Bien Opeña says consistency became his biggest lesson as he reaches 'The Clash Teens' Top 12

For Bien Opeña, making it to the Top 12 of "The Clash Teens" is more than just another milestone—it is proof of how much he has grown, both as a performer and as a person.

Speaking to GMA News Online, the 19-year-old said the competition has taught him one lesson that he believes will stay with him long after the show ends: the importance of consistency.

Before joining the Kapuso singing competition, Bien admitted he was not the type of artist who constantly rehearsed or prepared extensively for every performance. However, the rigorous training and weekly challenges in "The Clash Teens" completely changed his outlook.

"As of now, 'yung biggest lesson na nakuha ko here sa ‘The Clash Teens’ is being consistent talaga," Bien said.

"Kasi nung hindi pa ako nakakapasok here sa 'The Clash,' hindi talaga ako nagpa-practice ng mga songs ko, hindi talaga ako nag-aaral talaga ng mga piyesa ko na gagamitin ko para sa ganito, sa ganyan. Pero nung pumasok na ako dito sa 'The Clash,' I got the idea of kailangan pala maging consistent ka sa lahat ng bagay, hindi lang sa singing."

For Bien, consistency goes beyond perfecting a performance. He believes it reflects a person's discipline, work ethic, and character.

"Kasi 'yung pagiging consistent, it tells how other people see you eh. It tells everything how you do, kung paano ba nakikita sa'yo ng ibang tao, or para rin naman 'yung sa sarili ko," he shared.

Although grateful to have secured a place in the Top 12, Bien admitted that reaching the next stage of the competition also came with bittersweet emotions.

"Ngayon, feeling ko ngayon super mixed. That day, super mixed emotion ako siyempre. Ngayon, nararamdaman ko parang nalulungkot ako kasi magba-battles na naman kami, magwawatak-watak na naman kami," he said.

After spending weeks together in the competition, Bien said the contestants have built friendships despite knowing they are all chasing the same dream.

"Pero ayun nga, sabi nga sa 'The Clash,' isa laban sa lahat. So isa lang ang puwedeng manalo."

While many contestants dream of taking home the grand prize, Bien said his motivation extends far beyond the cash reward. If he wins, he hopes to use the prize money to provide a better future for his family.

"'Pag nanalo ko here sa 'The Clash,' I wasn't really thinking 'yung premyo kasi eh. Pero kung manalo man ako dito, gagamitin ko siya, 'yung premyo ko. Magpapagawa kami ng new house namin. Para naman, gagawin namin siya asset actually. Para magkaroon ng passive income kahit nagwo-work sila mother and father, mga brothers."

Family has always been at the center of Bien's musical journey. He credited both his faith and his mother for inspiring him to pursue singing.

"'Yung pinaka-inspiration ko is firstly siyempre si God. Thanks to God. And second naman is my mother," he said.

Bien shared that his mother, who used to sing in local bands during community events, was the first person to introduce him to music.

"Kasi 'yung mother ko, siya 'yung pinaka-unang-unang nagpa-experience sa 'kin how to sing. She taught me how to sing kasi kumakanta rin 'yung mother ko sa mga bands before eh, doon sa mga barangay-barangay nila, kumakanta rin siya."

He admitted that he never imagined singing would eventually become his chosen career.

"Nung bata ako, hindi ko masyado 'yung tinitake as... parang isiseryosohin ko 'yung singing career. Pero ngayon-ngayon ko lang siya na-realize na parang may future ako sa ganitong career, sa singing career."

Looking back on his journey so far, Bien described his face-off against fellow contestant Dirk Quejado as the most unforgettable moment of the competition.

"Isa sa mga hindi ko makakalimutan experience here sa 'The Clash' is 'yung laban namin ni Dirk Quejado. Actually, yes. That is the most unexpected thing na nangyari sa buhay ko," he recalled.

Despite considering Dirk one of the competition's strongest vocalists, Bien said the battle only strengthened the mutual respect they have for one another.

"Actually, si Dirk kasi, sobrang galing. Sobrang galing niya. And we both know that kung sino mang manalo sa amin, we'll be proud of ourselves."

As the competition heads into its battle rounds, Bien remains focused on giving his best every performance, carrying with him the lessons of discipline, consistency, and gratitude that have shaped his journey on "The Clash Teens."

"The Clash Teens" is hosted by Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz, with Jillian Ward, BGYO JL, and Christian Bautista as judges. It airs Sundays on GMA Network at 7:15 p.m. after "Bubble Gang." —MGP, GMA News