Artist Spotlight: The Legendary AJ Rafael!
On Saturday, Dec. 19, at 5:30 p.m., we'll be celebrating the holidays in "The Hope of Christmas!" During this virtual concert, we'll be showcasing amazing talent from our community. So we'd like to introduce you to some of our featured artists before then. Singer-songwriter AJ Rafael kicks off this round of our spotlight series!
1. AJ not only has a blackbelt in singing and songwriting. He has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do too!
When AJ earned his blackbelt, his dad was extremely happy and proud of him. His dad accompanied him to every tournament.
AJ Rafael and his proud tatay after winning a Tae Kwon Do tournament.
St. Patrick's Church co-music directors AJ Rafael and his nanay.
2. AJ is his church’s music director.
AJ’s been playing piano for St. Patrick's Church in Moreno Valley, California since he was 10 years old. His tatay had been the pianist and conductor there, and when he passed, he and his mom split his job and took over.
3. He has fur babies!
During quarantine, AJ and his girlfriend Alyssa adopted a French bulldog puppy named Bean. Their 16-year-old Maltipoo, Kitchie, is his older sister. Check out more pics of these doggos on Instagram @kitchieandbean!
4. He plays a lot of two things that he’s very bad at — basketball and “Call of Duty.”
AJ Rafael playing an ISA TV charity basketball game.
This is simply because AJ’s best friends are quite skilled at these games. He’s participated in a couple of ISA TV charity basketball games alongside other Asian and Asian American icons like Wong Fu Productions, Simu Liu, Dante Basco, and many more!
5. But he’s actually very good at DDR.
AJ’s first AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) screen name was DDRprofessor! He admits that this part of his past is embarrassing, but he’s still proud of his skills. :)
Watch AJ perform with us on Saturday, Dec. 19, at 5:30 p.m.! Admission is free. More info here.