IV of Spades members' profiles: real names, birthdays, songs
This Filipino band rose to fame with their retro-inspired sound and vibrant image. Many fans are curious about the IV of Spades members, including their real names, birthdays, and hit songs. Their music and personalities have made them standout figures in the OPM scene.
Source: Instagram
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Who are the IV of Spades members?
- Who are the original members of the IV of Spades?
- Who are the members of the IV of Spades and their roles?
- 1. Blaster Silonga
- 2. Badjao De Castro
- 3. Zild Benitez
- 4. Unique Salonga
- Where did IV of Spades come from?
- When did IV of Spades start?
- IV of Spade albums
- IV of Spades songs
- IV of Spades awards and nominations
- Which Ivos member left?
- Which IV of Spades song has the most streams?
- When did IV of Spades disband?
Key takeaways
- IV of Spades is a Filipino rock band formed in 2014 in Metro Manila by Allan “Daddy A” Silonga.
- The original members were Zild Benitez, Blaster Silonga, Badjao De Castro, and Unique Salonga, each with distinct roles (vocals, guitar, bass, drums).
- Unique Salonga left the band in 2018 to pursue a solo career.
- The band gained major recognition with hit songs like Hey Barbara, Mundo, and Ilaw Sa Daan, and released their debut studio album ClapClapClap! in 2019.
- IV of Spades is known for its retro-inspired ‘70s fashion, falsetto-driven sound, and multiple awards, including wins at the MYX Music Awards.
Who are the IV of Spades members?
IV of Spades (stylised in all caps and pronounced “Four of Spades,” often shortened to “IVOS”) is a Filipino rock band from Metro Manila, Philippines. The group consists of Zild Benitez (vocalist, bassist, keyboardist), Blaster Silonga (vocalist, lead guitarist), Badjao De Castro (backing vocalist, drummer), and Unique Salonga (vocalist, rhythm guitarist).
Who are the original members of the IV of Spades?
- Zild Benitez – Vocalist, bassist, and keyboardist
- Blaster Silonga – Vocalist and lead guitarist
- Badjao De Castro – Backing vocalist and drummer
- Unique Salonga – Vocalist and rhythm guitarist (former member)
Who are the members of the IV of Spades and their roles?
The members of IV of Spades each played distinct roles that contributed to their retro-inspired style and musical success. From vocals to instrumentation, every member brought a unique strength to the group’s identity.
Member | Role(s) | Date of Birth | Age (2026) |
Zild Benitez | Vocalist, Bassist, Keyboardist | April 23, 1997 | 29 |
Blaster Silonga | Vocalist, Lead Guitarist | September 30, 1999 | 26 |
Badjao De Castro | Backing Vocalist, Drummer | January 29, 1998 | 28 |
Unique Salonga | Vocalist, Rhythm Guitarist (Former Member) | March 26, 2000 | 26 |
1. Blaster Silonga
Source: Instagram
- Date of Birth: September 30, 1999
- Age: 26 years old as of 2026
- Father: Allan “Daddy A” Silonga
- Position: Vocalist and Lead Guitarist (IV of Spades)
- Instagram: @blastersilonga
Blaster Silonga was born on September 30, 1999, and is currently 26 years old. He is the lead guitarist of the popular Filipino band IV of Spades, known for their retro-inspired sound and vibrant performances. His father, Allan “Daddy A” Silonga, not only founded the band but also manages its activities, guiding the group’s career from the start.
To balance his busy music schedule, Blaster was homeschooled by his parents, allowing him to focus on both education and his growing career. He has three brothers—Ashanti, Alleinah, and Dave—and credits his family for their support throughout his journey as a musician. Today, Blaster Silonga remains a key figure in IV of Spades, contributing to the band’s unique sound and ongoing success in the Filipino music scene.
Is Blaster Silonga his real name?
Yes, Blaster Mitchell Medina Silonga is the real, full name of the Filipino singer-songwriter and IV of Spades guitarist. While he is commonly known mononymously as Blaster, his birth name is often cited in biographies and media, with his father being Allan Silonga.
2. Badjao De Castro
- Full Name: John Joseph “Badjao” De Castro
- Date of Birth: January 29, 1998
- Age: 28 years old (as of 2026)
- Position: Drummer and Backing Vocalist (IV of Spades)
- Instagram: @badjao_dc
Badjao De Castro was born on July 11, 1994, in the Philippines and is currently 31 years old. He is the drummer of the popular Filipino band IV of Spades, known for their energetic and retro-inspired performances. Badjao’s exceptional drumming skills have played a key role in making the band’s live shows and recordings memorable for fans.
As a core member of IV of Spades, Badjao De Castro contributes not only to the rhythm section but also to the overall dynamic sound that has helped the group stand out in the OPM scene. His talent and stage presence continue to earn recognition among music enthusiasts across the Philippines.
3. Zild Benitez
- Full Name: Zildjian Trafford Benito Benitez
- Date of Birth: April 23, 1997
- Age: 29 years old (as of 2026)
- Position: Lead Vocalist, Bassist, and Keyboardist (IV of Spades)
- Instagram: @zildbenitez
Zild Benitez was born on April 23, 1997, in the Philippines and is currently 29 years old. He was recruited to join IV of Spades by the band’s manager, Allan “Daddy A” Silonga, initially serving as the bassist before becoming the group’s lead vocalist. Zild gained early recognition by winning the Music Hero contest in the bass category, organised by Eat Bulaga!, showcasing his musical talent.
Apart from his work with IV of Spades, Zild Benitez has performed a bass cover of the classic song Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra. He has also collaborated with singer Shanne Dandan, blending his skills as both a bassist and vocalist. His contributions have made Zild Benitez a standout member of IV of Spades, helping define the band’s unique retro-inspired sound in the Filipino music scene.
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4. Unique Salonga
- Full Name: Unique Torralba Salonga
- Date of Birth: March 26, 2000
- Age: 26 years old (as of 2026)
- Position: Singer, Songwriter, Former Lead Vocalist of IV of Spades
- Instagram: @uniquesalonga
Unique Salonga is a Filipino musical artist who rose to prominence as the original lead vocalist of IV of Spades. He departed from IV of Spades in 2018 to pursue a solo career.
Where did IV of Spades come from?
The IV of Spades' beginning is not similar to that of other bands. Unlike other groups where members come together to start a group, IV of Spades was formed when the members were picked by Allan Silonga. Silonga was in the process of searching for band members who could team up with his son, Blaster. It is during this process that Allan came across the other three members of the group.
When did IV of Spades start?
IV of Spades is a famous indie rock and funk band based in the Philippines. It was founded by Allan "Daddy A" Silonga in 2014. The inspiration of these four members hails from a mix of classic rock, hip-hop, and disco. This band has gained so much popularity for its great music, and also for the members' fashion style. Their fashion style tends to be highly influenced by '70s outfits.
IV of Spade albums
Filipino band IV of Spades has released two studio albums, fifteen singles, four promotional singles, and twelve music videos. Here is a simple table of IV of Spades’ studio albums:
Title | Released | Label | Formats |
ClapClapClap! | January 18, 2019 (PHL) | Warner Music Philippines | Digital download, CD, streaming |
Andalucia | November 5, 2025 | Sony Music Philippines | Digital download, streaming, vinyl record |
IV of Spades released their debut studio album ClapClapClap! on January 18, 2019, under Warner Music Philippines. The album marked their official full-length debut and was widely performed during their post-2018 tours, solidifying their transition into a three-member band after Unique Salonga’s departure. Tracks from the album became staples in their live performances and major music festivals.
Their second studio album, Andalucia, was released on November 5, 2025, under Sony Music Philippines. This release represented a new era for the band, supported by promotional performances and live shows highlighting their evolved sound and continued presence in the Filipino music scene.
IV of Spades songs
The list of songs produced by these stars is endless. It includes hits such as Ilaw Sa Daan, Hey Barbara, Where Have You Been My Disco and Mundo. Other hit singles of this group include Bata, Dahan-Daha!, In My Prison, and Huli Na Ba Ang Lahat.
IV of Spades awards and nominations
This Filipino group has been nominated and has won various awards. The band was nominated for the Group of the Year Award at the annual MYX Music Awards. The band took home the New Artist of the Year Award at MYX. These members also won the MYX Bandarito Performance at the MYX Music Awards of 2018.
It is not a common thing to find artists who are still rocking outfits inspired by the '70s in this century. This aspect makes the IV of Spades stand out from their fellow artists in the Filipino music industry. They have released many songs over the years. Their falsetto-filled tunes have even made them win various awards.
Which Ivos member left?
Unique Salonga left the Filipino band IV of Spades (IVOS) in May 2018 to pursue personal endeavours
Which IV of Spades song has the most streams?
Come Inside of My Heart is the most-streamed song by IV of Spades, with 373.3 million streams and 3.6 million videos. These numbers make it the band’s biggest streaming hit, highlighting its strong popularity and lasting impact among listeners.
When did IV of Spades disband?
The band went on hiatus on August 21, 2020, and returned in 2025 with the release of their single "Aura" and subsequently released their second and most recent album, Andalucia, on November 5, 2025. Their musical style has been described as "pop funk" and funk rock by the local press.
Learning more about the IV of Spades members gives fans a deeper appreciation of their journey and music. From personal profiles to chart-topping songs, the IV of Spades members continue to leave a lasting mark on the industry.
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