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In an Instagram post, Kapuso actor Mikoy Morales shared what he described as his “longest” video yet, detailing the story behind the home music setup he has gradually built over the years.

“My longest video yet, for my long-time friend,” Mikoy wrote in the caption of his post.

In the video, he shared that his dream of having a personal music setup began when he got his very first keyboard in grade school, which motivated him to learn how to play.

The Kapuso actor also revealed that he started with a simple computer setup and music software, which served as his first recording setup.

“Hi, ako si Mikoy. I'm a musical scorer, music producer, and actor. At ikukwento ko sa inyo kung ano at paano naging ganito ang aking munting home studio setup. I got my first keyboard when I was in grade school. Ito 'yung umiilaw pa 'yung keys, so dito ako natutong tumugtog,” Mikoy said.

He continued, “Dati, nagre-record ako ng mga sarili kong song covers. Ang setup ko noon, mayroon kaming desktop PC na dial-up pa ang internet, dalawang speakers na may nakakabit na headphones na may microphone, at mayroon akong software na na-download—Audacity. It was a free recording software back then. 'Yun ang first-ever recording setup ko.”

Mikoy also recounted that when he entered the world of performing and showbiz through the GMA show Protégé, he met the married couple Jolina Magdangal and Mark Escueta, who helped him in his journey toward building his dream studio setup. He also shared that he composed the anthem for the show.

“Eventually, I got into performing, tapos pumasok na ako ng showbiz through the show in GMA called Protégé. Dito naging mentor ko si Ate Jolens [Jolina Magdangal], pero ang hindi madalas ipakita noon was her husband, Kuya Mark [Escueta] of Rivermaya, who would also spend time with us. Minsan, dala niya rin 'yung mga gamit niya pantugtog. Doon niya ako na-introduce sa GarageBand. It's basically a free built-in music software sa lahat ng Mac, and it blew my mind. Dahil doon, na-sustain 'yung paggawa ko ng mga kanta even inside the competition. Nakapag-compose pa nga tayo ng anthem for the show,” Mikoy shared.

Another highlight Mikoy proudly shared was when GMA entertainment heads gave him the opportunity to create the theme song for the former Kapuso program Teen Gen, which was performed by Asia's Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose.

“Noong natapos 'yung show, it was then entertainment head Ms. Lilybeth Rasonable and Director Mark Reyes who considered giving me a shot to make a theme song for an upcoming show. Siyempre, game tayo agad kahit wala pa tayong sariling gamit,” he said.

“Ang ginawa ko, dinala ko 'yung keyboard ko sa bahay ng kaibigan ko na dati kong kabanda. Doon ako nag-record ng demo kasi mas maganda 'yung microphone na meron siya. Tapos pinadala ko sa kanila 'yung output, at 'yun, kinanta ni Julie Anne San Jose,” he added.

Reflecting on how his professional growth required a more serious workspace, Mikoy detailed the upgrades and mentors that helped transform his hobby into a functional home studio.

“Pagkatapos noon, sabi ko, hindi na puwede 'yung ganito—kailangan ko na ng sarili kong setup. It was then when I bought my very first MacBook Pro 13-inch (2012 model), na nakakapanibago kasi kabaligtaran ng interface ng mga nakasanayan kong computers sa bahay,” Mikoy shared.

“Nagpatulong ulit ako kay Kuya Mark para malaman ko kung ano ang mga kailangan kong bilhin para makapag-setup ako sa bahay. Also, with the help of JB Music, I was able to buy my MIDI keyboard (M-Audio Pro Keys Sono 61), an M-Audio USB diaphragm microphone, at bumili na rin ako ng maliit na home theater system sa appliance store. Dito nagsimula 'yung medyo 'pro' kong setup,” he continued.

He also credited industry mentors for pushing him into film scoring—an experience that highlighted the need for a more professional setup.

“And then I met Kuya Vince [De Jesus], na halos pang-National Artist na 'yung track record. Since then, he's been my go-to, at siya rin ang nagsabi sa akin, 'Bakit hindi ka mag-score ng pelikula?' Sabi ko, 'Paano?'” he shared.

“Cut to: nakilala ko si Direk Adolf [Alix Jr.]. He was the first one who got me to score for a film. Pumunta ako sa editing studio, tapos kinuhanan ko ng video gamit ang cellphone ko 'yung eksena na kailangan ko lagyan ng music. Pagdating ko sa bahay, pine-play ko lang 'yung video sa phone ko habang sinasabayan ko ng tugtog. Doon ko na-realize kung bakit dalawa ang screens ng ibang studios—that's where my dual-screen idea started,” he added.

Transitioning from a portable laptop to a dedicated workstation, Mikoy shared how his workspace evolved during the pandemic.

“That time, gamit na gamit na 'yung MacBook ko—lagi na siyang nababagsak. Doon ko naisip na kailangan ko na ng separate device solely for making music. That's when I got my first Mac Mini. Then the pandemic happened, so we decided to turn our storage room into my own studio—and ito na 'yun ngayon,” Mikoy shared.

He added, “And just recently, noong nag-decide tayong career-in itong paggawa ng music, we got another opportunity to upgrade. Now we also have the iPad Pro M5, a keyboard case, at Magic Pen—na hindi ko pa rin nasusubukan kasi Isa [Garcia-Morales] and I are in the process of moving into our new place, at doon magkakaroon ulit ng bagong studio—which means bagong setup na naman.”

Concluding his video, Mikoy marked the perfect timing of his update by paying tribute to the brand that has supported his career.

“Ngayon, kung napansin niyo, all the computers in my entire professional life are Apple. At alam n'yo bang birthday ni Apple today? It's been around for 50 years, helping people like me turn dreams into reality. Happy birthday, Apple. Thank you sa lahat!” he said.

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A post shared by Mikoy Morales (@mikoymorales)

Mikoy and his wife, Isa Garcia, who have been together for several years, exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony surrounded by close friends and family in March 2026.

Related Gallery: Mikoy Morales and Isa Garcia are officially married