Get to know Rastaman, the senatorial candidate in the 2019 elections that took the internet by storm

Rastaman, also known as Rolando Plaza, was an icon during the 2019 senatorial elections.

With his facial tattoos and animated personality, he quickly went viral and became a living meme—not just because of his ideals and plans, but because he had the most hilarious answer to a question reserved for candidates.

Asked what he was going to do in the Senate, he wittily sang a popular song and added his own ad lib: "Ang motorcycle ko may pakpak yo! Yo! Half human, half zombie, yo!"

Although he was disqualified from the senatorial race after he was considered a "nuisance candidate," Rastaman's popularity spread online and he appeared on everyone's timeline in the form of memes, edited videos, and dance covers.

"Nuisance. Eh malinaw naman 'yung adbokasiya ko eh (But my advocacy has been clear)," he said on "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho."

"My [advocacy] is against China. You are entering our territory. You must get out of our territory."

Now living in Bulacan, Rastaman said he grew up in Davao and studied to become a seaman before landing a job in Saudi Arabia.

He separated from his wife, but they had two beautiful children together, one working in a call center while the other is a bartender based in Dubai.

This year, Rastaman said he again tried to run for senator, but he unfortunately tested positive for COVID-19.

If he were to win, Rastaman said he would push for reproductive health, divorce, and same-sex marriage. He was not in favor of death penalty, martial law, and federalism.

Although he couldn't serve on the national level, Rastaman takes pride in helping his neighbors by repairing their appliances.

According to Rastaman, he was inspired to run because he loved life but most of all, because he wanted to give Jam, Rastagirl, a good life.

Jam is the daughter of Rastaman's neighbor. He said Jam had been sick several times and at one point almost died.

"Mula sa akin iisa lang ang gusto ko, na mabuhay na makita ko ang minamahal ko [na nag-iisang] si Jam," he said.

"Mas gugustuhin ko pang ako ang unang mamatay kasi napakasakit kung makita ko sa bisig ko walang malay ang mahal mo sa buhay dahil sa korapsyon na nangyayari," he added.

"'Yung pera dapat sa taong bayan, nasa medisina, sa pag-aaral. Doon dapat napupunta ang pera ng tao."

["I just want one thing, to live and see my only beloved Jam. It's painful to see your loved one die because of corruption. The money should be allotted for our countrymen, for healthcare and for education."]

—Kaela Malig/RC/MGP, GMA News