For years, "Hawak Kamay" has been embraced as a song of hope, comfort and unwavering support. But few know it was born from the heartbreak of a 14-year-old girl trying to hold on to someone she considered family.

Singer-songwriter Yeng Constantino has opened up about the deeply personal story behind one of OPM's most enduring hits, revealing that she wrote "Hawak Kamay" as a teenager after a painful family experience that would unknowingly launch her career.

Speaking on "Matteo G Primetime," Constantino shared that the song was inspired by a cousin whom her family had taken in and raised as their own.

"My inspiration back then ay 'yung cousin ko," she recalled. "I grew up in a household na ako 'yung bunso. Tapos nag-ampon kami ng cousin. I was really looking forward na mag-grow kami together kasi finally, nagkaroon ako ng younger na kapatid."

But the arrangement did not last.

"Ang tao ay naghahanap ng family," she said. "So kahit na nandoon kami bilang pamilya niya, naghanap talaga siya ng biological na pamilya. Eventually, lumayas siya."

The departure left the young Constantino devastated, prompting her to pour her emotions into a song.

"Sa sobrang lungkot ko na lumayas 'yung itinuturing ko na bunsong kapatid, nasulat ko ang 'Hawak Kamay,'" she said. "Parang gusto kong sabihin sa kaniya na, 'No matter what happens, kung babalik ka, I'll still hold your hand. Nandito pa rin ako para sa'yo.'"

Looking back, Constantino admitted she is still amazed that she was able to write lyrics with such emotional maturity at only 14.

More surprising, she said, was seeing a deeply personal song resonate with millions.

"When I was writing it, talagang expression lang siya ng emotion ko toward my cousin," she said. "It was really a surprise to me."

That surprise would become the defining story of her career.

The song eventually became her ticket to national recognition, opening doors that would transform her life.

"I owe 'Hawak Kamay' that opportunity," she said. "Hindi mo maarok bilang bata at that time na parang all of a sudden biglang may hit song ka na sa radyo, and people recognize you, and they sing your songs to you while you're onstage."

Nearly two decades later, "Hawak Kamay" remains one of the defining songs of modern OPM, proving that its lasting power lies not only in its memorable melody but in the raw sincerity of the teenage heartbreak that inspired it.