YENG CONSTANTINO’S becoming the first “grand  star” winner of Pinoy Dream Academy paved the way of her entry on ABS-CBN’s ASAP. This 19-year-old girl is not just a singer but a songwriter as well. Her song “Hawak Kamay” was the theme song of last year’s Metro Manila Film Festival entry Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo from Star Cinema, and now she gets to sing the theme song of the sequel, Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo.

In her first year alone, Yeng already has clocked her first major concert, Rock to School, held in June. Her Salamat album has reached double platinum, while the Nagmamahal Kapamilya album, where she is among the featured singers, is already six times platinum. Yeng recently received the Best New Artist plum from 20th Aliw Awards. Her “Hawak Kamay” won as Best Theme Song in the Famas, while her Salamat took ASAP’s Best Pop Album plum.

Your winning Pinoy Dream Academy has definitely opened a lot of doors for you, including the world of acting. What are you primarily?

I’m a singer. My first love is singing, and this inspires me. I love singing for my family.

You’ve already won a lot of awards, more recently the Best New Artist from the 1st Songhits Awards….

I was really excited to attend the awards night. I was and still am a fanatic reader of songhits magazines, especially when I was still starting out. I’m so happy they gave me this award, and I thank all who voted for me.

How did you celebrate your birthday?

My family and I went to Picnic Grove in Tagaytay, right across Taal Volcano. We ate at the overlooking point. It was just a simple celebration, a bonding time for me and family. We were so happy to be together. It’s just a shame that when we went to Enchanted Kingdom that evening, it was already closed. I wanted to do the rides that day. Maybe next time. 

We heard that Jay-R Siaboc, your fellow Pinoy Dream Academy “scholar,” gave you a special gift....

Yes, he gave me roses. Red and white roses.

What about the other “scholar” who was linked to you, RJ Jimenez….

He sent me a birthday cake.

So who’s playing sweet music with you? RJ or Jay-R? And don’t you notice the thing with their names....

(Laughs) Well, I don’t have a boyfriend now. Let’s just say I’m always inspired…by my family, my friends and especially my work. There are a lot of talented people out there who are just waiting for their break or are being given a break, so you have to be on your toes. Singing gives me a different high, and this is what I’ve always wanted to do and I want to give my best to it.

Who do you think are the most promising singers out there?

There’s a lot! I’m so grateful for ASAP for giving me a portion called “Y Republic,” which gives me a chance to jam with the hottest bands in the country. It’s really great to join in one number the singers and bands you admire.

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YENG CONSTANTINO’S becoming the first “grand  star” winner of Pinoy Dream Academy paved the way of her entry on ABS-CBN’s ASAP. This 19-year-old girl is not just a singer but a songwriter as well.

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