Philippines’ Pop Rock Royalty Yeng Constantino has joined the red carpet of the first-ever Filipino Music Awards, held on October 21 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

In an interview with Billboard Philippines, the “Ikaw” hitmaker opened up about advising today’s up-and-coming songwriters who are still finding their voice.

“Ang advice ko sa mga rising artists diyan. Huwag kayong matakot. Sulat lang kayo nang sulat. I know sometimes na cocornihan tayo sa mga sinusulat natin. Pero one thing na natutunan ko sa lodi kong si Raimund Marasigan. Huwag kang mag-cringe. If you feel happy noong sinulat mo ‘yon, you feel proud that time. Huwag mong isipin kung anong iisipin ng iba. Ilabas mo lang iyon. Enjoy your music, ma-eenjoy din yun ng mga taong susuporta sa’yo in the future.”

(My advice to rising artists out there: Don’t be afraid. Just keep writing. I know sometimes we find our own work cheesy, but one thing I learned from my idol, Raimund Marasigan, is this — don’t cringe. If you felt happy when you wrote it, if you felt proud at that moment, don’t worry about what others might think. Just let it out. Enjoy your music, and the people who will support you in the future will enjoy it too.)

The first-ever Filipino Music Awards brings together the OPM industry’s biggest artists and influential figures, honoring their contributions to the wider industry at large, presenting a total 20 honors across five major categories and is organized by Modern Media Group Inc. — home to renowned global titles such as Billboard Philippines, Rolling Stone Philippines, Nylon Manila, and Robb Report Philippines — and produced by AGC Power Holdings Corp.

Ralph Regis

Ralph Regis

Lifestyle and Culture Writer

Ralph Regis is a Lifestyle and Culture Writer at Billboard Philippines, where he bridges the worlds of film, television, fashion, art, food, and cultural trends with both the local and international music scene.

He has written extensively about artist collaborations, brand partnerships, and pop culture moments that connect back to music. He also brings stories to life through in-depth interviews with musicians and personalities, drawing on their diverse perspectives, opinions, and reflections on the human condition.

In addition, Ralph also writes about music releases across a wide range of genres, including pop, hip-hop, P-pop, and rock, highlighting both rising and established artists. With a passion for storytelling that goes beyond trends, he explores how music is part of our daily lives in one form or another, connecting culture, experiences, and everything in between.

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