Fresh from the success of their Tawid: Live Concert, The Juans gathered with members of the press, including Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP.ph), at an exclusive listening party for their newest album Tawid on September 4, 2025, at Trinoma.
The group—composed of Carl Guevarra, Japs Mendoza, Chael Adriano, and RJ Cruz—used the intimate event to reflect on the stories behind their music, the struggles of completing the ambitious project, and most importantly, the role faith has played in shaping both their artistry and longevity in the OPM scene.
FAITH AT THE CORE OF THEIR MUSIC
When asked about the worship portion of their concert, Carl of The Juans was quick to point out that faith has always been at the heart of the group's artistry.
For them, music is not just about entertainment but a platform to bring people closer to healing.
“Usually po sa mga interview namin, isa sa mga key question is, how does your faith play into the way you do things? And yung Tawid Live is an expression of how our faith plays into how we do our music, how we live our lives. It's integral to what we do,” Carl explained.
He went on to describe how intentional The Juans are in carving out a worship moment during the show.
“We wanted to have a space wherein God can move and God can just, you know, minister to people.
"Kasi nga, bilang alam namin na yung mga songs namin may certain depth and may certain hatak siya for people to be vulnerable, we don't want to waste the moment that people are open and people are vulnerable.
"Na as they expose their brokenness, we don't just wanna stop there na, ‘Okay, ansakit 'no? Okay, bye.’ We want to also be true to what we say na we're here from hugot to healing.
"We believe that it is only God that can heal their broken hearts. And therefore, we really create that space,” Carl said.
What made the moment even more impactful was its spontaneity.
Not everything was scripted or rehearsed, Carl said. “If you observe, there are moments there na walang lyrics kasi di rin alam nung team namin na ‘Hala! Kakantahin pala yan?’ So, it was really spontaneous.”
For the group, it was not about making a statement but about staying authentic to who they are.
“Kami po ay nagsimula as worship leaders sa aming simbahan. Kami po ay mga musician sa aming simbahan.
"So, we always want to go back to that, not to prove anything, hindi para magbigay ng statement or may patunayan sa mga tao.
"But if we're gonna be real, if we're gonna be an authentic artist, hindi po mawawala yung part na yun,” Carl added.
PURPOSE OVER POPULARITY
Looking back on their 10-year career, The Juans said theirjourney has never been about chasing fame.
Instead, they said, they learned to anchor their music and decisions on a deeper purpose.
“I think the best lesson that we are embracing is, again, it's all about purpose, not popularity… longevity is the name of the game. It's not chasing a hype, it's not being on top all the time, but it's about living our purpose every chance we get,” Carl said.
He talked about how the entertainment industry can be unforgiving, with seasons of self-doubt.
“Hindi naman po palaging mountaintops. Minsan may valleys, minsan may moments wherein may self-doubt, may comparison. So, yung focusing on the purpose is what kept us showing up every day,” he admitted.
The band believes that as long as its music touches lives, it is fulfilling what it is meant to do.
“Hangga't mayroong nakaka-appreciate ng music namin, hangga't meron tayong soul na nata-touch, and we're living out the purpose, that's the fulfillment for us,” Carl shared.
This sense of purpose has also guided them in making tough creative choices, especially in curating the final track list for Tawid.
Despite having written 20 to 30 potential songs, they only included those that truly reflected their present state in life.
“It was more of really committing to the messaging, storytelling. Pero ang isang guiding light po namin ay gusto naming sumulat from a place where we actually are.
"Kung nasaan kami at this point of life. Kung sa anong edad namin, sa emotional state namin, sa pinagdadaanan namin sa buhay, ganun. Gusto naming magsulat from there,” Carl explained.
CROSSING OVER TO THE NEXT SEASON
For The Juans, Tawid represents more than just an album.
It symbolizes a transition into a new chapter, both personal and professional.
“I would say this whole Tawid Live is not just for the people that we're playing for. It's also for us… this is literally our Tawid moment as well because we believe that after this season, God will take us to a different place, God will take us to a different level,” Carl said.
The concert itself featured a symbolic act: taking a literal step forward at the prompting of their "mentor," which Carl said is a reminder of what’s next.
“Sabi niya, ‘Take a step forward.’ And everybody kind of, like, did that step forward. And for us, yun din yung tawid namin e, na parang, okay, sampung taon tayo pero what's next for us? I'm not sure but if God is with me, then I'll take the next step, and that's kind of what we did here,” he recalled.
This faith-driven perspective doesn’t just inspire the band—it also influences their fans.
Many of their listeners have reconnected with their spiritual roots because of The Juans’ music.
Carl shared, “Marami po sa mga listeners and fans namin niyan nagvo-volunteer na sa church, part na ng worship team kasi kumakanta na rin.
"And even nung mismong event, may mga nag-tag sa akin na parang, ‘Oh, hey, I used to be a worship leader. I lost my passion, but when I watched you guys, I was reminded of my first love.’”
As The Juans embrace this new era, one thing is clear: their music is no longer just about telling stories of heartbreak or hope—it is about living out a mission rooted in faith and purpose.
With Tawid, they continue to prove to themselves that what sustains a band is not just talent and popularity, but an unwavering belief in something greater than themselves.