Music gave me wings, literally.

I flew from the Philippines to Hong Kong to explore the opportunities life had in store for me.

I started learning music at the age of 2. I studied music instead of regular books. Initially, I disliked studying music, just like other kids who hate doing homework. One day my father decided to have a word with me. He told me I had two choices: either I could take up the music and earn a decent living with it, or I could shine people's shoes on the footpath. Naturally, I chose the first. While it was very challenging, given my visual impairment, it also helped me focus on my goals. Today I can proudly call myself a musician, a producer, and a director.

When I moved to Hong Kong, I used to play at the Langham Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui. One day while I was playing, I was approached by an elderly lady who was visiting from Australia. She requested me to play her favorite song. Afterward, she asked me if I could record the song for her. I told her I could if I had a studio or equipment. I didn’t know of any music studios in Hong Kong then and equipment would cost me HK$16,000, which I couldn’t afford. We exchanged numbers, but I didn’t take it at all seriously and forgot about it in a few hours. Next morning, I received a call from her, asking me to meet her. I was shocked to find that she had bought me the whole equipment! I recorded a few songs and posted the CD to her. Her little benevolent gesture gave me the immense courage to keep going on. It convinced me of the goodness around us and that we are not alone if we choose to follow our dreams. To this day, I am very grateful to that lady.

I met the love of my life through music. She worked as a singer in the same agency. Today we are happily married and have a little son. My mantra in life is that disability is only as powerful as you make it. Adversity is everywhere; it’s just how you view it. Keep a positive outlook, and don’t worry much. You either make a decision or you don't. If you do, you ought to stand by it. Don’t lose hope, don’t give up, and sooner or later you’ll get wherever you want to.