Yeng Constantino: In The Rhythm Of Being Grateful

The phrase “utang na loob” is deeply entrenched in Filipino culture, but has it evolved into a cautious practice or something Filipinos should avoid entangling themselves in?

Yeng Constantino takes us on a 17-year journey, during which she has made her presence felt in the industry through her music, found ways to connect with her supporters, and remained true to her emotions, refusing to suppress them. “Just one day, I was just having a negative emotion na parang nagbububble within me. And usually, kapag badtrip ako, hindi talaga ako sumusulat ng kanta,” Constantino shares with ZEEN, telling us her way how she used to always glorify positive feelings rather than writing songs with negative connotations. She added, “Alam mo, parang kailangan ko ‘to isulat, part of my growth talaga na mag-process, himayin kung ano ‘yung nararamdaman ko.”

CAUTION: IT'S HER VOICE AND STORY

Yeng, as the country’s Pop Rock Royalty, has nailed countless smash hits such as “Salamat,” “Cool Off,” “Jeepney Love Story,” “Chinito,” “Ikaw,” and the phenomenal hit that has become a life anthem of many Filipinos – “Hawak Kamay” and many others. Music fans are thankful for her embracing different personas over the years, even when unconventional, Yeng’s artistry has consistently inspired people. Her songs are often used during weddings and graduation ceremonies and as expressions of affection for loved ones. After a few years’ break in releasing songs, Yeng dropped her latest song, ‘Babala,’ a danceable and funky track born from her colorful yet intense emotions. Produced and released by Republic Records Philippines.

Before the birth of this song, Yeng adamantly stated that she used to keep songs like these in the closet. She never thought there would come a time when a song like this would be released, as she used to put out songs as long as they were easy to listen to, something that would resonate with people wherever they were. “Meron akong album na nagawa pero hindi ko inirelease kasi very personal sa akin. Nung na-record ko na, okay na, labas ko na ‘yung emotion, akin na ‘yun. Kineep ko na, sakin na ‘yun,” she explains. She thought she would do the same thing with her new song “Babala,” but it turned out differently. The Montalban, Rizal, in her – the fighter and the brave – is keen on releasing this song, even though it may be new to the ears of conventional Yeng listeners and even her supporters called “Yengsters.” “Sanay ‘yung Yengsters, sanay ‘yung fans na, ‘Si ate, ang cute ng love songs niyan. Nai-inspire ako. Kanta sa graduation ‘yung kanta niya.’ Yun ang kakantahin ko kapag badtrip ako? Parang kinailangan ko rin talaga ng lakas ng loob. And I’m happy na ginawa ko siya.”

It is a personal song because it unfolds new facets of her life with a message she wants to share with other people. She has always been sincere with her music, sharing what she wants others to take from every song she makes. Her music has always been personal to her; it is her voice and story.

WARNING: RECREATING A REMARKABLE SONG

Entering the industry as a 17-year-old simple girl, Yeng had to learn the delicate art of balancing expression within the parameters set by established figures and industry norms, if she wanted her career to prosper – there is a pattern for success. “Kasi hindi rin ako pwedeng masyadong maglaro kasi syempre naging pattern namin bilang mang-aawit dati sina Ms. Sarah Geronimo, Rachel Ann Go. So parang kung gusto mo mag-succeed sa industry, kailangan sundin mo ‘yung yapak ng mga lodi mo, diba?” While the singer-songwriter has all the praises for industry stalwarts like them including Regine Velasquez, she also shares that deep inside, she has her own ways, and she knew it all along; a Hayley Williams persona lives within her, a type of person who colors her hair and usually goes against the norms to express herself. “I’m just so happy na tinanggap ng fans kasi siguro ako magugulat kung nasanay ako from Hawak Kamay. ‘Okay, tanggap ko na nakarubber shoes siya. Naka two-two skirt siya. Pero sobra naman ‘yung pulang buhok. Tapos ilang buwan blue naman. Anong nangyayari kay Yeng? Nababaliw na ba si Yeng?’” she quips.

With her career prospering, hit after hit emerging from her music releases, fame might seem overwhelming. Yet, surprisingly, Yeng is not driven by a hunger for fame or a desire to recreate past successes. Her core is guided by a refusal to be influenced by previous hit songs; her acceptance comes easily because she knows herself well when writing songs like “Hawak Kamay” and others. She becomes immersed in the process, something that cannot be easily explained, especially for artists like her. “Ang hirap kasi nun kapag sinasabi sayo, “Sulat ka ulit ng another hawak kamay”. Hindi ko nga alam kung paano ko nasulat yun. Paano ko gagawin yun ulit? Kasi that’s the reality…hindi ko alam kung paano ko nasusulat bawat kantang sinusulat ko. Kasi sumusulat ako according sa emosyon na nararamdaman ko at that time”.

DANGER: DROWNED BY OTHER VOICES, NOT BEING IN CONTROL

Anyone familiar with the Taylor Swift and Scooter Braun issue will likely understand how it feels not to own your songs. But how does it happen that an artist’s song is not technically theirs? With Yeng, it’s the same story. However, it prospered very well and didn’t result in the same feud seen among the aforementioned Hollywood personas. Personally, as someone not technically in the music industry, rights and ownership may seem confusing. It may raise the question: how do they not own it when it is their voice, their experience and their song? “Sa business side ng pagiging recording artist, kapag under a label ka, may kontrata kayo. Depende ‘yan sa kontrata mo. Pwedeng ang napirmahan mo ay yung mga kanta sa kanila lang for 5 years, then babalik sayo. Since sila ang may ari ng original sound, sila ang nag-produce. Sila ang naglabas ng pera para makapag-create ka ng iyong musika.” she explains.

In a sense, they owned it for a time, and her contract with ABS-CBN and Star Music was for 15 years at the time. However, the singer-songwriter was still keen with a heart full of gratitude towards them, saying, “Feeling ko hindi naman dahil sa kanila, hindi naman talaga mapapakinggan ng mga tao yung kanta ko”.

Seeing it as a norm in the industry, she explained that even if the label owns the publishing and song for a time, you still get royalty, with a percentage also given. However, reclaiming her songs was fueled by owing it to herself, bound by the 17-year experience she had in the industry and more to come. It was not an easy task for her because she felt the executives might take it personally, but she had to talk to them and explain that the decision was also not easy for her, and she was doing it for herself.

Yeng shares, “Oo naman. Iniyak ko yun. Umiyak ako nung time na kukunin ko yung kanta ko sa Star Music kasi yun yung pinaka last thing na gusto kong gawin.”, she says. With an intent of not wanting to hurt them she dared to jump because she wants to own her music because they’re her songs, “Kahit anong klaseng takot, sometimes, kailangan mo lang talaga tumalon. Pero yung pagtalon kailangan merong empathy.”

RED LIGHT: STOP SIGN

Not all stop signs have a negative connotation. Sometimes, they simply indicate a redirection of timing. In her long career in the industry, Yeng strives to be in the moment, yet now she is a conductor in her life. She isn’t just going with the current of a river like a dead fish; instead, the light signals permission to proceed, to listen to herself, and not to suppress her emotions.

“Ganun na ako ngayon. Hindi lang ako nag g-go with flow. I listen to my body, I listen to my soul, I listen to what I need, at hindi ko pinapabayaan yung sarili ko na malunod sa boses ng ibang tao. Kailangan ko talagang maging intuned with myself sa lahat ng bagay, saka at all times.”

Similarly, timing is crucial in music, and every beat holds significance. While a green light signals permission to proceed, before pressing the pedal, it’s essential to attentively observe your surroundings, considering the potential consequences, reactions, or feelings. This parallels her brave admission that she seeks professional help through counseling or therapy. In a Filipino context, feelings are often dismissed, particularly among older generations. Yet, as she emphasizes, it’s vital to acknowledge and validate those feelings.

Yeng shares what she perceives in the typical Filipino culture of valuing emotions. She mentions that these words are typically heard: “Ako nga kinaya ko yun e. Bakit hindi mo kakayanin? Mas matindi pa pinagdaanan ko sayo.” She realizes that it only leads to a realization that you might just swallow what you feel.

But then again, she owes everything to herself. She’s in the rhythm of owning it, caring for herself physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The value of listening to what you feel is also a powerful tool for managing emotions. Acknowledging feelings isn’t offensive, as it’s also about returning to her core and establishing essential boundaries for growth.

Thus, every beat and second is something to be grateful for her. Wanting to move forward easily while still harboring resentment is not a healthy way of managing emotions. “Sige na. Forgive ko na lang– Hindi forgiveness yun. Parang pasingaw ng bibig pero sa puso mo nabubulok yung anger. Nilalagyan mo lang ng band-aid. Mas maganda lagyan mo ng alcohol. Linisin mo. Buksan mo yung sugat. Hindi yung meron pang mikrobyo tinakpan mo na. Mag nanana yan. Ganun din sa emotions.” the singer-songwriter explained.

GREEN LIGHT: IN THE RHTYHM OF BEING GRATEFUL

Knowing she has poured her emotions, the green light allows her to branch out. Similarly, reconnecting with everyone who was part of her 17-year-long career is a journey filled with rich experiences she had while doing what she loves most—being in tune with her music. She expresses her gratitude to ABS-CBN and Star Music, especially now that when she asked to own her songs, there was no bad blood in it. Yeng tells with a heart of gratitude, “In my lifetime natupad ko yung pangarap ko. I get to sing with you guys. I was able to collaborate with people na sobrang tinitiningala ko. And nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataon na mashare ko yung music ko sa kanila”.

Yeng’s achievements and career highlights reflect the type of woman she is—a genuine and loving person who is deeply dedicated to her craft and rich in wisdom. She is approachable and easy to connect with, and above all, she carries a heart filled with gratitude. Through her journey, she realized the importance of owning her songs, driven solely by her need to do so. Her willingness to acknowledge her feelings has been a defining factor, one for which she should also be grateful, for she wouldn’t have reached her current heights if her heart were tainted deep within. Yet, with her resilient spirit and unwavering determination, the universe heard her call, the universe always listens to a grateful heart.

“Para sa isang babae galing sa Montalban Rizal na dating naglalakad lang sa tulay, at sumusulat sa kwarto nyang walang kisame at napaka inet na yero lang. And kapag nag lolook back ako, “Grabe,no,Yeng? Narating natin yun?”. “Grabe yun Yeng hanggang ngayon gumagawa ka pa rin ng music”. Yun lang talaga yung driving force ko talaga. Gratefulness.”