Cover Celebrating Yeng Constantino, a trailblazer in the Philippine music scene known for her ability to connect emotionally through her artistry
Celebrating Yeng Constantino, a trailblazer in the Philippine music scene known for her ability to connect emotionally through her artistry
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Ten years on, Yeng Constantino’s ‘Ikaw’ remains a beloved anthem, resonating with countless love stories and evolving alongside the artist herself
In 2014, an unmistakable voice, both tender and powerful, graced the airwaves with a song that would go on to soundtrack countless love stories, wedding dances and late-night serenades. That voice belonged to Yeng Constantino, and the song was “Ikaw” (You). Its lyrics were simple, its melody unassuming, but the impact was enormous. Now, ten years later, “Ikaw” has become one of those rare ballads that’s intertwined with Filipino pop culture—a song that has taken on a life of its own.
When “Ikaw” was released, Constantino didn’t just put out another love song, she created an anthem. Over the last decade, Filipinos have seen the song transform, along with the evolution of the woman behind it, who, like her music, has grown in ways that few could have imagined.
It’s rare to meet an artist who doesn’t just dabble across genres but thrives in each one, creating timeless tracks that speak to the heart of the Filipino experience. Constantino, widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and a catalyst for the popular rise of P-pop, is that rare breed—a musical chameleon with the heart and honesty of a poet. In an era when staying relevant often means riding the wave of trends, she remains unapologetically herself.
From punk princess to pop rock royalty
Above From punk rock princess to pop icon, Yeng Constantino's evolution as an artist reflects her fearless authenticity and passion for music
From punk rock princess to pop icon, Yeng Constantino's evolution as an artist reflects her fearless authenticity and passion for music
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When Constantino first burst onto the music scene in 2006, she was anything but a traditional pop star. After winning the inaugural season of Pinoy Dream Academy, she caught the attention of the Filipino audience with her punkish energy and fearless authenticity.
Her early hits, such as “Hawak Kamay”, “Time In” and “Cool-Off”, were a mix of upbeat yet tender, quirky and almost anti-pop in their refusal to conform to the then-ballad-centric Philippine music industry. Her style was a breath of fresh air—raw, edgy and unapologetically loud.
Then came songs like “Jeepney Love Story”, a charming ode to everyday romance, which captured the innocence and excitement of finding love in unexpected places. The melody was lighthearted yet angst, much like the bumpy yet colourful jeepney rides across the streets of Manila. “Chinito”, another fan-favourite, leaned into her knack for quirky and catchy tunes. With its flirty lyrics and irresistible beat, the song painted the portrait of a girl’s shy crush on a guy with “chinito” (Chinese-looking) eyes—a common trope in Filipino pop culture, but one she gave new life to. It was bubbly, fun, and endlessly replayable, capturing the giddy thrill of infatuation in a way that felt both specific and universal.
Above A true musical chameleon, Yeng Constantino's songs resonate deeply with the Filipino experience, inspiring generations of fans
Her career has seen her explore a myriad of genres—from the pop-rock roots that defined her early hits to the electronic beats of her Metamorphosis album. “I think I’ll always be remembered as a pop-rock artist because that’s what I initially brought into the scene,” she explains. Heavily inspired by artists like Avril Lavigne and Alanis Morissette, Constantino’s early sound was full of angst, a perfect match for a young woman channelling teenage heartbreak and fiery emotions.
Constantino didn’t set out to break records or change the music landscape. For her, each song was simply an expression of whatever she was feeling at the moment. “I just made what I felt like making at that time, whether it was experimenting with my look or my sound, or even whether I wanted to dance or not,” she admits.
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A song that writes itself
But by the time “Ikaw” came along in 2014, Constantino was no longer the rebellious newcomer. She was an established name, known for her knack for writing hitmakers that cut straight to the heart of the Filipino experience. She had settled into her sound, her confidence as a songwriter honed by years of creating music that connected with fans on a deeply personal level.
If her earlier work was all about youthful angst and raw emotion, “Ikaw” was a marker of maturity, a step into a new phase of her life and career.
The story of “Ikaw” is, in many ways, the story of every love song: a simple, heartfelt expression of devotion. Constantino described this as her “ultimate love song,” inspired by her real-life romance with now-husband Yan Asuncion. Written shortly after she met him, the song captures that specific, electrifying moment when you realise you’ve found your person.
During a memorable nearly two-hour plane ride, Constantino poured her heart into writing the song, reflecting on her relationship with Yan, who was not only her first boyfriend but also the man who would eventually become her life partner. “It was magical,” she recalls, “I cried and cried while I was writing it.” The emotions flowed out of her effortlessly, underscoring the depth of her feelings for Yan and the joy he brought into her life.
The vulnerability embedded in “Ikaw” set it apart, revealing hidden sadness she seldom shared with others. “I don’t show my sadness to many people,” she admits, reflecting on a time when she feared that love would always elude her—until Yan came along. The moment she landed after writing the song, she felt compelled to share it with him. A few months later, they exchanged vows in a ceremony that celebrated their love and the journey that had brought them together. “Whenever I sing ‘Ikaw,’ it feels like I’m renewing my vows,” Constantino shares. “It reminds me of the love that inspired me to write it in the first place.”
Above Few months after writing 'Ikaw', Yeng Constantino tied the knot with Yan Asuncion, who was also her first boyfriend (Photo: Yeng Constantino)
Few months after writing 'Ikaw', Yeng Constantino tied the knot with Yan Asuncion, who was also her first boyfriend (Photo: Yeng Constantino)
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“Ikaw ang pag-ibig na hinintay [You are the love that I've been waiting for],” she sings, a line that’s been borrowed and rephrased in countless wedding vows and anniversary captions. The genius of “Ikaw” lies in its simplicity. Over the years, the song has become a staple in Filipino celebrations of love.
“Ikaw” has racked up millions of streams, cementing its place in OPM history. But for Constantino, its success isn’t just about numbers or awards; it’s about the impact it’s had on listeners. “Every time I hear people singing ‘Ikaw’ at weddings, or even just on their guitars, I feel like I’m a part of their story. That’s a privilege,” she shares.
“I didn’t know I could write a love song like this,” she admits. But write it she did, and in doing so, she created a track that resonated with anyone who has ever felt that all-encompassing certainty of true love.
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The courage to be vulnerable
For an artist as established as Yeng Constantino, it’s surprising to hear her talk about her struggle with vulnerability. Expressing raw, negative emotions wasn’t something she felt she could share in her music. “Before, I was afraid to show that side of me,” she says. “I thought maybe fans only wanted the inspirational Yeng, the one singing about love and joy. But I realised that I needed to be true to myself, even the not-so-happy parts.”
Her latest single, “Babala”, marks an exciting new chapter for Constantino, showcasing her desire to explore and experiment with fresh sounds and diverse genres. With its upbeat and funky vibe, the song invigorates listeners, embodying the empowering sensation of standing up for oneself. “I’m exploring my negative emotions now, and I’m not afraid to show them,” she confides. “It’s part of my growth as a songwriter, not just exploring genres, but emotions, too.”
As one of the stalwarts of OPM, regarded as the “Pop Rock Royalty” of the Philippines, Yeng Constantino is often looked up to by younger artists for guidance. Her advice to them is simple yet profound: be true to yourself. “Every decision has to come from a place of sincerity,” she says firmly. “Don’t just do what’s trending. Music is so much richer when it comes from the heart.”
She believes that evolution in music should be natural, a blend of influences, life experiences, and, most importantly, the artist’s own voice. “I just follow where my heart leads me,” she adds. “Whether it’s electronic, pop-rock, or ballad, I make sure I enjoy each phase.”
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In her early days, reaching number one on the charts was no small feat, especially for local artists. “It was a struggle,” she recalls. “If you hit number one, it felt like you got lucky. Most of the time, it was international acts topping the charts.” Nowadays, seeing OPM artists dominate the charts fills her with pride.
“I’m really, really proud of what’s going on with OPM right now,” she beams. “To see these young P-pop groups working so hard—it’s amazing. As their seniors in the industry, we might have contributed something to where OPM is now, but they’ve really taken it to the next level. I salute them wholeheartedly.” Constantino sees herself as part of a chain, linking the rich musical tradition of her generation to the fresh, innovative sounds of today’s artists.
When asked about being seen as an OPM pioneer, her response is almost incredulous. “When I look back on my career and the songs and music videos I’ve released, all I feel is pure gratitude,” she says, shaking her head. “I never expected that I’d be able to create songs that people would come to love.”
Revisiting the magic
As “Ikaw” turns ten, its enduring popularity feels almost inevitable. Constantino has celebrated the milestone by revisiting the song. She released a new version, one that reflects where she is now, both as an artist and as a person. “It’s the same song, but I’m not the same person who I was when I wrote it. I think that will show in the way I sing it now.”
Above An artist who remains unapologetically herself, Yeng Constantino showcases vulnerability and strength in her music
What is it about “Ikaw” that’s made it endure? Maybe it’s the universality of love—how, no matter how many times it’s written about, it always feels fresh and new. Or maybe it’s Yeng Constantino’s authenticity, the way she managed to capture something so personal yet so relatable. “Ikaw” isn’t just a song; it’s a feeling, an experience, a moment of vulnerability that listeners are invited to share.
For Constantino, it is a reminder of how far she’s come and how much she’s grown. It’s a song that marked a turning point in her life, one that she now views through the lens of a decade’s worth of experiences, challenges and triumphs. As she looks forward to the next chapter of her career, she remains grounded by the love and support that the song has brought her.
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Syrah is Tatler Philippines’ Power & Purpose editor, where she spotlights extraordinary journeys shaping the Philippines and Asia. She covers business, innovation, impact, and culture—chasing the people, ideas and forces shaping how we live and think today.
