Moonstar88’s New Single “Kape Tayo” Finds Meaning In A Cup Of Coffee – Listen
The Filipino pop-rock band’s latest song is all about companionship and finding beauty in shared mundane experiences.
Courtesy of UMG Philippines.
Courtesy of UMG Philippines.
One of OPM’s OG bands, Moonstar88, released their newest single, “Kape Tayo,” on July 10, 2026.
Born out of the band’s own experience, the song reflects on the deep significance found in a cup of coffee. After a sentimental guitar riff, vocalist Maysh Baay opens with an invitation to connect (“Kape tayong dalawa sa labas / Maaari ka bang maaya?“). Baay’s vocals continue to have that signature tenderness as in the band’s older tracks like “Torete” and “Migraine.” To capture the intimacy of the song, Baay even recorded some of her takes while sitting down on the studio floor.
The song features string instrumentation conducted and arranged by Ria Osorio. Credits also go to Rye Sarmiento of 6cyclemind and producer and songwriter Darwin Hernandez, both of whom helped contribute to the song’s intimate sound.
All in all, “Kape Tayo” is a song about companionship, how sharing coffee becomes a way of sharing each other’s lives through conversation and shared experience. By the song’s chorus, coffee becomes an analogy of life with all its sweet and bitter moments (“Sa tamis hanggang pait / Nandyan pa rin / Basta tayo’y magkasama“).
Months after signing with EMI Records, Moonstar88 has now released two singles under the label. Their previous single “Goma,” released earlier on May 27, is more upbeat in contrast to their present track.
“Kape Tayo” and “Goma” both contain similar tarot-inspired artworks. Their lyric videos both also feature footage of someone coloring their respective artworks with Faber-Castell pencils.
Formed in 1999, Moonstar88 serves as one of the key pop-rock acts in OPM. Having undergone multiple lineup changes throughout their lifespan, the group now consists of Maysh Baay (vocals and guitar), Herbert Hernandez (guitar), and Bon Sundiang (drums).
Appropriately, the band will be performing on July 18, 2026 for the Manila Coffee Festival at SM Megamall’s Megatrade Halls 1–3 as a finale to their “Kape Tayo” Coffee Tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kape Tayo explores companionship and human connection through the analogy of coffee, highlighting how sharing a warm drink mirrors navigating life’s sweet and bitter moments together.
The single Kape Tayo was officially released on July 10, 2026, marking the veteran OPM pop-rock band’s second track launch under their new contract with EMI Records.
The track features string arrangements by Ria Osorio, with production and songwriting contributions from Darwin Hernandez and Rye Sarmiento of the fellow OPM alternative rock band 6cyclemind.
Moonstar88 currently consists of three official active members: lead vocalist and guitarist Maysh Baay, guitarist Herbert Hernandez, and long-time drummer Bon Sundiang.
Fans can watch Moonstar88 perform live at SM Megamall’s Megatrade Halls on July 18, 2026, serving as the grand finale for their promotional Kape Tayo Coffee Tour.