Sax-tripping with Philip

MANILA, Philippines - The Chinese New Year brings delightful surprises, particularly in the local music industry.

One of them is the launch of 23-year-old Filipino-Irish-American Philip Mahoney’s self-titled album under Viva Records.

Mahoney is a saxophonist and his love for the sax developed since he was 10. He also plays the piano and the guitar, composes and sings as well.

A native of Orlando, Florida, his first live performance was at age eight for the American retirees in Orlando. Soon, he was an active participant in major events like Philfest (Tampa) and Filipino Pride Day (Jacksonville) by the Filipino Community of Central Florida.

Philip also graced TFC’s annual event — TFC’s Fiesta Mo sa Florida — and went on to perform in Disney’s 2008 and 2009 Asia Expo and in Universal Studios Orlando for an Asian Heritage show.

He was also featured in Asian Trend Magazine, One Philippines and News Magazine.

The loss of his father in 2011 due to esophagal cancer gave Philip the strength to pursue his musical dream. A sample of his music was sent to Vehnee Saturno who invited Philip for a special opportunity to showcase his talent, eventually co-producing the album with Viva Records.

“He plays the saxophone exceptionally well and Vic del Rosario felt that such a talent definitely needs an audience. With OPM cuts like Naalala Kita, Ikaw Na Nga, You and Me, Kung Malaya Lang Ako, Kung Para sa ’Yo, Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin and the carrier single Into the Sun, we hope to bring the sound of sax to the masses. Akala kasi ng marami ay pang-elitista lang ang saxophone.” says Saturno.

Philip is grateful for the special participation of Sarah Geronimo in the album. Her singing Saturno’s inspirational Into the Sun with Philip playing the sax is reason enough to own one.

Philip will be in town for an indefinite stay. A music video is about to be shot with Sarah. On Feb. 14, he will join a Valentine concert at Shangri-La Makati. Several corporate shows are already lined-up for him.