Before becoming a painter, Cristobal was foremost, a musician. His music brought him to Palau and Malaysia in the 1990’s. Joel’s biggest break in the art scene was his privilege to paint the mural in the lobby of Veterans Memorial Hospital in Quezon City. He also joins other exhibits in Manila organized by other art groups. He was part of the Cebuano artists who joined the ArtMalaysia Art Tourism Fair in Viva Home Shopping Mall in Kuala Lumpur last year. He also took part in the last exhibit of the group in 2013, ‘Bridging Cultures’ in Kluang Mall, in Kluang, Johor, Malaysia.
 
Joel started to paint in the impressionist manner but has gradually developed his own style in Cubism. He will be part of the Cebuano artists who will be participating in the AATF in Kuala Lumpur this year and LAB 2014 in Langkawi.