OPM singer-songwriter Maki has found an unexpected yet genuine friendship with Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition’s Will Ashley and Cup of Joe’s Gian Bernardino.
In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, Maki talked about their friendship, highlighting how they all support each other despite having busy schedules.
“Busy kasi kaming tatlo and I’m very, very happy pero minsan jino-joke lang namin na ‘ Uy magkaroon naman kayo ng time.’ Pero at the same time, at the back of our heads, we’re proud of each other and we’re really rooting for each other,” Maki said.
The “Dilaw” hitmaker added that they look out for one another, especially during difficult moments in their careers or personal lives.
“When someone is down — ganoon talaga sa industry ‘di ba may nangyayari sa isa (na nakakadown) — ako, personally, I like to check up on them. Recently, si Will, he’s been (down) but I always check up on him kasi mas matanda din ako kay Will,” Maki shared.
Photo credits to Tumbs / Instagram Broadcast Channel
For Maki, what they have goes beyond the usual showbiz friendship. As a friend, Maki described himself as one who stays, as long as there’s mutual respect and growth.
“Whatever happens kasi, I will be there with my friends as long as nakikining, natututo. Ganoon ‘yung type na relationship na meron kami. We’re not just industry friends. Ako, para sa akin din, I don't like being friends with the people in the industry na walang genuine connection so I like to keep myself close with the people who are genuine as well to me,” Maki expressed.
Calling themselves “tumboys,” Maki, Will, and Gian first met at industry events before forming what fans now enjoy as one of the celebrity trios online. Their playful teasing and goofy banter on social media have become fan favorites.
In September 2025, the three went on a fun night out that included an escape room and bowling, documenting the hangout on their personal social media accounts and group broadcast channel.
In a post he shared on his X account, Will wrote: “Hayyy, happy ako nakilala ko kayo. @gianbernardino_ @clfrnia_maki,” to which Maki replied, “love ű both <33,” while Gian chimed in with, “labyu bunso ingat ka 😙🫶.”
They have also shown up for each other’s milestones such as Will’s fan concert, Cup of Joe’s Stardust concert, and Maki’s Kolorcoaster show.
The singer-songwriter hopes for his friends to be able to watch his show again, despite their packed schedule with Will being busy with his acting projects and Gian with his ongoing concert tour for Cup of Joe.
“Sinabihan ko silang pumunta. Ewan ko kung pupunta, ewan ko kung may uuwing maaga na naman. Kasi tampo ako sa kanila noon. Shout out kay Will na umuwi ng maaga at si Gian na nawala nung concert,” Maki quipped. “Nasa concert niyo ko pareho tas kayo sa concert ko umalis kayo walang hiya kayo! Hindi si Gian kasi nasa tour (noon). (Hopefully), this time malay niyo bumawi sila ‘di ba?”
Photo credits to Tumbs / Instagram Broadcast Channel
Maki is also doubling as the director of his repeat concert this coming February 21. Given the chance, what is one song from his full-length album that he would love to perform with Will and Gian onstage?
“Iyong ‘Sikulo.’ Kumunta nga sila ng ‘Sikulo’ noong ano. May na-reveal sila sa akin na parang ‘Sikulo’ version nila,” he said.