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Maki opens up on past rejections: ‘It took me years to achieve kung ano ako ngayon'
On Thursday's episode of 'Fast Talk With Boy Abunda,' the 'Dilaw' singer opened up about the rejections he experienced when he was very young.
"'It took me so much years to achieve kung ano na po ako ngayon,' Maki said, before sharing how he auditioned twice for a reality singing competition, and was rejected both times.
Despite this, Maki continued to be determined, believing that 'when you do something or you take a risk, always know to yourself na as much you want to be accepted dapat ready kang ma-reject.'
Maki also recalled the time when he released his debut song 'Halaga' in 2021, which didn't receive much attention.
'Noong ni-release po ito [Halaga] back in 2021 pandemic, wala pong pumansin ng kanta,' he shared.
'I was really disappointed in myself na akala ko ito na 'yung moment ko, naka-sign na ako, naka-release na ako ng sarili kong kanta tapos walang nakikinig," he added.
But when Maki thought no one was listening to his song, his father was there—quietly supporting him all along.
'Naalala ko, pumunta ako ng kusina para uminom ng tubig. Tapos 'yung kwarto po kasi nila papa, malapit lang po doon sa kusina, tapos naririnig ko po 'yung kanta ko from their room. Naririnig ko po na si papa 'yung nag-i-i-stream, paulit-ulit, every morning, every night,' he tearfully shared.
According to the singer, it was in that moment he realized he couldn't give up on his dreams. His parents were always there to support him.
'Kung mayroong isang naniniwala sa 'yo, hindi ka dapat tumigil lalo na kapag magulang mo 'yon,' he said.
Maki also found out the lone listener of 'Halaga' in Spotify was his dad all along.
'Sa Spotify na makikita mo na may isang nakikinig, may dalawang nakikinig tapos 'yung kaisa-isahan don, 'yung papa ko. So sobra po akong happy,' he said. 'I really appreciate my parents.'
Maki made waves for his song 'Dilaw,' which came out in 2024. It was the top song on Billboard Philippines' first Hot 100 chart.
He previously performed at the Philippine Arena as Lany's surprise guest, and as a guest act for BINI's Grand BINIverse concert.
More of his songs include 'Namumula,' 'Bughaw,' and 'Kahel na Langit.'
He is set to release his debut album 'Kolorcoaster' on September 19. — Jade Veronique Yap/LA, GMA Integrated News
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