TJ Monterde, KZ Tandingan pay their respects to guitarist and friend Makoy Portado

The passing of guitarist Mark “Makoy” Portado has left many Filipino musicians and artists mourning especially those whose lives and careers he has touched.

Real-life couple and singers TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan both shared personal and  emotional tributes to their longtime guitarist, collaborator, and friend.

For TJ, Makoy was someone who had been part of his journey from the very beginning. In his social media post, he thanked Makoy for believing in his music, stories, and dreams when they were still starting out.

“People come and go. You stayed,” TJ wrote. Over the years, Makoy witnessed TJ’s highs and lows, while the two also got to experience much of the world together.

“Just sooooo crazy that you had your last gig in CDO, our home.”

TJ fondly imagined his future children growing up hearing stories about “Uncle Makoy,” a reflection of how deeply the guitarist had become part of his life and family.

He also remembered the simplest moments they shared, including their buy-one-take-one burger runs, before describing Makoy as a “friend for life” and “a true blessing.”

“’til I see you again. rest easy, my brother. Steve Bai!! we love you, Makoy,” TJ wrote.

KZ’s tribute looked back even further, to the days when she, TJ, and Makoy were young musicians trying to build careers in Manila.

“Almost 15 years ago, we were just kids who uprooted our lives and moved to Manila to chase our dreams.”

KZ recalled spending long nights in her tiny condo with Makoy, figuring out how they could make a living from music and preparing arrangements for their next performances.

“Those versions of 'Rolling in the Deep,' 'Royals,' 'Tadhana,' 'Say Something,' 'Isang Linggong Pag-ibig' — the very first versions of those arrangements — it was just me, a VoiceLive 2, and you, Kuya Makoy. Just us.”

She described those early years as a time before everything became what it is today, when small gigs felt huge, nights were long, and their dreams were still taking shape. Through all of it, Makoy was there.

KZ also remembered how Makoy supported her and TJ while they were still finding their way as artists. “You made our lives better, Kuya. You really did.”

While the loss remains painful, KZ said she would hold on to the music, stories, memories, laughter, and songs they created together, even knowing those songs would never feel quite the same again. She also found comfort in believing that Makoy is “HOME” now.

“Rest well, Kuya Makoy. We’ll take it from here. And we’ll keep playing. For you.”

The tributes continued coming n the comments section, with fellow musicians and singers such as Angeline Quinto, Jona, Morissette, and Kyla sending their condolences.

Martin Nievera and Jaya also remembered their experiences working with Makoy.

“This is terrible news! We all started together when this family was formed back in the "X Factor" days. My heart break with yours,” Martin wrote.

Jaya, meanwhile, looked back on a performance with Makoy, saying she was honored to have sung “Wala Na Bang Pag Ibig” while the late guitarist played.

Sarah Geronimo also paid tribute to Makoy on Facebook, posting an image of an electric guitar with a brief but heartfelt message.

Makoy’s musical journey began when he was just 12 years old, playing guitar for the music ministry of a local church.

His influence extended beyond performing with established artists. He was also a guitar mentor and church musician who inspired many through his passion and dedication to music.