Today we’d like to introduce you to Philip Manikan
Hi Philip, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a professional musician in the Philippines and had been a part of a Manila-based band (lead guitarist) with a commercial success. On the side, I also used to do audio engineering for post-production companies that cater to films, TV shows, and TV and radio commercials.
After going back and forth between Manila and US for a few years, I decided to stay here longer and seek opportunities in my chosen field. It was tough starting out, most especially because I do not know anyone from the industry, but giving up is not an option. As a musician, I am determined to pursue my passion in guitar playing. Fortunately, I found a band in 2022 that needed a lead guitarist and plays one of the genres that I enjoy. My band is called Therewolf and we play all round Orange County, LA and its neighboring counties.
With a degree in Music Production, I helped record and produce music for independent bands, designed sound, and worked for and with several post-production companies. With my background in audio engineering, I was able to work with film directors and producers in Manila whose masterpieces were screened in different festivals around the world.
I am fortunate to continue my journey as an audio engineer here in the US. With clients based here and abroad that use podcast and other social media platforms as a tool to market their company, I am able to offer my services to them. I edit their audio files, master it, and make sure it has excellent quality before they release it to their viewers and listeners.
Music and audio engineering are two of the very important things that keep me going. As I hone my craft and dream bigger, I wish to help more companies and individuals in producing quality sound for their platforms and projects.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was definitely not a smooth road. I am still a work in progress despite my decades of experience in the field of music and sound engineering.
Starting out in a place where no one knows you, where competition is tight, and where your achievements do not matter, I am still struggling to find people and companies who will appreciate my expertise in audio engineering, particularly in the entertainment industry where connections and referrals are a must. By word of mouth and with the help of satisfied customers, I am slowly building my clientele.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love music, audio, and everything that has to do with it. Aside from being known for my guitar skills, I am also known for being an audio engineer with great attention to detail. I am most proud of the audio engineering work I have done in some films, especially documentaries that have been selected to screen abroad. One of them is entitled “Dreaming in the Red Light” by renowned Filipino documentary director, Pabelle Manikan, and was screened in France, South Korea, and Germany.
I am also proud to have been able to slowly build my clientele in the podcasting niche where I am able to perfect their audio for listeners. One of them has even been my client for over a decade– a Texas-based real estate company called Brokerage UP! where the CEO produces podcasts about real estate coaching. She is a happy client and she’s one of those that makes me feel that my job as an audio engineer is worth keeping.
How do you think about happiness?
Making music makes me happy. Also, if I get to do audio engineering full-time for the rest of my life, that would be a dream come true for me.
Contact Info:
- Other: Email: pagamanikan@gmail,com
