At the OFFLIMITS Festival in Abu Dhabi, the beloved indie folk-pop band proves that Filipino stories—and sounds—belong on the world’s biggest stages.
Filipino music is going global, and Ben&Ben is leading the way. Formed in 2017, the band is known for its poetic lyrics, layered harmonies, and a sound that blends folk, pop, and rock influences. Comprised of twin brothers Paolo and Miguel Guico along with seven other talented musicians, Ben&Ben quickly rose to fame with hits like Kathang Isip, Leaves, and Maybe the Night, earning them a devoted following known as the ‘Liwanag’ community. At the recent OFFLIMITS Music Festival in Abu Dhabi, the nine-piece band from Manila performed alongside Ed Sheeran, OneRepublic, and Kaiser Chiefs—a proud moment for Filipino representation on the world stage.
“We felt the luckiest to meet Ed Sheeran again,” said Paolo Guico of Ben&Ben. “What amazes us most—beyond his talent—is the warm, genuine connection he makes with everyone.”
Just weeks earlier, Ben&Ben opened for Sheeran’s Mathematics Tour in Manila, sharing the stage with Calum Scott. Their chemistry with Sheeran was clear, both on and off stage.
“We met Ed Sheeran. We did karaoke with him. We performed on his iconic round stage. Our frontmen performed Maybe The Night with Ed and his amazing band,” the group posted on social media.
Before Abu Dhabi, Ben&Ben also released a heartfelt cover of Sheeran’s track “Azizam”, which he reposted on Instagram—further cementing their growing connection. Backstage, the artists shared laughs and posed for a photo. “Mabango siya,” the band joked.
Sheeran, who is also exploring new global influences in his upcoming album, continues to evolve his sound while championing meaningful musical connections.
Ben&Ben’s New Era: The Traveller Across Dimensions
Ben&Ben is also evolving. Their third studio album and tour, The Traveller Across Dimensions, will bring them to fans in Cebu, Bacolod, Davao, Singapore, and the U.S.
The concept album follows a character named Liwanag, who journeys through three symbolic realms: Light (innocence), Energy (struggle), and Feel (maturity). The 12 tracks reflect the band’s personal and artistic growth, introducing city pop and electronic sounds to their indie folk roots.
From Manila to the World
Ben&Ben’s rise is backed by top international promoters: Ovation Productions (Philippines and Singapore), AEG Presents Asia (Singapore), and NY Entourage Productions (U.S.).
“Ben&Ben’s talent is world-class,” said Bogie de Guia of Ovation Productions. Bryan Mosko of AEG added, “Their following is huge—we’re excited to bring them to global stages.”
Nancy Yang, CEO of NY Entourage, shared: “They’re one of the hottest Philippine bands today. We’re proud to showcase them in the U.S.”
From jamming with Ed Sheeran to launching a concept-driven tour, Ben&Ben is proving that Filipino music doesn’t just belong on the global stage—it shines there.
“It’s about bringing our stories—and the stories of every Filipino—to the world,” the band shared. “We’re honored to be carrying that light.”
