Aside from producing hit songs, Kapamilya singer-songwriter Maki also took on the role of director for his own major productions, including his concert Kolorcoaster that will have its repeat show this February 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Fresh from receiving recognition as Best Director for a Major Concert, Maki shared that while he is open to directing other artists’ shows in the future, he wants to further sharpen his knowledge about the craft first.
“Open naman ako sa nangyayari pero ako kasi gusto ko munang ma-harness, gusto ko munang mas maplakado ko yung ganitong realm kasi again I'm an artist as well, gusto kong mas ma-try ko muna pa-ulit ulit bago ko gawin sa iba para maperfect ko muna yung right formula,” Maki shared in an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN.
“Gusto ko mas nagle-learn pa ako everyday para mas napo-prove ko sa sarili ko and other to people what I can do. Yeah, I don't think I would ever stop being creative,” Maki added.
When asked which artists he hopes to collaborate with as a director, Maki didn’t hesitate to name some of the industry’s biggest stars such as Asia’s Songbird Regine Vasquez and even venture into film directing for Sharon Cuneta, Charlie Dizon, Angelica Panganiban, and Maris Racal.
“Ako kasi, I like to create something very simple but very powerful. I don't like to complicate things, that’s why kapag pinapansin niyo yung kanta ko hindi sya complicated, sa concert hindi din sya complicated. Maximalist ako pero there is beauty in simplicity din. That’s why yung mga artist na ito yung mga nakikita ko rin na mga artist na pwede ko na magawan, mga artist din na has the same sentiments kagaya ng sa akin,” he explained.
Beyond the stage persona of “Maki,” the singer also took a moment to acknowledge Ralph William, his real name, to whom he previously dedicated his directing award.
“Si Ralph kasi, he is a very hardworking person. Same naman kay Maki, behind the scenes kasi dun sya talaga pinaka nagiging in control, nagiging very intricate when it comes to all the details that's why I gave it to Ralph,” Maki said.
READ: Maki dedicates milestone wins to ‘Ralph’: 'For him, it means everything'
Maki introduced Ralph as a BA Communications graduate who has applied his academic training to mounting and directing his own productions.
“Malaking bagay siya not just for Maki but also for Ralph kasi si Maki laging nakakaha ng compliments ng award but for directing for something na very technical and professional, it’s for Ralph,” Maki expressed.
The singer admitted that there was a time when he believed his worth was confined solely to making music.
“It was a moment that I will never forget. At times like these, sometimes ang inisip ko ang worth ko nalang is music pero meron pa pala na pwede pa which is magdirect and I give a chance to myself to try and explore new things for my career and for the career of my team also who entrusted me with his opportunity to do it,” Maki said.
As for the upcoming Kolorcoaster The Concert: One More Ride!, Maki described it as a more chill and improved version following the success of his Big Dome debut last November 2025.
“For this one again as a director, I like to keep everything good and improved. Kasi dito for Kolorcoaster, I know it's not a perfect concert, but it was fun and gusto ko mas masaya pa itong concert since, you know that feeling when you like something and you like it even better with something, mga ganun,” Maki shared.
“Preparation wise, this is more chill kasi nagawa na namin ang mga malalaking detalye noong dati but again siguro double the effort naman din for the show kasi doon mas makikita na the best and mas gagalingan ko pang magperform and new people will appear there and yung mga Zushis (his fans) ko, I always give my energy sa kanila,” he added.