Czarina Faith Abuso

Maki dishes on performance jitters, pre-show routines, and favorite moments with Vice Ganda

Article (news)

Kyla Dennise Magbanua

The May 31 episode of “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/everybody-sing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Everybody, Sing</a>!” was filled with musical highlights as the Songbayanang TNVS drivers joined the Unkabogable host Vice Ganda for a night of entertainment. Guest singer Maki elevated the evening with a performance of his hit song “Saan” and later sang “Dilaw” during “The ChooSing One” segment.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2026/5/31/maki-naki-ride-sa-saya-ng-songbayanang-tnvs-drivers-everybody-sing-2247" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">WATCH: Maki, naki-ride sa saya ng Songbayanang TNVS Drivers | Everybody Sing</a></div>In an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN Studios, Maki reflected on his memorable onstage experiences and significant career milestones.<div><script data-wid="auto" type="text/javascript" src="https://content.viralize.tv/display/?zid=AAFz8gWM8iRADsJr&amp;cid=AB6Okyz-xJP_ciow"></script></div>With the intense, fired-up feeling of being in the spotlight, Maki shared his pre-performance routines, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong mindset. “I need to do my best and dapat iniisip ko lagi na this is the first and last show of my life. Depende rin sa energy ko nung araw na ‘yun, but ‘yun ‘yung lagi kong mindset,” he said.Maki also revealed that he usually eats something sweet before going on stage. “Kasi ‘yung mga ganitong events or mga shows talaga need ng energy,” he added. He confessed that he rarely drinks coffee or matcha, relying instead on sweets for a boost.While many believe singers should avoid cold beverages before performing, Maki does the opposite. “Mas hindi ako umiinom ng mainit, kasi mas gusto ko ‘yung malamig,” he said, explaining that his voice warms up more when he drinks cold water.On his favorite song to perform, Maki named his 2024 release “Namumula.” As for the most challenging moments, he admitted that technical difficulties—especially issues with his in-ear monitor—can make performances difficult. He also mentioned that stepping onto the “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ASAP</a>” stage brings him the most nerves. “Feeling ko it’s the childhood jitters, na parang nandun pa rin ako sa bahay nanonood ng TV ng ‘<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ASAP</a>’,” he said.Maki also recalled funny onstage moments, often shared with his band. They would pull off mid-performance gimmicks to entertain the audience, while timing mishaps—such as songs starting while he was still delivering spiels—often turned into amusing anecdotes.He also revealed the artists he dreams of jamming with: Jungkook of BTS and Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez.When it comes to his fondest encounters with Vice Ganda, Maki looked back on the moment she surprised everyone as a guest at his first solo concert in November 2024. He also recalled meeting her after ABS-CBN Christmas Special, adding it to his list of cherished memories with “Meme Vice.”Maki also noted that he and Ion Perez share the same zodiac sign, Sagittarius, and remembered Vice telling him that this might be why she feels especially fond of him. Maki capped off the interview by enthusiastically singing his favorite Vice Ganda song, “Boom KaraKaraka.”Catch new episodes  of “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/everybody-sing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Everybody Sing</a>!” every Saturday and Sunday, 8:30 PM on ABS-CBN sa ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, <a href="https://app.iwanttfc.com/dFR6MWHAcVb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">iWant</a>, and Kapamilya Online Live (KOL) on the ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel.

Maki opened up about his remarkable onstage experiences and career milestones in this exclusive interview with ABS-CBN Studios.

Maki opened up about his remarkable onstage experiences and career milestones in this exclusive interview with ABS-CBN Studios.