Cup of Joe, the six-member indie-pop band hailing from Baguio, has taken a bold step in their musical journey with the release of “Multo”—a track that not only marks an emotional evolution for the group but also propels Original Pilipino Music (OPM) onto the global stage.
Released on September 14, 2024, as part of their debut studio album Silakbo, “Multo” explores themes of grief, emotional baggage, and the lingering presence of one’s past self. The title—Tagalog for “ghost”—serves as both a metaphor and a literal motif throughout the song. Written by co-lead vocalist Raphaell Ridao and his brother Redentor during the isolating months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the lyrics speak of being haunted not by spirits, but by one’s own unresolved emotions.
“Pasindi na ng ilaw, minumulto na ‘ko ng damdamin ko.”
(Turn on the lights, I’m being haunted by my emotions.)
Musically, the band departs from their usual breezy pop-rock and acoustic sound. “Multo” leans into synth-pop and moody rock influences, crafting an atmospheric soundscape that matches its introspective tone. The song’s layered production and melancholic melody allow listeners to sit with their own ghosts, making it one of the band’s most relatable and resonant tracks to date.
A New Milestone for Filipino Music
What makes “Multo” even more remarkable is its record-breaking performance on international charts. In April 2025, the song debuted at No. 181 on the Billboard Global 200, making Cup of Joe the first Filipino act to enter the chart. It also made an impressive entry on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart at No. 74, later peaking at No. 33—the highest ranking for a Filipino song in history.
Additionally, as of today, “Multo” is sitting at #48 in the Global Spotify Top 50, further cementing its global success. The song is already on its way to surpassing 100 million streams on the platform, a milestone that highlights its widespread appeal. Cup of Joe has also surpassed 10.6 million monthly listeners on Spotify—a first for any Filipino act—showcasing their growing international presence.
According to a feature by The Philippine Star, this historic achievement reflects the growing global appetite for OPM and the evolving sound of Filipino artists. “Cup of Joe didn’t just release a hit—they broke through a ceiling that had long held back local acts from international visibility,” the article noted.
Critical Acclaim and Cultural Impact
Beyond its chart success, “Multo” has been praised by critics and fans alike. Rolling Stone Philippines described the song as “a sad banger” that reveals a more vulnerable and mature side of the band. It’s a standout moment on Silakbo, showcasing Cup of Joe’s ability to tackle deeper emotional narratives without losing their melodic sensibilities.
The song’s music video—featuring dark lighting, dramatic silhouettes, and abstract imagery—visually echoes the song’s themes of isolation and internal conflict. It has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many fans sharing personal stories of how “Multo” helped them confront their own emotional baggage.
As one fan wrote on Medium, “Multo is a quiet conversation with the self you’ve left behind. It doesn’t scream for attention—it whispers truths you’ve tried to forget.”
The Future of Cup of Joe
With “Multo,” Cup of Joe has firmly positioned themselves as not just hitmakers, but storytellers unafraid to embrace vulnerability. The song signals a pivotal moment in the band’s artistic growth and an exciting turning point for OPM as a genre that deserves international attention.
Congratulations to Cup of Joe for their groundbreaking success and to their fans for the unwavering support that has helped propel this song to such incredible heights.
Mabuhay ang OPM!
As they continue their journey, “Multo” will likely be remembered not only as a career-defining single but as a cultural touchstone—one that gave voice to silent grief and proved that even the most personal stories can resonate on a global scale.
