Ben&Ben

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Ben&Ben
Ben&Ben at the year-end concert event on December 2018.
Ben&Ben at the year-end concert event on December 2018.
Background information
Also known asThe Benjamins (2015–2016)
OriginManila, Philippines
Genres
Years active2015–present
Labels
Associated acts
Websitebenandbenmusic.com
Members
  • Paolo Benjamin Guico
  • Miguel Benjamin Guico
  • Poch Barretto
  • Jam Villanueva
  • Agnes Reoma
  • Patricia Lasaten
  • Toni Muñoz
  • Andrew de Pano
  • Keifer Cabugao

Ben&Ben, formerly known as The Benjamins, is a folk pop/pop rock band in the Philippines. Formed in 2015, the band has since been known for their popular hits such as "Ride Home", "Leaves", "Maybe the Night", "Pagtingin", "Lifetime", "Doors", and the critically acclaimed "Kathang Isip".[1][2] One of the most popular acts nationally, they are ranked as the number one most streamed Filipino artist on Spotify in 2020.[3][4] They have won several awards, including multiple Awit Awards, Myx Awards, and Wish Awards.

Band members[]

Current members[]

  • Paolo Benjamin Guico – lead vocals, acoustic guitar
  • Miguel Benjamin Guico – lead vocals, acoustic guitar
  • Poch Barretto – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Jam Villanueva – drums
  • Agnes Reoma – bass
  • Pat Lasaten – keyboards
  • Andrew de Pano – percussion, backing vocals
  • Toni Muñoz – percussion, lead vocals
  • Keifer Cabugao – violin, vocals

History[]

2015–2017: Band history, formation, and debut EP[]

Prior to its formation as a band, the Guico twins, Paolo Benjamin and Miguel Benjamin Guico (then known as The Benjamins) were best known for writing the single "Tinatangi" (interpreted by Bayang Barrios and Cooky Chua featuring The Benjamins), which won 2nd runner up and Best Music Video at the PhilPop Music Festival in 2016.[5] They formally changed their name in 2016 to Ben&Ben, a homage to their surname.[6] The duo released their debut EP in late 2016, signing with major record label Warner Music Philippines.[7]

Expanding as an ensemble, the group became a 9-piece band on May 10, 2017,[8][9] adding Poch Barreto on electric guitar, Jam Villanueva on drums, Agnes Reoma on bass, Patricia Lasaten on keyboards, Toni Muñoz and Andrew de Pano on percussions and back up vocals, and Keifer Cabugao on violin.[6]

2018: Rise through singing soundtracks[]

In 2018, the band rose to fame appearing in soundtracks for popular Philippine films, including new singles and collaborations, most notably "Susi" for the movie Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral [10] and "Maybe the Night" for the movie Exes Baggage.[11] They composed a song, "Balik-Balikan"[12] for the music program Coke Studio Homecoming together with Sam Concepcion.[13] In the same program, Ben&Ben also covered a classic Sam Concepcion and Tippy Dos Santos song, as well as the grand winning Philpop single "Dati" for Coke Studio Homecoming Season 2. Ben&Ben performed in the 2018 Toyota Music Fest which was held at Filinvest City Events Grounds in Alabang, Muntinlupa. Included in the music festival's line up are bands like IV of Spades, December Avenue, Parokya Ni Edgar, Hale, Sponge Cola, 6cyclemind, Callalily, Silent Sanctuary, Rivermaya, Cueshé, The Ransom Collective, and Eraserheads' lead vocalist, Ely Buendia.[14]

2019: Critical success with Limasawa Street[]

Debut album: Limasawa Street[]

Main article: Limasawa Street

Ben&Ben announced that they will be releasing their debut album in May 2019 after topping various streaming platforms and radio charts with hit singles “Kathang Isip,” “Ride Home” and “Maybe the Night”.[15][16] “Limasawa Street” is derived from the Butuanon word "Masawa" meaning light and is also the name of a street. Limasawa Street would win the Awit Award for Favorite Album of the Year.[17]

Ben&Ben would also attempt acting, starring in the 2019 Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino music film, LSS (Last Song Syndrome) alongside Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos.[18][19][20][21] 10 original songs were featured in the film, namely "Ride Home," "Branches," "Leaves," "Kathang Isip," "Bibingka," "Fall," "Maybe The Night," "Mitsa," "Araw-Araw," "Sunrise," and "Pagtingin".[22] For these songs, Ben&Ben received positive response, with "Araw-Araw" winning Best Original Song at Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino Awards and "Branches" winning Awit Award for Best Folk Recording.

In August 2019, it was announced that Ben&Ben will be performing in the 2019 edition of the Clockenflap, an annual music and arts festival held in Hong Kong. Including in the line up are artists like Halsey and Lil Pump, and bands like The Kooks and Mumford & Sons.[23][24] They covered a new classic cover of the Jose Mari Chan hit Beautiful Girl in 2019.[25] In November 2019, during the National Geographic Explorers Festival in Singapore, Ben&Ben became the first Filipino band to be named as #PlanetorPlastic ambassadors for Asia.[26][27]

2020–present: Concerts, charity events, and their sophomore album[]

Ben&Ben was scheduled to perform in the 2020 edition of South by South West music festival, but the music festival was officially cancelled on March 6 due to the COVID-19 pandemic,[28] the result of an order by the city of Austin.[29][30]

After being tapped to sing the opening theme of the 2020 Philippine television drama series Make It With You,[31] Ben&Ben, together with fellow Sony Music artists like Eric Chou, Kelly Cheng, Wafa, NYK, Benjamin Kheng, Narelle Kheng, Sezairi Sezali, Hà Lê, E.Viewz, Fatin Shidqia, Jocelyn C, Phil Lam, Jason Chan & Cath Wong, took part in a regional collaboration expressing solidarity and support for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. All proceeds from the song will be donated to relief efforts by Han Hong Love Charity Foundation.[32][33]

On March 27, 2020, Ben&Ben held an online concert "Puhon!" (Bisaya: "Hopefully") for the benefit of the frontliners battling the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The project aims to raise ₱5 million in donations[34] as an initiative to bring people together to combat COVID-19 in the Philippines by providing a timely and coordinated response to affected communities, and by building a network of courage and inspiration through stories and music.[35][36]

In April, following a peak at the 29th spot in Billboard's Top 50 Social chart,[37][38] Ben&Ben announced on social media that they will be releasing their first international single "Doors".[39][40] On April 18, 2020, the band had another online fundraising concert on their YouTube channel.[41][42][43]

On September 24, 2020, it was announced that the Ben&Ben are performing in the Philippine segment of YouTube FanFest to be held virtually in YTFF's YouTube channel on October 11. They will be performing alongside SB19, Alodia Gosiengfiao, and other Filipino and global YouTubers.[44][45][46][47][48][49]

On October 4, 2020, Ben&Ben held another online concert for the benefit of students and teachers adjusting to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The online concert were streamed simultaneously in both the band's Facebook page and YouTube channel.[50]

On August 9, 2021, the band performed at an event for University of Santo Thomas-Legazpi called "Mari Na, Entra Na!" which translates to "Come On, Join Us!", the event gathered the average of 1.9k viewers. The event was first planned for the university's Christmas event, due to the COVID-19 pandemic it was postponed multiple times.

On August 29, 2021, their sophomore album Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno was released under Sony Music Philippines.

Discography[]

Main article: Ben&Ben discography

Studio albums

EPs

Filmography[]

Films[]

Year Title Role Studio Notes Ref.
2019 LSS (Last Song Syndrome) Ben&Ben Globe Studios
Dokimos Media Studios, Inc. 		Ben&Ben is also the movie's co-producer. [53][54]

Concerts, tours, and performances[]

Virtual concerts and conventions[]

Event Name Dates Venue Notes Ref.
Puhon: A Ben&Ben FB Live Event for the COVID-19 Efforts March 27, 2020 Live stream A virtual fund raising concert hosted by the band [55]
"Doors" Single Launch + Fundraiser for the COVID-19 Efforts April 18, 2020 Live stream A virtual launching for the international single, Doors, and a fund raising concert hosted by the band [56]
Puhon 2: A Ben&Ben Live Benefit Show for Our Students & Teachers October 4, 2020 Live Stream A virtual fund raising concert hosted by the band [57]
The Inevitable Drone Show February 28, 2021 Live Stream It was hosted by Philippine telecommunications company Smart Communications. [58]
Kumu Live Events Presents: Ben&Ben May 22, 2021 Live Stream It was held via the streaming service Kumu. [59]

Music festivals[]

Event Name Dates Venue Notes Ref.
YouTube FanFest 2020 October 11, 2020 Online Music Festival A Virtual Concert hosted by YouTube [60]
BYE2020 December 31, 2020 Online Concert Fest Virtual Year-ender Party [61]

Awards and nominations[]

Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Ben&Ben

References[]

  1. ^ "Mapping out the musical journey of Ben&Ben". Bandwagon.asia. August 31, 2017. Retrieved July 16, 2018.
  2. ^ "Ben&Ben on their new pop-rock sound for 'Di Ka Sayang'". Preen.ph. November 6, 2020. Retrieved December 30, 2020.
  3. ^ Basbas, Franchesca Judine (December 1, 2020). "BTS, Ben&Ben, BLACKPINK, Taylor Swift, and more top Spotify Wrapped Philippines 2020". Bandwagon Asia. Retrieved January 17, 2021.
  4. ^ Admin. "Spotify reveals list of most streamed artists, songs in the Philippines for 2019". The Summit Express. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  5. ^ Policarpio, Allan (July 25, 2016). "Itchyworms' 'Di Na Muli' bags PhilPop 2016 grand prize". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved December 14, 2017.
  6. ^ Jump up to: a b Benavidez, Hannah (November 11, 2019). "Ben and Ben members: Discover fun facts about the music geniuses". Kami.com.ph – Philippines news. Retrieved October 10, 2020.
  7. ^ Jump up to: a b "Ben&Ben Successfully Launched Their Self-Titled EP". Indie Manila. January 1, 2017. Archived from the original on June 17, 2017. Retrieved June 22, 2017.
  8. ^ "Happy 3rd Anniversary to us! Story Time Part 2 at "Fall" Video Shoot | Ben&Ben Vlogs". YouTube. May 10, 2020.
  9. ^ "Who Is Ben&Ben? | An Introduction". YouTube. August 24, 2020.
  10. ^ Policarpio, Allan. "The story behind 'Goyo's' theme song 'Susi'". Retrieved September 25, 2018.
  11. ^ "The story behind "Maybe The Night" will give you 'Exes Baggage' feels all over again". Inquirer. October 4, 2018. Retrieved September 17, 2019.
  12. ^ "Beautiful Girl by Ben&Ben". Spotify. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  13. ^ "Coke Studio Homecoming lineup revealed: IV of Spades, QUEST, Ben&Ben, Juan Miguel Severo, and more". Coke Studio Homecoming lineup revealed: IV of Spades, QUEST, Ben&Ben, Juan Miguel Severo, and more | Editorial | Bandwagon – Live music, bands and concert guide for Singapore, Manila and Jakarta. September 3, 2018. Retrieved September 25, 2018.
  14. ^ "Ely Buendia, December Avenue, IV of Spades, Ben&Ben, and more to perform at Toyota Music Fest". Bandwagon Asia. July 2, 2018. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
  15. ^ "Ben&Ben to release new debut album 'Limasawa Street'". CNN Philippines. May 7, 2019. Retrieved September 17, 2019.
  16. ^ "Ben&Ben want to be your beacon of hope". CNN Philippines. May 14, 2019. Retrieved September 17, 2019.
  17. ^ "Ben&Ben's debut album 'Limasawa Street' with 13 songs comes to life after 3 months". Conan Daily. May 10, 2019. Retrieved September 17, 2019.
  18. ^ "From music to movies, there's just no stopping Ben&Ben". The Philippine Star. August 24, 2019. Retrieved September 17, 2019.
  19. ^ "Ben&Ben Is Starring in a New Movie This September". Spot PH. March 29, 2019. Retrieved September 17, 2019.
  20. ^ "Ben&Ben to star in an upcoming movie!". One Music PH. April 4, 2019. Retrieved September 17, 2019.
  21. ^ "Ben&Ben is the star of this new film featuring Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos". When In Manila. April 5, 2019. Retrieved September 17, 2019.
  22. ^ "The Teaser for Ben&Ben's LSS Is Finally Here". Spot PH. July 11, 2019. Retrieved September 17, 2019.
  23. ^ "Ben&Ben to play in HK music fest headlined by Mumford & Sons, Halsey". ABS-CBN News. August 8, 2019. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
  24. ^ "Clockenflap 2019 first lineup announced". TimeOut. August 8, 2019. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
  25. ^ "Beautiful Girl by Ben&Ben". Spotify. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  26. ^ "Ben&Ben tapped as #PlanetorPlastic Ambassadors for Asia". GMA News. November 15, 2019. Retrieved March 6, 2019.
  27. ^ "Ben&Ben band named National Geographic Asia ambassador against plastic trash". Inquirer. November 15, 2019. Retrieved March 6, 2020.
  28. ^ "SXSW 2020 Has Been Cancelled Following Coronavirus Fears". March 6, 2020. Retrieved March 13, 2020.
  29. ^ "City of Austin Cancels SXSW March Events". March 6, 2020. Retrieved March 13, 2020.
  30. ^ "Ben&Ben to make US debut at SXSW 2020". Bandwagon Asia. October 18, 2019. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
  31. ^ Baby A., Gil (February 5, 2020). "Ben&Ben, Tala and Catriona hit songs". The Philippine Star. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
  32. ^ "Ben&Ben joins 14 Asian artists in new version of 'Forever Beautiful'". Manila Bulletin. March 3, 2020. Retrieved March 3, 2020.
  33. ^ "Eric Chou, Ben&Ben, Benjamin Kheng, and more release 'Forever Beautiful: All for One Version' for the benefit of coronavirus relief efforts – listen". Bandwagon Asia. March 3, 2020. Retrieved March 3, 2020.
  34. ^ "Ben&Ben Aims To Raise P5 Million For COVID-19 Relief Efforts". Cosmopolitan PH. March 23, 2020. Retrieved April 7, 2020.
  35. ^ "'Maybe the night holds a little hope': Ben&Ben inspires with online concert for frontliners". ABS-CBN News. March 27, 2020. Retrieved April 7, 2020.
  36. ^ "Paolo Benjamin on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved April 7, 2020.
  37. ^ "Ben&Ben reaches 29th spot at Billboard Social 50 chart". Inquirer. April 9, 2020. Retrieved April 16, 2020.
  38. ^ "LOOK: Ben&Ben makes huge jump in Billboard social 50 chart". ABS-CBN News. April 11, 2020. Retrieved April 16, 2020.
  39. ^ "Ben&Ben beats Cardi B, Doja Cat and more in Global Billboard Chart". GMA News. April 10, 2020. Retrieved April 16, 2020.
  40. ^ "Ben&Ben to launch first international single 'Doors' via YouTube Live this Saturday". GMA News. April 13, 2020. Retrieved April 16, 2020.
  41. ^ "WATCH: Ben&Ben perform new song 'Doors' live for the first time". ABS-CBN News. April 28, 2020. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  42. ^ "Ben&Ben to hold live YouTube event for first international single, 'Doors'". Rappler. April 13, 2020. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  43. ^ "Ben&Ben to launch international single 'Doors' via YouTube Live event". InqPOP. April 16, 2020. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  44. ^ "YouTube FanFest on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  45. ^ "Mimiyuuuh, Ben&Ben, on YouTube FanFest 2020 lineup". Rappler. September 26, 2020. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  46. ^ Garcia, William (October 3, 2020). "Pinoy Artists in YouTube Fanfest 2020". OneMusicPH. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  47. ^ "YouTube FanFest 2020 lineup revealed – Ben&Ben, Tilly Birds, SB19, Namewee 黃明志 , and more". Bandwagon Asia. September 24, 2020. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  48. ^ Garcia, William (October 6, 2020). "Ben&Ben, SB19 and more to pay tribute to Emman Nimedez, Lloyd Cadena in YouTube Fanfest". GMA News. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  49. ^ "Ben&Ben, other artists to pay tribute to Lloyd Cadena, Emman Nimedez in YouTube fest". CNN Philippines. October 6, 2020. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  50. ^ "Ben&Ben is holding 'Puhon 2,' another online benefit concert". Rappler. September 29, 2020. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  51. ^ "Limasawa Street by Ben&Ben on iTunes". iTunes Store. Retrieved September 17, 2019.
  52. ^ "Limasawa Street". Spotify. Retrieved September 17, 2019.
  53. ^ "The Teaser for Ben&Ben's LSS Is Finally Here". spot.ph. Retrieved March 6, 2020.
  54. ^ "LSS (2019) – Full Cast & Crew". IMDb. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  55. ^ "Ben&Ben launches Puhon! to help COVID-19 relief efforts in the Philippines". Bandwagon. October 7, 2020. Retrieved August 29, 2020.
  56. ^ "Ben&Ben to launch first international single 'Doors' via YouTube Live this Saturday". GMA News. April 13, 2020. Retrieved August 29, 2020.
  57. ^ "Ben&Ben to hold online benefit concert for 'Balik Eskwela' project". Business Mirror. October 2, 2020. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
  58. ^ "Ben&Ben to light up Manila skyline with first drone show". GMA News. February 27, 2021. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
  59. ^ A. Azim Idris (October 2, 2020). "Ben&Ben to live-stream virtual concert in May". NME. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
  60. ^ "YouTube FanFest 2020 lineup revealed – Ben&Ben, Tilly Birds, SB19, Namewee 黃明志 , and more". September 24, 2020. Archived from the original on October 28, 2020. Retrieved September 27, 2020.
  61. ^ "SB19 and more to headline virtual concert 'BYE2020'". gmanetwork.com. Archived from the original on December 22, 2020. Retrieved December 20, 2020.

External links[]

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