Before Max entered the exciting world of hosting, his name was already making small steady waves in the local Chinoy performing industry. He is a constant favorite in concerts in the Filipino-Chinese Community and an actor in stage plays. These small steps have prepared him well for his solo performances and have contributed greatly in his ease with working with people.
"Being active in the Filipino-Chinese concert circuit didn't equate to nor guarantee a career in hosting and singing. But it did help getting recognition of your talent."
Aside from theatrical experiences with Chancel Repertory, he has appeared in the 700 Club playing the lead in a life story.
Being multilingual, he speaks four languages, English, Mandarin, Fookien, and Tagalog, with great mastery. With this capability, he has hosted and performed in private events of affluent Filipino-Chinese families, overseas workers, foreign nationals, and even politicians.
Aside from weddings, birthdays, debuts, and anniversaries, Max has hosted events for the Women's National Collegiate Athletic Association (WNCAA), Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industries Inc. (FFCCCII), Globe Telecom, Visiting Chinese Dignitaries, United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), Association of Philippine Volunteer Fire Brigade, to name a few. Added to his list of credentials is his performance in the Independence Day Show at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) wherein Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was the guest of honor.
These events gave Max the chance to work with mainstream artists like Ms. Pilita Corrales, Bobby Soul, David Pomeranz, Keith Martin, Kyla, Christian Bautista, Aiza Seguerra, Luke Mejares, Bamboo, Sponge Cola, Homer Flores, Ivy Violan, Jacqui Magno, Giselle Sanchez, Marissa Sanchez, Carlo Aquino, Kaye Dacer, and many famous personalities.
"Being professional is the key, whether you're doing it just for fun or you're treating it as a job." True enough, Max has missed bigger opportunities in favor of his commitments. There was a time when he had to give up a commercial for the popular Coca-Cola. Another time, he gave up a high profile hosting job in cooperation with the Department of Tourism, which will be shown on Cable TV all over China and the Philippines . All these for what? Wedding commitments!
"I am not the type of person who will ditch a client for a larger event or exposure. It's just not ethical."
With over a 100 songs in his repertoire to choose from, Max is able to sing Chinese, English, and Tagalog Pop, Standards, Contemporary, RnB, songs. He even does challenging Broadway pieces that most of his contemporaries shy away from.
There is never a dull moment with Max as your emcee; he fills in gaps with ease, which has proven to be extremely useful when unforeseen behind-the-scene circumstances happen. In addition to that, he has a good sense of humor but he sees to it that his jokes are never offensive nor vulgar.
As he does custom, tailor-fitted programs, he is able to deliver personalized programs that range from the strictly formal to the easy casual depending on your preference. And he does this with his signature style - a touch of elegance that many clients have appreciated and applauded.
His accommodating and friendly nature makes him easy to work with. He is easy to talk to, very down to earth, never aloof and never complacent during performances. That is why most of his clients eventually become his personal friends.
"A lot of times in events, people approach me and ask if I am a coordinator simply because they see me performing tasks that are no longer part of an emcee's usual job description. But I don't mind doing the extra work, so long as it benefits the event and ultimately contributing to its success."
For Max, the Brides and the Grooms, the Debutantes, the Celebrators are the real "stars" of the events and this is why he always brings the audience's focus back to them. He considers himself merely a supporting character who breathes life to an event.
