OPM singer-songwriter Maki dedicated his Best Director for a Major Concert award to his “real self,” Ralph William Datoon, whom he described as someone who rarely received recognition.
On his social media page, Maki shared a heartfelt message commemorating the milestone, honoring Ralph on what he called a “very special day.”
“Today, ralph won an award as best director for a major concert alongside so many honorable creatives and directors,” Maki wrote.
“'Winner' wasn’t always inside his shelves of achievements. for a long time it has always been Maki who’s always receiving compliments, trophies, and awards. ralph never gets any recognition. but today changed that,” he added.
For Maki, receiving an award as Ralph meant more than just professional validation. He reflected on growing up in a system that often equates intelligence and success with academic achievements alone.
“Growing up believing that you are stupid when you don’t meet the criteria of 'a good student' isn’t an easy fishbone to remove from your heart. that is why this award may not be as special to other people, but for him, it means everything,” he expressed.
Maki also spoke about the common perception in the Philippines that grades define a person’s future, noting how failures in school are often seen as permanent limitations.
“Here in the Philippines, we grow up having this perception that school grades are all that there is to define one’s knowledge, skills and future—how colorful it is and could be. we believe that if you fail a test, a simple quiz, a semester or even failed to graduate, your future will be limited filled with grey areas and a monochromatic reality,” he continued.
He admitted that, as Ralph, he often questioned why recognition never came his way. However, he later realized that what truly mattered was something he already possessed.
“Ralph never got any medals, ribbons, and special awards every graduation, and he would always wonder why? why am I last? why do I have nothing? little did he know, he didn’t need any award close to his chest because there is something already in there that is more important than any gold or ribbons,” Maki said.
Maki highlighted Ralph’s heart “to grow and learn,” his leadership, and his pursuit of excellence, adding, “his heart. his heart to grow and learn. his heart for his team as the leader. his heart for excellence. and when you finally discover your heart’s desire, don’t just follow it, grow it. this is what he did.”
He ended his post by congratulating Ralph on the well-deserved achievement and teasing their next milestone together.
“CONGRATS, RALPH 👼🏻🫀☁️ you actually deserved this. SEE YOU SA KOLORCOASTER THE CONCERT ONE MORE RIDE??? ⭐️🤭,” he wrote.
Maki won Best Director for a Major Concert for his recent concert and also took home Best Male Artist in a Major Concert at the 38th Aliw Awards 2025.
The singer staged his highly anticipated Big Dome debut last November 7 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where he performed his viral hits with each representing a distinct color and emotion while also introducing his album KOLORCOASTER.
Following the show’s sold-out success, Maki announced a concert repeat on February 21, 2026, once again at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Tickets, priced from ₱1,200 to ₱6,799, are available via TicketNet outlets and its official website.
READ: Maki announces one more ride for ‘Kolorcoaster’ concert in February 2026
In a previous interview with MJ Felipe, Maki shared his excitement about directing his concert once again.
“It will be double the fun. Of course, it will be the same but I will make sure kung mayroon man dapat iimprove from the last concert, as the director also, I always think of better ways to improve the concert and for me, my fans deserve everything naman,” he said.
“I’ll make sure na it’s more magical, it’s more colorful.”