RODNEY RONQUILLO

Wow! Just years after I returned back to the piano, It's almost hard to imagine that I would be working on a second cd. Add to this the ongoing projects of working with musicians all over the world. Never in my wildest dreams would I be a part of such wonders at this level. These are exciting times for me and for the people whom I have involved with my projects, as rodron.com is now a part of Ideage Communications, a registered partnership and future umbrella company for a subsidiary record label of Ideage. I've worked with many outstanding many talents in the past 10 years as a songwriter and performer. Names that come to mind are Keith Javier, Simone Hendricks, Monique Smith, Jennifer N. Uy, Alex Mozo, Jp Sunga, Karen Tan....the list is enormous. My first long-distance collaboration opportunity was with Record Producer Jim Stoeber, of Tegancat in Winnipeg (Canada). My first collaboration outside of North America was with Germany's musical sensation Jamie T. Stevens. Both these two fine musicians, considering how far they live from me, are some of my amazing friends. I made my first cd at the age of 25, which was a collection of songs written over the years (two of them being collaborations.) I see myself more of a composer, so I invited some wonderful friends to help me with the project. It wasn't a hit, but it was a first for me and for everyone who was a part of it. The learning experience was more reward than the number of cds sold. Following my first cd, I participated in co-producing a compilation cd with some very talented artists across Canada. I also had some great production experiences with some of the Toronto based artists. I will never forget the awesome feeling of finishing each production. This compilation was the first of it's kind, as the music files and collaborations will done via the Internet. The compilation sold out within 2 months, but we kept it to a limited number of copies. A great success story. Then I embarked on my first collaboration outside of my stomping grounds, flying west to Winnipeg with one of my good buddies and gifted musicians, Keith Javier. Keith, Jim, the Tegancat Girls Ardie and Jason P all made the Winnipeg weekend the best vacation I've ever had. We finished producing the Tegancat Pleasure cd by Autumn 2000. I teamed up with a couple of friends for one more musical project, a
haunting theme song for our Christmas concert. Then I went on my own, working on one collaboration with Jamie T. Stevens, a fellow musician from Europe. I am very honoured to have worked with him and also to be on his first CD album. I absolutely know that there will me more wonders from him.The cd (Wizards Call), by the way, successfully sold all its copies in Germany; there's more expected! My journey in all aspects of my life could not be possible without Fady Mounayar, who has been a wonderful brother and best friend. We all need a rock in life because we are not built perfect. When the tides turn, your best friend will always be there to redirect your focus and bring life back into perspective. My favorite pasttimes, aside from making music, are reading motivational/self-help/business/psychology/philosophy books, Entrepreneurship, Investing, being part of 3d computer animation and independent film projects, acting, tinkering with the latest technology, laughing, Baseball, Basketball, Hockey Visual Fine Art, watching musicals and operas, Passive Income, Business, Contributing to Charity, Contributing my music to Ministries and much, much more. But my real favorite thing to do is motivating and inspiring people. I like the feeling I get when I know that I've made a difference in someone's life. For me, I don't have to do that through music. All I need is my heart and tender loving care for whoever I am helping. I care about my fellow brother and sister on this here earth. I have ambitions on becoming a motivational speaker within the next ten years. I like to eat healthy; this means less meat and more fruits/vegetables. Freshly squeezed fruit juice is my favorite beverage, and I definetly have my sights set on purchasing a Juiceman Juicer. My recipe for relaxation is to drink a juice made of Apple, Celery, Carrot and Spinach. To some, their stomachs turn. For me, it's just so energizing! I love Bubble Tea. My favorites being Chocolate Mint, Taro (Karen Tan-Liao introduced me to that!) and Passion Fruit. One of my buddies, Jennifer N. Uy, treated me to my first bubble tea experience. I love her for that ever since (for the generosity, that is) I don't drink alcholic beverages, although I did give it a couple tries in the year 2000. My taste for it waned into the Autumn and have never let any pass my lips ever since. I have no tolerance for anyone who either encourage or peer-pressure me into consuming them. I choose to be myself, to be in control of myself and am darn proud of my decision. I have plans on doing some acting (I am working on getting in shape too), nature painting, fishing, golf. Okay, there's so many things I'd love to do! That's where writing our goals on paper becomes very important. I've also been taken advantage of, used, abused and lived through it all. I don't wish such things on anybody but if nobody learns from the experience, I haven't a clue as to what I can say. My take on that is if you survive from it, then learn from it. Otherwise, you'll go through it over again. I've made many friends but I've also experienced some misfortunate relationships. I prefer to be a friend. But sometimes we just can't do it all. I am human and imperfect and I accept that. Nobody is. I also accept that the more I learn, the more I grow. Keep smiling and remember that you are unique always. And don't ever, ever quit achieving your dreams. The pain of not achieving your dreams is far greater than not taking the first step. No journey on the road to dreams is without pit stops and pot holes. It's just a matter of changing your approach and transforming your mindset. You mind is like a parachute; it only works when it's open. Keep an open mind!