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Hailing from Pasay City Philippines, BagYo has been taking the world by storm. Now residing in Los Angeles County, he is primed to be one of the most prominent American Filipino Hip Hop artists to emerge in Southern California.

 

Through the years, he’s performed at a myriad of events ranging from publicized venues, TV interviews, and charity functions; the majority of them in or around his stomping grounds right here in SoCal. Dubbed the “Golden State”, Cali has deep roots in Rap, an expressive art that fuses poetry with music, BagYo’s chosen genre. With its rich and storied history, associated with glamour, success, and often coupled with civil progression and controversy, Los Angeles County offers itself as a source code for great inspiration. Which is no wonder why talented artist BagYo calls this place home. Having both supported and been supported by local Fil-Am businesses, this past year has seen him branching out up and down the coasts as far south as San Diego, with future prospects taking him all the way back up north to San Francisco. Sources say plans are already in motion for his third return visit across the ocean to his country of birth.  Recent buzz has hopes high for a concert by mid 2017. A recent show in Chula Vista had

BAGYO

him wowing the audience while opening for fellow Pinoy’s and RNB heavy weights JAY R and Kris Lawrence. The artists got to meet and perform together during the wrap up of the latter’s “Original Music Only World Tour 2016” this July.  As BagYo’s musical aspirations continue reaching new plateaus, there is a more disciplined side of this artist that has also been getting a lot of recognition.

 

Before the bright lights and center stage, artist BagYo performed his duties in a very different type of theatre. In January 2002, a young man by the name Mark Stewart Villamac Ho, proudly swore into the historic and venerable ranks of the United States Marine Corps. During his service in the month of Feb 2003, he was deployed to the Middle East for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon return from deployment, he fulfilled one of his life long dreams by making it onto the All-Marine Boxing Team. He faithfully remained active until July 2007. Sergeant Ho still finds ways to serve through his official job; working with veterans and civilians alike as a Readjustment Counseling Technician with the VA’s Vet Center in Corona.  Using the organizations state of the art Mobile Vet Center, they assist veterans, raise awareness, and educate people of the needs and struggles of our active and retired military combat heroes.

 

Having found a new voice through music in the name of BagYo, the veteran/boxer has the opportunity to access a platform that many others are unable to. And by all accounts he appears to do so with confidence. You might have even seen some of that confidence if you caught a few of the different Filipino and American Independence Day parades happening around the county this year. Many of which he had the privilege of riding in with his lovely mother, Ambassador of goodwill, Ludivina Gilkison. He credits a big part of his inspiration for music to faith, his loved ones, his life growing up as a young man in California, and his time serving in the Marine Corps. BagYo remarks, “While I was in the Marines, making music was always a strong interest and passion for me. It’s something that’s been embedded into me since high school, back when writing music and poetry was just a hobby for me”. Now it’s more of a driving force, representing and endearing humanity’s constant struggle of life and progression. An ever-changing movement tempered in fires of dedication, sacrifice, and faith; deftly cooled in the waters of compassion, love, and understanding. Ultimately culminating into a perfect musical storm.

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