Baguio-based alt-pop quintet Cup of Joe is embracing a new, emotionally rich era with the release of their debut album, Silakbo. The album, which shares its name with their sold-out two-day solo concert, was officially released on January 17, 2025. Featuring 10 deeply personal tracks, Silakbo is divided into five parts, each reflecting one of the five stages of grief as defined by Swiss-American psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross.
The album begins with Denial featuring Bagyo and Wine, followed by Anger with Kanelang Mata and Bubog. Next, the Bargaining stage includes Siping and Pahina. The Depression stage is represented by Multo and Di Maaari, while the album concludes with Acceptance, which features Hinga and the title track, Silakbo. Each set of tracks captures the emotional progression through grief.
For Metroscene Mag's #Metrobeats, we’ll take a closer look at Silakbo, breaking down each track and exploring the powerful storytelling that defines Cup of Joe’s debut album, Silakbo.
Denial
Bagyo
Written by co-lead vocalist Rapha Ridao, the song touches on the feeling of holding on to something even when you know it’s broken and can’t be fixed. Being 3:47 minutes long, it’s a great opener that sets the mood without overwhelming the listener—there’s a subtle sense of anticipation and emotional depth. The bass creates a rhythm that somehow matches your heartbeat, and at times, it almost feels like you’re drowning in the song's emotion. It’s a raw, honest way to ease into the album
Notable line: Mahirap pigilan ang pusong ikaw bumuo / Kaya hayaang bumagyo (Oh) / 'Di man maibalik / Babalik pa rin sa 'yo
Wine
According to the band, this track came about during a wine-tasting night with guitarist Gab Fernandez and co-lead vocalist Rapha Ridao. The result, according to Gian, is the most “experimental” track on the album—and it definitely shows. With its slow, sensual rhythm and melody, Wine feels like those late nights when memories come rushing back all at once. There's a bit of a manic energy to it, as if emotions are overflowing and colliding, but in a way that works. It’s a chaotic yet captivating track, capturing that feeling of being caught between emotions.
Anger
Kanelang Mata
Dives into self-directed anger, a theme Rapha explains in the track. It's one of those songs that can go either way—it could be a grower or just not connect for some. But it definitely adds something to the album. There's an intensity to it, especially in how it channels frustration and the aftermath of mistakes. The rawness of the song, paired with its driving beat, makes it stand out, even if it’s not for everyone. It’s the type of track that can hit hard when the right mood strikes.
Notable line: Pinapanood / Kung paano ko sinunog ang mundong / Ating binuo / 'Di ka na makahinga sa usok / Bingi sa panalanging / Ang mga luha'y maibabalik / Mabuti nang aking mga salita / 'Di mo na naririnig
Bubog
Written by Gian about his own experiences, making it the “most vulnerable song” he’s ever written. He even considers it the “sister song” to their older track Sagada. Placed as the fifth song in the album, Bubog sits at the emotional core of Silakbo. It’s the song where all the self-doubt, anger, and struggle to reconcile with oneself comes pouring out. Sonically, it’s heavy—much like its lyrics, which hit hard with every line. It’s a moment where the raw emotion of the album really comes through, perfectly capturing the tension of wanting to change but feeling stuck.
Notable lines:Dahil ayaw kong tumingin sa salamin / At mapagtantong mahirap ngang tanggapin / Ang 'sang tulad kong paulit-ulit na pinipilit / Maging sapat gawin man ang lahat / Kailan kita masisilayan / At kakayanang pagmasdan
Bargaining
Siping
It is one of the oldest tracks on the album, written during the pandemic, and it’s a relief that it’s finally out of the Cup of Joe vault. The song carries that familiar Cup of Joe vibe but with an added layer of dreamy synths that elevate the mood. And then there’s the chorus—it’s one of the most striking moments of the album. The way it captures yearning and nostalgia is so catchy, it’s been on repeat for days.
Pahina
While Bagyo gave that heart-racing vibe, Pahina has a different feel, like it has literal heartbeats in the background. It’s like turning the pages of a book, with its ups and downs that keep you hooked throughout. The way the song builds and then pauses, letting the emotions simmer, only to rise again—it’s one of those songs that takes you on a journey. Once more, it’s a beautifully crafted piece, with a perfect balance of emotion and storytelling.
Notable lines: Hindi na nakikita sa tingin ng 'yong mga mata / Ngunit kung sarado na ang puso sa nadarama / Puwede bang isipin mo kung bakit tayo nagsimula?
Depression
Multo
Multo is such a standout track. It’s the first single, and it really sets the tone for the whole album. You can still hear that signature Cup of Joe vibe, but it’s evolved—more refined, more raw. The maturity of the sound really stands out, and it’s almost like the band’s growing alongside their music. The chorus? It’s that hook that stays with you, almost haunting. It perfectly captures the feeling of being stuck in a loop, wanting to move forward but feeling held back by the weight of emotions. It's definitely a track that lingers.
Notable lines: Hindi na na-nanaginip, hindi na ma-makagising / Pasindi na ng ilaw / Minumulto na 'ko ng damdamin ko, ng damdamin ko
Di Maaari
Probably one of the most raw and emotional tracks on the album, almost stripped down to its core with its acoustic ballad vibe. It’s definitely the most straightforward and honest, with the band pouring out all their regrets into every note. If there’s ever a time to sit alone and just let a song sink in, this is it. It’s pure vulnerability, a moment of self-reflection and release.
Notable lines: Balang araw ay kakayanin ko ring / Pumikit, huminga, sumigaw, bumitaw
Acceptance
Hinga
Hinga is a breath of fresh air, with its techno synths adding up to the new things the band did for this album. I feel like it’s safe to say that it paid off. Reminiscent of the classic familiar nostalgia that of the early 2010’s sound like Owl City, sonically, this track is really strong.
Notable lines: Huminto, subukang huminga / Harapin, buksan ang 'yong mata / Walang bituin 'pag walang kadiliman
Silakbo
I can’t think of any track that could change Silakbo as the album ender. It really feels like an emancipation from the hurt and the pain. It’s really nice, it sounds like a soundtrack for an upcoming age film, or a soundtrack for you as you move forward with your life. It’s reminiscent of the pop Ed Sheeran vibe to it. Nonetheless, it’s an alt-pop rock classic!
Notable line: Hayaang sumigaw ang pusong nabilanggo / Sumabay na sa awitin, pakinggan ang tibok / 'Wag na tatalikuran ang bigat ng unos / 'Pag nasugat, 'wag pigilan ang silakbo
It’s hard to sum up Silakbo because the album hits so many different notes for me. At its best, it captures a mix of deep introspection. It’s that perfect blend of raw emotion and hope that really pulls you in. There are parts where it feels a little quieter compared to some of their past stuff, but it still shows how much they’ve grown as a band. Who knows where Cup of Joe’s music will go next, but I’m definitely sure this album is just a taste of what we will be having in the future.
