It may be presumptuous to say so, but Maki was always bound for success — even before the release of “Dilaw.”
Since his debut with Tarsier Records, the young musician has slowly (but surely) made his way up the local music scene, releasing a string of viral hit songs like “Saan?” and “Kailan” in 2023. His debut EP, Tanong, presented his vocal versatility in full display and marked a bright beginning for his relatively young career. Yet while “Saan?” took his voice to the mainstream, it was “Dilaw” that became the song of a nation.
On streaming platforms like Spotify alone, “Dilaw” has already accumulated close to 60 million streams and counting, while its music video has garnered over 13 million views on YouTube in less than one month. The track and its relatable lyricism share a narrative that is both heartfelt and earnest in its vivid description of emotions. Maki’s musings on finding someone who brings you the vibrancy and light that your life so desperately needs is an experience that several Filipinos have resonated with, turning the song into an anthem of sorts for both the lovelorn and lovesick.
There’s a lot to unpack beneath its bright melodies and the soaring nature of Maki’s vocal performance in the chorus, yet the impression it leaves with its listeners is one that continues to linger well beyond the last note of the track. Like the color yellow itself, there’s a warmth that “Dilaw” delivers to its listeners, making it a feeling that people continue to chase with every listen.
“Dilaw” is very much a display of Maki’s strengths and talents as one of today’s brightest Filipino musicians. Still, it has also become a significant example of how much music can deeply resonate and carry substantial emotional weight for an entire nation of listeners, becoming a beacon of sorts for Filipino music’s meaning to its people.
Listen to Maki’s chart-topping “Dilaw” below: