Yeng living her dream

MANILA, Philippines - It was six years ago when Yeng Constantino first dared to confirm if music was truly her path by joining the first edition of ABS-CBN’s reality singing search Pinoy Dream Academy (PDA). Her winning the title Grand Star Dreamer stamped her every right to pursue the dream of making it big in the music industry. 

Since then, success, seemingly, has never been elusive to her. Hawak Kamay, her first composition, became an instant hit and continues to appeal to many until this day. Various recognitions and performances here and abroad followed. Her songwriting skills also made her a notch higher from other artists in the local music scene.

“I’m thankful to God that I am able continue to share my talent,” says Yeng, who, obviously remains the most visible from among her PDA batch. “To all those who support me all this time, thank you so much. And I’m happy whenever I get recognized for my work.”

Setting aside the financial comfort she gets to enjoy, Yeng confesses to feeling doubly happy whenever her songs become familiar tunes even to kids. “When I was a child I dreamt of going up on stage with those blinding lights to perform in front of many people.”

Indeed, Yeng is now living her dream and, even without any expectations, she is getting more than what she wanted. Having met and shared some insights with her favorite artists mean so much to her. “Nakausap ko si Chito Miranda na parang friend ko lang; nagtwi-Twitter kami at naka-BBM ko pa s’ya. And  Raymund (Marasigan), my favorite musician, produced this album (Metamorphosis, her fifth album which is released under Star Records).”

She considers Metamorphosis as the highlight of her sixth year in the music circuit as it carries 10 all-original tracks, nine of them are her compositions. Through album, the now 24-year-old singer also introduces music enthusiasts to a new sound that perfectly complements her new look — red hair, high heeled boots, metallic pants paired with long-sleeved blouse.

“Kahit nag-bago ako ng tunog, ’di ko pa din nawala yung genre ko which is pop rock, except that I evolved into something more beautiful and with more mature sound,” she says in regards to her album. “From the packaging to the sound of music, Metamorphosis is much different from my past albums.”

As to her new look, Yeng says, “Through my new look, I want to tell my supporters to be brave to experiment in order to unleash their real personalities.”

Among the tracks in the album, it is the carrier single B.A.B.A.Y which best represents the “brand-new Yeng” as it showcases almost everything new to her — new sound, new look and a new chapter in her life.

Also in the album line-up are Hahanapin Kita, Josephine, Messiah, Pasensya Na, Sana Di Pa Huli, Teleserye, Pag-Ibig, Sandata and Chinito, written by her friend Jed Dumawal.

Asked if there is anything else she wants to achieve, Yeng answers, “I’d like to release an all-original OPM album outside Asia because I believe in Pinoy talent. Kung may ibang nakakapasok na iba ang language na di natin maintindihan, what more tayo?”

She, too, looks forward to the day when performing in theater is included in her schedule. “I want to try theater since I watched Les Miserables. I’m not sure if I can do it pero parang ang sarap mag-teatro.”

On March 2, Yeng will fly to Singapore to perform at the Academy of Rock Singapore to be held at the Star Performing Arts. 

(Metamorphosis is available in record bars nationwide. The digital single B.A.B.A.Y can now be downloaded via www.mymusicstore.com.ph and iTunes.)