Many perceive Ryan Bang and Yeng Constantino’s interrupted love story as the epitome of TOTGA or “The One That Got Away,” but to some, it was more than just a narrative of regrets and “what ifs”—it was a story of how money can interfere with a relationship.
Screengrab: Yeng Constantino/Instagram
During the September 2, 2026, episode of It’s Showtime, the actor-host suddenly turned emotional on air after recalling his past romance with Pinoy Dream Academy grand winner Yeng Constantino.
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“Mommy [Vice Ganda], makakahanap kaya ako ng tulad ni Yeng na nung nag-umpisa ako na wala akong pambayad ng date, wala akong kotse, wala akong pera, paulit-ulit ‘yung damit ko pero minahal—may chance pala ako sa kanya. Makakahanap kaya ako ng ganon?” the 35-year-old It’s Showtime host said.
Bang’s emotional moment was triggered by attending Constantino’s Biyaheng Bente anniversary concert, where the singer serenaded him.
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Back in 2022, Bang and Constantino first disclosed their romantic backstory on It’s Showtime’s Tawag ng Tanghalan, where the 37-year-old singer served as a judge (hurado), and the Korean host acted as the “Korean Gongbassador.”
According to Bang, he courted Constantino in 2010 but ultimately stopped after he mistook singer Richard Poon for Constantino’s boyfriend.
“Akala ko ayaw mo sa’kin [Yeng], kasi nung panahon na ‘yon, gumigimik kami kasama ko sila James Reid… Ilang beses ako nagyaya, hindi ka kasi sumasama ‘di ba? Tapos sumasama ka kay Richard Poon, [sa] ibang lalaki… Akala ko kasi nag-outing kayo. Akala ko ayaw mo sakin,” Bang explained.
He also noted that Constantino’s status in the industry as the “Pop Rock Royalty” intimidated him, while his own financial status back then led to self-doubt, forcing him to hold back.
“Kasi tuwing kumakain kami siya nagbabayad eh at saka ang dami niyang fans. Tuwing pupunta ako ng concert mo, pagkatapos ng concert marami nagpapapicture sayo, pero hindi ako kilala ng mga tao nun eh. So, nahihiya ako sa sarili ko na, hindi ako para sayo—parang ‘yun ‘yung naramdaman ko,” Bang shared.
While many sympathized with Bang’s sentiments, some looked past the emotion and viewed the situation through an economic lens—arguing that although abruptly stepping back wasn’t ideal, halting the courtship was ultimately a wise decision for both parties.
Photo: Ryan Bang/Instagram
“Let’s be honest and ‘wag lang puro kilig. What Ryan did was the right thing to do. Di pa siya financially stable noon kaya niya tinigil, ‘yun ‘yung isa sa reasons niya,” one online comment read. “And imagine if tinuloy nila ‘yong meron sila habang may doubt siya sa sarili niya—wala sanang kilig ngayon at puro hatred lang ang mararamdaman nila sa isa’t isa kasi maaaring hindi sila mag-end nang maayos.”
Bang and Constantino’s Lives After Falling Apart
Following their initial revelation, Constantino shared on It’s Showtime that Bang’s sudden distance inspired her to write one of her hit songs, “B.A.B.A.Y.”
Ultimately, Constantino married fellow musician and former band vocalist Yan Asuncion on February 14, 2015, after meeting through mutual friends during church and casual group gatherings.
Meanwhile, Bang got engaged to his non-showbiz partner, Paola Huyong, on June 29, 2024. However, in June 2026, news broke that the couple had officially called off their engagement.
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While the public rekindled interest in Bang and Constantino’s past, some raised concerns regarding its potential impact on Constantino’s marriage, suggesting that bringing up a past romance on national television showed disrespect toward her husband.
However, Asuncion has already clarified the issue during a guest appearance on Magandang Buhay that he harbored no ill feelings regarding his wife’s history with Bang.
“Nakaka-relate din ako doon kasi siyempre, Yeng Constantino rin, so I kinda went through the same parang situation na parang nanliliit ka. ‘Tas parang naka-empathize ako kay Ryan, na ‘Bro, I know what you’re feeling.’ Alam ko ‘yung naramdaman mo. So na-touch rin ako sa story ni Ryan noon,” Asuncion expressed.
ALSO READ: Apparently, Ryan Bang Ghosted Yeng Constantino in the Past–Here’s Why
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