Filipino musician Mark Anthony "Makoy" Portado has died after suffering a heart attack on stage during TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan's In Between concert series in his hometown of Cagayan de Oro on Monday, August 10.
Tributes from TJ and KZ
TJ Monterde and his spouse KZ Tandingan honoured the late star on social media. Posting photographs of their collaborations on Facebook, TJ wrote: "People come and go. You stayed. Bai, thank you for being there since Day 1."
"You were one of the first to believe in my songs, my stories, and my crazy dreams - you will always be a part of me, wherever this may take me..."
KZ wrote: "Thank you for being there when TJ and I were still trying to become who we are... You made our lives better, Kuya. You really did... This goodbye is painful, but I'll take comfort in knowing that you are Home now. Rest well, Kuya Makoy. We'll take it from here and we'll keep playing, for you."
Musical journey
Makoy began playing guitar at age 12, performing for the music ministry at a neighbourhood church. He later moved to Manila to pursue his ambitions and started performing alongside TJ Monterde as an acoustic pair. In 2013, he met KZ and began accompanying her shows in Manila.
More recently, he had become a sought-after session musician for performers including Sarah Geronimo, Ylona Garcia, Kyla, and Jaya. In 2026, Yamaha Music Philippines acknowledged his talent and included him among its endorsed artists.
Fan tributes
As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in. One fan wrote on Facebook: "Very heartbreaking RIP kuya Makoy Portado." Another said: "Rest in Peace Makoy Portado. We will miss your guitar skills."
A third added: "My sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Macoy. May he rest in peace." A fourth shared: "My deepest and sincerest condolences to his wife and to the entire Portado family. May God give you strength, comfort, and peace during this very difficult time."
A fifth reflected: "Will always remember Makoy as a humble and willing musician. He would just set up his equipment silently without demands from the tech, rest in peace Makoy and condolences KZ, TJ and to his family."
