Maki on surviving harassment, rejection, and finding voice

Before his name topped charts and his songs filled arenas, Maki—voice behind the hits “Dilaw,” “Namumula,” and “Bughaw”—once stood on the verge of walking away from his dream.

In a candid interview on Fast Talk With Boy Abunda, the young OPM star opened up about the most difficult chapter of his early career, recalling a verbal sexual harassment incident he endured at just 15 years old.

He had auditioned in a closed-door session, driven by pure passion and the hope of becoming an artist. “Sobra po akong full of passion, full of dreams. I auditioned… acting, dancing, singing—in front of one person. Tapos ni-lock niya ‘yung pinto,” Maki recalled, his voice trembling.

What followed, he said, were sexually charged questions that no minor should be subjected to. “First time ko pong matanong ng mga ganoong bagay… Na-expose ako. Mahiyain po kasi akong bata, eh.”

When Abunda asked if he felt violated, Maki admitted, “Opo. Yes po.” He stressed that there was no physical contact—something he would never allow—but the experience left him shaken. “I felt that I was really, really exposed.”

He quietly excused himself to the restroom, left without returning, boarded a jeepney, and cried the entire way home—not from the incident alone, but from the crushing thought that maybe the industry wasn’t meant for him. “Maybe it’s too harsh for me… maybe I’m not big enough to achieve [my dream].”

Experts emphasize that harassment is not always physical; it can also take the form of suggestive remarks, intimidating questions, or inappropriate jokes—all of which can leave lasting emotional scars.

But Maki’s story didn’t end there. He faced more rejections—auditioning twice for a reality singing competition and being turned down both times. Even his debut single “Halaga” in 2021 went largely unnoticed.

Until one morning, everything changed. He heard his song playing from his father’s room—on repeat, every morning and night. The lone listener on Spotify? His dad.

“Kung mayroong isang naniniwala sa ’yo, hindi ka dapat tumigil lalo na kapag magulang mo ‘yon,” Maki said tearfully. That moment rekindled his drive.

In 2024, his perseverance paid off. “Dilaw” soared to the top of Billboard Philippines’ inaugural Hot 100 chart. He performed as a surprise guest for LANY at the Philippine Arena and joined BINI’s Grand BINIverse concert. With hit singles like “Namumula”, “Bughaw”, and “Kahel na Langit”, he now stands as one of OPM’s fastest-rising stars.

Maki is set to release his debut album, Kolorcoaster, on September 19—a full-circle moment for the artist who once thought his dream might be too big to reach.

His journey is a reminder that in an industry where harassment and rejection can break spirits, resilience, self-worth, and the unwavering love of family can carry you through.