Cup of Joe, VXON bring OPM beyond Metro Manila at Gen Z Live in Bacolod

Pop Alt/Rock band Cup of Joe and P-Pop group VXON will bring their distinct sounds together for an unforgettable night.

As OPM continues to reach wider audiences across the country and beyond, regional stages have become more than just tour stops. They have become spaces where artists and fans forge deeper connections.

This July 18, two of today’s biggest young acts, Cup of Joe and VXON, are set to share the stage at Gen Z Live: Bacolod at the SM City Bacolod Skyhall. While their musical styles may differ, both groups carry the same goal: bringing Filipino music closer to audiences outside Metro Manila and proving that OPM resonates wherever people are willing to listen.

For VXON, every live performance has become an opportunity to grow.

‘hopeful to meet more people’

Fresh from staging their second major concert, KALAWAKAN: The Evolution, the group reflected on how an eventful year of performances has shaped them as artists. C13 shared that each show has strengthened not only their confidence on stage but also their appreciation for the people who continue supporting them.

“Marami kaming natutuhan throughout those performances and sobrang nag-e-enjoy lang kami whenever we’re on stage. Seeing the smiles sa audience namin na na-e-enjoy yung music, yung mga ginagawa natin, it really gives us more motivation to continue what we’re doing,” he said.

Beyond improving their performances, VXON sees Gen Z Live as another opportunity to introduce both their music and OPM to more listeners across the country.

“Hopefully mas marami pang makakilala, not just sa aming VXON, but sa OPM artists dito,” C13 added, expressing excitement over bringing their music to audiences in the Visayas and Mindanao through L-Squared Productions’ regional shows.

The group’s growing audience remains one of the milestones they cherish the most.

Looking back, VXON recalled how they once counted the handful of Vixies who would attend their events. Today, after successfully mounting two editions of their KALAWAKAN concert, they see their expanding fanbase. Proving that their dreams are gradually becoming reality.

“We want to have an impact,” the group shared. “Gusto naming maging part ng story ng buhay nila.”

That same desire to connect with people is something Cup of Joe has also experienced, even beyond the Philippines.

With their songs reaching listeners across generations and even international audiences who may not understand Filipino, Rapha believes music itself has become the bridge.

“Music is a universal language,” he said. “You may not understand it, but you can feel it sa pakikinig mo.”

He added that the band’s growing reach comes not only from writing songs about love and life but also from the dedication each member pours into their craft.

“I think lahat ng ‘yon napunta sa nagawa naming music kaya mas na-feel ng audience na our songs are for everyone.”

On regional tours

For Cup of Joe, returning to Bacolod also carries a special meaning.

The city served as the final stop of their first regional concert tour, Silakbo: The Concert Tour. Making the upcoming Gen Z Live performance feel like a heartfelt homecoming. Gian fondly recalled the warmth and overwhelming support they received from Bacolod’s Joewahs, describing the experience as unforgettable.

“Hanggang ngayon nafi-feel pa rin namin… parang perfect place siya as a finale talaga. Grabe yung warmth na na-feel namin nung nandun kami,” he shared.

Both groups also agreed that performing outside Metro Manila has become one of the most fulfilling aspects of their careers.

For Patrick of VXON, regional shows allow artists to fulfill their purpose of inspiring people through music.

“When you put something with heart, faith, and commitment… sobrang fulfilling niya,” he said.

Gabriel of Cup of Joe echoed the sentiment. He recalled that before becoming artists themselves, they were once fans eagerly waiting for OPM acts to visit their hometowns.

“Ngayon, bilang isa sa nagtatayo ng bandera ng OPM, gusto namin maka-inspire ng other artists, coming-up artists, and gustong maging artists.”

Rather than feeling pressured by regional performances, both groups admitted they feel more excited than anything else.

“Dun kami nag-start,” Gian shared, recalling Cup of Joe’s early days performing in cafés in Baguio, schools, and provincial venues.

VXON’s Franz also said the group enjoys discovering listeners in places they least expect.

“Na-e-excite kami na mag-perform kasi di namin alam yung ie-expect. Nagugulat na lang po kami na may iba po pala kaming listeners doon.”

For Sam, regional tours are also crucial in expanding the reach of Filipino music.

“Ang kahalagahan ng isang regional tour is to widen our reach… hanggang mapaangat namin ang OPM itself.”

Franz added that these performances also make live music more accessible to fans who may not have the opportunity to travel to Metro Manila.

Gen Z Live in Bacolod and Cebu

As Cup of Joe and VXON prepare to meet fans once again in Bacolod, Gen Z Live serves as more than just a night of performances. It reflects the growing movement of bringing Filipino music closer to communities across the country. One city, one stage, and one audience at a time.

Following its Bacolod stop on July 18, Gen Z Live continues its regional run with Gen Z Live Cebu on July 26, 2026, at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, featuring VXON, G22, and AJAA, continuing its mission of bringing OPM and P-Pop to audiences across the Visayas.

Tickets are still available at SM Ticket outlets nationwide and via online at www.smtickets.com.