To Be Brave, To Be Bold: Gian Bernardino Of Cup Of Joe

It’s no secret that one of the faces of the pop-rock realm in the greater modern local music scene is as authentic and bold as his music.

Gian Bernardino, co-vocalist of the Baguio-based hitmakers Cup of Joe, has embraced his own identity in various aesthetics, presentations, and forms. Embracing more androgynous and feminine-leaning styles and looks, Bernardino is loud and proud about representing the LGBTQIA+ community in the OPM industry.

Through his artistry and platform with the band, he has always been a fearless voice who continues to break barriers, challenging stereotypes and norms that are often laid upon by society. True enough, Bernardino carries himself with grit, confidence, and authenticity — hoping to be the person he wanted to look up to, amplifying the voices of the voiceless in the industry.

Now, with the band achieving greater heights far from what they may have imagined when they were starting, churning out chart-topping hits like “Multo,” selling out concerts locally, and flying out of the country for their international shows, Bernardino has always remained open and honest beyond the band’s music.

Billboard Philippines opens up the conversation with Bernardino about self-expression and identity, having a platform to raise the flag of the LGBTQIA+ community, and his perspectives on how today’s local music scene can become a safer and more inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ voices.

Billboard Philippines: How do you express your identity not only through music but also through your style and the way you carry yourself?

Gian: Usually, when I go out or when we perform on stage, I wear whatever I want. But it depends on my mood on that day. Sometimes I express myself more masculine, minsan mas (sometimes more) androgynous. I feel like it’s just rooted in me being authentic. 

As an artist and the vocalist for Cup of Joe, how do you see your platform contributing to more open conversations around identity, love, and self-expression?

I feel like it is very important to express myself freely, especially with the platform that my band and I have. I think it’s because the very reason that our music and our art are being recognized or loved by many people is that we present ourselves as authentic as possible, as transparent as possible. And I think that’s the main reason why a lot of our audiences resonate with our art. 

The LGBTQIA+ community is often associated with freedom and self-expression. How do you see those values reflected in your artistry?

Ever since we entered the industry, I think we’ve made it very clear that no matter what happens, no matter where this career brings us, we’ll always be firm with our principles and what we stand up for. And for me personally, as someone who’s part of the LGBTQIA+ community, I believe it’s very important to be visible, especially since I’m representing someone I wasn’t able to see or witness when I was a child.

And I think it’s very important to express one’s identity freely because you may not know it yet, but there’s someone younger than you who’s been waiting to see someone who looks and moves just like them. 

In a constantly evolving OPM landscape, what responsibility do you think artists from the community have when it comes to representation and inclusion?

I started working my way in the industry when I didn’t fully realize myself, and it was through music that I was able to process my emotions, my sentiments as a growing teenager, not only dealing with real life but also the music industry. It’s what I can say is called the evolution of oneself that transpires when you really embrace what your art is, and it really helps you navigate who you really are. 

In a constantly evolving OPM landscape, what responsibility do you think artists from the community have when it comes to representation and inclusion?

With the platform that we have and with the mere fact that we connect people through our music, it actually gives us a privilege and a responsibility to use our platform in the best way possible. For me, that is using your microphone as a vessel for raising the voices of those who aren’t being heard, and I believe even if you go mainstream, that should not stop you from being transparent and unapologetic with who you are.

How do you think the local music scene can further become a safer and more inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ voices?

Well, just like what we’ve been practicing as a band and individually, we’ve always taught ourselves to give spaces to new and upcoming artists.

I think every artist should learn to clap for others until it’s their turn, and that’s the value that we’ve been practicing ever since, because I believe that every individual has a space in the industry, no matter who you are, no matter what you represent, or how you present yourself. I think inclusivity is what’s really important right now because some might be scared to enter the industry just because we continue to glorify the boxes that were made way before. And I believe it’s our duty to break those stereotypes.

With the platform you have today, what kind of message or values do you hope to embody for young queer listeners and artists who are still navigating their own identities?

It’s really all about fearlessness. We should not let fear get a hold of us because if you’re scared that your art will not be well-received, you’ll just be surprised that there’s a whole community waiting for that piece of art that you were so scared to do. But you’ll just be surprised that it’s exactly what this group of people needs.

This interview was edited for brevity and clarity.

_{Photographed by Kieran Punay. Art and Fashion Direction by Gelo Quijencio. Styling by Ruru Christian of H&M. Makeup by Team Nix Institute of Beauty Services.}

_{Makeup for Gian Bernardino: Nix Soriano. Hair for Gian Bernardino: Jessey Miranda. Makeup Associate: Ces De Guzman & Jazmeen Zapanta-Rebong.}

_{Production Design by Arj Madarang. Production by Liezel Restauro.}

_{Special thanks to H&M Philippines.}