Indie band Pink Soda gets name from Cup of Joe fan moment

The indie group shares a fan moment that led to their name, inspired by OPM hitmakers Cup of Joe.

Cup of Joe’s influence on the local music scene has gone beyond hit songs—it has also inspired the formation of a new band.

In an exclusive interview with radar Entertainment, members of the indie pop-rock band Pink Soda revealed that their group’s name was personally suggested by Cup of Joe during one of the band’s concerts.

According to Pink Soda, they attended the show as high school friends and held up an iPad that read, “COJ, suggest kayo ng band name.” At the time, they were still forming their lineup but already dreamed of becoming a band.

“Pangarap po talaga namin maging isang banda tulad ng Cup of Joe,” the group shared. “‘Yon na rin po siguro ang naging common ground namin—lahat kami Joewahs,” they added, referring to Cup of Joe’s official fanbase.

The request caught the attention of Cup of Joe members, with lead vocalist Gian Bernardino and the rest of the group suggesting the name “Pink Soda.” The aspiring musicians immediately embraced it, later completing their lineup, performing at local gigs, and eventually pursuing music professionally with INNRVZN Music.

The name also carries a deeper connection to Cup of Joe. “Pink Soda” is the title of the band’s acoustic sub-unit composed of lead vocalist Raphaell Ridao and lead guitarist Gabriel Fernandez. The duo, named after their own high school band, is known for stripped-down performances of Cup of Joe’s songs.

Now making a name for themselves in the indie scene, Pink Soda credits a simple fan interaction with one of OPM’s biggest bands for helping shape their identity.

Cup of Joe has become one of the country’s most successful acts in recent years, earning major honors from the Filipino Music Awards, the Awit Awards, and the international Music Awards Japan.

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