Cover Ben&Ben’s ‘The Traveller Across Dimensions’ in Cebu, 2025 (Photo: Perci Mansueto; courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment)
Ben&Ben’s ‘The Traveller Across Dimensions’ in Cebu, 2025 (Photo: Perci Mansueto; courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment)
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Following a health-related setback, the Ben&Ben returns to the road—carrying new music and a sharpened sense of direction
After a brief but necessary hiatus, Filipino folk-pop band Ben&Ben has resumed the Philippine leg of its The Traveller Across Dimensions album tour, adding new stops and reaffirming its commitment to music with purpose.
The tour’s revival comes after drummer Jam Villanueva was diagnosed with De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis and Drummer’s Wrist on her left hand—conditions that required time away from the stage to allow for healing. Originally launched with a concert in Cebu City in May, the tour was temporarily put on hold in June to accommodate Villanueva’s recovery.
In the intervening weeks, the band took stock. “We have grown together as a band and as people, but we know that there is still a lot of room for improvement,” Ben&Ben shared in a statement. “What we have realised over the past weeks is that when we are faced with seemingly impossible challenges, we are led to a very important moment of realisation. At this moment, we begin to understand that one of the ways we can overcome our struggle is by understanding the purpose of everything that we do.”
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That sense of purpose aligns closely with the themes of The Traveller Across Dimensions, a concept album that follows a character named Liwanag through different phases of personal growth. Across twelve “dimensions,” she composes songs that reflect experiences of innocence, struggle and maturity. According to the band, the record draws heavily from their own experiences and evolution over the past several years—both as individuals and as a collective.
“A life of purpose entails a journey of self-discovery, struggle, growth, meaningful connections and positive contribution,” the band said. “All these have been part of Liwanag’s journey, and part of ours as well. Seeing the songs come alive on stage will allow you to appreciate that journey, that purpose, even more. We would love for you to be part of our shows.”
The tour’s resumption features three dates across the country: Bacolod City at the University of St La Salle Coliseum on August 16, Baguio City at the John Hay Convention Center on August 23 and Davao City at the Holy Cross of Davao College Gym on August 30.
The setlist includes tracks from the new album as well as the band’s best-known songs. Also featured is Saranggola, a single released in April that has steadily gained popularity as an anthem of friendship.
Above Ben&Ben’s ‘The Traveller Across Dimensions’ tour poster (Photo: courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment)
Ben&Ben’s ‘The Traveller Across Dimensions’ tour poster (Photo: courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment)
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The band has also renewed its recording deal with Sony Music Philippines, marking a continuation of the relationship that began in 2019 with the release of their debut studio album Limasawa Street. Their second album, Pebble House Volume I: Kuwaderno, went on to win Album of the Year at the Awit Awards. An extended play and a series of new singles are currently in development.
“I am incredibly honoured and excited that Sony Music Philippines is renewing our partnership with Ben&Ben,” said Roslyn Pineda, general manager of the label. “They are not just one of the biggest artists on our roster, but also some of the most brilliant and inspiring talents of their generation. Their music has infused our country with hope and positivity and I look forward to embarking on this new chapter together.”
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Ben&Ben Music Production general manager Socorro Guico echoed the sentiment: “We are truly grateful to Sony Music Philippines for taking good care of the band since we started working together in 2019. We at Ben&Ben Music Production are fortunate to be given the chance to work with organisations who share our desire to use music as a means to inspire positive change and meaningful connections. We look forward to a long, fruitful partnership with Sony Music Philippines.”
The band also recently performed a one-night-only show in Lincoln, California at the Thunder Valley Casino Resort, marking one of their few international appearances this year.
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
