Jump to content

Gian Bernardino

This is a good article. Click here for more information.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Gian Bernardino
Bernardino in 2025
Born
Edgar Gian P. Bernardino

(2001-07-24) July 24, 2001 (age 24)
Villasis, Pangasinan, Philippines
EducationUniversity of Baguio
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • actor
Years active2018–present
Musical career
Genres
  • Alternative rock
  • indie pop
  • pop rock
  • OPM
InstrumentsVocals
LabelViva
Member ofCup of Joe
Signature

Edgar Gian P. Bernardino (born July 24, 2001) is a Filipino singer, songwriter, and actor. He is one of two lead vocalists and a founding member of the pop rock band Cup of Joe, formed in 2018. He has written songs for several of the band's releases, as well as pursuing acting in film and television. In 2025, he made his directorial debut with a music video for the band.

On November 26, 2021, Bernardino appeared as Kulas in the TV show Quaranthings The Series. On June 5, 2022, he starred in the short film Kubli (lit. 'Hidden'). In 2023, he portrayed the main character Hero in the short film Microplastics, an entry to the QCinema film festival. Lé Baltar of Rappler commended the film for its honest depiction of queer experiences.

In 2025, Bernardino portrayed drag queen J-Quinn's love interest in the music video for the latter's love song, "Bagong Buwan" (lit. 'New Moon'). Bernardino also performed at Lov3laban, a Pride Month celebration held at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City, Philippines. In 2026, he portrayed Maris Racal's love interest in the music video for her song "Sino Ang Tanga" (lit. 'Who's The Fool'), which depicted him and Racal sharing intimate, romantic moments. Pauline Songco of the Daily Tribune praised the video's "visually compelling" story and Bernardino's chemistry with Racal.

Life and career

[edit]

2001–2019: Early life, Cup of Joe, and Viva Records

[edit]

Edgar Gian Bernardino was born on July 24, 2001. He is an Ilocano[1] hailing from the province of Pangasinan, Philippines.[2] At around the age of three, he began discovering his voice, and spent part of his childhood in Qatar, where he joined singing contests.[3][4] He pursued dentistry at the University of Baguio.[5]

In November 2018, Bernardino and his schoolmates marked their senior high school graduation by forming the band Cup of Joe. The band's music reached listeners beyond Baguio via Spotify and social media. In 2019, Cup of Joe signed with Viva Records, with Bernardino as co-lead vocalist and co-writer.[6]

2020–2025: Microplastics and Directorial debut

[edit]

In 2020, Bernardino composed and performed "Angat Baguio" (lit. 'Rise Baguio'), which placed third in a Baguio Day songwriting competition held by the province's Tourism Office.[5]

In 2023, Bernardino portrayed the lead role, Hero, in the short film Microplastics, directed by Lino Balmes. It premiered at the QCinema film festival.[7] According to Lé Baltar of Rappler, the film uses microplastics as a metaphor for society deeming queerness as unclean. Despite the film's "fair share of lapses", she commended its refusal to "sanitize" queer experiences.[8]

In July 2024, Bernardino and singer-actress Jhoanna Robles portrayed the leads in the music video for "Misteryoso" (lit. 'Mysterious') by Cup of Joe.[9] He is credited as the track's sole lyricist and also co-produced it with his bandmates.[10] Ghilieah Valeska Tabbada of Pulp called "Misteryoso" the "ultimate feel-good bop" of 2024 and arguably one of the band's best songs. She praised the "heart-fluttering" onscreen chemistry between Bernardino and Robles as well, deeming every scene between them to be "swoon-worthy".[11] The following year, Bernardino starred in the music video for "Bagong Buwan" (lit. 'New Moon'), a synth-pop love song by drag queen J-Quinn, as the singer's love interest.[12][13] The music video was described as "neon-drenched" and "dreamy".[13] The first episode of his monthly podcast G on Top premiered on May 23.[14] In November, When in Manila included G on Top on their list of Filipino podcast recommendations.[15]

Bernardino wrote eight of the songs in the Cup of Joe's debut album Silakbo (lit. 'Outburst').[16] In June, Bernardino performed at Lov3laban (pronounced "Love Laban", meaning "Love Fight"), a Pride Month celebration held at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City, Philippines.[17] On October 3, Bernardino made his directorial debut with the music video for Cup of Joe's single Sandali (lit. 'Wait'), with Raphaell Ridao contributing to the concept.[18] On September 6, Bernardino appeared as one of the guest performers at Janine Teñoso's first solo concert, held at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City.[19]

2026–present: Other works

[edit]

On February 13, 2026, Bernardino starred as Maris Racal's love interest in the music video for her song "Sino Ang Tanga" (lit. 'Who's The Fool').[20] The video showed Racal and Bernardino sharing romantic and intimate moments, such as Bernardino gently kissing her leg. Pauline Songco of the Daily Tribune praised the video's "visually compelling storyline" and the onscreen chemistry between Bernardino and Racal.[20][21]

In March, he was a guest reporter on the digital news program TV Patrol Express.[22] The newspaper SunStar Cebu included Bernardino in their list of best celebrity news presenters of the 2020s, noting his ease and confidence in reporting.[23]

Public image

[edit]

Bernardino has received media attention for challenging gender norms in rock music and fashion.[a] In July 2023, Filipino magazine Parcinq noted that his "fearless" fashion sense can be masculine, feminine, androgynous, high-fashion, or avant-garde depending on the occasion.[4] Ralph Regis of Billboard Philippines said that Bernardino brings "boldness" and gender fluidity to his clothing and makeup choices, such as pairing corsets with dress shirts.[25] In interviews with Metroscene and ABS-CBN Entertainment, he stated that he hopes to be a role model for younger fans who intend to pursue rock music as well, showing a male rock musician leaning into his feminine side despite pressures to perform hyper-masculinity.[24][26]

Musical styles and influences

[edit]

Bernardino is known for his stage presence and playful personality in live performances with Cup of Joe. He sometimes adds spoken word parts to his songs.[28] Nylon Manila described his vocals as emotional and energetic, reflecting the sound of modern OPM pop rock.[28]

Bernardino cited OPM bands such as Eraserheads, Rivermaya, and Apo Hiking Society, also he recalled that he grew up singing ballads and frequently joined amateur competitions as a child. He was first exposed to karaoke hits by international pop musicians such as Celine Dion and Beyoncé. As a teenager, he started listening to OPM and became interested in pop rock, which later led him to try songwriting.[24]

Other ventures

[edit]

In June 2025, Bernardino and his Cup of Joe bandmate Raphaell Ridao endorsed Filipino makeup brand Careline's Oil Control Face Powder.[29] In July, Bernardino joined Angat Buhay's relief operations to help communities affected by storms and the southwest monsoon ("habagat"), which caused flooding in different parts of the Philippines.[30]

Personal life

[edit]

In 2025, Bernardino came out as pansexual, explaining that he is attracted to other people of any gender.[26][31]

Discography

[edit]

Main article: Cup of Joe (band) § Discography

Albums

[edit]

Extended plays

[edit]
  • Patutunguhan (2023)[33]

Singles

[edit]

Note: The following are selected single songwriting credits featuring Gian Bernardino.

  • "Nag-iisang Muli" (2019)
  • "Sinderela" (2019)
  • "Alas Dose" (2019)
  • "Sagada" (2020)
  • "Bukod-Tangi" (2020)
  • "Estranghero" (2022)
  • "Tingin" (with Janine Teñoso) (2023)
  • "Misteryoso" (2024)
  • "Sandali" (2025)

Filmography

[edit]

Online/Digital

[edit]
Year Title Role Ref.
2025–present G on Top Himself [14]

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Ref.
2021 Quaranthings The Series Kulas [34]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Ref.
2022 Kubli Danyel [35]
2023 Microplastics Hero (as a teen) [36]

Music videos

[edit]
Year Title Artist Note Ref.
2024 "Misteryoso" Cup of Joe Lead role [9][11]
2025 "Bagong Buwan" J-Quinn [12]
"Sandali" Cup of Joe Directorial debut [18]
2026 "Sino Ang Tanga" Maris Racal [20][21]

Awards

[edit]
Award Year Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
New Hue Video Music Awards 2025 Vocalists of the Year Gian Bernardino Won [37]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Attributed to multiple sources: [4][24][25][26][27]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Gabinete, Jojo (July 31, 2025). "Cup of Joe members, mga promding sikat na sa buong Pilipinas" [Cup of Joe members are provincial guys who are famous in the whole Philippines]. Philippine Entertainment Portal. Archived from the original on August 4, 2025. Retrieved February 17, 2026. Dahil mga Ilocano sila, hindi nila umano isinasara ang pintuan sa paglikha ng Ilocano songs sa mga darating na araw na isang paraan ng pagpupugay sa kanilang lahi. (transl. Because the [Cup of Joe members] are Ilocanos, they say they're open to writing Ilocano language songs in the future to honor their ethnicity.)
  2. ^ Pagulong, Charmie Joy (September 21, 2023). "Now brewing: Cup of Joe 'serves different blends of music' from Baguio". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on September 22, 2023. Retrieved February 16, 2026. CJ, Gian, Rapha and Gab are from Pangasinan, Sevii from Isabela while Xen is from Abra.
  3. ^ Baccay, Mark Elwyn (July 2024). "Gian Bernardino the Pop Star We Deserve". Metroscene Mag. Retrieved September 14, 2025.
  4. ^ a b c Cailing, Kryzzle (July 27, 2023). "#ParcinqFresh featuring Gian Bernardino". Parcinq. Archived from the original on July 27, 2023. Retrieved September 14, 2025.
  5. ^ a b Mapalo, Alec (August 29, 2020). "Mapalo: Creativity overload from Baguio composers". SunStar. Retrieved February 16, 2026.
  6. ^ Bernardino, Stephanie (September 12, 2023). "Baguio's musical brew: The Cup of Joe story". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved September 14, 2025.
  7. ^ Manaluz, Abigail (November 23, 2023). "'QCShorts 2023' Review: An assortment of talents". Sinegang. Archived from the original on December 15, 2023. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  8. ^ Baltar, Lé (November 26, 2023). "Review: Che Tagyamon's 'Tumatawa, Umiiyak' cuts above QCShorts Program 2023". Rappler. Archived from the original on November 26, 2023. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  9. ^ a b Go, Mayks (July 30, 2024). "Cup of Joe To Release "Misteryoso" Music Video Starring Bini's Jhoanna". Billboard Philippines. Archived from the original on July 30, 2024. Retrieved June 10, 2026.
  10. ^ Angan, Kara (May 17, 2024). "Cup of Joe Finally Drop Fan-Favorite Track 'Misteryoso'". Billboard Philippines. Archived from the original on May 18, 2024. Retrieved June 10, 2026.
  11. ^ a b Tabbada, Ghilieah Valeska (November 12, 2025). "The Stories Behind the 38th Awit Awards Song of the Year Nominees". Pulp. Retrieved June 10, 2026.
  12. ^ a b Posadas, Andrea (October 9, 2025). "7 Original Songs by "Drag Race PH" Queens That We're Putting On Repeat". When in Manila. Retrieved December 23, 2025.
  13. ^ a b Loreto, Julienne. "P-pop's Best in 2025". Positively Filipino. Archived from the original on February 4, 2026. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  14. ^ a b Posadas, Andrea (October 13, 2025). "Cup of Joe's Gian Bernardino Has His Very Own Podcast—Here's Why You Should Tune In". When in Manila. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  15. ^ Posadas, Andrea (November 26, 2025). "5 Filipino Podcasts on Entertainment and Pop Culture That Everyone Should Follow". When in Manila. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  16. ^ Go, Mayks (January 14, 2025). "A Track-By-Track Guide To 'Silakbo' By Cup of Joe". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved September 14, 2025.
  17. ^ Basina, Carby Rose (June 18, 2025). "Michelle Dee, Cup of Joe's Gian and Rapha, more join artist lineup for Pride March 2025". GMA News Online. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  18. ^ a b Roque, Nika (October 4, 2025). "Cup of Joe are rockstars in 'Sandali' music video". GMA News Online. Retrieved October 5, 2025.
  19. ^ Billboard Philippines (November 5, 2024). "Full List Of Concerts Happening In The Philippines In 2025". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved September 14, 2025.
  20. ^ a b c De Guzman, Alyana (February 13, 2026). "Maris Racal reveals the 'plot twist' with Cup of Joe's Gian Bernardino". ABS-CBN. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  21. ^ a b Songco, Pauline (February 13, 2026). "Gian x Maris? Cup of Joe vocalist stars in 'Sino Ang Tanga' MV". Daily Tribune. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  22. ^ "'TVP Express': Cup of Joe's Gian Bernardino talks 'Multo,' dream collab, concert". ABS-CBN News. ABS-CBN. March 17, 2026. Retrieved June 11, 2026.
  23. ^ Tabiolo, Jewil Anne M. (April 4, 2026). "When stars turn reporters: Best celebrity news presenters in recent years". SunStar Cebu. Archived from the original on April 5, 2026. Retrieved June 11, 2026.
  24. ^ a b c Baccay, Mark Elwyn (July 2024). "Gian Bernardino is the Rock Star We Need". Metroscene Mag. Retrieved September 14, 2025.
  25. ^ a b Regis, Ralph (October 7, 2025). "13 Halloween Costume Ideas Inspired by Your Favorite OPM Artists". Billboard Philippines. Archived from the original on October 7, 2025. Retrieved October 7, 2025.
  26. ^ a b c Mercado, Josh (September 12, 2025). "Cup of Joe's Gian Bernardino breaks rock band stereotypes". ABS-CBN. Archived from the original on September 17, 2025. Retrieved September 14, 2025.
  27. ^ Regis, Ralph (June 16, 2026). "To Be Brave, To Be Bold: Gian Bernardino Of Cup Of Joe". Billboard Philippines. Archived from the original on June 21, 2026. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  28. ^ a b Glorioso, Nica (March 4, 2024). "All the Funny Gian Bernardino Moments That Made Cup of Joe Fans Laugh". Nylon Manila. Archived from the original on October 15, 2024. Retrieved September 14, 2025.
  29. ^ Zabala, Veda Luna (June 23, 2025). "Beauty And A Beat: How Careline and Cup of Joe's Gian And Rapha Are Blurring Boundaries". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  30. ^ "Cup of Joe's Gian Bernardino Volunteers to Help Typhoon Victims". ABS-CBN. July 28, 2025. Retrieved September 14, 2025.
  31. ^ Purnell, Kristofer (February 13, 2026). "Plot twist: Maris Racal snaps pic with Cup of Joe singer Gian Bernardino". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on February 13, 2026. Retrieved September 14, 2025.
  32. ^ "Cup of Joe drops debut album 'Silakbo'". GMA News Online. January 17, 2025. Retrieved September 14, 2025.
  33. ^ ""Patutunguhan" EP by Cup Of Joe". Viva Records. Archived from the original on November 5, 2025. Retrieved June 10, 2026.
  34. ^ "Kulas - Quaranthings The Series". TVMaze. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  35. ^ "Kubli - Release Date, Reviews, Cast, and Where to Watch". Times Now. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  36. ^ "Microplastics - QCinema International Film Festival". QCinema International Film Festival. Archived from the original on November 13, 2025. Retrieved June 10, 2026.
  37. ^ Cerezo, Anna (July 27, 2025). "BINI, Maki honored at New Hue Music Video Awards 2025". ABS-CBN. Retrieved June 10, 2026.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gian_Bernardino&oldid=1360476554"