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.[1] His original songs include "Barely Breathing" (2022) and "Won't Change" (2023).
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).[2] 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.[1][3] He also won Junior Grand Champion Solo Vocalist of the World.[4] 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.[1] He appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show later that year at the age of 12.[1][5]
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.[6] That same year, Rhap tied for first place in the 2010 Awit Awards in the category “Best Performance by a New Male Recording Artist" [7]
A year later, Rhap was invited to perform at Cebu Institute of Technology - University to serenade contestants in Lakambini 2011.[8] 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.[9]
In 2013, Rhap joined his Luv U castmates to celebrate the centennial of Pasig Catholic College.[10][11] Later that year, Rhap performed at the Tacloban City Convention Center to a sold out venue of 4,500 fans.[12]
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.[13] Under 5thGen, the group released their hit song, “Contagious”,[14] performing it on the Wish Bus (part of Wish 107.5 FM).
5thGen performed at EuroPop 2016 Gala Night held in Berlin, Germany.[15]
In 2017, Rhap performed his single “Now or Never” live at YouTube’s FanFest event in Manila.[16] 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.[17] Love Gala 2019 was a charity event supporting HIV awareness and education.[18] 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.[19]
In 2021, Rhap returned to ABS-CBN's It's Showtime as the hidden celebrity performer on “Hide and Sing!”.[20][21]
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.[22] In June, Rhap sang a medley at LoveYourself’s Pride Night.[23][24] 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.
Rhap started singing at the age of 3.[25] 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. As a kid, Rhap loved learning English and became fluent in his youth.
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.
Rhap has an older sister, two younger brothers, and a younger sister. He has 8 tattoos and 8 cats.
Currently, he enjoys traveling all over the world, and has visited Bali, Hong Kong, Redlands, Bangkok, Maldives,[26] London,[25] and Berlin. While he loves all culinary experiences, his comfort foods are Filipino spaghetti and Pancit.
”Always choose to be kind.”
”Just remember that every second, you are loved.”