When the pandemic introduced Cup of Joe to a growing online audience, Gian Bernardino quickly stood out as one of the band’s voices, helping turn the group into one of the country’s biggest OPM acts. Beyond his powerful performances as the band’s lead vocalist, however, he has always approached every song as a story to be lived and interpreted, something that naturally reflects an actor’s instinct. Now, with music firmly established as part of his identity, Gian is taking the next step in his artistic journey by pursuing the craft he first dreamed of long before becoming a recording artist.
Bernardino has officially signed with Viva Artists Agency (VAA) while also securing a movie contract with Viva Films, marking the beginning of his professional acting career.
The decision wasn’t made on impulse. Instead, the 24-year-old artist believes the timing finally aligns with where he wants to take his creativity after Cup of Joe’s remarkable success.“It feels like the perfect timing kasi I believe we’ve achieved great lengths na in terms of music and I want to expand my artistry by entering film din,” he said.
Although many fans know him primarily as a singer, acting has always been part of his ambitions. In fact, Bernardino revealed that cinema captured his heart even before music did. “First love ko talaga ang film in its essence,” he shared.
His fascination with film dates back to his childhood in Qatar, where he grew up as the son of an overseas Filipino worker. During those years of adjusting to life abroad, television became both a refuge and a source of inspiration. “Kasi noong lumalaki ako, I think it’s every child’s dream na makita ang sarili nila sa TV. Bilang isang anak ng OFW na lumaki sa Qatar, ang nagiging escape ko lang during those times na nag-a-adjust kami, nanonood ako ng TV,” Bernardino shared.
He even recalled dreaming of becoming part of the long-running children’s program “Goin’ Bulilit.” “Meron akong pangarap noon na makasali sa ‘Goin’ Bulilit,’ he revealed. “So even before I discovered na gusto ko rin maging performer, gusto ko munang maging artista. It’s definitely one of my plans, entering the industry.”
Way before his latest signing, Bernardino had already started building experience in front of the camera. During the pandemic, he appeared in independent projects, including the digital series “Quaranthings: The Series” in 2021, before taking roles in the short films “Kubli” and “Microplastics.” He also appeared in the music videos for J-Quinn’s “Bagong Buwan” and Maris Racal’s “Sino Ang Tanga.”
For Bernardino, acting is another avenue for storytelling, one that also enriches his work as a musician. He said, “I’m a storyteller by heart. Every time na nabibigyan ako ng acting project, I get to see myself in a different perspective. In a way, napaghuhugutan ko rin ng inspiration yung mga istorya na ginagampanan ko.”
His interest in filmmaking also extends behind the camera. In 2025, he directed Cup of Joe’s hit music video “Sandali,” adding directing to the growing list of creative disciplines he hopes to explore.
Even as he expands into acting, Bernardino stressed that music will remain at the center of his career. Bernardino said, “Ever since, ang pinakaprinsipyo ko as a person, I wanna live for the arts. So, ito yung gusto kong gawin hanggang sa pagtanda ko.”
He emphasized that pursuing film is not something he views as competing with his responsibilities as a musician. “I won’t treat it as a distraction. I will treat it as something that would make me a better artist. Kumbaga, kung na-start ko yung childhood ko as a performer, I want it to be fully realized ngayon na abot-kamay ko na yung mga ganyang opportunities. It would definitely be challenging, pero I won’t let it be a distraction sa music,” Bernardino added.
The transition also comes with the encouragement of his Cup of Joe bandmates, who have supported his aspirations from the very beginning.
“Ever since nung nag-start kami, they’ve always seen me as that full-rounder performer. Nung pandemic pa lang, nag-try na akong sumali sa mga indie film and series. Nung sinabi ko sa kanila, full support naman sila, and I am really thankful for that.”
As he begins this new chapter with Viva, Bernardino already has dream collaborators in mind. “I would like to work with fellow Viva artists ko, Anne Curtis and Sarah G,” he revealed.
Among them, Sarah Geronimo remains a personal inspiration because of the path she carved from music into acting.
“Isa po siya sa pinaka-inspiration ko. Kasi nag-start din siya as a singer and then she explored her artistry by exploring film and TV.”
For Bernardino, stepping into acting is less about trying something new and more about coming full circle. The performer who first connected with audiences through music is now returning to a childhood dream—bringing the same passion for storytelling from the concert stage to the silver screen.
