Phil Wong, Percussion

Biography

Phil Wong, a native-born San Franciscan, grew up listening to Easy Listening and Latin Jazz, before getting into The Beatles. Phil then started listening to Funk and R&B, which later became his favorites. He was influenced by listening to Santana which got him into his love for the congas. He started playing in a band at the age of 20 but after a couple of years, decided to take a break from live performance. After a 20 year hiatus, he returned to his love for performing on the congas again.

Phil has played in various bands including Chimera (Top 40), Expo (Top 40), Playin' Around (Top 40), Mana (Contemporary Hawaiian), and Jest Jammin' (Top 40 / Motown). Phil has also performed with the Bay Area's Pulse Band (Top 40 / Neo Soul), Fusion Band (Hip Hip/R&B), and in a group called Conga Compay (Rumba). Phil has marched the Carnaval Parade w/ Escola Nova De Samba, and has studied with a master in his own right, Jorge Bermudez.

He is now currently performing with Rendezvous and has been a member for 14 yrs.

Rendezvous Members:

• Rowena Rapadas - Lead Vocals
• Cris Garcia - Lead Vocals
• Mel Banez - Lead Vocals
• Don Ono - Guitar
• Phil Wong - Percussion
• Bryan Cohn - Keyboard
• Nelson Yee - Drums
• Elmo Custodia - Bass Guitar