Ben&Ben drummer Jam Villanueva wrapped up her nine-year stint with the band during the “Saranggola” concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday, Oct. 2.
“Saranggola” concert marked the band’s final concert as a complete nine-member group, as Villanueva is set to bid farewell to Ben&Ben.
Even before entering the stage, Villanueva was already emotional.
Villanueva delivered an emotional farewell before thousands of fans, known as the Liwanag, and her eight bandmates as the group celebrated its music, friendship, and years together.
“Nine years ago, we were just kids, screaming, playing stages and playing music as a career. And here we are now,” Villanueva said.
She expressed her gratitude to the band’s supporters, management, collaborators, and everyone who had believed in their music throughout the years.
“I feel so grateful for everyone. For every single Liwanag who’s been listening to our music since day one. For our management who’s believed in our music and what this is ever since,” she said.
“Because we would never be on this stage right now if it weren’t for you guys,” she added.
Villanueva also reflected on the lessons she learned from her bandmates throughout their journey, crediting them for helping her become more confident and for teaching her about love, friendship, and facing hardships together.
“I think, speaking personally, I wouldn’t be this confident person speaking in front of thousands of people if it weren’t for these people in front of me right now,” she said.
“They’ve taught me a lot. Taught me about love, about friendship, and the importance of everything. Doing everything together through hardship and through everything joyful. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko kung wala kayong lahat,” Villanueva added.
She also thanked her bandmates for accepting her and allowing her to be herself.
“And I just want to thank my bandmates for being there for me and for being here with me. And for letting me be who I am,” she said.
Villanueva likewise thanked the Liwanag for spending their time and effort to attend the concert, describing the event as a celebration not only of Ben&Ben’s music but also of the friendship they built over nine years.
“Thank you so much for giving your time. Thank you for the effort of coming over here and spending this night with us. This night is a celebration of not just our music but our friendship for over the nine years,” she said.
She recalled the emotional process of making the band’s new album, saying the sessions allowed the members to reminisce about their journey together.
“And a testament to that is our new album. Making that album was crazy because we were just reminiscing the whole time and it always brought us to tears. Joyful tears. Remembering everything,” she said.
“Time is the one thing that gives everything meaning. Cherish every moment, every second, and every little fleeting time that passes because every second will never, ever be back,” she told the crowd.
The “Saranggola” concert marked Ben&Ben’s final performance as a complete nine-member lineup, with Villanueva previously announcing that 2026 would be her final year with the band.
Her departure follows a difficult period after she suffered a wrist injury in April 2025. She was later diagnosed with De Quervain’s tendinosis, a condition affecting the wrist and thumb that significantly limited her ability to play the drums and required an extended period of rest and recovery.
With her final performance, Villanueva formally closed her nine-year chapter with Ben&Ben, leaving the stage as the group celebrated the memories and music they had created together.
