The many vibes of Maxie Andreison
More than sequins and wigs, there’s nothing quite like music to flip the switch and put Maxie Andreison in mood.
“For instance, whenever I hear Sarah Geronimo’s ‘Tala,’ it reminds me na ‘Performer ako,’” the vocal powerhouse winner of “Drag Race Philippines” Season 3 tells Lifestyle Inquirer.
In full regalia and glamor, she feels like channeling pop divas like Beyoncé and Lady Gaga. As Jhayvot Galang, her out-of-drag persona, she leans more toward the slick sounds and grooves of Ne-Yo and Usher. At odd times, when she wants to internalize, feel sad, or have a good cry, “Multo” by Cup of Joe always hits the spot.
“Each song has its own story and makes us feel different emotions,” Maxie points out. “Music can also reflect our current state—sometimes happy, sometimes sad, sabog o hindi sabog!”
And of course, her ultimate idol and dream collaborator, Regine Velasquez, has that full range covered. “Marami ‘yan! It has to be a playlist,” she says.
In fact, that was exactly her soundtrack on her way to her recent launch as one of the hosts of “Vibe,” TV5’s new music countdown show, which centered on Filipino music and fan engagement.
Going full circle
Once a “simpleng batang bakla,” Maxie has always imagined herself onstage. She sang, danced, and competed in various amateur competitions. Although she didn’t have the spotlight yet, she never doubted that one day, it would be hers. What she didn’t expect, though, was that television hosting would also beckon to her.
But looking back at that fateful, viral moment she had as a kid 13 years ago—when she belted out “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” in the noontime variety show “Wil Time Bigtime”—Maxie realized that maybe she had unwittingly come full circle.
After all, it was that appearance that paved the way and eventually led to her landing the title role in “Maxie the Musical”—a stage adaptation of the coming-of-age film “Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros”—produced by the Philippine Educational Theater Association.
Hence, her drag name. “Ang laking tulong talaga nun,” she says. “And I feel like it still pops up every so often, so people keep discovering it.”
Hosting a TV show is admittedly still out of her wheelhouse, but Maxie is always willing to learn—especially with someone like esteemed starmaker and director Johnny “Mr. M.” Manahan at the helm. “I don’t have a specific approach in mind. It depends on how I’m feeling that day or what the director wants,” she says, adding that she’s also very excited to represent the drag community on free-to-air TV.
But one thing’s for sure, she says: “I’ll keep the viewers guessing.” Most of the time, she will appear as Maxie, and once in a while as Jayvhot—just to mix things up.
“Jayvhot is the more introverted, music-serious side. And then ang lahat ng kabaklaan ko, nailalabas ko as Maxie!” she says, laughing. “What they have in common, though, is that they’re both power performers.”
Championing OPM
Airing Sundays at 6:45 p.m., “Vibe” showcases the Top 10 Hottest OPM Songs of the Week—as voted by fans through multiple platforms—and features live performances and segments that spotlight both established and emerging Filipino artists.
There are also weekday companion shows dedicated to giving viewers their daily dose of musical performances, pop culture wrap-ups, and fresh takes on trends. Joining her are fellow “Vibe” jocks Dylan Menor, Elijah Canlas, Ana Ramsey, Queenay, Paulo Angeles, Kych Minemoto, Ryle Santiago, and Joao Constancia.
“It can be a great platform for those trying to get their names out there. There are so many talented composers and singers who could use a bigger stage,” Maxie points out. Perhaps she can even perform her own songs on the show, like her latest hit “Halika Na Lika Na.”
“I love writing songs, so I’m glad to know that I have somewhere to perform them one day,” she says.
“Thanks, self!”
As she continues to flex and grow her artistry across different media platforms, Maxie can’t help but feel proud of how far she has come—despite all the challenges she faced along the way. In 2023, she was forced to withdraw from the second season of the international drag queen singing contest. It was one of the lowest points in her life.
“Feel na feel ko na ako mananalo,” she recalls. “I got so depressed and disappointed in myself that I didn’t leave the house for months.”
But the following year—thanks largely to her family’s support and encouragement—she bounced back and snatched what she believed was rightfully hers on “Drag Race Philippines.” “They really pushed me to keep on moving forward even if I was feeling down,” she says. “‘Kaya mo ’yan!’ they would often tell me.”
Now, life is more comfortable. They have their own home, and Maxie is staying true to her promise of providing for her family in truly “bonggang-bonggang” fashion. And if she could choose a song to best describe the vibe of her life these days, it would be the hit ballad “Dadalhin” —by Velasquez, of course, her beloved songbird.
“Dinala ako dito,” she quips. And by “dito,” she means a place of growth, success, and fulfillment. “Had I stopped dreaming, I wouldn’t be here right now,” Maxie adds. “These are the fruits of my labor, and I’m proud of myself. So thanks, self! Charing!”
