, it's a super caffeinated, super delicious cup of coffee.
Okay. And lastly, after a landmark year that includes chart milestones, a new EP, major live shows, and MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN wins, what's next for Cup Of Joe?
Gian Bernadino: Maybe more live events here in Japan. Hopefully looking forward and, of course, other Asian countries as well. We're looking forward to travel Asia and share our music.
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