Ben&Ben drummer Jam Villanueva leaving band in 2026

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December 12, 2025 | 10:36am

MANILA, Philippines — Jam Villanueva, the drummer of Ben&Ben, announced her upcoming departure from the group as 2026 marks her last year with the folk-pop band. 

The instrumentalist had the announcement in a three-minute video posted on Ben&Ben's social media accounts.

"There's no easy way to say this. Next year, 2026, will be my last year with the band," said Jam. "Yes, ako 'yung saranggola. And just like the song, the greatest and most important part of all of this is the friendships and relationships I've gained through it all."

Jam is referring to Ben&Ben's single "Saranggola" released earlier this year, which revolves around friends parting ways but vowing to keep their relationship strong.

The lyric video for the song, uploaded last April, sees the band piecing kites together and helping Jam fly hers, which Liwanag (fans of Ben&Ben) are now reinterpreting as signs of her departure.

In the same video, Jam shared her long desire to play music and joining several bands before coming across eight individuals with whom she would form Ben&Ben — twins Paolo and Miguel Benjamin Guico, Poch Barretto, Agnes Reoma, Andrew de Pano, Toni Muñoz, Keifer Cabugao and Patricia Lasaten.

"This was the start of the biggest, craziest in a good way, most fun, and most surreal part of my life," Jam said. "Along the way I learned many important and crucial life lessons. I gained deep friendships and a chosen family I know I will love and cherish forever."

The drummer also mentioned gratitude for the band's team, management, collaborators, and fans for being pivotal in Ben&Ben being together for more than eight years.

The past couple of years have been significant for Jam having gotten married in 2024 and last April — around the time "Saranggola" dropped — she injured her wrist, limiting her participation in band activities.

"These two events have developed and strengthened my values and in turn, redefined the life I see living," Jam ended. "I hope to see you next year sa mga shows, events, and hangouts. Let's make next year a fun and memorable one. Love you Liwanag!"

Ben&Ben are currently preparing for the release of its "The Traveller Across Dimensions" concert film this December 14.

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