MANILA, Philippines — Being in the music industry for 17 years, Yeng Constantino is “honored” that she is still making music. The singer-songwriter feels that there is still more to learn in her craft.
“I feel like even though 17 years na ako sa industry, marami pa akong kakaining bigas,” she admitted during a press conference for Academy of Rock (AOR) held recently in Quezon City. Yeng has made her return as the global ambassadress of the said music school.
“For some reason, I still feel that way, but I’m not like disappointed or anything. I’m being realistic with myself that I have more dreams to achieve.”
She is still “grateful” for how things are going in her career and having the opportunity to represent the pop-rock genre in the Philippines. “I am a fan of Ma’am Reg (Regine Velasquez). Pero siyempre meron talagang like us who (have a different way of singing). And it’s a good feeling to see these young artists now who write and make their own songs. They are not afraid to be weird, anong kulay ng buhok and anong porma ang gusto nila.”
She is “very happy” to see the new generation of artists whom she considers her “kids” in the industry. “I am more encouraged to stretch my (music) boundaries na kung saan pwede pang pumunta yung music ko and to explore.”
Yeng is passionate about singing that it has never occurred to her to give up music despite the challenges. She told The STAR, “Wala po akong ibang (alam) gawin kundi ito lamang. Kaya pakiramdam ko kung wala na ako sa industry, baka mag-apply ako na teacher dito sa AOR (laughs).”
However, the biggest challenge for Yeng in her decade-long career is staying power in the entertainment business. She shared, “Because there were so many artists who joined reality singing contests na nandiyan. After they won, there were so many opportunities and gigs and then, poof! And it makes me sad because that’s the reality.” Yeng was hailed the grand winner of the reality singing contest Pinoy Dream Academy in 2006.
She, nevertheless, thanked the Lord for sustaining her music career. “That’s why when they asked me, more than anything, I am really grateful to the Lord. ‘Lord, thank you because I am still here,’” she declared.
“Sometimes, there will be a point in artists’ life where they get confused on what they really what to do. And in those times, you need a voice from outside to give you direction. So, I have that in my life,” she added and expressed gratitude to her Cornerstone Entertainment, Inc. family.
The message that she would like to tell her younger self is, “Just relax.” “Sometimes, I want to go back to the younger Yeng and say to her, ‘Just relax. Don’t be nervous, don’t be too sad.’ I was like that when I was younger. I think now that I’ve reached 17 years in the industry, I’m more relaxed… My heart is more peaceful that everything is gonna work out for good.”
Likewise, the 34-year-old music artist teased that she will release an all-original album soon.
During the AOR press event, she performed her hits Salamat and Hawak Kamay.
The Ikaw hitmaker was “excited” and “honored” to be the ambassadress of AOR again. “I am looking forward to collaborating with Academy of Rock with future projects that may include music production, songwriting or even mentoring upcoming artists,” she said.
“I believe in the power of music to enhance and enrich any person’s life and I know that it is also at the center of Academy of Rock’s heart and mission as they train new musicians, songwriters and music producers,” she furthered.
Founder of AOR Priscila Teo remarked, “The reason why I chose Yeng to be our ambassadress years ago was because of her authentic and genuine artistry, as well as her exceptional attitude that would serve as a wonderful role model for our students.”
“A whole decade later, those reasons have only deepened and solidified themselves, with her resilience and positive mindset through everything. Our connection has blossomed and maintained over these years and distance — and it has been beautiful to watch her grow into who she is today,” she added.
“Yeng is more than just a working collaborator — she is a good friend and part of us, and I am nothing but honored to welcome her back to our family.”
Meanwhile, Yeng and husband Victor “Yan” Asuncion just celebrated their eighth anniversary. “Nakahinga na po ng maluwag kasi tapos na po yung seven-year curse (itch). I was really on my toes during the seventh year baka kasi mangyari. I know that on my end, hindi (mangyayari). What if kung ikaw at sa dami pang napapabalita ‘di ba ganun (couples separating). So, when we reached eight years, I told him, ‘Love, thank you! Lumampas tayo.’”
“(We are) more in love now,” Yeng commented on their married life. “We always say that — kami ni Yan. Kahit siya, eh, ‘You know I love you more today than before.’ Kasi mas bumait ako ngayon (laughs).”
Yeng also revealed that the two of them underwent therapy to handle their issues as a couple. “Individual (therapy) kami. Work on yourself. I’ll work on myself, on my emotional well-being. Before kasi, therapy is like a taboo. We did our therapy individually but we have the same therapist,” she said.
“So, if there are things or feelings that I don’t understand, I would talk to my therapist… Things got resolved.”
“Also, ‘pag yung isa mataas na, yung isa bababa rin ng kunti, eh. ‘Wag sabayan. It’s a very practical advice. ‘Pagka nandun na yung isa, ikaw naman yung kumalma,” she shared and stressed that communication and compromise are very important in their marriage.
“Do whatever it takes to help your relationship,” she continued. “Because you have different personalities. My husband is very quiet. He would always complain, ‘Why don’t you express your love to me?’ Like that.”
Yeng, on the other hand, is a “verbal processor.” “I usually process my thoughts through speaking. Siyempre siya napapagod din siya sa akin. Tapos ako naman I want to be affirmed. So, it’s quite difficult because you should help each other out since you have opposite personalities. You have to adjust.”