Rhap Salazar

In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Sajul and the surname or paternal family name is Salazar.

Rhap Salazar (born February 3, 1997) is a Filipino singer and former child actor. He is known for his live performances and is commonly referred to as "The Sam Smith of the Philippines". Fluent in both English and Filipino, Rhap grew up in Pinamalayan, before relocating to Metro Manila to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. He is most recognized for his role of Max in ABS-CBN's Luv U and his appearances on It's Showtime. In his music career, Rhap draws inspiration from Sam Smith, Ben Platt, Beyoncé, and Whitney Houston. His original songs include "Barely Breathing" (2022) and "Won't Change" (2023).

Rhap Salazar
Birth name	Rhap Sajul Salazar
Born	(1997-02-03) February 3, 1997 Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines
Genres	Action, Fantasy, Drama, Comedy, Horror
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter, actor
Years active	2004–present
Labels	Star Music (2004–2014) Star Magic (2004–2014)

Career

In 2005, Rhap appeared on Little Big Star, alongside host Sarah Geronimo. Rhap won first place in the Little Division Grand Finalists at the age of 8.

In 2009, Rhap was selected to perform "Galing ng Pinoy" by Western Union, a song dedicated to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). In the same year, he represented the Philippines at the 13th World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Los Angeles. He led the Philippine delegation at the grand parade of nations and went on to become the third consecutive Filipino to earn the coveted title, Junior Grand Champion Performer of the World. He also won Junior Grand Champion Solo Vocalist of the World. Apart from taking home top honors, Rhap won five gold medals in World Championships of Performing Arts’ junior division, in the vocal categories of Broadway, gospel, open, pop, and R&B. He appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show later that year at the age of 12.

In 2010, Rhap received the “Ani ng Dangal” award from President Arroyo in a simple ceremony held at the Malacañang Palace. A total of 41 artists in various fields were recognized with trophies sculpted by national artist Abdul Imam. That same year, Rhap tied for first place in the 2010 Awit Awards in the category “Best Performance by a New Male Recording Artist"

A year later, Rhap was invited to perform at Cebu Institute of Technology - University to serenade contestants in Lakambini 2011. In the same year, he performed at the Waterfront Cebu Hotel.

In 2012, Rhap performed alongside Jake Zyrus and Iyaz at the Waterfront Cebu Hotel with Little Big Star alumni Sam Concepcion, Makisig Morales, Kyle Balili, and Gian Barbarona.

In 2013, Rhap joined his Luv U castmates to celebrate the centennial of Pasig Catholic College. Later that year, Rhap performed at the Tacloban City Convention Center to a sold out venue of 4,500 fans.

In 2015, Rhap partnered with four other former WCOPA medalists and winners to form the group 5thGen. Aside from Rhap (who competed in 2009), the members include Rose Marielle Mamaclay, Reymond Sajor, Reydan "RJ" Buenagua, and Lady Dayana Onnagan. Under 5thGen, the group released their hit song, “Contagious”, performing it on the Wish Bus (part of Wish 107.5 FM).

5thGen performed at EuroPop 2016 Gala Night held in Berlin, Germany.

In 2017, Rhap performed his single “Now or Never” live at YouTube’s FanFest event in Manila. Later that same year, a student asked him via Twitter if he would sing at their Science Summit Camp. He surprised the students at City of Mandaluyong Science High School with a live performance during their acoustic night.

In May 2019, Rhap performed Calum Scott's "You Are The Reason" at LoveYourself's “Love Gala: Courage Amplified” fundraiser. Love Gala 2019 was a charity event supporting HIV awareness and education. The event was held in Quezon City. Later that year, Rhap became a finalist on It's Showtime's singing competition, Tawag ng Tanghalan Celebrity Champions.

In 2021, Rhap returned to ABS-CBN's It's Showtime as the hidden celebrity performer on “Hide and Sing!”.

In 2022, Rhap released his single, “Barely Breathing”, performing it on the Wish USA bus in Los Angeles, California (an extension of Wish 107.5 FM).

In April 2023, Rhap performed for Sam Smith’s album release party of Gloria on “ALL ACCESS: Sam Smith The Glor-Yacht Party” in Pasay, alongside drag queen Eva Le Queen. In June, Rhap sang a medley at LoveYourself’s Pride Night. In October, Rhap released his pop anthem, “Won’t Change”. He was awarded "Outstanding TikTok LIVE Singer," at TikTok's Creators' Night in December. The event was hosted in Manila with a Black and White Avant-garde theme.

In 2024, he performed for Kapisanan Ng Pagkakaisa alongside Tuesday Vargas at the Tapusan Festival. He also reunited with his bandmate Rose Marielle Mamaclay and fellow singer Jex de Castro to perform a series of sold-out shows titled "Best of 3".

Filmography

TV shows

TV Title	Year	Network	Role
Little Big Star	2004	ABS-CBN	Himself/Contestant/Winner
ASAP	2006–present	ABS-CBN	Himself
Kokey	2007	ABS-CBN	Jimboy Dalusong
Boy & Kris	2008	ABS-CBN	Himself
Maalaala Mo Kaya	2009	ABS-CBN	Coycoy
ASAP	2009	ABS-CBN	Himself
Sharon	2009	ABS-CBN	Himself
The Ellen DeGeneres Show	2009	NBC	Himself
Habang May Buhay	2010	ABS-CBN	Janus
Shout Out!	2010–2011	ABS-CBN	Himself/Performer
Luv U	2012-2014	ABS-CBN	Maximillio "Max" Mariano
It's Showtime: Tawag ng Tanghalan Celebrity Champions	2019	ABS-CBN	Himself
It's Showtime: Hide and Sing!	2021	ABS-CBN	Himself

Movies

Title	Year	Producer	Role
Paano Kita Iibigin	2007	Star Cinema Viva Films	Lorenzo
Pasukob		OctoArts Films	Melchor Jr.
Ikaw Pa Rin (Bongga Ka Boy)	2008	Viva Films
Father Jejemon	2010	R.V.Q Productions

Advertisements/Commercials

• Lucky Me Pancit Canton (2007)

Discography

Albums

Compilation Albums

Artist	Album	Tracks	Year	Records
Little Big Star Artists	Little Big Star	Kaba by Makisig Morales Kay Palad Mo by Rhap Salazar Mr. Kupido by Micah Torre Iingatan Ka by Kyle Balili Sa Kandungan Mo by Jaya Sto. Domingo Ako Ang Bukas by Shanne Velasco Follow Your Dreams by Gian Barbarona I'll Be There by Charice Pempengco Pasulyap-sulyap by Rachel Pegason Tara Tena by Sam Concepcion Meron Ba? by Melvin Rimas Till It's Time by Randy de Silva Iisa Lang Tayo by Ronald Humarang May Bukas Pa by Carl Camo	2006	Star Music
	Little Big Superstar	Sisikat Din Ako by Sarah Geronimo & Makisig Morales All You Need is Love by Makisig Morales Reach for the Sky by Sarah Geronimo Araw Natin 'to by Little Big Star Artists Lucky Lucky Me by Rhap Salazar, Makisig Morales, Micah Torre & Charice Pempengco Sisikat Din Ako (M1) All You Need is Love (M1) Reach for the Sky (M1) Araw Natin 'to (M1) Lucky Lucky Me (M1)	2007

For Mak and the Dudes

Artist	Album	Tracks	Year	Records
Mak and the Dudes	Oldies But Kiddies	Breaking Up Is Hard To Do Oh Carol Stand By Me Runaway Diana Ang Cute Ng Ina Mo Araw Natin 'To Breaking Up Is Hard To Do (M1) Oh! Carol (M1) Stand By Me (M1) Runaway (M1) Diana (M1) Ang Cute Ng Ina Mo (M1) Araw Natin 'To (M1)	2007	Star Music

5thGen

Artist	Album	Tracks	Year	Records
5thGen	Contagious	Contagious	2015	Vega Entertainment Productions

Studio Albums

Artist	Album	Tracks	Year	Records
Rhap Salazar	Rhap Salazar	Ben Music And Me Got To Be There One Day In Your Life Never Can Say Goodbye	2009	Star Music
Rhap Salazar	Now or Never	Now or Never	2014	Single
Quest feat. Rhap Salazar	Dream Awake	One Way Ticket	2019	Warner Music Philippines
Rhap Salazar	Barely Breathing	Barely Breathing	2022	Single
Rhap Salazar	Won't Change	Won't Change	2023	Single

Personal life

Rhap started singing at the age of 3. Recognizing his interest in music, Rhap's parents relocated to Metro Manila so he could pursue a career in singing. He started singing professionally around the age of 7. In school, Rhap loved learning English and became bilingual at an early age.

As he got older, Rhap took on significant family responsibilities to uplift and contribute to his family’s well-being. Rhap has an older sister, two younger brothers, and a younger sister. He prioritized his family, paying for his siblings’ schooling and moving his family from the province to Manila. Given the limited opportunities in the entertainment industry, he prioritized his career over formal education. Although he found fulfillment in the entertainment industry, being homeschooled meant missing milestones like prom, college graduation, and traditional teenager experiences.

As a young artist, he had to carefully manage his public image, forcing him to mature quickly. While he doesn’t regret prioritizing his career, he acknowledged the personal sacrifices involved. He hopes to pursue higher education abroad when the time is right.

While he doesn’t actively play any instruments, Rhap started learning the guitar and ukulele as a young adult. In his 20’s, Rhap also picked up boxing as a hobby.

He has 11 tattoos. One notable tattoo is from the legendary tattoo artist Whang-od. Another notable tattoo is his mother’s name in Baybayin on his back. On his arms he has three Bind Runes, a giraffe, a cat, two androgynous figures kissing, the words “You are loved”, play/pause controls, a rainbow stripe, the Aquarius constellation, and a tribute to love music and faith.

Rhap has a Pomeranian dog named Blu and 8 cats.

He enjoys traveling all over the world and even dated abroad. He visited Bali, Hong Kong, Redlands, Bangkok, Maldives, London, and Berlin. He spent the most amount of time in Redlands. While he loves all culinary experiences, his comfort foods are Filipino spaghetti and Pancit.

When he settles down, he'll ensure his future children finish their education so that they can enjoy key milestones, like prom and graduation, before they pursue their passions.

Quotes

“Always choose to be kind.”

“Always remember that every second, you are loved.”

Official Accounts

• Facebook
• TikTok
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Threads
• Apple Music
• SoundCloud
• Official Website