For many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), life abroad often means balancing multiple passions. This is especially true for Eugene Paul Domaluan, a 32-year-old Dubai-based Business Development Manager at Eco Sober House in Boston, USA.
While he excels in his professional life, Eugene also harbors a deep love for hip-hop and rap music, a passion he has nurtured since childhood. Living abroad for ten years, Eugene’s journey into the music scene is as inspiring as it is unique.
Eugene’s fascination with hip-hop and rap began at a young age.
“I’ve been in love with music since I was very young, regardless of genre, but really fell in deep love with Hip-Hop/Rap music,” he shares with The Global Filipino Magazine.
The personas of hip-hop artists initially piqued his interest, but it was the wordplay, flow, and storytelling that truly captivated him. Despite his parents urging him to tone it down, Eugene was hooked.
“For me, hip-hop music sends me on a different universe every time. It’s like everybody got an idea what hip-hop/rap is but not all will understand the art of it. Luckily for me, it came naturally and from there it never left my ears.”
Eugene did not initially plan to base his music career in Dubai, but the city turned out to be the perfect fit for his artistry.
“I believe it’s the universe aligning itself for me,” he says.
Living in the UAE when he decided to release his tracks, Eugene found that his music, mostly in English, resonated well in a land of expats.
“The local scene here is unbelievable, it blows my mind the level of talent here. If you visit SOLE DXB’s yearly event, you will witness great local artists and because of that, it inspires me to produce quality music.”
Balancing work and passion
Though passionate about music, Eugene still maintains a full-time job. He works remotely as a Business Development Manager, which he juggles alongside his music career.
“If God’s will want me to be a full-time artist, I will accept it. But for now, like most of us Filipinos living in Dubai, I have a job which is thankfully remote and follows EST time,” he explains.
This schedule allows Eugene to be productive during the day while working from 5 PM to 1 AM.
“Between commitments of having a job, going to church weekly, making music, staying fit, and still being actively social, I always thank God for just giving me PEACE.”
Eugene’s musical style is influenced by a diverse array of artists.
“I can throw a lot of names but here’s a ‘couple’: Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda, Eminem, MGK, JayZ, Drake, Kendrick, Mac Miller, J.Cole, and Francis M. But my biggest influence is Bone Thugs-n-Harmony,” he says.
These artists have shaped Eugene’s approach to music, reflecting his life experiences in his sounds.
A growing discography
Eugene has released several tracks on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. He is particularly proud of his collaboration with RETAMI, a young artist from Poland.
“We did two tracks together already, just the fact that I met this guy online and we create this music where he raps in Polish and I rap in English and Tagalog—the result is what Gen Z calls these days, FIRE!”
Their latest track, “Back to Bizzack,” has performed well compared to his other releases.
Story behind the songs
Eugene’s music often carries personal stories and inspirations. His latest solo track, “BLESSED E,” is a testament to his journey and faith.
“It’s a bit of storytelling—how I always wanted to RAP but situations did not fit my aspirations. In the second verse, I explain that this talent doesn’t belong to me; it was given by God to be used correctly.”
Eugene is excited about his upcoming projects, including collaborations with Filipino artists based in Dubai.
“These individuals are well connected to Filipino artists back home and have been doing it for quite some time. I’m sure I will learn some valuable tricks of the trade while we create magic in the studio,” he shares enthusiastically.
Being a Filipino rapper in Dubai comes with its challenges.
“My target is always the Filipino audience, but my lyrics are mostly in English and my references are mostly foreign. I do understand at times they just don’t feel it, and that’s totally fine for me,” he acknowledges.
Despite these challenges, Eugene finds joy in knowing that his music reaches listeners.
“Knowing last month there were 500 different people listening to my music is enough achievement. End of the day, I will do me and make sure to give it 110%.”
This article has been published in Volume 5, Issue 3 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.