While in college at Cornell University, Rafael combined his degree in hospitality with his lifelong creative passion, forming Bitanga Productions. Bitanga Productions' notable achievements include assisting the Alaska State of Arts & Humanities in raising over $100,000 for youth programs across the state and helping the Alaska Travel Industry Association generate $9,000+ for scholarships aimed at high school seniors, college students, and industry professionals seeking further professional development.

In his spare time, Rafael enjoys playing the piano and singing love songs while his partner strums the guitar. After indulging in music, he dedicates time to reading a book each week, delving into subjects such as personal finance, real estate (FIRE Movement), and mental health. During weekends, Rafael hosts dinners where he invites guests to engage in conversations ranging from the future of AI to the intricacies of starting a startup.