Picture this: a six-piece band from Baguio, Philippines, strumming their way out of cozy coffee shops and into the global spotlight with a song about a ghost. No, this isn’t the plot of a quirky indie film—it’s the real-life story of Cup of Joe and their viral sensation “Multo,” a track that’s not only possessed the hearts of Filipino fans but also spooked its way onto the Billboard Global 200, Billboard Global Excl. US, and Spotify Global charts. With a blend of catchy melodies, heartbreak vibes, and a music video starring Elijah Canlas and Miles Ocampo, “Multo” is the underdog anthem that’s rewriting the rules for OPM (Original Pilipino Music) on the world stage. So, grab a cup of joe (sorry, had to), and let’s dive into the phenomenon that’s got everyone haunted.
From Baguio to Billboard: The Rise of Cup of Joe
Cup of Joe isn’t your typical boy band churning out cookie-cutter pop. Formed in 2019, this Baguio-based sextet—Raphael Ridao (vocals), Gabriel Fernandez (guitar), CJ Fernandez (guitar), Gian Bernardino (keys), Xen Gareza (bass), and Ralph Gavieres (drums)—started as a group of college buddies jamming for fun. Their sound? Think alternative pop with a side of nostalgia, blending introspective lyrics with earworm hooks that make you want to sway and sob simultaneously. Songs like “Misteryoso,” “Tingin,” and “Estranghero” built them a loyal local following, but it was “Multo,” released on September 14, 2024, as the lead single from their debut album Silakbo, that catapulted them into uncharted territory.
The band’s name, inspired by a casual coffee reference, reflects their laid-back vibe, but don’t let that fool you—these guys are brewing something serious. Hailing from Baguio, a city known for its cool climate and artistic soul, Cup of Joe channels that creative energy into music that feels both intimate and universal. As one X user put it, “Who would’ve thought a Baguio-based band would make it this far?” Well, apparently, the universe did.
“Multo”: A Ghost Story That’s Anything But Dead
At its core, “Multo” is a breakup song dressed in supernatural metaphors. The title, meaning “ghost” in Filipino, refers to the lingering presence of a past love—those memories that haunt you long after the relationship’s gone cold. With lyrics that hit like a bittersweet punch and a melody that sticks like superglue, it’s no wonder the song resonated with listeners. The track’s production, polished yet raw, captures the band’s signature sound: think Ben&Ben meets The 1975, with a distinctly Pinoy flair.
But what turned “Multo” from a local gem into a global juggernaut? Timing, talent, and a sprinkle of viral magic. Released as part of Silakbo (meaning “outburst” or “flare-up” in Filipino), the song dropped just as social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram were craving fresh, emotional anthems. Fans began sharing snippets, pairing the song’s heartfelt chorus with everything from dramatic breakup montages to aesthetic coffee shop reels. Before long, “Multo” was racking up streams—over 60 million on Spotify alone, according to GMA News—and climbing charts faster than you can say “OPM supremacy.”
The music video, released in March 2025, added fuel to the fire. Starring Elijah Canlas and Miles Ocampo, two of the Philippines’ brightest young actors, the video weaves a cinematic tale of love and loss that amplifies the song’s emotional heft. Directed with a keen eye for storytelling, it’s the kind of visual that makes you hit replay before the credits roll. As GMA News reported, the video’s star power and narrative depth helped cement “Multo” as a cultural moment.
Charting New Territory: A Filipino First
Let’s talk numbers, because “Multo” didn’t just make waves—it caused a tsunami. On April 15, 2025, Billboard Philippines announced that the song had debuted at No. 181 on the Billboard Global 200, making Cup of Joe the first Filipino act ever to crack this prestigious chart. Not content with one historic flex, “Multo” also landed at No. 74 on the Billboard Global Excl. US chart—the highest debut for a Filipino song and the first to break into the Top 100. For context, it outranked tracks by global heavyweights like Jennie and Dua Lipa’s “Handlebars” (No. 186) and Rosé’s “Toxic Til The End” (No. 190) that week. No offense to K-pop queens, but that’s the kind of slay that deserves a mic drop.
Spotify’s Global charts tell a similar story of domination. “Multo” first entered the daily Global Top 200 at No. 164, but its climb was relentless. By April 7, it had surged 91 spots to No. 73 with 1.631 million streams, earning the title of “greatest gainer”. A few days later, it peaked at No. 28 with 2.557 million streams, breaking the record for the biggest single-day streams for a Filipino song. By April 19, it had jumped to No. 30 on the weekly Global Spotify chart with a staggering 17.582 million streams—the most weekly streams for any Filipino song in history and the first to crack the Top 50. It later re-peaked at No. 24 with 2.346 million streams. In a world dominated by Western pop and Latin bangers, a Filipino song holding its own is nothing short of revolutionary.
Why “Multo” Matters: A Win for OPM
To understand the weight of “Multo”’s success, you need to zoom out. The Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. US charts, launched in 2020, track streaming and sales data from over 200 territories. They’re the gold standard for measuring global music consumption, and breaking in is like getting a seat at the cool kids’ table—except the table’s guarded by Beyoncé and Bad Bunny. Before “Multo,” the only Filipino song to even graze the Global Excl. US chart was Juan Karlos’ “ERE,” which debuted at No. 138 in October 2023. For Cup of Joe to not only enter but dominate these charts is a game-changer for OPM.
The Philippines has a rich musical heritage, but OPM has often struggled to penetrate global markets dominated by Western acts. Multo’s success signals a shift—a crack in the glass ceiling that’s kept Filipino artists on the sidelines. As Billboard Philippines noted, the song’s chart performance “showcases the alternative group’s rising impact on both the local and global stages”. It’s not just about one band; it’s about proving that Filipino stories, sung in Filipino, can resonate universally. When an X user wrote, “Goosebumps!” about the debut, they weren’t just hyping the song—they were celebrating a cultural milestone.
The Secret Sauce: What Makes “Multo” Click?
So, what’s the alchemy behind “Multo”’s global takeover? First, there’s the song itself: a masterclass in balancing accessibility with authenticity. Its melody is instantly hummable, but the lyrics—rooted in Filipino experiences of love and loss—give it depth. It’s the kind of track that feels personal yet universal, like a diary entry you didn’t know you wrote.
Second, there’s the power of the internet. Streaming platforms like Spotify and social media have leveled the playing field, letting a band from Baguio compete with global superstars. “Multo”’s TikTok virality wasn’t an accident—it was a testament to how fans can amplify a song’s reach. Third, Cup of Joe’s underdog charm helps. They’re not a manufactured pop machine; they’re real people making music that feels honest. In a world of autotune and algorithms, that authenticity is catnip for listeners.
Finally, there’s the cultural moment. Filipino pop culture is having a renaissance, from films like Rewind breaking box office records to artists like SB19 topping charts. “Multo” rode that wave, proving that OPM isn’t just for karaoke nights—it’s for the world stage.
What’s Next for Cup of Joe?
With Silakbo out in the wild and “Multo” still haunting charts, Cup of Joe is at a crossroads. Will they lean into their global appeal with English-language tracks, or double down on Filipino storytelling? Either way, they’ve got the world’s attention. Their next moves—new singles, international tours, maybe a collab with a global act—could solidify their place as OPM’s new torchbearers.
For now, the band seems content to soak in the moment. As they told Billboard Philippines, “Multo” is about “capturing the essence of lingering emotions,” and that’s exactly what they’ve done—not just for fans, but for an entire industry watching them rewrite history. So, here’s to Cup of Joe: the Baguio boys who turned a ghost story into a global anthem. May their coffee stay strong and their charts keep climbing.
