Fans and other artists are paying tribute to main vocalist Jaspher “Sphere” Cabangon of fresh P-Pop act ECHO after his passing on October 4, 2026. The music community in the Philippines has mourned his death with numerous tributes.
Having been in voice groups as a kid at church and the community, Cabangon was drawn into the world of P-pop as a young artist. He worked for a while before getting into the entertainment business and was also attending classes in Criminology, juggling his schooling with the training a new star needs.
In addition to Raf, Sphere joined P-pop group ECHO as a key lead vocalist and further defined and articulated the ECHO style in the early years. His vocal arrangement was noticeable in the group’s debut single titled ‘Ready to Rise‘ in August 2026.
He brings a choral background to his ability to perform harmonies, layered vocals and in live settings. He was known for his expressive vocals and command of control, enhancing ECHO’s performances during their promotion activities.
Together with other ECHO members Eoj and Rhency, Sphere started his idol training in 2023. His influences are reflected in his approach to performance and teamwork, which he has carried from Filipino P-pop pioneers SB19 to K-pop group SEVENTEEN.
After learning about his hospitalisation and death, ECHO’s management condoled and termed Sphere as a person who has been a source of light, warmth and joy to the people around him. The agency also requested privacy for his family, as an effort to make arrangements for public viewing was made.
Since then, the fans, who are now called “Waves,” have been setting up online memorials and streaming sessions of ECHO songs such as “ECHO,” “Leron Leron Sinta” and “Isa’t Isa (1+1).”
Sphere’s impact on ECHO’s early days has not gone unnoticed: his fledgling career may be short-lived, but it nonetheless left an indelible mark on the fledgling P-pop scene. The story of his life still speaks to young Filipino musicians who are seeking to learn music and at the same time follow their education and aspirations.
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