From Audition Room to Trauma: Maki Opens Up About Past Ordeal
MAKI – Singer-songwriter Maki’s journey to stardom was not without its dark chapters—one of which happened during an audition in his teenage years.
Maki has opened up about a distressing incident from his teenage years, revealing that he experienced harassment during an audition at the age of 15. In an interview on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda last August 7, the “Dilaw” hitmaker spoke candidly about one of the most challenging moments in his pursuit of a music career.
When Boy Abunda asked if there had been times when people told him he couldn’t become a singer, Maki admitted that it had happened on several occasions. Over time, he learned to handle such rejection. “Kasi para po sa akin, when you do something, or if you take a risk, always learn or always know, na as much as you want to be accepted, dapat ready ka ma-reject,” he said.
Maki shared that he once auditioned alone in a room with one person, intending to surprise his parents. He recalled, “I did everything, nag-acting, singing, dancing in front of one person kasi ni-lock niya ‘yung pinto, tapos ayoko na po mag-dive into details, pero nag-audition po kasi ako to become an artist.”
After his performance, the individual began asking him questions that, according to Maki, were “medyo hindi po pambata.” He said it was the first time he encountered such remarks, leaving him confused about how to respond.
Boy Abunda then asked if he felt his dignity had been violated. Maki replied, “Ay, opo. Yes po.” When asked if the comments suggested that fame would follow if he complied, he answered, “Malapit na po [doon].”
Sensing the situation was inappropriate, Maki excused himself to go to the bathroom and never returned. On his way home, he cried in the jeepney—not because of the person’s actions, but because he feared the experience meant his dream was out of reach.
“Akala ko hindi po para sa akin ‘tong industry kasi maybe it’s too harsh for me, maybe I’m not ready yet for this dream, so if my dream is too big, baka hindi ako bigyan ng ways to achieve it,” he said.
While clarifying that no physical contact occurred, Maki shared that the moment left a lasting mark. “Metaphorically, parang ganu’n po ‘yung naisip ko kahit hindi physically po, pero parang I felt na I was really, really exposed,” he added.
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