In the rap scene, where fast-paced rhythms and hard-hitting beats often reign supreme, there’s a distinctive voice that’s been making waves. Omar Baliw, born Omar Harry Manzano, is not your typical rap artist. At 34 years old, he’s already achieved remarkable success in the music industry and as an entrepreneur, all while staying true to his unique style and spreading positivity through his streetwear brand, HghMnds.
Baliw, a moniker he earned for his electrifying stage presence, embarked on his musical journey from humble beginnings. Back in his college days, he found inspiration and unwavering support in his then-girlfriend, who was a working student. Those early years were a constant struggle, but it was the gift of his first microphone from his now-wife Dana that propelled him forward.
Fast forward to today, and Omar has a string of hit songs to his name, a thriving clothing brand, and ambitious plans for the future. He recently shared his aspirations during an interview at the 12th-anniversary concert of HghMnds Clothing at the Metrotent Convention Center in Pasig.
“Actually po, na set ko na po sa sarili ko,” Omar revealed, “Thirty-four years old po kasi ako, sabi ko ‘last 5 years ko na lang mag music, last na to, isasagad ko na to. Pagdating ko ng 39, may resthouse na ako, dun na lang ako talaga.’”
Omar is in the process of building his dream retreat on a farm he’s purchased, and he’s eager to embrace what he calls the “Kalmado lifestyle.” It’s all about spending quality time with his family, something he’s been longing for after years of a relentless grind.
“Actually, nagpapagawa na ako ng bahay ngayon, pinapagawa ko na ‘yung farm ko, so sakto. Tapos ‘wag naman sana maaksidente… basta pagdating ng 39, nandun na lang ako sa farm ko. Kalmado lifestyle lang talaga kasama ‘yung mga anak ko. So andami ko na talagang utang sa family ko simula’t simula’t simula. Thirty-four na ako ngayon, simula nung una kong trabaho, laging busy, laging baliktaran, so sabi ko after ko mga 39, 5 years from now pahinga na po ako.”
Omar envisions himself raising goats, cows, pigs, chickens, and he even has a horse on the land already.
“Meron kaming maliit na property dun sa Batangas. Pinatayuan namin ng maliit na bahay pero sa backyard non sakto pang farming talaga, so ayon farming talaga. Gusto ko mag alaga ng kambing, gusto ko mag alaga ng baboy, gusto ko mag alaga ng manok, baka, actually binigyan nako ng kabayo ng tropa ko meron na. Tapos tanim ng gulay. ‘Yung lang talaga gusto ko ngayon, ‘di na ‘yung para bumili ng sports cars. Ayoko nyan! Dun lang talaga ako relax lang ako.”
The successful rap artist has chosen a tranquil life over a flashy lifestyle. While some rap artists are fixated on wealth and luxury, Baliw’s music reflects a deeper understanding of life’s true essence. His hits like “Araguy,” “Inumaga,” and “Kalmado” carry messages of inspiration and motivation, reflecting his own desire for serenity.
“Mas gusto ko ng tahimik na buhay. Ayokong masyadong maingay. Ayoko talaga ng – di talaga ako sanay sa harap ng tao e, sa stage. Mas sanay ako sa gilid lang po ako palagi, so pinagbigyan ko lang ng pagkakataon na so, after five years po, talaga – hindi pa natatanong sa akin – na set ko na po talaga sa utak ko na, oo, okay na siguro to. Pahinga na lang siguro ako.”
For Omar, excessive wealth isn’t the ultimate goal in life. “Nung simula nung nagkapera ako, dun ko na-realize na ‘di naman talaga kailangan ng sobrang pera talaga. Kailangan mo talaga is kahit magtanim ka lang… Kasi galing kami sa sobrang simpleng buhay. Basta okay na ‘yung family ko, okay na ko, okay na na may trabaho sila. ‘Di ko pa naman iiwanan ‘yung business kasi may mga tao naman dyan, basta ako na lang pahinga na basta pag 39.
Mga tao kasi, makaabot lang ng 40, 50, e paano kung mamatay ako ng 40? ‘Di ko ma-e-enjoy lahat ng pinaghirapan ko, ’di ba?”
Omar doesn’t just rap about it; he lives it. His belief in the power of a calm and contented lifestyle permeates not only his music but also his business venture. He’s not just the face of HghMnds Clothing; he embodies the brand’s tagline, the “Kalmado lifestyle.”
Last June, Omar was signed by Believe Artist Services, headed by Waheed Al Jarallah.
According to Al Jarallah, “We signed Omar Baliw not because of popularity from HGHMNDS but as Omar Baliw, rap hip-hop artist. We saw and believe in his positivity in music through his lyrics, his struggles in everyday life from past till present, his willingness to share his learnings and how he made it, and most importantly his love for music as a whole. This made it clear to us that he is a strong artist services candidate for Believe Music, who stands with our values of Artist Development, Transparency, Fairness, and Independency.”
In the world of rap, where braggadocio often takes center stage, Omar Baliw’s “Kalmado lifestyle” serves as a refreshing reminder of the simple joys that truly matter.
