It was a full house for Original Pilipino Music (OPM) band The Juans as fans gathered for their “In the Room Live” last April 22 at Create Studios, Level 4, Ayala Vertis North. The sold-out event also doubled as the premiere night for the band’s latest single Ngiti and its short film-style music video.
Fans, collectively known as Juanistas, filled the venue not only for the live performances but also for the first public screening of the band’s short music film, which was witnessed onsite by the band alongside those who starred in the music video, Dustin Yu and Bianca De Vera.
Throughout the night, the band performed a setlist of fan favorites, including Hatid, Naiwan, Istorya and Ngiti. They capped off the show with Atin Ang Mundo, ending the evening on a high note that matched the energy of the packed venue.
The release of Ngiti marks a new chapter for the band as it continues to connect with listeners through emotionally grounded storytelling.
Dustun Yu’s Instagram
Known for songs that lean into themes of love and heartbreak, The Juans carried the same tone into Ngiti, anchored on the message na may liwanag sa dulo ng bawat dilim. This is reflected in the music video, allowing the story to unfold in a more personal and relatable way.
“Yung song na ’to, it is a song about hope and healing,” said Japs Mendoza, lead guitarist of The Juans. “Finding comfort sa mga sakit na bagay. Sinasabi rin nito na yung healing hindi siya instant. Hindi siya immediate. Kailangan din siya ng panahon.”
Japs added that the song reflects a process rather than a fixed moment. “Makikita natin na hindi tayo agad lumalakas. Unti-unti. And just give it time. And that’s Ngiti.”
Beyond its sonic direction, the band also described the song as something they live out in their daily lives.
“As a group, we always find a reason to laugh and smile, no matter how tough and challenging situations we face,” shared Carl Guevarra, the keyboardist. “In that very basic sense, we live by the song in small moments. You can always find a reason to smile.”
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That idea of choosing joy, even in ordinary ways, became central to how they framed the track during the event.
When asked about the deeper message of the music video, the band pointed to a more reflective takeaway that connects directly to its narrative.
“If there’s one lesson that I want people to get from it, it’s to value life,” Carl said. “We see the characters (in the music video) who went through an accident, and their reason to smile is because they believe they still have a chance at life.”
He added that the message extends beyond the film itself. “Tayo na still alive, we still have a chance to live. Let’s always find a reason to smile. Kahit simpleng bagay lang, because life is beautiful when we learn to find reasons to smile.”
While the music video explores heavier emotional ground, its live premiere was met with excitement from both fans and collaborators.
For Dustin and Bianca, collectively known as DustBia, the project was both a career milestone and a full-circle moment.
“Well, gaya ng lagi naming sinasabi, it’s really an honor. Of course, it’s our first time working with The Juans and grabe, such a breeze working with them,” Bianca shared. “Honestly, at first, sobrang intimidated kami sa kanila, from high school hanggang ngayon, we’ve always been fans of them. Lahat ng mga hugot nila talaga inaabangan namin.”
Despite the initial pressure, the experience turned out to be memorable for both.
“Working with them for the first time, I will really remember this forever and ever,” Bianca said.
They also pointed out the band’s hands-on involvement in the creative process was something that stood out to them while filming.
“Kakaibang experience. Nung paggawa nila ng mga kanta nila, may hugot at nararamdaman talaga namin. Nilagyan talaga nila ng puso ang kanilang trabaho,” Dustin said. “Grabe kung paano sila magmahal sa mga fans nila. Sobrang nakaka-inspire.”
Beyond the visuals and performances, both actors emphasized the message behind Ngiti, which they hope resonates with viewers.
“Yung kanta tungkol yun sa mga taong pasuko na sa buhay, pero nakahanap sila ng rason para ngumiti,” Dustin said.
“Besides na mapangiti sila, sana, some of them can sort of relate to the story. Sana rin maka-hugot sila ng inspiration. I hope this music video also gives them some sort of hope in a way,” Bianca added.
The strong turnout during the premiere night reflects the steady support for The Juans, whose music has continued to find an audience that connects with its sincerity.
As Ngiti gains momentum online, The Juans are also preparing for a milestone in their career — an upcoming Europe tour that will bring their music to international audiences.
“Excitement with a little bit of fear, to be honest,” they admitted. “Every country is different. Iba-iba yung tipo ng Pinoy sa bawat bansa. We’re anticipating fresh faces, fresh vibes.”
Still, the band expressed enthusiasm about finally meeting fans who have long supported them from afar.
“Maraming Pilipino marahil ang sinamahan ng mga kanta namin habang sila ay nag-ge-get over sa heartbreak or nahihirapan sa kanilang LDR,” Carl said. “Finally, to be in the room with them face to face, we look forward to sharing moments that we will all remember for the rest of our lives.”
They also took time during the interview to acknowledge their supporters both locally and abroad.
“Maraming salamat sa pagiging dahilan ng mga ngiti namin. And asahan niyo na gagawin namin yung best namin para hindi lang kayo saktan sa mga hugot songs na ginagawa namin, pero mapangiti din tayo sa happy songs namin,” said bassist member Chael Adriano.
“Thank you for supporting us. Sa pupuntahan namin sa Europe, it’s gonna be our first time performing there. We are so excited to see you,” said acoustic guitarist RJ Cruz.
The short film music video for Ngiti is now streaming on The Juans’ official YouTube channel. The band’s Europe tour is scheduled to kick off on May 31 in Milan, followed by Paris on June 6, Spain on June 7, and Frankfurt on June 12.
