Like his fellow Visayan, the Bol-anon singer Yoyoy Villame, Max Surban has also become famous for his singing of so-called novelty 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".

Below are some of Max's awards and honours: 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.