Maki Says Biggest Career Lesson Is to Listen to Those Who Believe in Him

“Listen to the people who believe in you,” Maki said.

As his music career continues to reach new heights, singer-songwriter Maki has learned to be more mindful of the voices that influence his journey, staying grounded in people who genuinely know him, ABS-CBN reported on November 13, 2026. The Kapamilya artist 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 his most important career lesson, Maki emphasized trusting those who supported his path from the start. Social media narratives can distort how artists view themselves and their work, he explained, particularly when platforms circulate information detached from reality.

“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,” Maki said.

He admitted that creatives can absorb these falsehoods if they lack caution. Holding fast to personal truth and the circle of trusted individuals provides a necessary anchor against online noise, he noted.

“Baka mamaya, paniwalaan na namin ‘yung mga kasinungalingan na sinasabi sa social media. And it can happen. It’s happening,” Maki told ABS-CBN, adding that he chooses to trust people who truly recognize his character.

That trust extends both ways, with the Gen Z artist noting he expects his inner circle to remain confident in who he is. He advised fellow creatives to return to their core rather than accept unverified internet discourse at face value.

The contract renewal event featured top network executives, including ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, COO Cory Vidanes, and ABS-CBN Music and Integrated Events head Roxy Liquigan. Other attendees included ABS-CBN Music creatives, content and operations head Jonathan Manalo and Tarsier Records label head and One Music Management OIC Marey Garcia.

Maki expressed gratitude to the leadership team for providing the confidence and platform to pursue his music. “These people came around in my life, who trusted me and gave me confidence to pursue what’s in my heart,” he said.

Looking ahead to 2027, the artist previewed several major projects, including his upcoming KOLORCOASTER Shades EP and a deluxe album titled KOLORCOASTER Hue. His international tour schedule features stops in Auckland, New Zealand, alongside Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth in Australia this coming April, followed by dates in the United States and Canada, plus a planned concert titled KOLORCOASTER: One Last Ride.

Beyond music, the singer prepares to open a retail store named Kilala, launch new collectibles through Kimerch, and release an official lightstick called Taladorki. He closed out the trade launch by performing tracks like “Abelyana,” “Kahel na Langit,” “luck,” “Habangbuhay Pansamantala,” and “Dilaw” for trade partners and members of the press.