August 22, 2025 | 12:00am
After releasing consecutive singles that will make up his forthcoming album, singer-songwriter Maki is slated to end 2025 with a major concert on Nov. 7 at the Araneta Coliseum.
“It took us two years to plan this concert,” said Maki. “We are preparing so many things for everybody. I’m not speaking for everyone, but for an OPM (Original Pilipino Music) singer like me, I’d like to do things that are impossible.”
PLDT Home introduces its Fiber Prepaid brand ambassadors — gaming streamer Suzzysaur, food content creator Ninong Ry and singer-songwriter Maki — together with senior vice president and head of PLDT Home John Palanca, vice president and head of Home Fixed Broadband Roy Victor Añonuevo, and vice president and head of Home Marketing Communications Ina Pineda.
“I like to do things my way. For me, this concert and even the album, it really encapsulates who I am as an artist and it gives a unique touch to the OPM scene,” added he.
“I feel like this is the moment where we need to take a risk. This is not just a concert. You are entering a world of the ‘Kolorcoaster.’ We all took a hard time to build this world.”
“Kolorcoaster” is the forthcoming album of Maki, to be released on Sept. 19 under Tarsier Records. The album contains 10 tracks, including Maki’s earlier releases like Dilaw (Yellow), Namumula (Blush), Bughaw (Blue) and Kahel na Langit (Orange Sky).
Dilaw, released last year, topped local Spotify and Billboard charts and even made its way into the global Spotify chart, becoming the third OPM song in history to achieve this, following Ere by Juan Karlos Labajo and Babaero by Gins and Melodies.
As of now, Maki’s concert is scheduled for just one night, but he said they will give a chance for a second night in case there’s a demand.
“I’m really, really grateful that I will get a chance to celebrate my music with these people who really grew in numbers today after the NFT (New Frontier Theater) concert last year,” said Maki, whose real name is Ralph William Datoon.
Maki is aware of the pressures that are building up come his “Kolorcoaster” concert this year. “We will reveal important things soon,” he said.
Maki will direct the concert for the first time. “It will be a big opportunity for me,” he said. “Last time, I took the creative direction and for this one, as well, because I created the ‘Kolorcoaster’ world.
“So, I’m really honored and thrilled that I get the chance to direct my concert. My producers gave me the trust to direct. I’ve always been dreaming of directing something. This concert is not just a milestone. It’s the physical and human form of me and my heart,” he continued.
“I’m really excited to show that side of me that not a lot of people see. Most people just see me singing onstage, but I’d like to thank my team for trusting me with direction ideas and creative stuff.”
“I’m really, really looking forward to seeing you in my concert. We will all work hard for this concert.”
Not surprisingly, Maki will also work as musical director of the “Kolorcoaster” concert. “Pa-bibo talaga,” he beamed. “But I must admit that I really need the help of a professional. We’ll make sure to give the audience the best performance.”
When it comes to arrangement, he will get a musical arranger to work on the set list. There will also be a musical director to closely work with Maki.
Kahel na Langit is the latest from Maki before the release of his debut album. The song expresses feelings of longing and missing someone who once offered comfort during difficult times.
Will “Kolorcoaster end his 2025? “I don’t run out of surprises, but that concert will definitely be the highlight of 2025,” insisted Maki. “The album started two years ago.”
Maki was recently enlisted to be the brand ambassador of PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid, along with Ninong Ry and Suzzysaur — three inspiring creators who turned their passions into professions with the help of a strong, reliable fiber connection.
“Whenever a brand reaches out to us, brands that I really love, I am really honored that I get to perform for these brands that we represent,” said Maki. “I’m sure they seriously think about it. Just to make me perform for the product and being in line with the brands who trust me, I give importance to them.”
From starting an online business, favorite online personalities like food content creator Ninong Ry, gaming streamer Suzzysaur and Maki make it to the “Hall of Fame” campaign of PLDT. As digital platforms continue to redefine careers in content creation, remote work and entrepreneurship, the brands are undoubtedly increasing in number. “I hope there will be more next year,” Maki smilingly said.
John Palanca, PLDT senior vice president and head of consumer business-home, said, “Filipinos have the innate talent and drive to turn big dreams into reality. Ninong Ry, Suzzysaur and Maki show us that technology is at its best when it empowers and enables you to succeed in life.”
“With PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid, we’re giving Filipinos the speed, reliability and flexibility to pursue their passions — whether it’s producing online content, streaming music, learning or upskilling.”
“All it takes is a reliable connection and the courage to begin. At PLDT Home, we are proud to be part of these journeys of success, which continue to inspire us to innovate every day.”
