Ben&Ben Opens Up About Jam’s Departure and the Memories They Will Never Forget
BEN&BEN – As Jam Villanueva prepares to leave Ben&Ben in 2026, the band shared an emotional message about how the drummer changed their lives and became an unforgettable part of their story.
Ben&Ben is preparing for a new chapter without drummer Jam Villanueva, but the band made it clear that her influence and the memories they shared over nine years will remain an important part of their journey.
The group recently reflected on Jam’s upcoming departure during the listening party for their new album, “Nine,” which also celebrates their ninth anniversary in the music industry. Although their lineup is set to change in 2026, the members emphasized that Jam’s contributions to their lives and music will never be forgotten.
Percussionist Andrew de Pano expressed how the band would continue carrying the memories and lessons they gained from their time together.
“We talked among ourselves just a while ago na parang hindi mawawala ‘yung nine years that we spent together. Once Jam leaves and does her thing, you know, dala pa namin ‘yun eh. Dala pa namin ‘yung impact niya sa amin,” said Andrew.
Andrew also highlighted how significantly Jam influenced the lives of her bandmates throughout their years together.
“It’s crazy how much one person can change your life. And she has changed these eight lives. And hinding-hindi ‘yun mawawala eh. So whatever we might look like next year, andoon si Jam sa amin. Andun siya sa amin,” he said.
Meanwhile, the band has yet to make concrete plans regarding Jam’s replacement as drummer, choosing to focus on their journey one step at a time.
“And if you want specifics, like drummer, ‘di pa namin ‘yun iniisip, basta meron ‘yan. We’ll figure it out, you know. We’ll figure it out one day at a time,” Andrew added.
Beyond celebrating their anniversary, “Nine” also looks back on the experiences and uncertainties that shaped the band’s music over the years.
Lead vocalist and acoustic guitarist Miguel Benjamin explained that uncertainty played a significant role in inspiring their songs, including “Maybe The Night.”
“Actually, the answer to that is quite abstracted. But I would say, uncertainty itself birthed the songs,” he explained.
Miguel recalled how the members embraced their experiences and friendships rather than worrying about what the future might bring.
“And that’s why I also fearlessly forecast that that’s how songs will come out in the future. Even if we don’t know what it looks like. Whether as eight, or who knows, nine again? We don’t know,” said Miguel.
“But I guess, what is creativity and music making if not taking risks and embracing uncertainty? So that’s how we’ve always been and that’s how we always will be,” he added.
Jam previously announced that 2026 would be her final year with Ben&Ben after nine years together. Through “Nine,” the band celebrates not only its achievements but also the people who helped shape its story, including Jam, whose impact will endure beyond her departure.
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