Yeng Constantino fondly looked back on the story behind one of the most beloved songs of her career, "Hawak Kamay," recalling how she wrote the track at just 14 years old.
In her guest appearance on Matteo G Primetime, the Pop Rock Royalty reflected on the experiences that shaped her both as an artist and as a person. From becoming the first-ever Grand Star Dreamer of Pinoy Dream Academy in 2006 to building a career as one of the country's most respected singer-songwriters, Yeng revisited the milestones that defined her journey, including the inspiration behind the timeless hit that has touched generations of listeners.
According to Yeng, "Hawak Kamay" was inspired by a cousin whom their family had taken in while they were growing up.
"My inspiration back then ay 'yung cousin ko. Kasi parang I grew up in a household na ako 'yung bunso. Tapos nag-ampon kami ng cousin. I was really looking forward na mag-grow kami together ng pinsan ko kasi parang finally, nagkaroon ako ng younger na kapatid."
She recalled that although they welcomed her cousin as part of the family, the latter eventually decided to leave in search of their biological family.
"But of course, ang tao ay naghahanap ng family. So kahit na nandoon kami bilang pamilya niya, naghanap talaga siya ng [biological] na pamilya. So, eventually, lumayas siya."
The experience left a lasting impact on Yeng and became the emotion that fueled the song.
"Sa sobrang lungkot ko na lumayas 'yung itinuturing ko na bunsong kapatid, nasulat ko 'yung 'Hawak Kamay.' Parang gusto kong sabihin sa kaniya na, 'No matter what happens, kung babalik ka, I'll still hold your hand, ha? Nandito pa rin ako para sa'yo.'"
Looking back, Yeng admitted she still finds it amazing that she was able to write such lyrics at a very young age.
She also shared that she never imagined the deeply personal song would one day become a timeless anthem embraced by so many people.
"Hindi. Hindi ko inisip 'yun kasi when I was just writing it, talagang expression lang of my emotion towards my cousin. It was really a surprise to me... even now, may nangyayari pa rin sa career ko na sinu-surprise pa rin ako ni Lord."
The singer-songwriter also acknowledged how significant "Hawak Kamay" became in her life, saying she owes the song for giving her the opportunity to hone her talent on Pinoy Dream Academy Season 1.
"I owe 'Hawak Kamay' that opportunity to be on that stage. Hindi mo maarok (maintindihan) bilang bata at that time na parang all of a sudden biglang may hit song ka na sa radyo, and people recognize you, and they sing your songs to you while you're onstage," she expressed.
She also looked back on the unforgettable moment she was proclaimed the first-ever Grand Star Dreamer of Pinoy Dream Academy in 2006, where she performed another one of her hits, "Salamat," after being announced as the winner.
Seeing photos from that milestone still brings back overwhelming emotions for the singer, which she described as "dream-like".
Two decades after that life-changing victory, Yeng continues to celebrate the music that has become part of many Filipinos' lives.
She is set to mark her 20th anniversary in the music industry through her Biyaheng Bente concert on August 28 and 29 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum before bringing the show to the SM Seaside Cebu Arena on September 20.
Meanwhile, fans can also look forward to another nostalgic moment as the Pinoy Dream Academy Season 1 batch reunites onstage for the first time in 20 years this September 19 at the Music Museum.