A self-taught artist born and raised in Navotas City, Philippines, Rolly started winning art contests at age 11, but practicality dictated him to turn away from art and pursue a career in engineering. In 2000, Rolly migrated to Vancouver with his wife and two children. He worked as an architectural model maker in Granville Island.

His passion for art eventually crept back to him and started to paint again. He is so thankful for being a member of the Dimasalang III artist group, that continuously guides and inspires him in doing the work that he really loves.