From the bright lights of esports stages to the soulful rhythm of music and the demanding world of showbiz, John Philip Labong – known to many as Teng Meister – has carved a journey fueled not just by talent, but by faith, resilience, and a deep love for performing. What many don’t realize is that long before fans knew him as a gamer, Teng already carried a quiet dream in his heart. “When I was younger it was always my dream to be a singer or performer, but I was not that confident. Esports is something I loved as I grew older, and it eventually helped me develop the confidence I needed to pursue my music and entertainment dream. Sabi ko sa sarili ko, hindi naman habang buhay kaya ng katawan ko makipagsabayan, so I-try ko na habang kaya. I said that six years ago, ngayon masakit na sa katawan, haha.”
Learning to Clap for Others
That leap from gaming to music wasn’t an easy one. In esports, Teng was already a familiar name, someone who built his presence on skill and passion. But music and showbiz were different. Here, he had to start anew. Yet every time he steps onto a stage now, mic in hand, he feels more alive than nervous. “I can say I’ve come so far. On stage, every time I hold that mic, I am more excited than nervous, unlike before. I have that adrenaline of sharing my God-given talent and skill to everyone. Off stage, I learned to appreciate every skill and talent of others. Dati kasi akala ko, nung bata pa ako, you can’t support others—you should only focus on yourself or people close to you. But as I grew in life and in the industry, I learned it shouldn’t be that way. You should learn to clap for others until it’s your time.”
Balancing the Spotlight and Fatherhood
Even with his steady growth as an artist, Teng admits that there are days when he feels like an outsider in entertainment. “Yes, I have that feeling until now—that this is not my world. But I always tell myself this is what I wanted since I was a kid. Believing in God, I know this is where He wanted me to be. Lagi kong iniisip na, nandito na ako eh, sabayan na ‘to. Wala nang holding back.”
Through all the rehearsals, late-night gigs, and long hours, Teng never forgets the most important role he holds—being a father. “For the longest time, I can say I was able to balance it with the right time management. In other terms, it affected us in a good way. I was able to inspire some of my family members and friends to push for their dreams, lalo na ‘yung anak ko.” Family has always been his grounding force, shaping his perspective on both career and life. “My parents taught me a lot of realities in life—that you don’t get the things you want easily. As a dad, it helps me prioritize what’s more important, and that’s being there for my son. And if I can’t, I make sure to let him know why.” Fatherhood, he says, has changed him in ways he didn’t expect. “Yes, definitely. Ang dami kong natutunan. I became more patient, and I learned to listen first before speaking.”
Struggles Behind the Stage
Still, challenges are constant companions in his journey. While esports trained him to handle the demands of entertainment, breaking into music remains difficult. “Maybe one of the challenges until now is landing gigs, since I’m not that well known in the music industry. It’s difficult to land some.” The sacrifices have been heavy too. “Most of the time I sacrifice my mental and emotional state. Having ADHD makes it more difficult—it’s a constant battle inside my head. Tsaka tulog, kulang lagi sa tulog, kaya inaabot ng sakit minsan, hahaha.” But even through these struggles, he chooses to see beauty in the path he’s walking. “Whatever is happening, I try to find the beauty of it. If conflicts happen, I just explain myself clearly, as long as people are willing to listen.”
A Legacy of Faith and Resilience
When he thinks about the legacy he wants to leave for his son, Teng reflects with a quiet kind of wisdom. “Sometimes you can’t always get what you want, but there is always something waiting for you. You just need faith and patience. Minsan kasi pinipilit natin kahit hindi para sa atin eh. Learn when to hold on, and when to let go.”
Looking Ahead Without Limits
As for the future, Teng doesn’t box himself in. He envisions a life where gaming, music, and showbiz continue to co-exist, each one giving him a platform to share his passion. “I’m hoping to still embark on all those paths. For me, I don’t ask to be famous, but if it happens, thank you. Personally, I just want to share my talents, skills, and whatever I can offer. That being said, I will be more than happy if it gets the recognition it deserves.”
And that’s the heart of Teng Meister’s story. A man who dared to follow not just one dream but all of them, guided by faith, grounded by family, and driven by the belief that life is meant to be lived sharing the gifts you’ve been given.
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