Ben&Ben drummer Jam Villanueva to exit band in 2026
The drummer of Ben&Ben will give her one last beat as part of the folk pop band in 2026.
In a video posted on Ben&Ben's social media pages late Thursday, Dec. 11, musician Jam Villanueva announced her imminent departure from the band.
"There's no easy way to say this... next year, 2026, is my last year with the band," she began.
She cited two contributing factors for leaving the band, namely, her marriage in 2024 and her wrist injury the following year.
"These two events have developed and strengthened my values and, in turn, redefined the life I see myself living," she said.
Villanueva narrated how it has been her childhood dream to play music and how she cherished the experiences of being with the band.
"This was the start of the biggest, craziest, in a good way, most fun, and most surreal part of my life. Along the way, I learned many important, crucial life lessons. I gained deep friendships and a chosen family that I know I will have and cherish forever," she said.
She then made a revelation, especially for Liwanags, Ben&Ben's fans, as she referenced one of the band's latest songs about friendship and changes.
"Yes, ako yung saranggola. And just like the song, the greatest and the most important part of all of this is the friendships and relationships I've gained through it all," she mused.
"Let's make next year a fun and memorable one. Love you, Liwanag," she concluded her message.
In a May 2025 Instagram post, the band announced that Villanueva was diagnosed with De Quervain’s tendinosis and "Drummer's wrist" that affected her ability to play the drums.
The nine-piece band Ben&Ben started playing in 2016. It's comprised of Villanueva, twins Paolo and Miguel Benjamin Guico, Poch Barretto, Agnes Reoma, Andrew De Pano, Toni Muñoz, Keifer Cabugao, and Patricia Lasaten.
Sa Susunod na Habambuhay, Leaves, and Kathang Isip are some of their hit songs.
