Maki Opens Up About Growing Up w/ 16 Siblings & the Childhood He Missed
MAKI – Behind Maki’s rising success in the music industry lies a deeply personal story shaped by growing up in a family of 17 children.
From uploading simple cover songs online to staging sold-out concerts, OPM singer-songwriter Maki has built a name for himself through persistence and passion. But behind the rising star is a deeply personal story shaped by growing up in a family of 17 children, an experience that, he admits, affected how he lived his childhood.
As the second youngest among 16 siblings, Maki revealed that life at home was far from easy. With such a big family, challenges were inevitable, and he found himself navigating responsibilities and problems at an early age. This, he shared, left little room for him to fully embrace being a carefree child.
“Kasi para sa akin, hindi ko masyado na-maximize yung pagkabata ko kasi I had so many problems with the family growing up. Kasi 17 kaming magkakapatid. Pangalawa ako sa bunso I didn’t actually know how to be a kid kasi medyo maraming problema nung bata ako. Sabi ko nga, I owe it to myself to give back to my younger self. Ilang inner child na ba ang na-heal natin?” he said.
Growing up in such a large household meant that attention, time, and resources had to be shared among many. While he did not go into specific details about their struggles, Maki was candid about how those early experiences shaped him emotionally. Instead of dwelling on what he missed, however, he now chooses to “give back” to his younger self.
This explains his fondness for toys, playful accessories, and childlike interests, things he now allows himself to enjoy without guilt. For Maki, embracing these simple joys is part of healing his inner child and reclaiming moments he feels he was unable to fully experience before.
Despite the difficulties of growing up in a big family, Maki also recognizes the love and support that surround him. Having 16 siblings means never lacking company, shared memories, and lessons learned from one another. Today, as he continues to thrive in his music career, he carries both the weight and warmth of his upbringing, a journey that molded him into the artist and person he is becoming.
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