Rafi Hernandez went to Berklee as a dreamer and graduated summa cum laude

When she was 18 years old, Raphaella Renee “Rafi” Ortega Hernandez arrived at Berklee College of Music in Boston to take up Music, major in Music Business/Management. Armed with talent, a dream and determination, she was all set to conquer a world 8,445 miles away from the comforts of home.

Now 22, Rafi, born to shine, conquered it and graduated summa cum laude (3.86 cumulative GPA) with a minor course in Psychology at “the world’s largest independent college of contemporary music.” She also finished her degree program in three and a half years instead of four.

“I chose Berklee because I wanted to create meaningful art and leave an impact through music. I believed Berklee was the place that could help me discover how to do that, not only academically, but through immersion in one of the most diverse and inspiring creative communities in the world,” Rafi told this writer.

Rafi is the daughter of my dear college friends Jovy Hernandez, the president and CEO of Metro Pacific AgroVentures, and Detdet Ortega Hernandez.

“I chose this course because I wanted to become a more well-versed artist who had the knowledge and capabilities to protect my own rights as an artist. Moreover, the marketing track covered how to promote my music and has helped me learn how to navigate my artistry like a business,” said Rafi, who finished high school with high honors from PAREF Woodrose School for Girls in Alabang in 2022.

A few years before she studied in Berklee, Rafi’s artistry was already gaining traction in the Philippines. At 15, she released her first song on Spotify and other digital streaming platforms titled What Does It Cost. It got 100,000 streams and after that, she continued to release more original music.

Today, Rafi has two EPs (extended plays) on streaming platforms with four tracks in each EP. She also now has a single for her upcoming album Making Do in September this year.

“My dad heard me hold my first tune when I was around two, and he claims that I hit the notes perfectly. Dad and Mom then enrolled me in musical theater workshops at Repertory Philippines at the age of five and I continued to attend every summer until I was around 12 years old.

“I started my vocal studies at The Music School of Ryan Cayabyab at the age of 11 as well, and continued to take classes there with Krina Cayabyab until my senior year of high school. I had always participated in school productions/shows as a singer, and in high school I started to explore songwriting. It was then that I fell in love with the craft of music creation and lyricism,” she said.

Rafi was a conscientious student who also managed to enjoy her academic life at Berklee.

“Studying at Berklee brought me joy, but I think that the most important things would be the network of incredible musicians and creatives that I was able to build at the school, the facilities (such as ensemble rooms/practice rooms and studios), other opportunities to create and perform my original music, and most importantly the real long-lasting friendships I have made through the school,” she said.

But Rafi was quick to add the challenges of being a Music major in Berklee, especially for someone like her who did not have prior knowledge of music theory before entering the music school, were also real.

“Berklee or the music industry as a whole is definitely not for the weak. I would say that pursuing this career requires a highly developed sense of self. First of all, imposter syndrome, that feeling of doubt that makes you question if you are good enough, is no stranger to environments like Berklee wherein you are surrounded by some of the best rising musicians.

“Second, you must have good work ethic to be able to balance school work, personal projects, collaborations, rehearsals, live performances, and self-care as well. It requires diligence, time management, and attention to detail,” she said, adding that her artistic heroes in the music industry included Ryan Beatty, Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, Lizzy McAlpine, and Annabelle Dinda.

Rafi was born an achiever so she coasted along in an ocean of uncertainty. At Berklee, she was one out of six recipients of the Music Business Achievement Award in the Spring 2026 semester. The award was meaningful because the nomination came from the professors in the Music Business/Management department.The young artist has a grateful heart. She always refers to her parents as her anchors, real heroes, the reason she is always inspired to achieve.

“I’m motivated by my dad’s hard work and humility. He is the most hardworking and efficient person I know, yet he is such a great leader and people person. He remains humble and never boasts about his incredible achievements. My dad is less of a talker and more of a doer, and I’ve learned the value of actions over words from him,” she said.

“Being the only girl between two brothers, Rafi is our princess who refuses to be treated as one. She has always been focused and determined about the things she wants in life. Her passion for learning and personal growth is truly admirable. She never settles for less and always gets things done. She rarely complains about mundane things and is very disciplined in everything she does,” Detdet described her daughter.

“Her love for her brothers is also something very special to witness. She is very close to both Lars and Rocky despite their age differences. She may appear tough and independent to others, but within our family, she is simply Rafi—loving, caring, and deeply connected to the people she loves most even while far away from home,” said Jovy.

As of this writing, Rafi is preparing to move to Los Angeles, California to continue her pursuit of a career in the music industry.

“I would love to be a full-time artist and go on tour! My lifetime dream is to go on a world tour and play my original music with my band and friends,” she said.

Rafi Ortega Hernandez is on her way to fulfilling her dreams.