Ben&Ben Unpack Nine Years Of Music And Friendship At ‘Saranggola: The Concert’ — Photo Gallery

Ben&Ben have always looked back on their journey with fondness and gratitude.

‘Saranggola: The Concert’ is no different, revolving around the symbolism behind the concert’s title and the song “Saranggola,” which unpacks their nine-year journey of friendship and growth together as a band.

With the band’s drummer, Jam Villanueva, announcing her departure and final year with the group in December 2025, the concert was poised to be more than just a live showcase of their music.

The acclaimed folk-popFolk-PopA style that blends the acoustic instruments and storytelling of folk with the melodies and polish of pop. In the Philippines, folk-pop has a long history through songwriters and bands,Go to Folk-Pop Glossary band took the stage at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to revisit their albums in a celebration of friendship and camaraderie, as well as a love letter to their beloved fandom, Liwanag.

They looked back on their early days, unpacking the memories and experiences that have shaped them as a band and touched the lives of longtime and new listeners who have found solace and healing in their music over the years.

Running for over four hours, the concert featured an expansive setlist of more than 30 songs, spanning their latest anthology album, Nine, alongside reimagined versions of fan favorites like “Lifetime,” “Maybe the Night,” “Leaves,” and “Autumn.”

Sure enough, if you’ve been listening to the band for years, experiencing them perform even their earlier tracks now makes you reminisce about past experiences, live in the now, and be hopeful for what’s to come.

Ben&Ben have never been defined by one, two, or even three members, but by the strength of the group as a whole. Despite this chapter of their journey coming to a close, Paolo Benjamin Guico, Miguel Benjamin Guico, Poch Barretto, Jam Villanueva, Agnes Reoma, Pat Lasaten, Toni Muñoz, Andrew de Pano, and Keifer Cabugao remain at the heart and soul of what makes Ben&Ben, well, Ben&Ben.

The concert served as a fitting farewell and send-off for Jam, with the band performing as their complete nine-member lineup, or OT9, one last time. It was only fitting, then, to close the show with Jam performing a dedicated drum solo.

With one door closing, another opens. Having won Folk Song of the Year for “Lifetime (Reimagined)” at the 2026 Filipino Music Awards, Ben&Ben’s journey continues.

Look back on the acclaimed indie-folk-popFolk-PopA style that blends the acoustic instruments and storytelling of folk with the melodies and polish of pop. In the Philippines, folk-pop has a long history through songwriters and bands,Go to Folk-Pop Glossary band’s milestone concert and check out Billboard Philippines’ exclusive photo gallery below.

Ralph Regis

Lifestyle and Culture Writer

Ralph Regis is a Lifestyle and Culture Writer at Billboard Philippines, where he bridges the worlds of film, television, fashion, art, food, and cultural trends with both the local and international music scene.

He has written extensively about artist collaborations, brand partnerships, and pop culture moments that connect back to music. He also brings stories to life through in-depth interviews with musicians and personalities, drawing on their diverse perspectives, opinions, and reflections on the human condition.

In addition, Ralph also writes about music releases across a wide range of genres, including pop, hip-hop, P-pop, and rock, highlighting both rising and established artists. With a passion for storytelling that goes beyond trends, he explores how music is part of our daily lives in one form or another, connecting culture, experiences, and everything in between.

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