Celebrating a decade in the OPM scene, The Juans treated their beloved fans, the Juanistas, to a special live showcase of new songs from their upcoming album Tawid.
In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, vocalist and keyboardist Carl Guevarra shared how rewarding it was to finally mount the long-prepared showcase.
“Sobrang fulfilled and napakasarap sa pakiramdam dahil pinaghandaan namin ng matagal na panahon ay nagawa namin ng maayos at maganda,” Carl said.
Carl added that it was even more special hearing fans sing along to songs that have yet to be officially released.
“Isa pa, noong nakita namin yung response ng mga tao sa songs namin sobrang rewarding kasi yung iba kinakanta na agad,” he expressed.
Vocalist and acoustic guitarist RJ Cruz also added, “Excited pa rin kasi I think umpisa pa lang ito kasi we are yet to release a studio album and we will going to release also a live version of the album. It's a long way to go and it's a special time for us to really promote.”
During the showcase, the band performed tracks including “‘Di Na Masakit,” “Naiwan,” “Ako Na Lang, “ “Gusto Kita,” Ngiti,” “Tanda,” and “Magaan.” They also shared the stage with Janine Berdine for “Ano Ba Talaga Tayo?” and Rhodessa for “Missed Call.”
Each performance highlighted the member who wrote the song, as part of the group’s plan to give the showcase a unique album-focused approach.
“Plan po talaga namin this event na iba talaga ang atake na maiba po siya sa typical concert. Gusto namin talaga na album showcase. Gusto po namin talaga na maintroduce yung songs isa-isa para mas madama nila yung bawat songs,” vocalist and lead guitarist Japs Mendoza explained.
On collaborating with Janine and Rhodessa, bassist Chael Adriano said the band was grateful to work with artists they personally admire.
“Personal pick namin sila and sobrang grateful lang din talaga namin na nashare namin yung stage with them kasi sila yung mga artist na nilo-look up namin,” Chael remarked.
He went on: “They are very easy to work with mula recording ng song and up until ngayon makikita mo iyong suporta nila sa amin. We can’t wait na kami naman makabawi sa kanila and maka-make it up with them.”
Looking ahead, the band revealed their hopes of taking Tawid to bigger stages nationwide.
“That’s a dream,” RJ admitted, while Carl added, “It’s really the people. It’s up to them. Kami naman ay open.”
Chael teased that a Philippine tour is in the works, saying, “The dream is maging tour siya around the Philippines so watch out with the announcement.”
In a previous PUSH ABS-CBN interview, The Juans emphasized how important fan connection is, especially through campus tours and live events.
“Super important sa amin ‘yung connection with our fans, and one of the best ways to do that is through campus tours and live events. Iba kasi ‘yung energy ng kantahan kasama ang audience, lalo na ang mga students na sobrang passionate sa music,” they said.
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They went on: “Campus tours also allow us to inspire the youth, not just through music but through stories of perseverance and dreams. Masarap makipagkwentuhan at maramdaman ‘yung genuine love and support ng mga tao lalo na kapag nakikita namin silang nakikikanta sa amin.”
As they mark their 10th anniversary, the group reflected on the biggest lesson they’ve learned in staying strong as a band.
“Tuloy lang. Let's just keep going. It matters who you are with. Kanina, dalawang bagay yung feeling ko na nagsolidfy ng show- number one, personally I'm glad that I'm with you (band) and number 2, I'm confident because God is with me. I hope that is what the message that the people received na kasama natin si Lord.,” Carl expressed.