Drummer Jam Villanueva and Ben&Ben: The Beautiful, Bittersweet Farewell

2026 is officially going to be a year of transition for the Filipino folk-pop heartthrobs, Ben&Ben.

It’s the kind of news that hits you with the same emotional weight as a live performance of “Maybe the Night”—Jam Villanueva, the powerhouse percussionist who’s anchored their signature sound for nearly a decade, has announced that next year will be her last gig with the band.

Let’s be real, this is huge. Jam isn’t just a drummer; she’s the pulse of that nine-piece phenomenon. She’s the person who makes the Ben&Ben experience feel like a rhythmic, communal hug.

The Personal Beats That Changed Her Rhythm

The reason for her departure is deeply personal, and honestly, incredibly relatable. It boils down to two pivotal life events that made her press pause and re-evaluate the whole show:

1. She got married (Hello, married life!). This often comes with a shift in priorities, demanding a balance that touring life rarely allows.
2. She got a serious wrist injury. A diagnosis of “Drummer’s wrist” isn’t just painful; for a professional musician, it’s a terrifying crossroads. It forced her to see a life where maybe the constant, punishing demand of being in one of the biggest bands in the country isn’t sustainable anymore.

As Jam herself put it, these moments “developed and strengthened my values and, in turn, redefined the life I see myself living.” Can you blame her? We all reach a point where we choose the quieter, healthier path over the roar of the crowd.

It Was Right There in the Music

The most gut-punching part? She confirmed the fan theories about their recent song, “Saranggola” (Kite).

        “Yes, ako ‘yung ‘Saranggola.'”

The song is about letting go, letting someone fly off on their own journey while cherishing the connection. By identifying herself with the kite, Jam gave us a beautiful, musical closure—the band wrote her farewell before she even announced it, a testament to how close they are. It proves that this isn’t some bitter fallout; it’s a mutual, loving release. It’s the highest form of #friendshipgoals.

A Legacy of Good Vibes and Liwanag

For eight years, Jam has been a core member of this incredible “chosen family,” as she calls them. She gave the backbone to the songs that soundtracked a generation of Filipino lives.

So, while it absolutely stings to see her go, there’s a certain beauty in this goodbye. It’s not a sudden, messy break. It’s a well-telegraphed, deeply intentional final curtain call. She’s giving the Liwanag (the fans) all of 2026 to celebrate her and her legacy with the band.

It’s bittersweet, but ultimately, it’s a beautiful thing to witness a person prioritizing their well-being and happiness. We’ll be shedding a tear or two next year, but we’ll also be cheering Jam on as she chases her new beat.