Maki shares biggest career lesson he has learned so far
As his music career continues to reach new heights, Maki has learned to be more mindful of the voices he allows to influence his journey, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded in the people who genuinely know and believe in him.
The Kapamilya singer-songwriter shared this realization during his contract renewal with ABS-CBN Music and trade launch, titled “Into the White: A Space for Everything Yet to Come,” on November 10.
Asked by PUSH ABS-CBN about the most important lesson he has picked up throughout his career, particularly with his journey with ABS-CBN, Maki highlighted the value of trusting the people who have supported him.
“At the top of my head: Listen to the people who believe in you,” he said.
Maki explained that the narratives circulating on social media can sometimes affect how artists view themselves and their work, especially when these are built on information that does not reflect the truth.
“Kasi right now, I think, a lot of people are using platforms such as social media to create a narrative na hindi masyadong totoo. I think, ‘yun ‘yung minsang nakaka-distract sa mga creative,” he explained.
He admitted that even creatives can eventually be influenced by these narratives, which is why he has learned to look beyond what people say online and hold on to his own experiences and the opinions of those who truly know him.
“Baka mamaya, paniwalaan na namin ‘yung mga kasinungalingan na sinasabi sa social media. And it can happen. It’s happening,” he said. “But I learned from myself, from my truth in my heart, and from these people na nakapaligid sa akin na maniniwala ako sa mga taong nakakakilala sa akin.”
For Maki, that trust should also work both ways, as he hopes the people closest to him will continue to believe in his character and remain confident in who he is.
“And siyempre, dapat paniwalaan din ako ng mga taong [nakakakilala] sa akin. ‘Yun talaga ang lesson ko ngayon.”
Reflecting on how easily information spreads online, the Gen Z artist reminded his fellow creatives not to accept everything they encounter on social media without question.
“Balik lang tayo sa core natin,” he ended.
The lesson also comes at a meaningful point in Maki’s career as he renews his partnership with ABS-CBN Music, the team he credited for giving him the confidence and opportunity to pursue his passion.
During the ceremony, attended by ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, COO Cory Vidanes, ABS-CBN Music and Integrated Events head Roxy Liquigan, ABS-CBN Music creatives, content and operations head Jonathan Manalo, and Tarsier Records label head and One Music Management OIC Marey Garcia, Maki expressed his gratitude to the people who helped turn his aspirations into reality.
“Thank you so much for all the love. Do’n naman talaga nag-start lahat, my love for music. These people came around in my life, who trusted me and gave me confidence to pursue what’s in my heart. Thank you so much, ABS-CBN Music family, for making my dreams into a reality.”
He added: “Kumbaga, nasulat ko na, na-sketch ko na ang drawing, kinulayan niyo pa.”
True to the event’s theme of looking ahead, the singer also gave a preview of what fans can expect from him in 2027, including the release of his upcoming KOLORCOASTER Shades EP and a deluxe album titled KOLORCOASTER Hue.
His KOLORCOASTER world tour will also continue overseas, with scheduled stops in Auckland, New Zealand, and Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth in Australia in April. The tour will then head to the United States and Canada.
Maki also teased another major concert, KOLORCOASTER: One Last Ride, following the successful sold-out runs of KOLORCOASTER and KOLORCOASTER: One More Ride.
Beyond music, the singer is preparing to venture into lifestyle retail with his upcoming store, Kilala. His fans, collectively known as Zushis, can also anticipate new collectibles through Kimerch and the launch of his official lightstick, Taladorki.
The contract renewal and trade launch likewise gave Maki the opportunity to celebrate his musical journey with members of the press and trade partners through a live performance of some of his well-loved songs, including “Abelyana,” “Kahel na Langit,” “luck,” “Habangbuhay Pansamantala,” and “Dilaw.”