Singer-songwriter Maki is once again turning heartbreak into music with the release of his newest single, “Habangbuhay Pansamantala,” a track that explores the pain of feeling temporary in someone else’s life.
During an interview, the “Dilaw” hitmaker described the song as emotionally heavy beneath its lighter sound.
“‘Habangbuhay Pansamantala’ is actually a sad song,” Maki shared. “It’s a sad song dressed as a happy song, parang the things I always do whenever I write.”
According to the singer, the track revolves around having a soft spot for someone despite repeatedly feeling neglected or secondary.
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“It’s a song about having this soft spot for a certain person that no matter what they do, kahit wala sila lagi, kahit di ka nila kinakausap, you still have a soft spot for them,” he explained.
Maki admitted that the song was inspired by personal experiences, saying the feeling of “temporariness” has been something he has dealt with since childhood.
“Feeling ko lahat tayo may ‘habangbuhay pansamantala’ moment where we feel na parang we’re always the second option. We’re always the back burner of everything,” he said.
The singer also revealed that he recently experienced the same heartbreak again after trying to rebuild himself emotionally.
“You built yourself from scratch again after relearning how to love again, tapos biglang may pagpaparealize ulit sa akin na parang kapalit-palit ako or I’m a very temporary person lang,” he shared.
Despite the painful inspiration behind the song, Maki said he has learned to embrace impermanence and simply enjoy experiences while they last.
“There’s no forever to everything. But kung anong experience mo ngayon, enjoy,” he said.
The artist also reflected on the overwhelming success of his music career, including reaching billions of streams, something he never imagined would happen.
“Never ko naisip na yung pangalan ko matatabi sa one billion. I’m just really grateful for everyone,” he said, jokingly adding, “Nalulungkot din ako para sa inyo kasi lagi kayong nakikinig ng malulungkot kong kanta.”
Apart from his latest release, Maki is also preparing for the international legs of his “Kolorcoaster” tour, which will include stops in Singapore and Indonesia.
The singer admitted he has been physically preparing for the performances.
“Nag-diet ako, malala, kasi hinihingal talaga ako sa stage. I wanna give my best for the upcoming legs of the tour,” he said.
Maki also expressed pride in the growing global recognition of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), citing artists such as SB19, BINI, Cup of Joe, and Zack Tabudlo among those helping bring Filipino music to the world stage.
“I’ve always waited for that day na masasabi natin na OPM is going international. And this is the day. This is the era,” he said.
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“We’re very rich in culture. We’re very loving. So ang dami nating love songs na masakit at magaganda. We just need the platform and the support from everyone.”
Looking ahead, Maki shared plans to further grow as a songwriter and potentially write songs for fellow artists in the industry.
Among those he hopes to collaborate with are SB19’s Justin, girl group Xonara, singer Carmelle, and actor-singer Will Ashley.
As his career continues to evolve, Maki said he now approaches life with a mindset of fully embracing every moment.
“Everything is happening now. And para sa akin, yun yung pinaka-importante, living your life to the fullest right now,” he said.