Formerly the lead guitarist of the band Mayonnaise, vocalist and guitarist of Banat Boys, and ID 102 Music Production alumnus一Phillip “Paga” Manikan harks back to his old days as a student in Benilde and how the College has shaped his creative endeavours, The Benildean also shares how he’s thriving as a creative amidst the pandemic.
Pandemic-ridden ventures
In an interview with The Benildean, Manikan shared how he was thankful to have his family by his side during these troubling times.
“I have my work to keep me very busy, and music to get the creative juices flowing. Actually, I’m very grateful that through the pandemic I was able to rediscover my passion, what I always loved doing. My wife and I left for the US in 2015, and I left everything behind. I started to pursue a different life or career outside of music and audio until we returned here in 2019.”
He was then entrusted by his sister, Filipina filmmaker Pabelle Manikan, to work on her 2019 documentary Dreaming in the Red Light. The documentary follows the lives of a former sex worker mother and her half-German teenage daughter in the vicinities of the Red Light district in Pampanga. According to Manikan, it opened many doors for opportunities and sparked that passion “to start pursuing music production once again.”
Later on, he was given projects by filmmaker Gabriel Malvar for Victory Liner’s Know Your North Initiative.
“Right now, I am officially able to do audio engineering as a full-time job, and it’s a plus that I get to do it at home,” Manikan shared.
Currently, he also offers audio services for audio stories and meditation apps, as well as podcasters, both locally and internationally. “I’m also inspired to make music. I’m working with some friends to make new songs and we plan to release an EP [and] album really soon,” he shared.
Furthermore, he expressed that the pandemic really taught him to be resourceful despite the limitations. “It even pushed me to rediscover my love for music, and the passion for audio and music production.”
As a creative, Manikan also said it’s important to create music and art during the pandemic.
“Just singing alone or with someone helps your mental state. Posting something on social media, sharing what you do. It can inspire someone or make someone happy. So. at least you did your part,” he added.
Music for the soul
Taking a trip down memory lane, Manikan shared that he started playing the guitar when he was 13 and has been playing at least an hour every day ever since. It got him through the good times and the bad. But most importantly, it gives him a sense of purpose and direction.
“[When] we were in the US, I wanted to take a different path but after a while, I felt lost. I didn’t know who I was,” he added.
Moreover, Manikan was already playing in bands since grade school. However, Mayonnaise officially started playing for friends and alongside more established bands during gigs in high school. It was also during this time that Mark Escueta, co-founder and drummer of Rivermaya, had found out about the band and offered to cut them a demo.
Following this offer, Monty Macalino, lead vocalist of Mayonnaise, recorded some demos in the home of Escueta, and the band was able to put together "Tulog," "Bakit (Part 1)," "Punk You," and "Pseudo." The band had reached a much wider audience with the release of these new songs, and they were eventually able to perform at their first Fete dela Musique gig in 2002.
It was around this time that Manikan had decided to enroll in Benilde’s fairly new Music Production program. Unlike other schools, the College’s Music Production offers lessons on recording, film scoring, and the likes. He added you can’t really learn them on your own. It’s worth noting that YouTube wasn’t available back then.
While Music Production proved challenging, Manikan shared how his time in Benilde was surely one for the books. “You meet a lot of people, a lot of musicians. Mga professors, kilala sila sa industry. It was really helpful for me to learn and for my growth,” he shared.
His notable professors include musical director and composer Jed Balsamo, film sound designer and former Eraserheads sound engineer Mark Laccay, bassist of Radioactive Sago Project Francis de Veyra, and film director and composer Jerrold Tarog.
Meanwhile, during those times, Mayonnaise was just starting to do gigs everyday. Eventually, however, the band went on to win the annual rock band competition Red Horse “MuzikLaban,” and was able to record two albums while Manikan was still an undergraduate.
Because of the Music Production program, Manikan was prepared to work in the industry. “Having that knowledge helped me to be good at what I’m doing. I also worked in different post- production companies, even a game development company. I opened up my studio, recorded a lot of bands as well,” he shared.
Letters to the young
Surely enough, the program, its professors, and students have changed. “It was very different compared to what we have right now. Kids right now are very skillful and knowledgeable. Everything is available online,” he added.
According to Manikan, factors such as social media, YouTube, streaming, and freelancing play a role in widening the opportunities for aspiring musicians, “I do suggest if you want to be successful in the industry, Music Production will help you put your foot on doors. You can do it on your own, but [the program] will help guide you to do it properly.”
“With things to keep in mind, always work hard and practice,” Manikan said. There should always be room for something new in what you do. Especially at a time like this, take all the time you need to improve and better yourself. “Right now, of course, we're stuck at home. Sometimes nagiging mabigat na if you’re doing it every day [...] Keep yourself inspired. If you don't feel like doing it. Just look for something else to keep yourself inspired,” he added.
