Byaheng Bente | Yeng Constantino's Anniversary Concert

Recently, I made a promise to attend any possible concert of my absolute favorite artist and never miss anything.

When they announced this earlier this year, I knew I had to attend.

On the day of the ticket sale, nasa byahe kaming papuntang Zambales. I knew I had to rush kasi 12 NN ang opening ng ticket selling. Pero sa Subic, nakakuha ako ng ticket, pero hindi sa concert ni Yeng. Violation ticket sa LTO. Maling liko, aminadong mali, nag-panic lang.

Anyway, by 12 NN, nasa byahe pa rin. I'm panicking kasi baka maubusan, pero confident naman ako na may matitira pa. But when we arrived sa resort, I was devastated kasi nag-announce sila ng SOLD OUT.

I'm happy for Yeng. I didn't know na ganito karami yung bibili even in the first few hours of the ticket selling. But I'm sad kasi di ako nakabili.

I felt like I didn't know how to go on with the day. May violation ticket ako, tapos di ako nakabili ng ticket na gusto ko. Then, nag-refresh-refresh ako. Biglang nagkakaroon ng slots. Nag-try ako bumili, pero nagfa-fail multiple times. I'm getting hopeless.

I tried typing fast para ma-secure agad, pero hopeless.

Then, the one final time...

Success.

I didn't tell my wife immediately.

I secured 2 VIP tickets.

Worth ng buong sahod ko sa first work ko.

---

On the Day of the Concert

On the day of the concert, maulan. May pasok pa ako. I'm working while on the road, tapos si Jas nag-drive.

With Yeng Constantino playing in the background, we were talking about many things about Yeng, about her songs, and about how long I've been a fan. If you checked my blog, you will see how many times Yeng got featured or mentioned in some way, but my feeling of being a fan grew stronger recently.

Before, I wanted to attend her concerts, but if it's not possible, it's okay. I move on. But this time, I need to attend, and it must be VIP. I became a top fan on Facebook. I joined groups, communicated in chats, and watched every single interview possible.

We were late at the soundcheck because we got lost. When we arrived, we located the merch section to get our freebies and ID. Iihi na ako nun, pero sumilip ako saglit sa loob kasi naririnig ko na yung boses ni Yeng, and she's doing soundcheck and communicating with the fans.

She's so kind and genuine.

She was crying during her songs, overwhelmed by the support, and it's still just soundcheck.

The first impression is, I'm overwhelmed by the design of the stage. It's a jeepney style, really colorful. It feels odd, but it grew on me.

I realized that this will not be a typical concert. This one has a theme, and they invested in it and submerged themselves into the theme. Alam mong pinag-isipan, tapos hindi weird tignan.

Ang galing din na may kasamang kabayo pa talaga yung jeep stage. Tapos malaking plate number ni Yeng. She sang several songs for the soundcheck, and there's this particular song that she cried during and got me teary-eyed.

It felt like she's talking to me. I'm glad to be a fan. I'm a fan of Yeng.

I love the song Kung Uulitin. It's very strong and a passionate one.

It's sad that it did not make it to the main concert, but it makes this moment special, intimate with the fans, with no pressure on her part, and just a genuine performance really dedicated to the fans.

At this time, I knew I bought the wrong phone. I should have gotten a Pro Max version for a good zoom. But we were so close.

After the soundcheck, we went outside to get some food and drinks so we could settle inside uninterrupted.

The crowd started to come in. The ambiance became strong. The staff was preparing, and we also heard her songs playing in the background.

We watched endless promotional materials. Then, some opening performances from IÚNO band and Sassa Dagdag, and then the performance began.

Just before starting, they showed us a really cool video showing Yeng's journey. It's really animated, showing her different eras.

Then, a guitar riff and show-off.

Then, she appeared.

The crowd growls.

The lights flashed with a more than perfect opening line:

"Ako ang bida ngayon."

What a way to open. The perfect song to time in and start her big night.

Then she sang the favorites. The songs felt different because she changed their renditions. It's an old song, but it's refreshed.

Her vocals are still amazing.

She's the pop-rock royalty for a reason.

What a total performer.

She has several guests.

We had Angeline with At Ang Hirap, then Erik Santos with Paano Ba'ng Magmahal. This one is really good. I enjoyed Erik's performance.

And KZ with Toyo. Didn't know the song, buttttt KZ is a total performer.

After that, they joined in as a group, and it's a beautiful mess.

Then she rode a small jeepney.

We actually saw this outside. We thought it's a prop for taking pictures, but it's an actual jeepney. What a crazy idea.

Then it was driven around the streets that are named after her songs while singing B.A.B.A.Y and T.A.N.G.A.

THEN WE GOT THIS CLOSE-UP SHOT!

The closest we can get.

---

The Soundtracks

Then we get to the soundtracks.

Himig ng Pag-ibig for Dyosa, starring Anne Curtis.

Habangbuhay, the OG wedding song hahaha, from Kasal Kasali Kasalo, starring Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo.

Sigabo from a recent teleserye and her version of Sabihin Mo Na.

Then, a transition.

Then an intro, a collab that I didn't expect but definitely one of my favorites.

Chito Miranda enters the scene.

Pangarap Lang Kita.

My heart melted. I get to see this performance live. I love how Yeng did the second voice and high notes on this, even in the Inuman Session.

I love the session in between, the breaks to include the messages.

It made it personal.

We got to see Nobita with Ikaw Lang.

Sana by I Belong to the Zoo.

El Manu - Tahanan.

Then, one of my jams:

Siguro!

Transitions to Ang Pag-ibig.

---

Chinito

Another guest?

For Chinito, as I watched, there's a noticeable gap while Yeng is performing.

She's dancing alone, but it feels like she should have someone beside her, and we all knew who he was, but he's not there.

A perfect way to tease the audience.

We know he's there, but where is he?

After the 2nd chorus, someone appeared on the bench props, holding a newspaper and hiding his face.

We all knew who he was.

Then silence.

The song stopped.

The introduction.

Enchong Dee.

Then, a really intimate and new composition for God.

A really powerful one. Can't wait for it to be released.

Then, Ikaw.

At this point, we're nearing the end.

 

Then, the famous Hawak Kamay.

This is a masterpiece.

I stopped listening to this song on demand, but of course, I occasionally hear it. I knew it from the heart.

But Yeng is singing this for 20 years or even more. There's so many renditions and different versions, but this one is just a moving artwork.

It's a masterpiece on its own.

Everything works together, a new sound for the same old song.

It's haunting.

It's astonishing.

It's breathtaking.

If there was one song that I'm sure that everyone will sing along to, it's this song.

But to my surprise, we did not.

We were in awe of this wonderful performance.

The crowd is silent.

I'm glad I'm here. I'm glad I witnessed this live.

You just have to be there.

I'm a bit emotional for some reason, and no, as the chorus arrived, everyone was silent.

 

Then, we hit the finale.

We all knew that this is the last song.

It's a celebration.

It's a song made by Yeng for the Yengsters early in her career.

And she made it extra special.

This time, you had to sing along.

I had to stop recording at this time to sing my heart out.

It was wrong timing because what she did to the song and the crowd blew me away.

There are a bunch of recordings online.

I must say that it's beautiful.

The Photoshoot

After the song, Yeng exited the arena.

As the crowd started to leave, we were left with some updates from the security about a photoshoot with Yeng.

We got in line.

Too bad, phones were not allowed.

Jassie and I got separated because it should only be 10 people in line. Unfortunately, the line got cut off after me.

But when I was about to take my turn, they suddenly miscalculated.

Now, I'm the first in line.

Meaning, I get to sit with Yeng.

BUT I WAS BULLIED BY MY WIFE AND SHE TOOK MY LOVELY SPOT.

How dare she.

I spent all my money for this.

I'm the Yengster, and I wasn't even able to sit beside her. 😭😂

Then, after the shoot, I'm being rushed by her to go away. We were being pushed by the organizers to move along.

But I'm happy because I got to shake her hand.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

I still won. 😂

Charlie says

So, another friend is going abroad to explore new opportunities and adventures. Charlie is leaving the country to work overseas, and honestly, it's about time. I couldn't be happier for him.

Before his flight, we managed to meet one last time. It's kind of crazy because we've been through this before. Every time we get together, it's almost always the same. We talk about the same things, laugh at the same stories, catch up on life, and never run out of things to say.

This time wasn't any different.

We met up, had some coffee, and talked about the usual stuff that friends talk about. Work, life, plans, memories, and whatever random topic comes up in the moment.

Nothing extraordinary happened, but it's special. 

As I sat there listening to everyone, I realized how much I appreciate these moments. Life gets busy, people move away, priorities change, and before you know it, meeting as a complete group becomes harder and harder. That's why I treasure these simple gatherings.

And while I'm going to miss having Charlie around, I'm genuinely happy for him. He's taking a chance on something bigger, stepping into a new chapter of his life.

I hope he finds what he's looking for out there. New experiences, new opportunities, and maybe even a few adventures he'll tell us about when he comes home.

For now, we'll keep the coffee ready and save him a seat at the table.

//sebajisoka

went to caloocan gg

It was just a random Saturday.

We were at home watching a movie when suddenly my in-laws asked us to join them on a visit to a relative in Caloocan.

I don't usually write blogs about this kind of thing, but this one was crazy, at least for me.

We had absolutely no plans that day. One moment we were relaxing at home, and the next thing I knew, we were driving from the south all the way to the north. We spent more on toll fees than we normally would, burned through more gas than expected, prepared food for the trip, almost got lost a few times, and got stuck in some seriously crazy traffic.

Honestly, it was a mess. But it was the fun kind of mess. Jassiee and I were laughing the whole time. 

I guess this is what happens when you have a car. A simple Saturday can suddenly turn into an unexpected road trip.

What I remember most, though, wasn't the traffic, the toll fees, or even the long drive.

It was the moment we arrived.

After all the chaos, we were welcomed with a warm hug from the celebrant. You know those hugs that don't feel forced and you know that it's sincere. 

At that moment, all the stress from the trip disappeared.

//sebajisoka

Kean's Art Exhibit

One of the things I never expected as a first-time parent was how excited I would get over a school art exhibit.

When the school announced that they were having an Art Exhibit, Jassiee and I were already looking forward to it. We wanted to see Kean's artwork. Honestly, I was expecting cute drawings and a little bit of messiness. 

When we arrived, the school looked completely different.

The usual classrooms and hallway were transformed into a gallery filled with artwork made by the kids. Everywhere we looked, there were paintings, drawings, and crafts. It was amazing to see how much effort the teachers and the school put into setting everything up.

As we walked around, I noticed something even more beautiful than the artwork itself. Kean was so happy and I can see that he's proud of his work and admiring others' work at the same time. 

His eyes lit up the moment he entered. He immediately grabbed our hands and started pulling us to show us the artworks. He couldn't stay in one place. He was running around, pointing at different works and finding his own.

Seeing his excitement was my favorite part of the exhibit.

Of course, I smiled when I saw his artwork. As parents, we spend so much time teaching our kid different things. We guide them, correct them, and help them learn. 

But things like this made me tear up a bit, my kid is growing into his own person. He has his own idea (He always say I have an idea when he's about to do something out of what he is currently doing). We noticed that he has his own creativity already when he is playing.

We were just expecting some artworks made by my kid, but amazingly enough, the art that was showcased is Kean's reaction to his work, that face he made showing how proud he was in creating them. 

That's the art exhibit that I saw through. 

//sebajisoka

Mother’s Day Celebration in Nuvali

For Mother’s Day, we celebrated in Nuvali. Just a simple family day.

We ate at The Shrimp Bucket, walked around, and did a little shopping afterward. The kind of slow day.

We were actually hoping to bring Kean to the fish feeding area because we knew he would enjoy it, but apparently, it was closed for renovation. Honestly, that was a bit disappointing.

So, we just stayed outside and had a picnic instead. And somehow, that turned out better. No pressure. No rushing. Just sitting outside together, while Kean played around nearby.

Sometimes good food, small conversations, and simply being together are already enough.

//sebajisoka

Zambales – Jassie’s Team Building

We went to Zambales for Jassie’s team building.

At first, I honestly thought I’d mostly just stay in the background during the trip, and that’s pretty much what happened. While Jassie spent time bonding with her teammates, I was mainly assigned to full-time dad duties with Kean.

And honestly, I didn’t mind.

Her teammates were warm, welcoming, and easy to be around. The drive there, however, was not as smooth as I had hoped.

Somewhere along the way, I received my very first traffic violation ticket. Apparently, I missed or ignored a traffic sign.

Five hundred pesos gone. One violation ticket. And my clean driving record was no longer clean. Honestly, it annoyed me more than it should have. Seeing that ticket felt like one of those moments that quietly ruins your mood.

Another thing is, I was worried about Yeng's concert ticket. It was sold out when we arrived in Zambales. I can't book because I'm driving. But amazingly enough, I found a vacant ticket after a few refreshes and bought it immediately. 

At night, before sleeping, we had a simple question-and-answer session with the whole team. 

I enjoyed that part more than I expected.

Sometimes people become more real when they’re away from office walls.

The next day, we packed up and headed home.

//sebajisoka

April

Summer, Stories, and Small Moments

April is hot! 

Road trips, beach, stories, and some reunion. 

It was tiring, very expensive, and memorable, I must say. I always want to post about these stories in my blog to maintain connections to these memories. 

---

Holy Week in Matabungkay

For Holy Week, we went to Matabungkay for another summer getaway. Beach, island, relaxation.

But honestly, it was so hot, and how can you relax if you have a toddler?

We went to an island to chill for a bit, but the heat was almost unbearable. Instead of swimming, we mostly stayed in the shade while the kids enjoyed the water. Kean played in the sand for a long time that he did not even take his afternoon nap.

But come to think of it, seeing my kid happy is something that I can be proud of. Not everyone can afford this. I'm thankful to the Lord for all the blessings. 

After that, we headed to a beach resort where we stayed overnight. The place was peaceful at night. The sound of the waves, tired bodies after a long day under the sun, and everyone slowly quieting down after all the activities.

 

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Angrydobo – Chef’s Night

I booked a dinner date at Angrydobo for their Chef’s Night.

Oddly enough, it was our first time there. We had never even tried their regular menu before, yet somehow our first experience there was already a special event featuring none other than Judy Ann Santos and Chef Sonny Mariano.

And yes, we got starstruck.

Judy Ann Santos was kind, warm, and honestly glowing in person. We even got photos with them, which still feels surreal when I think about it.

But beyond meeting celebrities, what I appreciated the most was the quality time with Jassie.

We spent most of the night talking about the food being served to us because almost every dish felt unfamiliar in a good way. It was a Filipino-Spanish degustation menu, so there were flavors that felt familiar, but presented in ways I probably wouldn’t normally try on my own.

Some dishes were strange at first bite, but memorable afterward.

The food was genuinely amazing.

Would I do it again? Absolutely.

 

---

Swimming in Laiya, Batangas

After months of planning, cancellations, and “tuloy ba talaga?” messages, I finally got to spend time with my friends again: Edgar, Maiqui, and Jona.

This time, instead of our usual mall hangouts, we went to Laiya, Batangas.

And honestly, that already made it feel different.

Since I’m from Laguna and the only one with a car, I became the official driver for the trip. House-to-house pickup pa talaga.

I was nervous because it meant driving through EDSA alone, something I’m still not fully comfortable with. But somehow, experiences like this slowly build confidence.

I picked up Jona first while it was still dark outside. We looked for a place to eat because she insisted on treating me to breakfast. After that, we picked up Maiqui and Navi, then headed toward Batangas to meet Edgar.

Of course, there was a coffee stop somewhere in between because no road trip is complete without coffee.

Eventually, we arrived at Edgar’s beautiful home and finally met Liza. Their house honestly made me imagine having a home somewhere in the south someday. Quiet. Spacious. Peaceful.

After preparing everything, we headed to the beach resort.

Long drive. Hot weather. Random stories inside the car.

When we arrived, we mostly ate, talked, sang songs, and played around with cameras. Maiqui and Edgar had new cameras, so naturally we spent time shooting photos and trying random creative shots. I also got to enjoy using my own camera again.

It felt nice being around people who enjoy the same things.

After a few hours, we left the resort, grabbed coffee again somewhere along the way, then started the long drive home.

We dropped Edgar off first and said goodbye to Liza, then drove all the way back to Manila to bring Maiqui and Jona home safely.

There were still stories inside the car during the drive home.

Honestly, I missed this kind of friendship.

I didn’t really grow up with a lot of friends, so having this circle now feels special to me. Meeting up only once in a while somehow makes the moments more meaningful.

Adult friendships are hard to maintain.

That’s why I appreciate this one.

---

Went to Church for VG

We also attended church for VG again.

There’s always something comforting about being there. Familiar faces, conversations, worship, and just being reminded to slow down spiritually when life starts becoming too busy.

Sometimes you don’t realize how mentally tired you are until you finally sit still.

---

Kean’s Field Trip – Sta. Elena Farm

Dad life continues.

Kean recently started school, and only a few weeks later, we were already joining him for a field trip at Sta. Elena Farm.

As tiring as it was, it was honestly so much fun.

Kean was everywhere.

Walking around nonstop. Exploring every corner. Looking at animals with pure excitement like everything was the greatest thing he had ever seen.

He rode a horse.
Got carried by a carabao ride.
Fed animals with grass.
Watched his mom ride the zipline.

And through all of it, he looked genuinely happy.

As a parent, moments like this hit differently.

You get tired physically, yes. Your feet hurt, your back hurts, and you just want to sit down sometimes. But seeing your child experience joy so openly somehow makes all the exhaustion worth it.

It’s a tiring season of life.

But it’s also a beautiful one.

And honestly, I love this little family that we’re building.

//sebajisoka