Roel's journey began in Manila's Sampaloc district, where he spent his early years before relocating to Los Angeles with his mother in the mid-1980s—a move fueled by hope and newfound awareness. Settling in Long Beach's Eastside, he and his family confronted the harsh realities of inner-city life, witnessing firsthand the struggles arising from gang violence and racial tensions between black and brown communities. These profound experiences deeply influence Roel's artistic expression today, inspiring his writing to reflect the streets and stories of his upbringing. Now a devoted husband, father of three, and champion for arts created by people of color, Roel envisions a future enriched by cinema and literature showcasing the diverse faces reminiscent of his roots in Manila and Long Beach.