Yeng Constantino looked back on an unforgettable encounter with one of her idols, revealing that what she thought would be a heartwarming meeting instead left her completely stunned.
The Pop Rock Royalty shared the story during her guest appearance on Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast hosted by filmmakers Antoinette Jadaone and JP Habac, where she reflected on her journey from winning Pinoy Dream Academy to celebrating two decades in the entertainment industry.
During the conversation, Yeng was asked if she had ever met an idol she wished she had not met because of a disappointing experience.
Without revealing the person's identity, the singer admitted that she did have one.
"Oo meron akong nakilala," she said. "Kaka-start ko lang noon, kakalabas ko lang ng Pinoy Dream Academy. Nag-guest siya sa ASAP. Todo abang ako sa backstage."
When she finally met the artist, Yeng expressed her admiration and even shared her dream of collaborating someday. However, the artists' response caught her completely off guard.
"Nung nakita [ko siya, sabi ko] 'Idol ko po kayo. Sana po maka-collab ko kayo balang araw'. Tapos sabi niya sa akin 'Kung darating 'yun, darating 'yun. Huwag mong ipipilit‘,“ Yeng recalled.
"Hindi ko makakalimutan 'yun. Hindi ko alam kung may iba ba siyang ibig-sabihin doon. Parang sobrang na-stun ako. Parang 'yung mukha ko, [sinasabi], 'tama ba 'yung narinig ko?' Tapos parang nag-zone out ako after. Parang nag-dissociate ako afterwards," she maintained.
Looking back, the Pop Rock Royalty admitted she had expected a more encouraging response.
"Hindi ko in-expect 'yung answer na 'yun. Hindi niya ko shinowbiz man lang na parang 'I hope one day, sana'," she said jokingly. "Prinangka niya ko, ni-real talk niya ako dun."
Despite the memorable first encounter, Yeng revealed that she eventually got to work with the artist. Since she has also ventured into acting over the years, Yeng clarified that the collaboration was not for a film either.
"Kahit ginanon niya ako, nag-collab kami. Pero hindi sa bagay na iniisip niyo [like] in a song, [pero] sa ibang bagay,” she said.
Towards the end of the interview, the singer-songwriter also reflected on the lessons she had learned throughout her 20-year career in showbiz.
She emphasized the importance of humility and recognizing that success is never achieved alone.
"Yung tagumpay na meron ka, huwag mong akuin na para bang ikaw lang ang dahilan ng lahat ng magagandang bagay na nangyari. It's always God leading you to be with the right people, right opportunities, even 'yung songs. At times I feel like hindi ko sinulat 'yung mga songs na parang talagang totoong binigay [at] biyaya talaga...Even the songs na mga ni-release ko, a lot of those songs [are] regalo," she shared.
Yeng also pointed out that lasting in the entertainment industry takes more than talent alone.
"Hindi rin 'yung pinaka-magaling 'yung nags-stay sa industry. Marami siyang elemento. May magaling pero hirap ka-trabaho. Meron namang magaling pero nasa maling management. So marami siyang trabaho at elemento around it. So huwag pumasok sa ulo mo pero pumasok sa heart mo as gratefulness," she said
She ended by expressing gratitude to everyone who has supported her throughout the years, especially her loyal fans, the Yengsters, who have stood by her ever since.
Yeng is set to celebrate her 20th anniversary in the industry through her concert Biyaheng Bente, happening on August 28 and 29 at the Big Dome, before heading to the SM Seaside Cebu Arena on September 20.