Jan Rafael Guerrero is increasing popularity on social media. This young music artist from Cauayan City, Isabela easily attracts followers in his inspiring ways.
Talent is already in Rafael’s genes. “My dad is a musician and into rap metalcore songs. Naalala ko yung kwento niya na noon daw ay lagi ko kinukuha yung badminton racket tapos sasabayan ko yung music ng paghe-headbang na para bang totoong guitar yung hawak ko,” recalls Rafael.
As he grew older, his father and uncles molded his skill to become a musician. “Niregaluhan nila ako ng guitar. I think I was about 10 years old nung nagsimula ako. Lagi ko kinukulit si Papa at mga Tito ko na turuan ako ng mga pyesa. Para may bago akong matutugtog sa school. Tsaka sila din talaga yung mga iniidolo ko.”
Rafael talks about his music influences. “Ang mga nagdulot ng malaking influence sa playing ko ay sina Sir Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, at John Mayer. While local influences ay si Blaster Silonga ng IV of Spades.”
“These guys really made me love the blues genre. To that point na I realized na hindi lang pala speed ang basehan para masabing magaling kang gitarista. It’s all about the feels and control. Well, yun ang pinaniniwalaan ko as a musician.”
Rafael is gaining music artistry and a lot of online support from friends and followers. His guitar skill is admirable. “Kahit naka-focus ako sa slow blues, I can also do guitar solos and play riffs at a particular speed if necessary lalo pag nagko-cover ako ng songs na iba ang genre.”
“Masaya lalo ngayon na I’ve met new friends na talagang dedicated sa passion nila. Na-inspire ako na lalong mas pagbubutihin pa. “
But did you know that this online influencer once battled self-doubt? Not everyone knows that Rafael struggled thinking that maybe… things will not go according to plan.
“Nagsisimula pa lang ako mag-upload ng mga covers ko. May mga times na nagkakaroon ako ng doubts at hindi ko maiwasan na itanong sa sarili ko kung tama ba itong pinili kong landas. Hanggang umabot sa point na nawalan na ako ng gana. Nakahiga na lang ako lagi at maghapong nanonood ng anime.”
So he prayed hard for answers to what seemed like an uphill battle. “Halos isang buwan rin akong ganun habang pinag-iisipan mabuti kung titigil na ba ako o hindi sa pag-uupload ng covers. Dahil hindi rin ako makapag-decide ng maayos, nag-pray na lang ako. Humingi ako ng guidance and ayun…”
By twist of fate, Rafael found the strength to pursue his passion. “One day may nagchat sa akin na nakilala ko lang din through social media saying ‘thank you’ dahil ginanahan siya mag-gitara uli dahil sa mga covers ko.”
“At bigla na lang ako napaisip na kahit papano pala, I am able to inspire other people sa simpleng pagko-cover ko ng songs. Nagstart muli ako, August 26 2020, with a healthier mindset and clearer goals.”
Rafael has people to thank for their never-ending support. “Salamat Dad Ryan, Ma Rynda, Airah, Glenn, Jericho at sa mga taong patuloy na sumusuporta at naniniwala sa kakayahan ko bilang musikero.”
His advice to fellow young artists: “Sa mga kapwa kong musikero na nagsisimula pa lang ay huwag na huwag kayong susuko sa mga pangarap niyo. It will all soon be worth it despite of all the struggles we have faced along the way.”
Rafael’s message for Mendira Media: “Thank you so much to Mendira Fam for giving me this kind of opportunity to share my story and inspire my fellow artists out there. Napakalaking tulong po nito sa akin.”
More than an eye candy, Rafael is blessed with talent and unique boyish charisma to succeed.
Follow his social media account Facebook & YouTube Channel
Disclaimer: NO copyright infringement intended. Lyrics and Music belong to its rightful owners. Posted for public fair use only. Video is purely for entertainment purposes only.
