We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Robert Barao. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Robert below.

Hi Robert , thanks for joining us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

“Kalabaw Studios”

At First, I was having a hard time trying to come up with something that was natural. I felt that a lot of ideas was already taken and that everything didn’t feel authentic and original. Then I quickly realized that there is only one of me. So, I decided to bring it all back to where everything started, the Philippines. My childhood experiences and the land that surrounded me fed the creative fire in me. Which drove my imagination to unlimited possibilities. One of those special memories as a child was riding behind a Water Buffalo “Kalabaw” at our farm house in the province. The Water Buffalo is the national animal of the Philippines, Which symbolizes hard work, strength and perseverance. It defines the people of my culture and its something to strive for.

Robert , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have a background in Visual Arts. My focus is Drawing and Painting. Once a became interested in Digital Media, I bought my first camera, travel the world and never looked back. When I returned, I quickly found myself in the Commercial/Wedding industry and learn a lot about the craftsmanship of photo and video . Fast Forward to today, even though I still practice Drawing and Painting projects and Commercial work. I have been diving into the world of creative Filmmaking, specifically Short Films. My title would probably be a Cinematographer, which involves every aspect of filmmaking from screenwriting to directing, from camera operator to editor. Since I have my hands on a lot of different mediums, my goal as a Artist is to create a brand that is cohesive and defines my style of storytelling. I’d like to give the audience an opportunity to create and imagine their own narrative as they experience my art for the first time.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

It was the time when I quit my job, bought a camera, and traveled to the Philippines for 3 months to document my journey through photo and video. I had no idea that decision was going to turn into who I am today. I just knew that I needed to get out of my situation and feed my creative soul again. Everyone was questioning my motive, even my own family. But I loved what I was doing and honestly that’s all that mattered to me. While I was in the Philippines I have posted everything that I was documenting and caught the attention of a photograph who reach out and talked to me about working together and the rest is history.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My Parents played a significant role in my creative journey, especially my Father. So I would love to leave a legacy whether it’s an oil painting or a film that would live long after I’m gone and that would make my parents proud of. It would be amazing to create the same emotion and experience for a future audience who would look at my work a hundred years from now.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @robertvbarao