Inheriting Rhythm, Inspiring Hearts
For me, music is more than a passion—it’s a legacy. My earliest memories are stitched together by the rhythmic echoes of my grandfather’s band rehearsals at home. As a child, I would sit quietly by the speaker, tapping out the grooves I heard on a speaker box, unknowingly setting the foundation for a lifelong journey with rhythm. One day, my grandfather, the renowned saxophone virtuoso Rex Rozario, took notice. Sensing a natural sense of timing in me, he invited me to try my hands on the drum kit—and something just clicked. From that moment on, I discovered a deep love for the drums, nurtured and guided by my grandfather, the saxophone maestro Rex Rozario.
Born into a family where music ran through five generations, it was perhaps inevitable that I would find my calling in the art. Yet, it wasn’t merely inheritance—it was inspiration. Growing up surrounded by jazz, I found myself particularly drawn to the swing and bebop styles that echoed through my home. At the age of 10, I formally began playing the drums, immersing myself in the world of jazz greats like Gene Krupa and Art Blakey, studying their nuances and playing along with recordings, developing a deep sense of discipline, curiosity, and groove.
Finding My Voice, On and Off the Stage
But my journey did not stop with rhythm. In my late teenage years, a school performance unexpectedly revealed another dimension of my talent—my voice. The appreciation I received sparked a newfound passion for singing, and soon enough, I was both drumming and singing, blending rhythm and melody into a seamless performance style. It was during my high school years that I made a quiet yet resolute decision—music would be my life’s pursuit.
Even with a rich musical heritage, stepping into the world of professional music was not without challenges. The uncertainty that comes with following a creative path often weighs heavily on young artists, and I was no exception. After college, unsure of how to break into the music scene, I took a year off to regroup. It was a period filled with doubt and questions—common to anyone chasing a dream that doesn’t come with a roadmap. In this time, I turned to teaching drums, not just as a means to sustain myself, but as a way to stay close to my purpose.
Grounded in Faith, Driven by Passion
Throughout these formative years, one voice never stopped encouraging me—that of my late mother, Ruby Rozario. Her belief in my talent and happiness gave me the strength to stay true to my vision, even when the road ahead was uncertain. Her presence continues to echo in my life, both in memory and in music.
What sets me apart is not just my musicality, but my sincerity. For me, music is not merely performance—it is presence. Whether I’m playing drums, singing, or teaching, I seek to connect, to inspire, and to uplift. At times, when creative energy runs low or life weighs heavy, I turn to prayer—a grounding practice that helps me find clarity and keep my heart open.
Today, I continue to grow as a performer and educator, dedicated to sharing the joy and power of music. Whether on stage or in the classroom, my mission remains simple yet profound: to entertain, inspire, and touch hearts in the most honest and joyful way I can.
In a world where many chase the spotlight, I follow the rhythm of something deeper—authenticity, legacy, and love.