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Singer-songwriter Maki. Anna Cerezo, ABS-CBN News

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Singer-songwriter Maki

Anna Cerezo

ABS-CBN News

<div><span dir="ltr" id="isPasted"></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1720242810415070624_Maki.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Singer-songwriter Maki. Anna Cerezo, ABS-CBN News"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Singer-songwriter Maki. <em>Anna Cerezo, ABS-CBN News</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA -- Like a true artist, singer-songwriter Maki transformed his pain and struggles into a “masterpiece” that went down in history. </p><p>Maki&#x27;s self-penned title, “Dilaw” shot straight to the number one spot on Billboard Philippines&#x27; first-ever Hot 100 chart, a staggering feat that the singer admitted left him in tears. </p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/2024/7/3/maki-tops-inaugural-billboard-philippines-charts-1728">READ: Maki tops inaugural Billboard Philippines charts</a></div><p>“I cried. I am OA when I cry. I am always emotional but for this one, this time it is different. It is something I will never forget.  Pag matanda na ako, ‘Maki was at top for the first time,” he said in an interview in Taguig City, Saturday evening. “Grabe, hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala. Pag sinabi niyo out loud na ganyan lalo ako na overwhelm.” </p><p>Maki&#x27;s catchy bop belied its somber origin as the mega hit was actually inspired by a string of rejections. </p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/2024/6/5/past-rejections-inspired-dilaw-hitmaker-maki-to-fulfill-dream-1850">READ: Past rejections inspired &#x27;Dilaw&#x27; hitmaker Maki to fulfill dream</a></div><p>“Like singing competitions, like here sa ABS, sa &#x27;The Voice&#x27; nag-audition po ako, &#x27;The Voice Teens&#x27; first batch, iba ibang auditions from different companies. Unfortunately that time lagi po ako na-rereject,” he recalled. </p><p>“May isa pong audition na sobra akong discouraged. &#x27;Yung pagkatao ko po na-disrespect, &#x27;yung talent ko na-disrespect, nung time na &#x27;yun, I was 15, sobra po akong na-overwhelm. Tapos sabi ko kung dito pa lang hindi ko na kaya paano pa kaya &#x27;yung buong industry,” he added. </p><div><ivs-player data-ivs-key="e8c22c015ca9eafa76f1e3edfa03c603" data-ivs-spid="3001339" data-ivs-vid="3061374"></ivs-player></div><script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/loader.js"></script><p>While Maki neverthless persisted in pursuing his dreams song after song, he confessed that the series of setbacks struck a cord and dealt a blow to his self-confidence. </p><p>Thus, for the OPM artist, the achievement was a healing melody. </p><p>“[It made me] grateful for myself. That I did it, Kasi I had low-self esteem, seeing my name on the charts, at the top— it felt like such good day to celebrate OPM,” he said. </p><p>As the music gets people dancing on their feet, Maki hopes it will also serve as an anthem of resilience where listeners can also find comfort in the notes and strength in the lyrics.</p><p>“I did not expect this but when I was writing it in August 2023, I knew from the start when I was writing and we were producing the song it will create an impact for those who lack self-esteem or lack self-worth. People would ask what it means, for who. So when it dropped, I said it is for myself. I hope they can see it in this perspective, they sing it to themselves,” he explained. </p><p>The singer-songwriter, however, emphasized that the impressive milestone was not achieved single-handedly. </p><p>&quot;Passion for music was my driving force. I didn&#x27;t expect such a significant achievement, but I thank God for the people who trusted and believed in me,&quot; he said. </p><p>The numbers speak volumes for Maki. Beyond mere titles and statistics, the achievement is a testament to the lives he has touched—a source of motivation to persist in his journey along with next generation of artists redefining and pushing the boundaries OPM. </p><p>“Being an inspiration for the next generation, when I was singing in a segment, a lot of children were cheering for me. I get really inspired because I am becoming part of their childhood,” he said. </p><p>“I still get so overwhelmed when I get recognized because I do music for music. Their love is something else. I really love the other people on the charts. OPM is alive and I am glad to be a part of it,” he added. </p><p>Maki assured that the achievement is merely the starting point, as he vows to further push the boundaries of his craft and the industry to new heights. </p><p>“I have motivation to do more. I believe when I work on something I always do the best. More and more and more for the next one, it won’t be too different. For sure it will be more relatable. 2024 will be colorful,” he said.</p><div><strong>RELATED VIDEOS:</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ykSWzThulkw?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div><div><br/></div>

<p>Like a true artist, singer-songwriter Maki transformed his pain and struggles into a “masterpiece” that went down in history.</p>

Like a true artist, singer-songwriter Maki transformed his pain and struggles into a “masterpiece” that went down in history.

Maki emotional after topping inaugural Billboard PH Hot 100 chart

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Maki emotional after topping inaugural Billboard PH Hot 100 chart

Anna Cerezo,

ABS-CBN News

Published Jul 06, 2024 01:10 PM PHT

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Updated Jul 06, 2024 01:14 PM PHT

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