Cup of Joe announces temporary hiatus after December concerts, assures fans of return

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 01, 2026

Photo courtesy: Cup of Joe | Facebook

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino pop-rock band Cup of Joe will take a temporary break after its two-night concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in December, assuring fans that the group is not disbanding.

The band announced its plans during Sandali Sessions: Ikaapat na Yugto, a Halloween-themed event in Quezon City on Friday, October 30.

Lead vocalist Gian Bernardino told the audience that the group’s upcoming Cup of Joe: Symphony concerts on December 3 and 4 would serve as a temporary farewell before the members step away from group activities.

“Hindi naman sobrang goodbye,” Bernardino reassured fans, emphasizing that the band intends to return.

The singer said the members would use the break to focus on themselves following a busy period of performances and music releases. He also expressed confidence that Cup of Joe would return stronger.

The group has not announced how long the hiatus will last or provided a specific date for its comeback.

Final concerts before the break

Before stepping away, Cup of Joe will perform Symphony, a concert featuring orchestral arrangements of the band’s songs alongside the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth.

The performances will take place at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on December 3 and 4, with stage direction by Paolo Valenciano.

The December 3 concert sold out, prompting the group to add a second performance on December 4.

The production will combine the band’s pop-rock sound with a live orchestra, offering a different presentation of songs familiar to its fans, known as Joewahs.

The concerts will also conclude the group’s Sandali Sessions series, which has featured performances at several venues throughout 2026.

Break follows a busy two years

Formed in Baguio in 2018, Cup of Joe has built a following with songs including “Multo,” “Tingin,” “Misteryoso” and “Estranghero.”

The band released its debut album, Silakbo, in 2025 and performed multiple sold-out concerts at the Araneta Coliseum that year.

Its activities expanded in 2026 with additional concerts, overseas performances and the release of Sandali.

The group also submitted “Sandali” for consideration in the Best Asian Pop Performance category at the 2027 Grammy Awards. The submission does not mean the song has been nominated.

Despite the planned hiatus, Cup of Joe has made clear that the December shows will not mark the end of the band.

Fans can expect the group to complete its remaining scheduled performances before taking a break, with details of its return yet to be announced.