Omar Baliw

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Omar Baliw
Birth nameOmar Harry Balmes Manzano
Origin Makati
Genres Hip-hop
InstrumentVocals
Years active2011–present

Omar Harry Balmes Manzano, [1] professionally known as Omar Baliw, is a Filipino rapper.

Contents

Career

Omar Harry Manzano is a native of Naga, Camarines Sur but is a resident of Pembo, Makati (now Taguig). He started making music while he was still a teenager and worked odd-jobs during college such as being gasoline station attendant and a restroom cleaner. [1]

He started being active in the hip-hop scene in 2008 and later released his debut album "High Minds Music" in 2011. [2] His parents were skeptical of him pursuing a career in the genre but a microphone gifted by his then-girlfriend now wife encouraged him. His stage name Omar Baliw (baliw being Filipino for "crazy") is a reference to his performing style which is characterized by tendency to jump and do tumblings. [2] He has named Gloc-9 as an inspiration for his works. [3]

His big break came when he released "K&B" in 2019 which was performed with fellow artist CLR. [3]

Omar Baliw established presence in Spotify and set up a YouTube channel to exhibit his works. He is also present in Facebook and TikTok. [1] He has also collaborated with other artists including Gloc-9. [2]

In June 2022, Believe Artist Services signed Omar to a management contract [2] In June 2023, he became part of the Asintada Management and Production Inc. talent agency ran by Gloc-9's wife. [3]

In September 2023, he announced intention to retire in five years time before he turns 40 years old to focus on his family. [2]

Baliw sued senatorial candidate and Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy for using a remix of his song "K&B" for the pastor's campaign jingle in March 2025. [4]

Personal life

He is married to Dana, whom he first dated during his college years. [1] He has two children. [2] He also runs the High Minds Clothing line. [2]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Sallan, Edwin (September 24, 2023). "Finding the Right Direction: Hip-hop sensation Omar Baliw on inspiring positivity". BusinessMirror. Retrieved March 25, 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Omar Baliw and the Kalmado lifestyle". Manila Bulletin. September 23, 2023. Retrieved March 25, 2025.
  3. 1 2 3 "Hip-hop artist Omar Baliw is now part of Asintada". ABS-CBN News. June 21, 2023. Retrieved March 25, 2025.
  4. ↑ Evangelista, Jessica Ann (March 24, 2025). "Apollo Quiboloy charged with copyright infringement by rapper". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved March 25, 2025.
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