For years, IV OF SPADES existed as a memory — a flash of color in OPM’s kaleidoscope that faded too soon.
After their sudden hiatus in 2020, each member followed their own orbit: Zild Benitez explored sonic introspection with four acclaimed solo albums that traced his coming-of-age in real time; Blaster Silonga channeled his flair for experimentation into two ambitious, psychedelic albums that bent pop and rock into playful new shapes, and Unique Salonga, whose early departure might have signaled the group’s fragmentation, carved out his own path with three introspective full-length releases that reaffirmed his singular voice. Meanwhile, Badjao De Castro — the rhythmic pulse of the band — kept his momentum as the drummer for Party Pace, another beloved act known for their tight musicianship and dynamic shows.
Now, after years of individual reinvention, the four return to each other — older, freer, and once again in sync. Their reunion isn’t about nostalgia, but rediscovery: the realization that the sound they were searching for alone still lived within the chemistry they built together.
“Why not now?”
The band’s reunion announcement was met with an outpouring of emotion — nostalgia, disbelief, and joy all at once. For Blaster, it was something both fated and practical.
“Why not now? Kasi OK naman na kami (We’re all OK). Actually, dapat later pa (it should’ve been much later). Mas tatagalan pa namin, kasi nga may mga solo [projects] pa (We were supposed to delay it because of our solo projects). Parang [we did a] vibe check muna (first). Pero parang… tinawag na ng universe (But it’s as if the universe called for it),” he says.
Zild agrees. “Nagki-click kami (We all click) musically. Friendship-wise, kaya na namin maging open sa isa’t isa (we could be more open with each other). Kaya namin i-slaughter ‘yung (We could slaughter the) elephant in the room. At saka (And) from a business standpoint, free agents naman kaming lahat (we’re all free agents). So feeling namin ‘yun na ‘yung perfect timing (we felt the timing was perfect).”
What started as a whisper of possibility — a hangout here, a cameo there — gradually became something tangible. “Paubos na ‘yung (We were running out of) creative juices, eh. Kailangan na ng ka-share (We needed to share what we had),” jokes Blaster.
Their chemistry, it seems, never really left. It just needed time.
Photographed by Shaira Luna. Creative & Fashion Direction by Daryl Chang. Art Direction by Nicole Almero & Gelo Quijencio. Styling by Bettina Bañez assisted by Mel Estillore & Arn Dela Cruz. Glam team by Nix Institute of Beauty. Makeup by Nix Soriano, Hair by WanWan Amarillo (Unique & Zild). Make up by Jean Anganangan & Hair by WanWan Podadera Amarillo (Blaster & Badjao). Production Design by Migs Alcid assisted by Jael Faelnar, Saryn Magallano, & John Lorwen Honor. Photography assisted by Emelito Lansangan & Crisaldo Soco. Production by Mika Cruz. Story by Jason Caballa.
Read the full cover story on the November 2025 issue of Billboard Philippines, out on November 15, 2025. Get your copies here.
