Rocky grew up in a single-parent household, at the “barracks” of Villamor Airbase. His mother chose to leave his father, taking him and his siblings along. As a member of the Villamor Airbase football team, his mother was able to shelter them in the base’s housing. Money was always tight, and there were times where junk food was the only meal. They had no clothing with them, and they had to make do with football uniforms. After some time, they were sent to live with their maternal grandmother in Lanao del Norte, as his mother had to finish her contract with her team. It was there that they learned responsibility and discipline. They had a small-scale piggery business, and Rocky was tasked to tend to their pigs. Later on, they moved back to Manila, again calling the team barracks home.

At a young age, he strove to add to their family’s meager resources. He had no qualms about taking on blue-collar jobs, working as a balut vendor, a construction worker, and a bakal-tingga boy. Whatever he made, he used to support himself and augment the family budget. When he reached college, he dreamt about being the star of their basketball team. Despite his height, this dream always seemed too far-fetched. His impatience had him shifting schools and courses, to no avail.

His height may not have gotten him a local basketball career, but it got him fame and fortune in the international fashion scene. The modeling industry got a whiff of Rocky, and he was whisked off abroad where his moreno appeal became fashionista-worthy. He has worn international brands such as Levi's, Versace, Guess, and Gucci. He is also no stranger to the catwalk, and has strutted his stuff in Singapore, Hongkong, China, South Africa, Milan, and London, among others.

He shares candidly, “Pinatino ako ni Pag-ibig.” Indeed, it was this pursuit of his lady love, whom he calls “Pag-ibig”, that had him turning his back on a career others can only dream of. Lucrative as his career was, love beckoned and he chose to follow. He obviously has no regrets about turning his back on the international limelight. With her, he is home.