The Filipino music community is mourning the reported passing of Makoy Portado, a respected session guitarist and church musician whose career included performances and collaborations with some of the Philippines’ best-known artists.
News of Portado’s reported death has prompted an outpouring of concern and condolences among musicians, worship communities, fans and people familiar with his work. However, details surrounding his reported passing remain limited, and an official cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
Portado developed his passion for music at an early age. According to his professional biography, he began playing guitar for his local church’s music ministry when he was just 12 years old. His early involvement in church music became an important foundation for his career and his continuing connection to worship music.
After moving to Manila, Portado expanded his musical career and performed as part of an acoustic duo with singer-songwriter TJ Monterde. His work eventually led him to collaborate with a number of prominent Filipino performers.
In 2013, Portado met singer KZ Tandingan, and the two developed a musical partnership that saw him perform alongside her on various stages. His reputation as a skilled guitarist continued to grow as he worked with artists including Sarah Geronimo, Ylona Garcia, Kyla and Jaya.
Portado was also associated with Influence Worship, a Dumaguete-based worship collective. His involvement in worship music remained an important part of his identity while he continued building his career as a professional session guitarist.
His musicianship can also be found in various music credits. Portado was credited as a guitarist on recordings connected to TJ Monterde and served as lead guitarist on Just Worship’s “Nananabik.”
His work received further recognition in 2026 when Yamaha Music Philippines announced him as one of its artists. He was described as a respected Filipino session guitarist from Cagayan de Oro with a career that included collaborations with TJ Monterde and other notable performers.
Following reports of his passing, social media has been filled with messages from people expressing shock and sadness. Some have also questioned what happened to the guitarist, reflecting the limited information currently available about the circumstances of his reported death.
At this time, the cause of Makoy Portado’s reported death has not been reliably established. Information regarding his exact age, the precise circumstances of his passing, and funeral or memorial arrangements has also not been confirmed in the information available.
Until an official announcement is made by his family, representatives or another authoritative source, speculation about the circumstances of his death should be avoided.
For the Filipino music and worship communities, Portado’s legacy extends beyond individual performances. From picking up the guitar as a young church musician to performing alongside established Filipino artists, he built a career defined by dedication, musicianship and collaboration.
His contributions to live performances, recordings, worship projects and the wider Philippine music scene will remain part of the musical legacy associated with his name.
If his reported passing is officially confirmed, his death will represent a significant loss to the musicians, artists, worship communities and fans who knew and appreciated his work.
For now, those mourning Makoy Portado are encouraged to remember his passion for music, his years of service through worship and his contribution as a session guitarist while respecting the privacy of his loved ones.
Further information about his reported passing, including the official cause of death and funeral arrangements, may be released when available.
Makoy Portado’s journey from a young church guitarist to a respected session musician serves as a testament to his dedication to his craft. His music and collaborations have left an impression on many within the Filipino music community, and his work will continue to be remembered by those who shared the stage with him and listened to his performances.