Ben&Ben
Ben&Ben is a nine-piece Filipino folk-pop band from Manila, formed in 2016 by twin brothers Paolo Benjamin Guico and Miguel Benjamin Guico, who serve as lead vocalists and acoustic guitarists.[1][2] The ensemble, which includes Poch Barretto on electric guitar, Agnes Reoma on bass, Keifer Cabugao on violin, Pat Lasaten on keyboards, Toni Muñoz and Andrew de Pano on percussion, and Jam Villanueva on drums, is noted for its heartfelt lyrics centered on themes of hope, love, and positivity, delivered through acoustic-driven arrangements and energetic live performances.[1] The band has garnered substantial commercial success in the Philippines, amassing over one billion streams on Spotify and holding the record for the most Original Pilipino Music (OPM) number-one hits on the platform, with nine songs simultaneously charting in the Spotify Philippines Top 50.[1][3] Ben&Ben's achievements include multiple Awit Awards, recognition as the most-streamed OPM artist in 2021, and the Best Asian Band at the 2022 BandLab NME Awards, alongside international performances at events such as Clockenflap in 2019 and South by Southwest in 2020.[1][4][5]
History
2016–2018: Formation and early years
Ben&Ben originated as the duo The Benjamins, formed by twin brothers Paolo Benjamin Guico and Miguel Benjamin Guico in 2016, with the siblings handling lead vocals, acoustic guitars, and keyboards.[2] The pair gained initial recognition that year by securing second runner-up and Best Music Video awards at the PhilPop Music Festival for their composition "Tinatangi," performed by Bayang Barrios and Cooky Chua.[2] In December 2016, the duo rebranded as Ben&Ben and independently released their self-titled debut extended play (EP) on December 17, which included tracks such as "Ride Home."[2][6] Following the EP's launch, the band expanded into a nine-member ensemble by enlisting additional musicians: Poch Barretto on electric guitar and backing vocals, Jam Villanueva on drums, Agnes Reoma on bass, Patricia Lasaten on keyboards, Andrew de Pano and Toni Muñoz on percussion, and Keifer Cabugao on violin.[2] The enlarged group signed with Warner Music Philippines shortly after their debut EP and continued building momentum through live performances, including an appearance at Singapore's Music Matters festival in September 2017.[7][2] In 2017, they released the single "Maybe the Night," further establishing their indie folk-pop sound rooted in acoustic arrangements and harmonious vocals.[2] By 2018, Ben&Ben participated in collaborative sessions such as Coke Studio Philippines, showcasing their evolving ensemble dynamics and songwriting collaboration.[2]2019–2022: Breakthrough and mainstream success
In 2019, Ben&Ben achieved a significant milestone with the release of their debut studio album Limasawa Street on May 12 under Sony Music Philippines, marking their transition to a major label and broader commercial reach. The title track featured production by renowned British producer Steve Lillywhite, whose involvement brought international production expertise influenced by his prior work with acts like U2. Lead singles "Pagtingin" and "Araw-Araw" contributed to the album's critical acclaim, emphasizing themes of love and optimism, while the project solidified the band's folk-pop sound with intricate harmonies and instrumentation.[6][8] Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the band maintained momentum through targeted releases, including the protest anthem "Kapangyarihan" featuring SB19 in 2020, which addressed government responses to the crisis and garnered attention for its socio-political commentary. This period also saw Ben&Ben emerge as Spotify's most-streamed Original Pilipino Music (OPM) group in 2020 and 2021, driven by sustained plays of earlier hits like "Kathang Isip" alongside new material. Their sophomore effort, Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno, arrived on August 29, 2021, achieving immediate streaming dominance with all 12 tracks entering Spotify's Philippines Top 200 within three days and seven reaching the Top 10.[9][10] The album's success translated to major accolades, including the Awit Award for Record of the Year in 2021 for "Di Ka Sayang" and Album of the Year in 2022 for Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno, where they secured five trophies overall. Additionally, Ben&Ben won the NME Award for Best Band in Asia in 2022, recognizing their regional influence and artistic growth. These achievements, coupled with sold-out digital concerts and consistent chart performance, cemented their mainstream prominence in the Philippine music scene by the end of 2022.[11][12]2023–present: International expansion and recent developments
In 2024, Ben&Ben expanded internationally with their Autumn Tour in Canada and the United States, featuring performances in Vancouver, British Columbia, on October 25 and San Jose, California, on October 27, among other North American dates.[13] This followed domestic successes and marked a step toward broader global reach for the Filipino band.[14] The band released their third studio album, The Traveller Across Dimensions, on November 29, 2024, as a concept album accompanied by an interactive animated concert experience launched in December.[15] Supporting this project, they initiated the The Traveller Across Dimensions World Tour, beginning with a Philippine leg that included the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila on December 14, 2024, followed by shows in Cebu on May 24, 2025; Bacolod on June 8, 2025; and Davao on June 22, 2025.[14][16] International dates for the tour extended to Lincoln, California, on July 12, 2025, and Singapore on December 14, 2025, with the band expressing intentions to add further stops based on demand.[17][18] Additional Philippine resumption dates included Bacolod on August 16, 2025; Baguio on August 23, 2025; and Davao on August 30, 2025.[19] In early 2025, Ben&Ben renewed their partnership with Sony Music Philippines, paving the way for new singles and projects.[19] They issued the single "Tomorrow With You" on February 14, 2025, focusing on themes of resilient love amid uncertainty.[20] Later collaborations included a reimagined version of Moira's "I'm Okay" released on July 4, 2025, and an announced joint project with Thai band Tilly Birds in September 2025.[21][22] These efforts, alongside tour expansions, positioned the band for continued growth beyond the Philippines.[23]Artistry
Influences
Ben&Ben's musical influences encompass a blend of international contemporary artists and Filipino folk traditions, contributing to their signature indie folk-pop sound characterized by layered harmonies and narrative-driven compositions. The band has frequently cited British rock band Coldplay as their primary inspiration, praising the group's ability to diversify sonically over decades while preserving an authentic emotional core.[24] This admiration is evident in Ben&Ben's covers, such as their rendition of Coldplay's "Yellow" performed in June 2025.[25] Additional international influences include guitarist John Mayer, whose melodic and improvisational style informs their instrumental arrangements, as well as Paramore for dynamic rock elements and Earth, Wind & Fire for rhythmic and harmonic complexity.[24] [26] More contemporary figures like jazz innovator Jacob Collier and soul-funk ensemble Sammy Rae & The Friends also shape their experimental harmonies and ensemble interplay.[24] Domestically, Ben&Ben draw from Filipino folk artists and traditions, emphasizing storytelling and cultural narratives that underpin their lyrics and acoustic foundations as the nation's leading folk ensemble.[26] [27] Personal familial elements, such as the musical guidance from vocalist Miguel Guico's mother Val Guico, further infuse their work with introspective and heritage-rooted motifs.[28] These diverse sources enable Ben&Ben to evolve iteratively, as seen in their exploration of new styles on albums like The Traveller Across Dimensions.[29]Musical style
Ben&Ben's musical style is primarily folk-pop, characterized by a blend of folk, world, and indigenous stylings integrated with pop sensibilities.[1] This approach yields heartfelt lyrics paired with unique musicality, often resulting in anthemic and emotive tracks that emphasize storytelling, a hallmark of Filipino folk traditions.[27][1] The band's nine-piece lineup enables complex, layered arrangements featuring acoustic guitars, violin, keyboards, bass, electric guitar, drums, and multiple percussion instruments.[1] Twin brothers Paolo and Miguel Benjamin Guico provide lead vocals and acoustic guitar, contributing to signature rich vocal harmonies that drive the emotional depth of their compositions.[1] These elements create a dynamic sound, from intimate acoustic passages to fuller, orchestral-like builds, as heard in hits like "Kathang Isip" and "Leaves," which showcase violin swells and percussive interplay.[30] Over time, Ben&Ben has broadened their sonic horizons beyond initial folk roots, incorporating pop-rock influences and experimental structures while maintaining core acoustic and harmonic foundations.[31] This evolution is evident in albums like Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno, where diverse instrumentation supports varied tempos and moods without abandoning their foundational emotive style.[1]Themes and lyrics
Ben&Ben's lyrics frequently center on interpersonal relationships, emotional vulnerability, and personal resilience, with recurring motifs of love's complexities, heartbreak, and healing. Tracks like "Kathang Isip" (2019) examine unrequited affection and the tendency to romanticize failed partnerships, as the song's narrator grapples with idealized memories amid lingering pain.[32] [33] Similarly, "Leaves" (2017) addresses forgiveness and reconciliation, using natural imagery to symbolize emotional release and the potential for renewed connection after relational strife.[34] Hope and overcoming doubt emerge as uplifting counterpoints in songs such as "Could Be Something" (2020), which the band describes as a transformation of skepticism into optimism, emphasizing revival after disillusionment.[35] This theme extends to broader reflections on commitment and acceptance, as in "Dear" (2022), where lyrics underscore love as an active choice despite imperfections.[36] More recent releases like "Comets" (2024) contemplate impermanence and loss, finding purpose amid transience.[37] In their sophomore album Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno (2021), the band's songwriting incorporates sociopolitical dimensions alongside personal narratives, tackling mental health struggles—as in "Lunod," which depicts overwhelming anxiety through drowning metaphors—and issues like empowerment, inequality, and power's corrupting influence.[38] [39] [40] These elements reflect a maturation in lyrical scope, blending introspective folk sensibilities with commentary on societal pressures and Filipino identity.[38] The bilingual nature of their discography—mixing Tagalog and English—allows nuanced expression of these universal yet culturally rooted emotions, often employing figurative language to evoke longing, pain, and catharsis.[41]Personnel
Current members
Ben&Ben is a nine-member Filipino indie folk-pop band. The current lineup, stable since the band's formation, includes twin brothers Miguel Benjamin Guico and Paolo Benjamin Guico as lead vocalists and acoustic guitarists; Poch Barretto on lead guitar and backing vocals; Patricia "Pat" Lasaten on keyboards and backing vocals; Agnes Reoma on bass guitar; Andrew de Pano on percussion and backing vocals; Toni Muñoz on percussion, backing vocals, and occasional lead vocals; Ella Villegas on violin; and Anni Nergic on drums.[42][7]- Miguel Benjamin Guico: Lead vocals, acoustic guitar (founding member, 2015–present).[42]
- Paolo Benjamin Guico: Lead vocals, acoustic guitar (founding member, 2015–present).[42]
- Poch Barretto: Lead guitar, backing vocals (joined 2016).[42]
- Pat Lasaten: Keyboards, backing vocals.[42]
- Agnes Reoma: Bass guitar.[42]
- Andrew de Pano: Percussion, backing vocals.[42]
- Toni Muñoz: Percussion, backing vocals.[42]
- Ella Villegas: Violin.[42]
- Anni Nergic: Drums.[42]
Formation and changes
Ben&Ben originated in 2015 when twin brothers Paolo Benjamin Guico and Miguel Benjamin Guico established the group under the name The Benjamins, focusing on acoustic guitar and vocals.[2] The duo changed the band's name to Ben&Ben in 2016, reflecting their surname, ahead of releasing their debut EP 1000 Years.[44] The ensemble expanded in 2017 to include seven additional members, forming the core nine-piece configuration that has defined the band's sound: Poch Barretto on lead guitar and backing vocals, Jam Villanueva on drums, Agnes Reoma on bass, Patricia "Pat" Lasaten on fiddle and mandolin, Toni Muñoz on ukulele and percussion, and Andrew De Pano on piano and keyboards.[27] [45] This addition shifted the group from a duo to a full folk-pop band capable of layered instrumentation and harmonies.[2] No personnel changes have occurred since the 2017 expansion; the nine members have maintained consistent involvement in recordings, performances, and creative decisions through 2025.[27] Recent activities, such as international collaborations and tours, continue to feature the original lineup without reported exits or new additions.[45]Discography
Studio albums and EPs
Ben&Ben released their debut extended play, a self-titled EP, in 2016 through the independent label Sindikato, consisting of seven tracks including "Ride Home" and "Kathang Isip," which helped establish their early indie folk sound.[46] The band's first studio album, Limasawa Street, arrived on May 12, 2019, via Sony Music Philippines, comprising 13 tracks that expanded on their folk-pop style with contributions from the full nine-member lineup.[47] Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno, their sophomore studio effort, was issued on August 29, 2021, also under Sony Music Philippines, featuring 10 original songs recorded amid the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasizing introspective themes. The third studio album, The Traveller Across Dimensions, followed on November 29, 2024, containing 13 tracks that incorporated more experimental production elements while maintaining the band's signature harmonious vocals and instrumentation.[48]| Title | Type | Release date | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ben&Ben | EP | 2016 | Sindikato |
| Limasawa Street | Studio | May 12, 2019 | Sony Music Philippines |
| Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno | Studio | August 29, 2021 | Sony Music Philippines |
| The Traveller Across Dimensions | Studio | November 29, 2024 | Sony Music Philippines |