Working as an automotive technician requires precision, focus, and commitment—skills that are second nature to Rodel Naviamos Doromal. For the past eight years, he has been plying his trade as an auto technician at Royal Swiss Auto Services, honing his expertise. Doromal began his journey abroad as a trainee technician at Audi Al Nabooda Automobiles, but his story goes far beyond the workshop. As someone passionate about his craft, Doromal has also made a name for himself as a rapper, using his experiences as an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) to fuel his creativity.
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“I want to inspire,” Doromal says, explaining his life mantra. His determination to make an impact is evident in both his profession and his music. For Doromal, rap is more than just a hobby; it’s a way to share his voice and connect with people who face the same struggles.
“Working as an OFW is one of the reasons why I want to share my music with everyone,” he shares with The Global Filipino Magazine, describing how the challenges of being separated from loved ones and adapting to new cultures have shaped him.
Doromal’s music speaks to the reality of life, drawing inspiration from his own experiences as an OFW.
“Facing challenges on a daily basis, being separated from my loved ones, doing everything on my own, adapting to new cultures, and dealing with homesickness—these are the things that inspire me and make me stronger. I want to pass that energy on and inspire more people through my music. We can make it if we believe in ourselves,” he adds.
His songs, like “Imulat Mo” and “Bagong Bayani,” are deeply rooted in themes of resilience, societal issues, and empowerment.
“When I’m writing rap lyrics, I always speak the truth, the reality of life. The challenges we’re facing right now, current events, our society’s problems—I want to open their consciousness and change their perspective using my music. Everyone has a voice; it’s up to you how you’re gonna use it,” he emphasizes.
Balancing his career as an automotive technician and his passion for rapping isn’t easy, but Doromal has found a way to make it work.
“Working on cars is a very complicated job. If you miss or forget something, you’ll put your customer and their family in danger. That’s why I have to stay focused,” he explains. “But if an idea related to my music comes to mind while I’m at work, I just make a quick note on my phone and write it down so I can focus back on my job. When I get home, I check it and work on it.”
Doromal uses his free time during the weekdays to write lyrics and devotes his weekends to recording or shooting music videos.
“It’s about time management,” he says. “If there’s a hip-hop event or gathering, I always save the date so I can perform and share my talent with the Filipino hip-hop community in the UAE and promote my music.”
Having grown up listening to rap legends like Andrew E, Kruzzada, and Salbakuta, Doromal developed an early passion for the genre. “I’ve been listening to rap music since I can remember. I’m really passionate about how rap artists transfer their thoughts into music in a creative way,” he shares. “Years passed by, and rap music became deeper—the topics were more serious, more eye-opening. I said to myself, ‘I want to be like them.’ That’s when I decided to write and make my own music.”
Doromal admits that pursuing his dream of becoming a rapper while working abroad has not been without its challenges. “Before, if you didn’t have connections or weren’t signed to a big record label, you had no promotions, no contract, no radio airtime, no future in the rap industry. That’s why I stopped making music and pursued my career as an auto technician.”
However, a life-changing car accident three years ago reignited his passion. “I survived, and God gave me a second chance to follow what I really love to do,” Doromal says. He credits his friend Imani Vici, who owns a home studio, for pushing him to make music again and helping him join the group Gang of Dream (GOD).
Now, Doromal and his team, including Jordan and Rhidge, are navigating the independent music scene. “Without the help of big recording labels, we promote ourselves, shoot, and edit our own videos. It’s not easy because there’s no production team, no big companies sponsoring us. But all the sacrifices are worth it after we see the final outcome,” he reflects. “As long as someone wants to hear me rap, I won’t stop making music.”
For Doromal, it all boils down to passion. “If you’re passionate about what you’re doing, you won’t get tired of it.”
This article has been published in Volume 5, Issue 4 of The Global Filipino Magazine. If you have a unique life story or know someone who does, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at eic@theglobalfilipinomagazine.com. If you’re interested in obtaining a print copy of the magazine, please contact Mr. JP Cosico at +971 54 482 0661.
