ICYMI, Maki has a long-lost ‘twin’! Meet Yaki, Michael V’s impersonation of the ‘Dilaw’ singer on Bubble Gang, and whose song ‘Hilaw‘ says quite a few things about us as people.
Related: This Bubble Gang Skit Captures That TikTok Voice You All Know
A good impersonation involves comedy, commitment, and maybe a bit of commentary about the person or some other situation. Impersonations have been a pillar of entertainment, from stand-up to drag performances, and there are some that simply stand out in pop culture.
One of which in recent history is an impersonation of OPM singer-songwriter Maki, which was not only a funny bit and signifier of his success, but also a cheeky dig at certain Filipinos who can’t speak their own language. On long-running sketch comedy show Bubble Gang, mainstay Michael V impersonated the singer-songwriter, performing a rendition of Maki’s hit Dilaw on the Waste Bus (a parody of the Wish Bus).
HELLO, YAKI
https://t.co/215UPNNvVf pic.twitter.com/wZTKQCodZB
— Maki *ੈ✩‧₊˚ (@clfrnia_maki) November 22, 2024
Sporting the singer’s distinct, youthful style he performed with at his own Wish Bus roadshow, ‘Yaki’ wore layered shirts, shorts, accessories, and even a backpack. Michael V didn’t just embody Maki—he also played every single role in the band. Before Maki, the comedian also recently parodied hits from artists like BINI, Lola Amour, Dilaw, and SunKissed Lola. Honestly, if you’re the subject of a Michael V parody, that’s high key an honor and a sign of your pop culture relevance.
“Simula pagkabata hanggang pagtanda ko pinapanood ko mga parody ni Bitoy at di pa rin kumukupas ang galing niya,” a YouTube user commented. The little details used in the spoof, such as the Michael V band members playing their instruments wholeheartedly and the audience members singing along to the lyrics of the parody, made the whole thing an immersive production.
Maki himself thought the whole thing was a hoot, posting asking about what liptint ‘Yaki’ was using and even making the poster his lockscreen. Icons supporting icons.
THE GREAT IMPRESSION
@gmanetwork “𝗛𝗜𝗟𝗔𝗪” OUT NOW! 💫🚚 Singer-songwriter ʏᴀᴋɪ シ performs "𝗛𝗶𝗹𝗮𝘄" live on the 𝑾𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆 Truck. Watch his full performance at YouLOLGMA's Youtube!✨ #BBLHilaw #BBLGANG #BubbleGang #MichaelV #Bitoy #Parody #Dilaw #Hilaw #Maki #Yaki #Kapuso #gmanetwork #fyp ♬ original sound – GMA Network
The parody also isn’t just a random cover of Dilaw on the Waste Bus. Michael V’s song also had some fun cultural commentary. ‘Hilaw’ in this song refers to a Filipino who can barely speak their own language. “Nako, tigilan niyo na’ng Tagalog niyong bali / ang bigkas mali mali,” “Kahit na naka-barong, bakit sablay ang Filipino n’yo?”
The lyrics fit perfectly into Maki’s melody, witty and just as catchy as the original. The whole thing was a dig at people who can barely speak their own language—which, unfortunately, is a lot of Filipinos (and younger ones, in particular, who are used to speaking English at home and at school).
This parody isn’t just talked about because it’s funny and relevant, but because it brings up how identity, culture, and language are inherently linked, and how so much of our language and culture has been affected heavily by imperialism and globalization. Important conversations to be had, to be sure (especially now with the ever-increasing popularity of OPM), but this addition to the discourse is done in an engaging and lighthearted way. The perfect recipe.
Continue Reading: How Maki Is Taking Over OPM, One Color At A Time
