Filipino pop-rock quintet NOBITA and Yeng Constantino have released a new single, “Gayuma,” which explores the hesitation of confessing one’s romantic feelings. The song, produced by Brian Lotho, explores a quiet kind of love that swells in secret, capturing the uncertainty of whether one’s feelings are genuine or magical. The song reflects the theme of hidden love, which involves holding back, wondering if the other person feels the same way, and hoping for mutual emotions.
The track has a fascinating history. According to NOBITA, the demo had been shelved until they revisited it and realized something was missing. The band began considering a female collaborator who could bring balance and emotional nuance to the song.
“And there’s no one more perfect than Ms. Yeng—we’re just so lucky she agreed,” NOBITA explains. “Our first meeting was very productive. We exchanged ideas on what to add and change from the original track, eventually shaping the song’s final version.”
For Yeng Constantino, it was love at first listen. She specifically requested that the melody of the demo’s first verse be preserved. “The whole session, I was tapping into the emotion of falling in love,” she reveals. “But once you immerse yourself in that space, you realize it’s hard to control your feelings. That energy guided our process, helping us refine the lyrics and capture the material’s vulnerability.”
The collaboration brings the best of both worlds: Yeng’s soulful but delicate singing and the band’s heartfelt delivery. Together, their vocals stand out even in moments of fragility, exuding power and rawness against a simple, yet emotionally layered arrangement.
NOBITA adds, “Each artist brought their own style and emotional depth, and instead of clashing, it blended beautifully. Yeng’s voice and artistry elevated the song’s sincerity.”
The song is produced by Brian Lotho, who helped bring out the immediacy and warmth of the track, “making sure that the emotion in the lyrics came through in every beat and melody.”
NOBITA and Yeng Constantino’s “Gayuma” is now available worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment on all digital music platforms.
