His mother encouraged him to be involved in music as a distraction from the squalid conditions of their neighborhood. Despite of this, Celerio became a close acquaintance of gang leader Asiong Salonga. At his mother's encouragement Celerio started playing the violin at age 11 taking lessons from a member of the Philippine Constabulary Band. Celerio later performed with the band as its member while simultaneously attending Torres High School. It was during his high school years that Celerio learned about his father.