Yeng Constantino’s OK Lang Maging Single sa Valentines

Yeng Constantino

Valentine’s Day has come and gone and for a lot of singles, it was a dreaded day that they hoped could just be skipped. But those who were able to catch Yeng Constantino’s concert OK Lang Maging Single sa Valentines didn’t have anything to fear for the show made them realize that being single during this day was nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, the concert was indeed a celebration of sorts for the singles out there despite being billed as a Valentine’s show which normally catered to couples. And it seemed that there were a lot of people who believed that it was ok to be single since the Music Museum was jam packed during this concert.

Right from the start, the die hard fans of Yeng Constantino, called the Yengsters, made their presence felt by wearing identical dark pink shirts stating their pride about being single. Not only that, they initiated the screaming and cheered the loudest at every possible moment. One of those moments was the opening act of Krissy and Ericka dishing out a short acoustic set that included their original song 12:51. The young sister duo used this opportunity to share to the audience that they’ve always looked up to Yeng and that they couldn’t be happier to be the opening act to one of their idols.

And the Yengsters didn’t let up once Yeng took to the stage for the opening number of You Give Love (A Bad Name) by Bon Jovi. After this energetic number, she then proceeded with asking the audience why they were single. She suggested that it could be because of a recent breakup or a case of unrequited love. The show mostly touched upon with the breaking up angle being the main reason for being single as evidenced by the video interludes featuring Yeng and on screen boyfriend Sam Milby who did break up in the story. Yengsters never failed to scream whenever Yeng or Sam were on screen but it was the household help who had several walk in parts who stole the spotlight in these videos.

Yeng did a lot of medleys in this concert like the OPM medley with songs that talk about being single whether it was by choice, chance or heartbreak. These songs were Hotdog’s Pers Lab, Agaw Agimat’s Sabi Nila, Apo Hiking Society’s Mahirap Magmahal Ng Siyota Ng Iba, Bituin Escalante’s Kung Ako Na Lang Sana, and Rachel Alejandro’s Mister Kupido. She also had another OPM medley towards the end but with a more upbeat selection and also a tribute to the local rock bands that she grew up listening to. These songs that showed her rock side were Eraserhead’s Huwag Kang Matakot and With A Smile, Rivermaya’s Umaaraw, Umuulan, and Bamboo’s 214. The OPM medleys clearly showcased Yeng’s natural affinity for songs in the Filipino language which is clearly her strength

I’ve said before that I am not a huge fan of too many medleys in a concert and thankfully, Yeng did present a few songs on their own. Two of them were Someone Like You by Adele and If I Ain’t Got You by Alicia Keys which I think have become requisites for female vocalists to sing at their concerts for better or worse. Yeng also had a couple of guest performers who joined her onstage: Jovit Baldivino and Paolo Valenciano. Jovit joined her for a duet of Too Much Love Will Kill You by Queen and then he did a solo medley featuring adult contemporary hits Hard To Say I’m Sorry by Chicago, Ever Since the World Began by Survivor and Open Arms by Journey. Yeng acted like an older sister to Jovit and announced excitedly that they’ll be having a concert later in August this year. Paolo Valenciano, on the other hand had a duet with Yeng singing Kumusta Ka by Rey Valera and Tag-Ulan by After Image. Yeng this time hinted of a supposed romance between them but I think that this was an unnecessary part of the concert. It felt a bit too forced and contrived for me and the show could have done without that since there was already the video with the romance angle covered (albeit fictitious).

One of the most highly awaited numbers in this concert was the first ever live performance of Pag-Ibig, a song which was written especially for this concert. A video for this song was uploaded just a few weeks before the concert and remarkably, this song was received very well during the actual live performance with the ever reliable Yengsters leading the audience in singing along. Joing her during this number was Mica Caldito of 3AM playing the guitar. She closed the concert with another Bon Jovi song It’s My Life, wrapping up the show neatly and in a very upbeat mood.

Yengsters

The concept of this concert, directed by Dido Camara with music direction by guitarist and producer Jack Rufo, was cute and clearly highlighted the quirky personality of Yeng Constantino. I did feel a bit old since this concept resonates more to a younger set crowd. I’d like to believe that I am mature enough not to be bothered with being single or not during Valentine's Day. But I did enjoy watching Yeng perform live since she communicates well with her audience and she effectively tells a story through her singing. And judging by the way the people left the Music Museum, it seemed that Yeng was able to convince that it was truly ok to be single during Valentine’s Day.

This concert was presented by Cornerstone Concerts, RRJ and Qualibet. Special thanks to Let’s Face It, Orange Magazine TV, MYX and Magic 89.9. This show is for the benefit of Bosom Buddies.