RJ Jimenez is grateful to have reconnected and reconciled with Yeng Constantino after 18 years.
The two singers became close friends during and after their time on the reality singing competition Pinoy Dream Academy in the mid-2000s, when they became the subject of dating rumors from fans.
On August 29, RJ and Yeng found themselves sharing the stage once again as they reunited during Day 2 of Yeng’s Byaheng Bente anniversary concert, where they performed “If We Fall In Love.”
The reunion became more than just a musical performance as Yeng opened about why their relationship never progressed romantically and why they eventually lost communication.
During the concert, Yeng recalled how she became jealous of RJ’s manager at the time, Tin, who is now his wife. The situation eventually led her to distance herself from RJ.
RJ, for his part, took the opportunity to apologize to Yeng. He also openly admitted that he had carried anger toward her for a long time, making their conversation onstage a meaningful moment of reconciliation.
After their reunion, RJ took to Instagram to pen a sincere message for Yeng, expressing his appreciation for being remembered and invited to her milestone concert after nearly two decades apart.
“Dear @yeng,
“I’d like to let you know how much I appreciate you having me [at] your concert, Byaheng Bente.
“Sa dinami dami ng friends mo sa industriya, I believe kahit wala ako sa concert it still will be beyond successful.. and yet you remembered me… despite na we cut our communication for over 18 years. Salamat dito!! It means a lot to me,” RJ wrote.
The singer also congratulated Yeng for her long-running career and for the OPM hits she has created and shared with Filipino listeners through the years.
He told his fellow Pinoy Dream Academy alum that she truly deserved everything she has accomplished, adding that he was “genuinely happy and proud” of her.
The reunion also gave their respective families a chance to meet.
Backstage, RJ and Tin met Yeng’s husband, Yan Asuncion, and the group even took photos together.
“Masaya ako to see you with your amazing husband, @automaticyan Btw, I love his personality! Sobrang bait at love ka nya ng sobra sobra! Parang ang sarap nya maging ka-tropa! 🤘pakisabi kay Yan salamat kasi pinayagan nya tayo magkulitan on stage,” he maintained.
RJ then reflected on the conversation he and Yeng had during the concert, admitting that he did not expect their performance to lead to such an honest exchange.
“Lastly, I am thankful for what happened on stage. More than singing ‘If we fall in love.’
“Hindi ko inaasahan yun ung conversations natin dun… at dahil dun sobrang naging grateful din ako sayo. From the bottom of my heart, I meant everything I said.”
He also acknowledged that he had eventually chosen to set aside the anger he felt toward Yeng, only realizing much later that their unresolved past had still been weighing on him. After their reconciliation, RJ said he is still very grateful for Yeng being a part of his life.
“Ung ‘galit ko sa’yo’ na kinalimutan ko na lang.. na I thought it never needed fixing… Sa tinagal tagal hindi ko alam na mabigat pala… at dahil sa gabing un.. gumaan na. Thank you Yeng!
“I am thankful to be part of your journey in life.
“At ako din thankful naging parte ka ng buhay ko,” he maintained.
RJ ended his message by saying that his wife Tin also shares his happiness for Yeng.
Yeng Constantino and RJ Jimenez at the rehearsals of "Byaheng Bente"
Photo courtesy: Tin Rodriguez-Jimenez 
Yeng Constantino and RJ Jimenez at the rehearsals of "Byaheng Bente"
Photo courtesy: Tin Rodriguez-Jimenez
The unexpected reconciliation touched many netizens, with several appreciating how RJ and Yeng were able to openly talk about their past and finally leave the negativity behind.
“I'm so happy and blessed to witness this wonderful reunion 🥹🙏🏼 Bless you both!” one wrote.
“The closure we never expected. Happy for you RJ at gumaan na ang pakiramdam mo. Good to see you again with Yeng on the same stage. All the best for the both of you! 👏😍❤️,” another added.
Yeng also responded to RJ in the comments section, looking back fondly on the chapter they shared.
“I will always love that chapter of my life na nakasama kita sa PDA. Thank you for being there for me, mas naging magaan ang biyahe na yun dahil nakasama kita dun. Iwan na natin negativity behind. Ok tayo! And God is good binigyan tayo both ng mabubuting asawa. 🥰🙌🏼 Thank you for saying YES sa concert ha! I appreciate you so much bro. 🤝,” Yeng commented.
But this reunion will not be the last for RJ and Yeng.
On September 19, they will join their fellow Pinoy Dream Academy alum for their reunion concert at the Music Museum.