Maki, Dilaw Take Over Billboard Philippines X Summer Sundown

Nothing captures the feeling of summer quite like live music at sunset.

On a cool evening filled with glowing skies, vibrant performances, and a community brought together by sound, Billboard Philippines X returned with another unforgettable live experience. Titled Billboard Philippines X Summer Sundown, the event presented in partnership with ZYN transformed Manila House into a golden-hour celebration of today’s OPM soundscape.

Featuring two of the most compelling acts of this generation, Dilaw and Maki, the evening delivered a genre-spanning showcase of indie, pop, soul, and alternative music set against a skyline that slowly faded into dusk. Bringing together fans, creatives, and members of the music community, the event embodied the spirit of summer, spontaneous, emotional, and alive with sound.

Publisher Anne Bernisca welcomed the crowd, highlighting the platform’s continued mission to champion Filipino music. “At Billboard Philippines, our mission has always been to champion OPM and create spaces where Filipino artists and music lovers can come together,” she shared. “And what better season to do that than summer, when the energy is high, and the music feels even louder.”

Representing the evening’s partner, ZYN’s Anton Rodriguez spoke about the spirit behind the collaboration, emphasizing the brand’s message of staying present in life’s best moments — from sunset sessions to long nights with friends.

Echoing that sentiment, Bret Jackson, Chief of Editorial Content of Billboard Philippines, addressed the audience with the city skyline behind him. “Filipino music deserves the biggest stage possible — not just here at home, but across the globe,” he said. “Our mission has always been simple: to amplify Filipino voices and create platforms where our artists can be celebrated.”

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the music began.

Opening the live performances was Dilaw, whose set perfectly matched the golden hues of the evening sky. The band kicked things off with “Black and White,” instantly setting the tone with their signature alternative rock sound. Fans swayed and sang along as the group delivered a dynamic and cinematic performance.

The band performed tracks from their latest album while the sunset and wind filled the venue, culminating in a powerful rendition of the fan-favorite “Uhaw.” They ended their set with a soaring live rendition of “RARARA,” with ample participation from the crowd as the daylight finally faded into night.

Taking the stage next was Maki. Fresh off the heels of a major concert, he treated the Billboard Philippines X crowd to an exclusive intimate performance. He opened with “Namumula,” instantly setting the tone and energy for an up-close-and-personal set filled with storytelling and nostalgia.

At one point, the singer shared a touching moment with the crowd, reflecting on the success of his Billboard Philippines-charting hit “Dilaw.” Grateful for the journey, he reminded fans that he would “always be a ‘Dilaw’ boy,” drawing warm applause from the audience and his longtime fan community, the Zushis.

He later performed “Kahel ng Langit,” filling the venue with dreamy melodies before closing his set with his breakout hit, “Saan.” As the audience sang every word back to him, the performance became one of the evening’s most memorable moments.

Managing Editor Jason Caballa closed the main event by thanking the artists, fans, and partners who made the event possible, highlighting how Filipino music’s strength comes from its community.

While the live performances ended, the night’s energy continued. Closing the evening was DJ Cupcakes, who kept the celebration going with a vibrant DJ set blending OPM favorites and international hits. The dance floor filled as guests lingered, connecting, celebrating, and soaking in the final moments of the night.

Another successful collaboration between Billboard Philippines and ZYN, Billboard Philippines X Summer Sundown was a reminder of the magic that happens when music, sunset skies, and passionate listeners come together. With unforgettable performances from Dilaw and Maki, surrounded by a community united by their love for OPM, the evening proved that the soundtrack of Filipino summer has never sounded better.