Ben&Ben

Ben&Ben is a nine-piece Filipino folk-pop band from Manila, formed in 2016 by twin brothers Paolo Benjamin Guico and Miguel Benjamin Guico, who serve as lead vocalists and acoustic guitarists.^[1][2] The ensemble, which includes Poch Barretto on electric guitar, Agnes Reoma on bass, Keifer Cabugao on violin, Pat Lasaten on keyboards, Toni Muñoz and Andrew de Pano on percussion, and Jam Villanueva on drums, is noted for its heartfelt lyrics centered on themes of hope, love, and positivity, delivered through acoustic-driven arrangements and energetic live performances.^[1] The band has garnered substantial commercial success in the Philippines, amassing over one billion streams on Spotify and holding the record for the most Original Pilipino Music (OPM) number-one hits on the platform, with nine songs simultaneously charting in the Spotify Philippines Top 50.^[1][3] Ben&Ben's achievements include multiple Awit Awards, recognition as the most-streamed OPM artist in 2021, and the Best Asian Band at the 2022 BandLab NME Awards, alongside international performances at events such as Clockenflap in 2019 and South by Southwest in 2020.^[1][4][5]

History

2016–2018: Formation and early years

Ben&Ben originated as the duo The Benjamins, formed by twin brothers Paolo Benjamin Guico and Miguel Benjamin Guico in 2016, with the siblings handling lead vocals, acoustic guitars, and keyboards.^[2] The pair gained initial recognition that year by securing second runner-up and Best Music Video awards at the PhilPop Music Festival for their composition "Tinatangi," performed by Bayang Barrios and Cooky Chua.^[2] In December 2016, the duo rebranded as Ben&Ben and independently released their self-titled debut extended play (EP) on December 17, which included tracks such as "Ride Home."^[2][6] Following the EP's launch, the band expanded into a nine-member ensemble by enlisting additional musicians: Poch Barretto on electric guitar and backing vocals, Jam Villanueva on drums, Agnes Reoma on bass, Patricia Lasaten on keyboards, Andrew de Pano and Toni Muñoz on percussion, and Keifer Cabugao on violin.^[2] The enlarged group signed with Warner Music Philippines shortly after their debut EP and continued building momentum through live performances, including an appearance at Singapore's Music Matters festival in September 2017.^[7][2] In 2017, they released the single "Maybe the Night," further establishing their indie folk-pop sound rooted in acoustic arrangements and harmonious vocals.^[2] By 2018, Ben&Ben participated in collaborative sessions such as Coke Studio Philippines, showcasing their evolving ensemble dynamics and songwriting collaboration.^[2]

2019–2022: Breakthrough and mainstream success

In 2019, Ben&Ben achieved a significant milestone with the release of their debut studio album Limasawa Street on May 12 under Sony Music Philippines, marking their transition to a major label and broader commercial reach. The title track featured production by renowned British producer Steve Lillywhite, whose involvement brought international production expertise influenced by his prior work with acts like U2. Lead singles "Pagtingin" and "Araw-Araw" contributed to the album's critical acclaim, emphasizing themes of love and optimism, while the project solidified the band's folk-pop sound with intricate harmonies and instrumentation.^[6][8] Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the band maintained momentum through targeted releases, including the protest anthem "Kapangyarihan" featuring SB19 in 2020, which addressed government responses to the crisis and garnered attention for its socio-political commentary. This period also saw Ben&Ben emerge as Spotify's most-streamed Original Pilipino Music (OPM) group in 2020 and 2021, driven by sustained plays of earlier hits like "Kathang Isip" alongside new material. Their sophomore effort, Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno, arrived on August 29, 2021, achieving immediate streaming dominance with all 12 tracks entering Spotify's Philippines Top 200 within three days and seven reaching the Top 10.^[9][10] The album's success translated to major accolades, including the Awit Award for Record of the Year in 2021 for "Di Ka Sayang" and Album of the Year in 2022 for Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno, where they secured five trophies overall. Additionally, Ben&Ben won the NME Award for Best Band in Asia in 2022, recognizing their regional influence and artistic growth. These achievements, coupled with sold-out digital concerts and consistent chart performance, cemented their mainstream prominence in the Philippine music scene by the end of 2022.^[11][12]

2023–present: International expansion and recent developments

In 2024, Ben&Ben expanded internationally with their Autumn Tour in Canada and the United States, featuring performances in Vancouver, British Columbia, on October 25 and San Jose, California, on October 27, among other North American dates.^[13] This followed domestic successes and marked a step toward broader global reach for the Filipino band.^[14] The band released their third studio album, The Traveller Across Dimensions, on November 29, 2024, as a concept album accompanied by an interactive animated concert experience launched in December.^[15] Supporting this project, they initiated the The Traveller Across Dimensions World Tour, beginning with a Philippine leg that included the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila on December 14, 2024, followed by shows in Cebu on May 24, 2025; Bacolod on June 8, 2025; and Davao on June 22, 2025.^[14][16] International dates for the tour extended to Lincoln, California, on July 12, 2025, and Singapore on December 14, 2025, with the band expressing intentions to add further stops based on demand.^[17][18] Additional Philippine resumption dates included Bacolod on August 16, 2025; Baguio on August 23, 2025; and Davao on August 30, 2025.^[19] In early 2025, Ben&Ben renewed their partnership with Sony Music Philippines, paving the way for new singles and projects.^[19] They issued the single "Tomorrow With You" on February 14, 2025, focusing on themes of resilient love amid uncertainty.^[20] Later collaborations included a reimagined version of Moira's "I'm Okay" released on July 4, 2025, and an announced joint project with Thai band Tilly Birds in September 2025.^[21][22] These efforts, alongside tour expansions, positioned the band for continued growth beyond the Philippines.^[23]

Artistry

Influences

Ben&Ben's musical influences encompass a blend of international contemporary artists and Filipino folk traditions, contributing to their signature indie folk-pop sound characterized by layered harmonies and narrative-driven compositions. The band has frequently cited British rock band Coldplay as their primary inspiration, praising the group's ability to diversify sonically over decades while preserving an authentic emotional core.^[24] This admiration is evident in Ben&Ben's covers, such as their rendition of Coldplay's "Yellow" performed in June 2025.^[25] Additional international influences include guitarist John Mayer, whose melodic and improvisational style informs their instrumental arrangements, as well as Paramore for dynamic rock elements and Earth, Wind & Fire for rhythmic and harmonic complexity.^{[24] [26]} More contemporary figures like jazz innovator Jacob Collier and soul-funk ensemble Sammy Rae & The Friends also shape their experimental harmonies and ensemble interplay.^[24] Domestically, Ben&Ben draw from Filipino folk artists and traditions, emphasizing storytelling and cultural narratives that underpin their lyrics and acoustic foundations as the nation's leading folk ensemble.^{[26] [27]} Personal familial elements, such as the musical guidance from vocalist Miguel Guico's mother Val Guico, further infuse their work with introspective and heritage-rooted motifs.^[28] These diverse sources enable Ben&Ben to evolve iteratively, as seen in their exploration of new styles on albums like The Traveller Across Dimensions.^[29]

Musical style

Ben&Ben's musical style is primarily folk-pop, characterized by a blend of folk, world, and indigenous stylings integrated with pop sensibilities.^[1] This approach yields heartfelt lyrics paired with unique musicality, often resulting in anthemic and emotive tracks that emphasize storytelling, a hallmark of Filipino folk traditions.^[27][1] The band's nine-piece lineup enables complex, layered arrangements featuring acoustic guitars, violin, keyboards, bass, electric guitar, drums, and multiple percussion instruments.^[1] Twin brothers Paolo and Miguel Benjamin Guico provide lead vocals and acoustic guitar, contributing to signature rich vocal harmonies that drive the emotional depth of their compositions.^[1] These elements create a dynamic sound, from intimate acoustic passages to fuller, orchestral-like builds, as heard in hits like "Kathang Isip" and "Leaves," which showcase violin swells and percussive interplay.^[30] Over time, Ben&Ben has broadened their sonic horizons beyond initial folk roots, incorporating pop-rock influences and experimental structures while maintaining core acoustic and harmonic foundations.^[31] This evolution is evident in albums like Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno, where diverse instrumentation supports varied tempos and moods without abandoning their foundational emotive style.^[1]

Themes and lyrics

Ben&Ben's lyrics frequently center on interpersonal relationships, emotional vulnerability, and personal resilience, with recurring motifs of love's complexities, heartbreak, and healing. Tracks like "Kathang Isip" (2019) examine unrequited affection and the tendency to romanticize failed partnerships, as the song's narrator grapples with idealized memories amid lingering pain.^{[32] [33]} Similarly, "Leaves" (2017) addresses forgiveness and reconciliation, using natural imagery to symbolize emotional release and the potential for renewed connection after relational strife.^[34] Hope and overcoming doubt emerge as uplifting counterpoints in songs such as "Could Be Something" (2020), which the band describes as a transformation of skepticism into optimism, emphasizing revival after disillusionment.^[35] This theme extends to broader reflections on commitment and acceptance, as in "Dear" (2022), where lyrics underscore love as an active choice despite imperfections.^[36] More recent releases like "Comets" (2024) contemplate impermanence and loss, finding purpose amid transience.^[37] In their sophomore album Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno (2021), the band's songwriting incorporates sociopolitical dimensions alongside personal narratives, tackling mental health struggles—as in "Lunod," which depicts overwhelming anxiety through drowning metaphors—and issues like empowerment, inequality, and power's corrupting influence.^{[38] [39] [40]} These elements reflect a maturation in lyrical scope, blending introspective folk sensibilities with commentary on societal pressures and Filipino identity.^[38] The bilingual nature of their discography—mixing Tagalog and English—allows nuanced expression of these universal yet culturally rooted emotions, often employing figurative language to evoke longing, pain, and catharsis.^[41]

Personnel

Current members

Ben&Ben is a nine-member Filipino indie folk-pop band. The current lineup, stable since the band's formation, includes twin brothers Miguel Benjamin Guico and Paolo Benjamin Guico as lead vocalists and acoustic guitarists; Poch Barretto on lead guitar and backing vocals; Patricia "Pat" Lasaten on keyboards and backing vocals; Agnes Reoma on bass guitar; Andrew de Pano on percussion and backing vocals; Toni Muñoz on percussion, backing vocals, and occasional lead vocals; Ella Villegas on violin; and Anni Nergic on drums.^[42][7]

• Miguel Benjamin Guico: Lead vocals, acoustic guitar (founding member, 2015–present).^[42]
• Paolo Benjamin Guico: Lead vocals, acoustic guitar (founding member, 2015–present).^[42]
• Poch Barretto: Lead guitar, backing vocals (joined 2016).^[42]
• Pat Lasaten: Keyboards, backing vocals.^[42]
• Agnes Reoma: Bass guitar.^[42]
• Andrew de Pano: Percussion, backing vocals.^[42]
• Toni Muñoz: Percussion, backing vocals.^[42]
• Ella Villegas: Violin.^[42]
• Anni Nergic: Drums.^[42]

This ensemble configuration has supported the band's performances and recordings through 2025, including their world tour dates and collaborations.^[15][43]

Formation and changes

Ben&Ben originated in 2015 when twin brothers Paolo Benjamin Guico and Miguel Benjamin Guico established the group under the name The Benjamins, focusing on acoustic guitar and vocals.^[2] The duo changed the band's name to Ben&Ben in 2016, reflecting their surname, ahead of releasing their debut EP 1000 Years.^[44] The ensemble expanded in 2017 to include seven additional members, forming the core nine-piece configuration that has defined the band's sound: Poch Barretto on lead guitar and backing vocals, Jam Villanueva on drums, Agnes Reoma on bass, Patricia "Pat" Lasaten on fiddle and mandolin, Toni Muñoz on ukulele and percussion, and Andrew De Pano on piano and keyboards.^{[27] [45]} This addition shifted the group from a duo to a full folk-pop band capable of layered instrumentation and harmonies.^[2] No personnel changes have occurred since the 2017 expansion; the nine members have maintained consistent involvement in recordings, performances, and creative decisions through 2025.^[27] Recent activities, such as international collaborations and tours, continue to feature the original lineup without reported exits or new additions.^[45]

Discography

Studio albums and EPs

Ben&Ben released their debut extended play, a self-titled EP, in 2016 through the independent label Sindikato, consisting of seven tracks including "Ride Home" and "Kathang Isip," which helped establish their early indie folk sound.^[46] The band's first studio album, Limasawa Street, arrived on May 12, 2019, via Sony Music Philippines, comprising 13 tracks that expanded on their folk-pop style with contributions from the full nine-member lineup.^[47] Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno, their sophomore studio effort, was issued on August 29, 2021, also under Sony Music Philippines, featuring 10 original songs recorded amid the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasizing introspective themes. The third studio album, The Traveller Across Dimensions, followed on November 29, 2024, containing 13 tracks that incorporated more experimental production elements while maintaining the band's signature harmonious vocals and instrumentation.^[48]

Singles and collaborations

Ben&Ben's early singles, released under the initial moniker The Benjamins, included "Tinatangi" in 2015, marking their debut as a songwriting duo.^[44] Following their expansion into a full band and the self-titled EP in December 2016, they issued "Kathang Isip" on June 23, 2017, which later served as the theme for the television series It's Okay to Not Be Okay and achieved chart success upon re-entry in 2025.^[49][50] "Leaves," another EP track, propelled their rise in the indie folk-pop scene.^[2] Preceding their debut studio album Limasawa Street in 2019, the band released lead singles "Araw-Araw" and "Pagtingin," both produced by Jean Paul Verona, which emphasized their signature harmonious vocals and acoustic arrangements.^[2] For the 2021 sophomore album Pebble House Vol. 1: Kuwaderno, singles like "The Lighthouse" and "Array" showcased evolving production, while soundtrack contributions such as "Kathang Isip" reinforced their commercial footprint.^[2] Post-2021 releases shifted toward introspective themes amid international ambitions. "Could Be Something" dropped on June 30, 2023, signaling a new phase with its focus on potential and resilience.^[51] That year concluded with "Autumn" on November 24 and a full-band rendition of "Courage" on December 1, both non-album tracks emphasizing emotional depth.^[52] In 2024, "COMETS" arrived on May 10, offering themes of comfort and hope, followed by "Triumph" on October 18 as part of buildup to their third album The Traveller Across Dimensions.^[53][54] By 2025, singles included "Saranggola," debuting via Pinoy Big Brother, and additional tracks tied to ongoing projects.^[55] The band's collaborations often integrate guest artists into their folk-pop framework, enhancing thematic layers. On Pebble House Vol. 1, they partnered with SB19 for "Buwan, Buwan, Buwan," blending indie elements with P-pop energy, and featured Young K of Day6 on a remake of "Leaves" (titled "Huling Sandali") in 2021, bridging Filipino and K-pop audiences.^[56] Additional tracks from the album involved Juan Karlos, Zild of IV of Spades, and KZ Tandingan, contributing to a collaborative volume released August 29, 2021.^[57] A 2023 duet version of "Autumn" with actress Belle Mariano expanded its reach in multimedia contexts.^[58] In 2025, "Heaven" united them with Thai indie rock trio Tilly Birds on September 25, marking cross-regional synergy in their expanding discography.^[59][60] These partnerships, often tied to albums or charity efforts like COVID-19 relief, highlight Ben&Ben's role in fostering OPM interconnections without compromising their core sound.^[57]

Live performances and tours

Major concerts and events

Ben&Ben's Homecoming Concert, held on December 18, 2022, at the SMDC Festival Grounds in Pasay, Philippines, drew an estimated 65,000 attendees, marking one of the band's largest solo performances to date.^[61][62] The event featured a setlist spanning the band's hits, including "Kathang Isip" and "Leaves," and served as a capstone to their breakthrough year following the success of their album Liwanag sa Dilim.^[63] On March 9, 2024, Ben&Ben opened for Ed Sheeran's Mathematics Tour at the SMDC Festival Grounds in Manila and joined him onstage for a performance of their collaborative track "Maybe the Night," highlighting their growing international collaborations.^[64] The appearance underscored the band's appeal to global artists, with Sheeran praising their vocals during the joint rendition.^[65] The band contributed to the opening ceremony of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup on August 25, 2023, at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan, performing alongside artists like Sarah Geronimo and The Dawn for an audience tied to the international sporting event. In a similar high-profile collaboration, Ben&Ben shared the stage with SB19 at the Filipino Music Awards on October 21, 2025, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, delivering a rendition of "Kapangyarihan" that closed the ceremony and celebrated original Pilipino music.^[66][67] Ben&Ben's "The Traveller Across Dimensions" concert on December 14, 2024, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena introduced an innovative animation-concert hybrid format, blending live music with synchronized visuals to promote their third album.^[68][69] Earlier, during the COVID-19 pandemic, they hosted the online benefit concert "Puhon!" on March 27, 2020, to support frontliners combating the virus outbreak.^[7]

World tours

Ben&Ben conducted their inaugural international tour, "Live On Tour 2022," across North America, commencing on September 23, 2022, at the Fox Theater in San Francisco and concluding on October 15, 2022, in New York.^[70] The itinerary featured 10 dates in Canada and the United States, including performances on October 1 at MacEwan Hall in Calgary, October 2 at Midway Music Hall in Edmonton, October 6 at ENSO in Vancouver, and stops in Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington D.C., and other cities.^[71] Due to scheduling adjustments, the San Francisco and Los Angeles shows were rescheduled to later in October.^[71] In autumn 2024, the band returned to North America for a targeted tour spanning Canada and the United States, with confirmed dates including October 25 at a venue in Vancouver, British Columbia, and October 27 in San Jose, California.^[13] Ben&Ben's "The Traveller Across Dimensions" world tour, launched in late 2024, incorporates international legs beyond the Philippines, resuming with a July 12, 2025, performance in Lincoln, California, followed by additional North American dates such as November 17 in Beverly Hills and others in Canada.^[19] The tour extends to Asia, including a debut Singapore concert on December 14, 2025, at the Arena@Expo, marking their first show in the city-state.^[72] This outing supports their third studio album of the same name and emphasizes multidimensional themes in their live presentations.^[73]

Advocacy and social positions

Charitable initiatives

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ben&Ben launched the "Puhon" initiative in March 2020, organizing an online fundraising concert titled "Puhon: A Ben&Ben FB Live Event for the COVID-19 Efforts" to support frontline healthcare workers.^{[74] [75]} The event, which included the debut of their music video for "War," aimed to raise ₱5 million for the One Nation Against COVID-19 movement, funding COVID-19 test kits, personal protective equipment (PPE), and nutrition support; it achieved 92% of the goal through donations via GCash, PayPal, and bank transfers.^[76] In September 2020, the band followed with "Puhon 2," another online benefit concert supporting the Balik Eskwela Project to aid students and teachers facing resource shortages amid school disruptions.^[77] On June 4, 2025, Ben&Ben was appointed as mission ambassadors for Caritas Philippines' Alay Kapwa program during its 50th anniversary celebration, a long-standing initiative providing aid to the poor and marginalized through feeding programs, shelter, healthcare, and student support.^{[78] [79]} The ambassadorship aligns with Alay Kapwa's BE 1N A MILLION campaign, seeking one million donor-partners nationwide; band members Miguel Guico emphasized youth involvement in advocacy, while Paolo Guico highlighted selfless service driven by time and compassion rather than expectation of returns.^[78] To mark the milestone, Ben&Ben headlined a benefit concert, "Sa Kapwa Ko Ay Alay: 50 Taon ng Pag-asa," on July 8, 2025, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.^[80]

Political and social stances

Ben&Ben has incorporated political and social commentary into their music and public performances, emphasizing themes of government accountability, abuse of power, and the need for public service integrity. Their 2022 collaboration with SB19 on the song "Kapangyarihan," released ahead of the Philippine national elections on May 9, 2022, critiques power dynamics, portraying authority as a tool for service rather than domination, with lyrics urging leaders to heed the people's voice.^[81][82] The track's music video depicts scenarios of unchecked authority leading to societal harm, reinforcing a message that ultimate power resides with the masses.^[83] In the context of the 2022 elections, Ben&Ben publicly supported Vice Presidential candidate Leni Robredo by performing at her campaign rallies, aligning with calls for ethical governance amid polarized political discourse.^[83] Band member Paolo Guico has articulated a dual approach to crises, advocating simultaneous support for relief efforts and scrutiny of governmental responsibility, as stated in response to typhoon-related disasters in November 2020.^[84] This stance extends to broader societal issues, with tracks like "Nakikinig Ka Ba Sa Akin" (released November 2020) addressing mutual respect and dialogue in politically charged environments.^[84] More recently, on September 21, 2025, Ben&Ben performed "Araw-Araw" and "Kapangyarihan" at anti-corruption protests in Manila, including at the People Power Monument and EDSA Shrine, protesting alleged anomalies in government flood control projects amid Typhoon Carina's aftermath.^[85][86] These performances, part of nationwide rallies dubbed the "Trillion Peso March," highlighted demands for transparency in public spending, with the band using their platform to amplify criticisms of fiscal mismanagement.^[87] Earlier that month, at the Filipino Music Awards on October 22, 2025, they reprised "Kapangyarihan" with SB19, prefaced by appeals for good governance from the performing artists.^[85] Such actions position the band as vocal advocates against corruption, though they have not formally endorsed political parties beyond electoral support instances.

Reception

Critical response

Ben&Ben's debut album Limasawa Street (2019) was praised by critics for its optimistic themes of love and hope, unified through diverse sonic elements in a folk-pop framework.^[6] Reviewers highlighted the album's ability to evoke emotional resonance via layered instrumentation from the nine-member ensemble, though some noted variability in track quality, with standout heartfelt moments amid lighter fare.^[88] The band's sophomore release, Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno (2021), earned acclaim for its introspective depth amid the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting a "purest form" of Ben&Ben's collaborative voice across nine sensibilities.^[89] Esquire Philippines commended its multilayered exploration of exhaustion, mental health, and feminism in tracks like "Magpahinga," "Lunod," and "Sabel," alongside socially pointed critiques in "Kapangyarihan" featuring SB19, positioning it as an essential original Pilipino music (OPM) work.^[89] Minor critiques focused on occasional wordplay, such as in "Pasalubong," but overall, it was celebrated for uplifting universality in closers like "Ilang Tulog Na Lang."^[89] Their third album, The Traveller Across Dimensions (2024), received more tempered responses, with Rolling Stone Philippines critiquing its failure to deliver emotional immersion or narrative cohesion in its concept-driven framework around the fictional world of Liwanag.^[90] Despite praises for matured songwriting in selections like "Could Be Something," "Burn," and "Courage," and lush production incorporating synthesizers and guitars, the review faulted the restrained storytelling and detached thematic integration, rating it 2.0 out of 5 for lacking substance relative to the band's technical prowess.^[90] Critics have broadly appreciated Ben&Ben's evolution from earnest folk-pop debut to thematically ambitious releases, attributing their strengths to communal songcraft and OPM innovation, though recent efforts reveal challenges in balancing grand scale with personal vulnerability.^[24][90]

Commercial performance

Ben&Ben has achieved substantial commercial success in the Philippine music market, primarily through digital streaming and chart performance rather than traditional physical sales, reflecting the dominance of platforms like Spotify in Original Pilipino Music (OPM). In 2023, the band was recognized as Spotify's most-streamed OPM artist, accumulating over 371 million streams from 15 million listeners across 184 countries, equating to more than 25 million listening hours.^[91] Their flagship tracks have driven this growth, with "Kathang Isip" surpassing 356 million streams, "Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay" exceeding 269 million, "Pagtingin" over 245 million, and "Leaves" above 221 million as of late 2025 data from Spotify.^[92] On national charts, Ben&Ben ranked third among the top 10 artists of 2024 on the Official Philippines Chart, an industry-backed metric tracking streaming, downloads, and radio airplay, trailing only Hev Abi while competing closely with acts like Cup of Joe and Arthur Nery.^[93] The band maintained a dominant position as the leading OPM group on Spotify for four consecutive years prior to 2024, when BINI overtook them for the top group spot in the Philippines.^[94] Recent releases continue to chart, such as "Saranggola" debuting at No. 15 on the Billboard LyricFind Global chart in July 2025, underscoring sustained international lyric search interest.^[95] Under Sony Music Philippines, Ben&Ben's output has translated to broad commercial viability across streaming, radio airplay, and merchandise, positioning them as one of the most streamed Filipino acts historically, though specific physical album sales figures remain undisclosed in public records.^[96] Their follower base on Spotify exceeds 13 million, a milestone as the first Filipino artist to reach this level, supporting ongoing revenue from digital platforms amid OPM's shift toward streaming economics.^[97]

Public controversies and criticisms

In August 2024, Ben&Ben faced accusations of sidelining fellow artists during live events, reigniting a 2022 dispute raised by rock band Tanya Markova. Markova claimed that at the Camanava Grand Rally on March 26, 2022—part of a political campaign event—Ben&Ben performed earlier than scheduled, shifting from the 25th slot to the 17th and disrupting the lineup, which allegedly prevented other acts from performing as planned.^{[98] [99]} The issue resurfaced after Markova discussed it on the Koolpals podcast, where she noted other bands were upset but she was the only one to speak publicly.^[99] Similar allegations emerged from the iTam Night 2024 event at Far Eastern University Diliman on August 17, 2024, where Bicolana solo artist Dwta was unable to perform, with online backlash attributing the exclusion to Ben&Ben's involvement and claims of "singitan" (inserting themselves at the expense of others).^{[99] [100]} Ben&Ben denied responsibility for Dwta's exclusion, stating it stemmed from organizer decisions beyond their control, and emphasized their commitment to collaborative performances.^[99] On August 19, 2024, Ben&Ben issued statements via social media rejecting any intent to sideline artists, attributing disruptions to logistical failures by event organizers and noting they too faced delays in the 2022 rally.^{[98] [99]} The band apologized to affected performers, including Markova, with whom they met post-2022 event; Markova later confirmed that matter had been resolved amicably.^[99] In response, Ben&Ben introduced a contract stipulation requiring no cancellations or rescheduling of other acts for their participation and pledged continued outreach to support impacted artists.^[99] Organizers of subsequent events, including a February 2025 music festival, defended the band against claims of being difficult to work with, calling such characterizations unfair.^[101] Critics have also targeted Ben&Ben's artistic output, particularly their third studio album The Traveller Across Dimensions released in late 2024. A review in Rolling Stone Philippines described the 13-track concept album as featuring grand production and matured songwriting in select tracks like "Could Be Something" and "Burn," but criticized it for lacking emotional depth, coherent narrative, and relatable themes of self-discovery, resulting in an immersive world that felt vague and detached.^[90] The critique highlighted incoherent musical shifts and underdeveloped characters, rating the effort 2 out of 5 despite technical proficiency from the nine-member ensemble.^[90]

Accolades

Awards won

Ben&Ben has received multiple accolades from major Philippine music award ceremonies, particularly the Awit Awards, where they secured five wins at the 35th edition in 2022, including Album of the Year for Pebble House Vol. 1: Kuwaderno, Best Collaboration for "Sabel" featuring KZ Tandingan, Best Music Video for "Lunod", Best World Music Recording for "Sabel", and Best Musical Arrangement for "Upuan".^[102] At the 36th Awit Awards in 2023, the band won Best Pop Recording for "Paninindigan Kita", Music Video of the Year for the same track, and Best Performance by a Group Recording Artist (tied) for "Paninindigan Kita".^[103] They also claimed Most Streamed Artist at the 37th Awit Awards in 2024.^[104] In the MYX Music Awards 2021, Ben&Ben won Collaboration of the Year for "Paalam" with Moira dela Torre and Mellow Video of the Year for "Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay".^[105] At the 16th Star Awards for Music in 2024, they received Music Video of the Year for their revival of "The Way You Look at Me".^[106] Internationally, the band won Best Band from Asia at the BandLab NME Awards 2022.^[107] They also earned the Best Choice Award at the Asia Artist Awards 2023, held in the Philippines.^[108]

Nominations and recognitions

Ben&Ben has received multiple nominations from Philippine music award organizations, particularly the Awit Awards, reflecting their prominence in the local indie folk-pop scene. For the 35th Awit Awards held in 2022, the band secured 21 nominations across various categories for their album Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno and related singles.^[109] In preparation for the 38th Awit Awards in 2025, Ben&Ben submitted 16 entries for consideration across 12 categories, with five ultimately receiving nominations.^[110][111] Internationally, the band earned a nomination for Best Southeast Asian Act at the 2020 MTV Europe Music Awards, highlighting their regional appeal amid competition from acts across Southeast Asia.^[112][113] At the inaugural Filipino Music Awards in 2025, Ben&Ben's track "Saranggola" was nominated for Folk Song of the Year, underscoring their continued influence in genre-specific categories.^[114] In terms of broader recognitions, Ben&Ben was honored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) as a recipient of the 2021 SUDI National Music Awards, acknowledging their contributions to Philippine music development.^[115]