Murphy Caballero
A Legend in The Making
From competing in Hip Hop International’s Varsity Division to establishing MPC Films as one of the biggest video creators in Mindanao. Murphy Caballero is just getting started.
Avant-garde is how you describe Murphy Caballero’s art. His unorthodox way of creating videos that pushes the boundaries of filmmaking brings his audience to a whole new world. “Breaking the rules produces the best results,” Murphy says. Playing safe is not who he is. Exploration is what led him to become unparalleled. But before he became big, he started as a rookie hip hop dancer.
Just like his unique creative process, Murphy’s journey into filmmaking was rather ironic. During his first year in high school, Murphy was introduced to the hip hop dance crew Jabbawockeez. He enjoyed them perform so much, that he bought the crew’s famous mask and started dancing hip hop. Eventually, he became part of Groove Unlimited Dance Community (GUDC). Along with his group Distinct Feature, they competed in the nationals for Hip Hop International’s Varsity Division.
"Dancing was my way of meeting new people and building friendship."
People were in awe seeing Murphy dance. He performed in several events, joined competitions, and even became a choreographer for a dance contest in his school. But the thought of making dancing a lifetime commitment never occurred to him. He just enjoyed it.
In his high school yearbook he wrote, “I want to be a dancer.” However, life takes us to new places and some adventures are steppingstones that lead us to where we truly belong. Murphy took Mass Communication in Ateneo de Davao University in hopes of pursuing dancing. But it sparked a new fire within.
Distinct Feature competing in Hip Hop Internationals Varsity Division
While shooting and editing a music video and a short film for his Basic Nonlinear Editing subject, Murphy realized that creating videos is actually fun. The moment he saw the result of his outputs a thought came to his mind: “This is a thing I would do long term.” It became clear to him; his newfound passion runs deeper than dancing. It was his self-expression.
During his fourth year in college, Murphy joined ASEAN Youth Video Making Contest. Without any expectations of winning, he was able to take home the trophy for the Philippines.
Along with his friends in college they established Blacklight Productions PH, a professional video service and photography for special events. The name became widely recognized and represented Davao’s new era of video service and photography. A three-man team of undergraduates had trusted clients all over Mindanao. They were more than a production squad; they were each other’s companions and mentors. After more than two years of working together, the group decided to explore their own creative paths.
Before MPC Films, Murphy Caballero was the name on everybody’s lips. Hailed as the legendary videographer in Davao City. After winning in ASEAN, he hit another gold in DSWD’s Filmmaking Competition and entered top 3 for the 2018 Kadayawan Filmmaking Competition. This was just an introduction for Murphy’s ongoing biopic.
Murphy Caballero and his team winning the DSWD Davao Region Film Festival
An artist is also a craftsman, and the way of a craftsman is to never stop creating. This is Murphy’s method in discovering new techniques to achieve an unparalleled work of art. His unwavering dedication helped him work with big brands and companies.
Murphy Caballero with the production team of Indak Indak sa Kadayawan
From ranking 3rd place in Kadayawan’s Filmmaking Competition to becoming the video director for the 2021 Indak Indak sa Kadayawan, what an upgrade. Maybe while passing by the Sandawa Road in Davao, you’ve seen a big VXI Billboard—you’re right! Murphy took that photo.
But it does not stop there, local Filipino brands ranging from restaurants to clothing lines, hotels to resorts such as Pearl Farm, you name it! Murphy has it in his portfolio. With his extraordinary skill he managed to work with international brands like Nike, Ford, Guam Tourism, and Dubai Tourism. But it's not the climax of the movie yet.
While working for different clothing lines in Mindanao, Murphy got interested in streetwear. It was then when he realized his own distinct taste in fashion.
"Streetwear is where I discovered my sense of identity in both fashion and filmmaking. I feel comfortable wearing urban clothing."
“Delinquent Society was the turning point of my career and journey as an artist,” Murphy says. The group was given the opportunity to go to Manila, which reigns supreme in the country’s rap world. Delinquent Society and Unlabeled Collective collaborated with Careless Music and its members: James Reid, Nadine Lustre, and Bret Jackson.
Delinquent Society with Bret Jackson and James Reid
It paved way for Murphy and the crew to work with Sony Music Entertainment and Viva Music. Manila gave him a bigger picture to Philippines’ creative industry. “My style and my way of doing things belong in this community. This is where I found myself.” Murphy says.
Delinquent Society and Careless Music
Delinquent Society was a bridge in entering a new world for Murphy. An unexpected turn of events happened, when he met a fan of the group which was also a videographer like him. He introduced him to United Arab Emirates’ creative world. Now, Murphy is currently working in his dream job in Dubai’s Create Production. “I feel more appreciated and respected here as an artist,” says Murphy.
Dubai introduced him to the different levels of production and the importance of working as one.
“Before, most of my projects are run and gun. I’m the one planning, directing, shooting, and editing. Here in Dubai, I realized that the output is better when you have others to brainstorm and work with.”
Murphy Caballero filming EXO member Suho for Dubai Tourism
A quote from Pablo Picasso says, “good artists copy, great artists steal.”
Finding inspiration in the work of other artists is one of the key components in Murphy’s unique approach in art. With the influence of social media, he was able to find content creators with the same interests as him like Cole Bennett and Valentin Petit. “Social media helps me break my creative block.” However, it is also important to note that inspirations are guides. They are not meant to be copied.
"To all artists out there, never give up. Find your own style. It is okay to reference but never imitate."
Murphy describes his journey in two words: Rollercoaster Ride. The life of an artist has a lot of ups and downs. That’s what makes the ride fun. Whether you have a good or bad day, you would always find interesting moments in life when you’re an artist.
Inside The Louvre by Murphy Caballero with his long time girlfriend Annika
"Art can influence anything and anyone in the world,"
-Murphy Caballero
That's how artists also are in this age, where technology can replace anything and anyone. An artist's passion and the life behind his art are what time can never achieve. The magnificence of an artist's craftmanship is evolution itself. Murphy Caballero has shown that in his every work. The way he talked about his journey as an artist makes you wonder how incredible the mind of an artist work. Indeed, artists and their art transcend everything, not just fashion. They are an indestructible force, the engine of life.
