Max Surban | |
|---|---|
 Max Surban in 2026 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | (1939-05-15) May 15, 1939 |
| Genres | Novelty music, Comedy music |
| Occupations | Singer-songwriter, composer |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 1968–present |
| Labels | Vicor Music Universal Records Star Music (music rights)1 |
| Website | https://www.maxsurban.net/ |
Maximo Castro Surban2 (born May 15, 1939) is a Filipino Cebuano singer-songwriter. He has been given the "King of Visayan Song". Although known primarily for his singing of novelty songs, he has also recorded romantic ballads.
Like his fellow Visayan, the Bol-anon singer Yoyoy Villame, Max Surban has also become famous for his singing of novelty songs. On several occasions, both Yoyoy Villame and Max Surban have appeared together on stage and even recorded together with a few albums. They were also in the Pamilya Ukay-OKay comedy TV show in Cebu.
Max wrote most of his own songs and, at the time of this writing, has made more than 30 albums. He also wrote and sang Tagalog songs.
"Ang Tao'y Marupok", the Rico J. Puno song was composed by Max Surban and Ernie Dela Peña. He wrote songs for Pilita Corrales, including duets they performed together, such as "Kon Magkabulag Ta", "Gugmang Dinali-Dali", "Pagbantay Gyud Inday" and "Diyos Ko Day".
Awards
Below are some of Max's awards and honours:
- Cecil Award 1983 - Ako Na Gud Ni for Best Visayan Recording, Best Visayan Composition, Best Visayan Producer
- Two Awit Award for "Regional Song Recording"
- Nabali Ang Kristmas Tree – Platinum Record Award and Gold Record Award (Sunshine)
- Mad Mad Kuno – Gold Record Award (Sunshine)
- Vendors Boogie – Platinum Record Award (Sunshine)
- Apir Apri Apir -Gold Record Award (Sunshine)
- Ang Trato Ko – Gold Record Award (Vicor)
- Max Surban Medley – Platinum Record Award (Vicor)
- Bahandi Lifetime Achievement Award
- Filscap Lifetime Achievement Award
Discography
Recognitions
In 2019, Surban was recognized as one of the Top 100 Cebuano personalities by The Freeman, Cebu's longest-running newspaper. He was recognized alongside Tomas Osmeña, Resil Mojares, and Rubilen Amit as part of the centennial anniversary of the local newspaper.3
Max Surban receives Lifetime Achievement Award
TVJ, Nonoy Tan and Max Surban feted with FILSCAP’s Lifetime Achievement Award
Max Surban is a Philippine Music Icon and Legend
References
References
- Paolo Lim (August 25, 2018). "Renowned Filipino composer Ernie Dela Pena wants Sarah Geronimo to give new flavor to his classic hits". ABS-CBN.com.
- Napallacan, Jhunnex (October 14, 2015). "Cebu's top novelty singer seeks seat in Cebu City council". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved May 5, 2026.
- "Top 100 Cebuano personalities: Max Surban". The Freeman. April 10, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
2. 5 Max Surban songs you have to listen to as a Cebuano
3. More About Max Surban [The freeman] Pressreader.com