Rain or shine, Zushis prove Maki is their “Dilaw” as they celebrate Dilaw Fest amidst gray weather.
May 25, 2024 – fans of Filipino singer Maki brave the rainy afternoon to celebrate together the artist’s first official event, Dilaw Fest, at the McKinley Whiskey Park in Taguig.
Dilaw Fest is brought by Tarsier Records to celebrate Maki and his latest single, “Dilaw”, along with its music video. The event is made possible through their partnership with McKinley Whiskey Park.
On top of Maki’s anticipated performance, fan zones, activities, and a stellar lineup of guest artists hyped up the attendees of the fun-filled event.
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Bright Day for Zushis
As the Dilaw Fest is a special day for Maki and his fans, Zushis were offered a lot of things to enjoy while waiting for the official program to start. The gates to the festival grounds opened at 3 p.m., and the pouring rain was not an obstacle for fans to have a good time.
First off the list is the Dilaw Ball Pit, an activity booth with a twist on the classic plaything. Inside the pit of white and yellow balls are hidden treasures in the form of special yellow balls personally signed by Maki.
In line with the fest and Maki’s latest song is the “Who’s Your Dilaw?” booth, where attendees were free to write on notepads about who their “dilaw” is. Beside it is a merchandise booth, where fans could choose how to flaunt their love for Maki through a variety of items.
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Furthermore, to commemorate the Dilaw Fest, event sponsors and partners also provided fan zones. A photo booth is provided by Life 4 Cuts, where attendees can take photographs to remember the special day. Moreover, all ticket holders were eligible for a complimentary drink from Charles & James, courtesy of the venue.
Last but definitely not least, Zushis are talented like Maki, as proven by their fan art and works displayed in the Fan Museum area. Let’s talk about “like idol, like fans,” shall we?
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Pre-Show with Filipino Talent
Dilaw Fest is not only a celebration for Maki and his new release, but it is also an avenue to celebrate OPM. As such, the audience was entertained with performances from various local artists.
Among the artists from different genres to share their talents with the audience are Nameless Kids and muninn. See below to discover more OPM gems!
RadRed opens the show
OPM rock band RadRed kickstarted the fest by performing their songs “Mr. Sun” and “At Kahit”.
Dani Zam hypes the crowd
Following the band, singer Dani Zam engaged the audience as she sang “Beso” as well as an original song that has yet to be officially released.
Ysanygo share their energy on stage
Sibling duo Ysanygo takes the spotlight next as they perform songs like “Even in an Alternate Universe” and “Horizon.” The two also sang their latest release, “Sunny When I’m With You”.
Jolianne serenades the crowd
A darling from Cebu City, Jolianne shared her sweet voice through “Irises,” as well as another song that is slated for release next month.
jikamarie wows with her vocals
Up next, jikamarie graced the stage with her songs, “HINAHANAP-HANAP” and “lutang,” urging the audience to sing along.
Janine has fun on stage
The ever-charming performer, Janine Teñoso shared her energy with the audience as she sang some of her songs such as “Laro,” “Tingin,” and “Hulaan.”
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Angela Ken drives anticipation to the fullest
Lastly, singer-songwriter Angela Ken entered the stage to bring everyone’s excitement to maximum. The crowd sang along to her hits, “Alas Diyes” and “Ako Naman Muna.”
Maki Shines on the Stage
At last, the main event began as Maki finally graced the stage. He thanked his fans for staying and waiting despite the unexpected rainy weather.
Maki then jumped to the music video screening by calling onto the stage Director Jaydee Alberto, the man behind the MV. Alberto shared that one of his inspirations for the music video concept was the film Bridge to Terabithia.
BINI Maloi, who played the lead role in the MV, also made a surprise appearance. The three then sat on the stage so they could watch the music video together with the audience.
After the MV screening, Maki talked about his pride for Filipino talent, and his advocacy for more support of local artists. He then kickstarted his performances with his hit song, “Saan.”
As with custom of inserting the names of places he performs the song at, Maki modified the lyrics. Everyone cheered as the artist and fans sang, “Sa QC, sa UP, o Dilaw Fest sa McKinley!”
Following this, Maki then sang another hit song, “Kailan.” His great vocals truly bring emotions to its listeners, backed by the track’s nostalgic tone and the artist’s soulful singing.
Maki thanked the crowd for attending his first official artist event before sharing the stage with Angela Ken and Nhiko. The three blended their voices to deliver musical magic as they performed their well-loved song, “Sikulo.”
To close the Dilaw Fest, Maki performed his latest release, “Dilaw.” The warmth and sincerity in his voice, along with the evident passion he has for his craft while performing, is the perfect ending to a beautiful night.
Maki’s sweetness and sincerity was also exhibited as he personally went down the stage to meet with his fans at the barricade. The rain was forgotten as the artist profusely thanked everyone for their love and support.
Maki on His Influences and Dream Collaboration
In an exclusive interview with Pop Journal, Maki shared a bit about his musical influences that have contributed to his growth as a singer-songwriter. He has also named artists he’d love to work together with in the future!
Pop Journal: Your music combines a nostalgic vibe with contemporary R&B. Who or which artists have had the largest influence on your music? Both local and international?
Maki: Ang laking bagay na nasabi niyong parang nostalgic siya. While I’m writing “Dilaw,” I always listened to Rey Valera, Ebe, 3D (Ebe Dansel, Johnoy Danao, Bullet Dumas), [and] Johnoy Danao.
I really like to create something new but with references from classic OPM songs that I grew up with, because my dad has been a really big fan of OPM ever since. So, I think that gives the hint that resonates nostalgia on how I wrote it because those [of those] artists I listened to at that time. I’m so glad na ‘yon ang nafi-feel niyo kasi I really like going back sa mga memories, good old days.
Pop Journal: Are there any Filipino artists or foreign artists you’d love to collaborate with in the future?
Maki: A lot. Because there are many talented local artists na talagang friends ko na rin. If given a chance, sa ngayon si Ms. Reese Lansangan; I’m really a big fan of her ever since talaga. ‘Yung vibe na sobrang chill lang ganun. A lot of bands, siguro, Cup of Joe. They’re really good.
Internationally, I really love to listen to K-indie bands [like the] The Poles, Wave to Earth and many more.
Pop Journal: Are there other themes/ concepts you’d like to explore for your future music?
Maki: Music is really universal; it resonates with a lot of variety or variations of personality ng mga tao or the things and situations we are in right now. Of course, personally, I always like to make something new, I always like to create something unique. But right now, I am trying to solidify what I have now and kung ano at kung saan ang pwede kong i-offer at the moment. I think marami pa kayong aabangan, its very new but still Maki.
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Maki is a Filipino singer and songwriter whose name is rapidly rising in the OPM scene. His songs such as “Saan?,” “Kailan?,” and “Bakit?” shot him to fame.
Moving from heartbreak themes, “Dilaw” is his latest single. This time, Maki sings about finding one’s source of comfort, joy, and optimism – although his soulful voice already brings enough warmth to its listeners.
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