Being twins is often seen as magical—two people sharing one heart, one rhythm, one unspoken connection. But for Miguel and Paolo Guico of Ben&Ben, it’s more than that. It’s a story of deep love, silent struggles, and the courage to carve their own paths.
In a heartfelt interview with Nelson Canlas for 24 Oras, the twins spoke candidly about their unique bond and the challenges that come with it.
Miguel laughed as he recalled how their friends sometimes get “twin-confused.”
“Mahira’p siya para sa mga kaibigan namin,” he shared. “Sometimes, my friends would tell me a story, I’d react, then later Paolo comes in and asks the exact same thing—so they end up repeating everything!”
But beyond the fun quirks, Miguel admitted that being a twin also comes with constant comparisons.
“It’s a very special kind of bond,” he said. “But people often compare us—and that’s one of the hardest parts.”
Paolo nodded, opening up about how those comparisons once took a toll on him.
“Growing up, si Migs talaga ang favorite ng mga tito at tita. Our parents tried to shield us, but it still made me feel like I wasn’t enough,” he confessed. “You grow up with that pain… but eventually, you find your way.”
Like all siblings, they had their share of petty fights. But now, those same fights may come back in a whole new arena. This September, Miguel and Paolo will debut as The Voice Kids Philippines’ first-ever duo coach—sharing a single red chair and making joint decisions for their team.
Miguel admits he’s both excited and nervous.
“It’s an interesting dynamic. What if I really love a kid’s performance, but Paolo has reservations, and we run out of time to decide? Hopefully, we don’t end up fighting again,” he said, half-joking but clearly thoughtful.
The brothers also admitted the pressure of stepping into an entirely new role.
“We’ve never judged a competition before,” Miguel shared. “We’re nervous, but we’re learning a lot. It’s about sharing what we know, but also being open to learn along the way.”
Joining them this season are fellow new coach Zack Tabudlo, along with returning coaches Julie Anne San Jose and Billy Crawford. The show premieres September 14 on GMA Network, with Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes hosting.
For Miguel and Paolo, this new journey is more than just music—it’s about embracing their bond as twins, learning to trust each other, and guiding the next generation of young artists together.
