OPM Singer Maki Opens Up About Overcoming Past Rejections in the Music Industry

Filipino singer-songwriter Maki, known for his hit songs in the OPM scene, recently shared in an exclusive interview with PUSH how he dealt with numerous rejections early in his career. He admitted that staying emotionally soft or vulnerable was challenging in the competitive music industry. Maki explained that he learned to discern which criticisms to take seriously and which to ignore, building a protective wall around himself while remaining true to his sensitive nature. He described himself as naturally emotional and soft-hearted, but the harsh realities of show business forced him to toughen up without losing his authenticity. These experiences, including setbacks in singing competitions and auditions, ultimately shaped his resilience and motivated him to persist until achieving success with chart-topping tracks. Maki’s story highlights the common struggles of aspiring artists in the Philippines, turning personal hardships into motivation for growth and creativity. His candid revelation serves as an inspiration for many young musicians facing similar obstacles, showing that perseverance and self-awareness can lead to breakthroughs in a tough industry.