Gian Bernardino on KZ Tandingan’s influence: ‘I felt very inspired and motivated and represented in a way’

Gian Bernardino of Cup of Joe (COJ) looked back on his first encounter with KZ Tandingan, recalling how the singer inspired him as a young aspiring musician long before they eventually crossed paths as fellow performers.

In a conversation with KZ on Rolling Stone Philippines’ Musicians on Musicians, Gian revealed that he first discovered the singer in 2012, when he was 11 years old and watching The X Factor Philippines through The Filipino Channel (TFC).

“As an OFW kid, nafe-feel ko lang yung pagiging Pinoy ko sa TFC,” Gian shared, explaining why watching Filipino television shows became a way for him to stay connected to the Philippines.

He recalled seeing KZ audition for the singing competition in a floral dress and sneakers, performing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” before incorporating rap into her performance.

“Nung napanood ko ‘tong babaeng ‘to, I felt very inspired and motivated and represented in a way,” he said.

Gian said he continued following KZ’s journey throughout the competition until she became its champion. His admiration for the singer continued beyond the show, as he watched her music videos and followed her musical releases online.

When Gian returned to the Philippines in 2017, he eventually got the chance to see KZ perform live during her first solo concert in 2018. He recalled convincing his mother to let him attend the concert, even suggesting that they skip celebrating his birthday in favor of getting tickets.

“Talagang pinilit ko yung mama ko na makapunta. VIP talaga kasi. Sabi ko, huwag na tayo mag-celebrate ng birthday ko. Yun na yun,” he shared.

Gian also prepared a sign hoping to get the opportunity to sing alongside his idol. His efforts paid off when KZ noticed him and called him up to perform with her during the concert.

Years later, the two would reconnect in a different setting, with KZ discovering that the young fan she once invited onstage had become part of COJ.

KZ recalled being familiar with the band but not initially realizing that Gian, whom she had met at her 2018 concert, was one of its members. She said she only connected the dots when they were in Baguio, where Gian brought the same sign he had used years earlier.

“That was me. This is the actual sign. I brought it today,” Gian recalled telling her.

For KZ, the realization was a surprise, especially as she looked back on how much Gian and his bandmates had grown since their early performances.

“Hindi, hindi ikaw yun. Iba yun. Bata yun eh,” she jokingly recalled thinking when she realized how much time had passed.

KZ also expressed pride in COJ’s growth, recalling how the band members looked much younger in the early performance videos she had watched.

“Tapos parang sobrang nagulat na, grabe, ang tagal na pala nun. And grabe yung paglipad ng banda niyo,” she said.

Cup of Joe continues to expand its musical reach, with “Sandali” in contention for a place in the Best Asian Pop Performance category at the 2027 Grammy Awards.

The band’s growing success is further highlighted by its upcoming Symphony concert, set to happen at the Smart Araneta Coliseum this coming December 3. 

From being an 11-year-old fan watching KZ on television to becoming a musician in a band that has since grown in popularity, Gian’s story reflects how a childhood encounter can take on a new meaning years later. Now, with the two artists sharing the stage as fellow performers, their story has come full circle—a reminder of how far they have come since that memorable meeting in 2018.

—By Jhiara Episioco, PUSH ABS-CBN Intern