Saturday, June 27, 2015
JUNE 26, 2015 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE - Congratulations are in order to celebrants Bobby Alvarez and Loren Orendain for a successful birthday jam last night. It was an awesone and nostalgic evening of Blues and Rock courtesy of acclaimed musical icons performing on stage. Surprised to see Walter Wirth and Dr. Ted Nicoloff from the renowned 'Petrified Anthem' band in the house. It was a thrill to watch the two illustrious veteran performers strut their wares alongside younger prolific musicians all over again. Their inimmitable style of playing definitely brings fond memories of the good ol' Battle of the Bands days back in the 70's. In jest, my hair practically grew a foot longer in awe while witnessing and enjoying the music.
Birthday boys Bobby and Loren outdid themselves combining perfectly in harmony with lapsteel guru Haro Echter, drummer Roy Secillano and session bassist Jeng of the 'Bobby Blues Band'. Accomplished guitarist and former "Tarantula" band stalwart Popoy Uy, was around to share his talent too. Great and totally exciting jam was an understatement, if i may say so myself. I never thought that 4 wailing guitars playing simultaneously could pull it off. Loud, but they definitely did succeed. My two thumbs up, guys!
Strangely, as early and progressively as the jam went, so was it's conclusion. Most of the musicians had to leave earlier than we are accustomed to and soon became too short numbered and unproductive that it had to end. At just half past 1am it was over. The house band comprising of Joaco Marco, Rick Trinidad, Dennis Espiritu, Bubui Colico and myself had to take over and clock some jam time as well to keep the ball rolling. Bobby and Popoy joined us and blended perfectly. We eventually managed to jam a respectable number of tunes before we were done. The stage was finally quiet and empty at a record breaker time of 2:30am. Before closing, house band vocalist Monchie Henares suddenly arrives coming straight from a friends wake at the Sanctuario in Forbes Park to catch up just before we closed up . Glad that despite the serenity, the regular closers still stayed around longer. We still managed to call it a night at our usual schedule at a little past 5am. Thanks guys...Mission accomplished!
In behalf of the celebrants, i would like to thank all the guests and musicians who came over for Bobby and Loren's joint birthday bash! Thank you for the drinks, the sumptuous boxes of pizza and crispy pata. You made the celebrants very happy! You know who you all are! God bless you all!
There are actually more significant events brewing in the offing in the next weeks. Will definitely let you in as soon as we get final word. I am excited in anticipation and already looking forward to it.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!
Saturday, June 20, 2015
JUNE 19, 2015 - 35TH ANNIVERSARY UPDATE - Another epic and successful evening unfolded last night to mark another milestone for the music room with the place packed with family, friends and music room goers in jovial celebration of the 35 years of Pete's Place's existence and my 58th birthday. Indeed, 35 wonderful years of friends and music and 58 glorious years of my life here on earth. How time truly flies when you're having fun! Praise be to God!
Old friends, music room pioneers, old and new musicians buddies, music room regulars, family and guests flocked the party place earlier than previously scheduled lasting all the way till a little past 6am. Jojo Castañeda, Johnny Sarmiento and Monchie Henares were the first wave to show up followed closely by musical geniuses Christine Mercado, Allan Abdulla and Joko Reantaso with his ever supportive dad, Jay. My always funny and entertaining kumpadre and world class magician Lou Hilario arrived with good friend Lisa Bisnar. Just like Lou, Lisa, who incidentally reverted her name to Annabel Padrones in FB recently, are my good and loyal friends from my Reed Fitness stint 25 years or so ago.
Roger Salazar, Richard Parcia, Mark Ronquillo, Erwin Dimaculangan, Geebee Casiano and company were in the house as well. My utmost gratitude and appreciation to Richard for the brand new microphone cable he bought and donated. And to top that, initiating and providing a whole sumptuous lechon as food contribution for everyone to devour and enjoy! What more can you ask for? Thanks to my loving wife Vicky for the delicious carbonara and to sis-in-law Tin for the lemon chicken and meatballs . And to all the others who brought food and hard drinks, we thank you so much! God bless you all!
The music was flowing all night from a collaboration of young and senior talents on stage. The first wave of jammers on board were Brat Pack's vocalist Christine Mercado and drummer Allan Abdulla. Teen guitar prodigy Joko Reantaso of 'Mean Jay' and some members of the monotone kids comprised the band's roster. As always, Christine displayed her usual energy in singing and playing the bass as everyone had expected. The 'Yamato' band comprising of our newest music room revelations Michael & Yuki Pariña made it to the party, as promised. They arrived with their dad who plays bass for the band and performed a set of great covers to the delight of everyone. Talk about a perfect family bonding workout. Good job guys!
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HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Saturday, June 13, 2015
JUNE 12, 2015 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE
JUNE 12, 2015 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE - Last night was a perfect culmination for the "Independence Day" holiday at the music room with an interesting and contrasting array of styles presented in the jam. As if a prelude to our upcoming anniversary celebration scheduled next Friday, some of the expected guest musicians to the event eagerly made an unannounced welcome appearance ahead of schedule. It was a sampling of things to come. It started off with the 'blues' courtesy of Bobby Alvarez of the Bobby's Blues Band. Then, Memphis International Blues Competition finalist drummer, Allan Abdulla, from the renound Brat Pack band showed up with the equally brilliant and accomplished violinist Michael Vargas along with siblings Michael and Yuki Pariña. Versatile drummer, Allan, immediately took his position while the rest got on board to fill in. Later on, the "blues" turned "heavy" courtesy of young rock stalwarts Michael and Yuki from the Yamato rock band. It is really amazing how music comes together amongst artists despite the contrast of musical genres under their sleeve. Totally entertaining.
With a world class pianist around to add, what else can you ask for. You can totally expect an awesome synergy of music streaming across the entire room and beyond. Thanks to musician extraordinaire Rj Pineda for the contribution. It was jazz time at long last. Rj, as always, displayed his keyboard wizardry with his inimitable style of precision worthy of world class recognition. Along with Michael V's exquisite violin fills to complement the tone, the music was ' muy perfectamento'. Ever dependable and proficient house band guys Tinnie Esguerra, Joaco Marco, Dennis Espritu, vocalist Monchie Henares and myself were on board to complement the ensemble, as well. The music was a thumbs-up that in fact, describing the jam 'great' was definitely an understatement. It was totally and utterly awesome! Hats off to everyone involved!
My special thanks to Luisa Distor, Ed Diano, Gabby Villanueva, Niki Hidalgo, Ryan Nacino, Nikki Segundo and his cousin and music room newby Dodie Matias for their presence.
Next week, June 19th, is our much anticipated 35th Anniversary of Pete's Place Music Room. 35 years of music and fun! It promises to be another blockbuster event for the year. I can't thank the Lord enough for all His wonderful blessings. To God be all the glory! See you all at the party! HAVE A GREAT WEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
June (2015) SPECIAL EVENTS SCHEDULE
On Friday, June 26, 2015, a week after the 35th Anniversary Party, another exciting event is scheduled to take place at the music room. A joint birthday celebration of bandmates Bobby Alvarez and Loren Orendain, both outstanding musicians and loyal Pete's Place Music Room good friends, as well. It is expected to be another humdinger of a musical night with new guests expected to come. Details will follow as it comes. Watch out for it!
Sunday, June 7, 2015
Saturday, June 6, 2015
JUNE 5, 2015 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE
JUNE 5, 2015 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE - "A Musician's Night" best describes last night's congregation with most, if not all, who came were musicians in their own right. Houseband Keyboardist/Guitarist extraordinaire, Tinnie Esguerra, was the first to show up. Right away, we went straight to business. He helped me tune my bass guitar with his trusty gear as our gadget was already in the blink with dead batteries. We then reviewed our arduous newest song assignment, St. Elsewhere Theme by Dave Grusin, with just the keyboard and the bass, We've been working on it since last week hopefully to accomplish very soon. Just a little more work to be done and we should be good to go.
from a few familiar songs that i had to play on bass, I ended up doing drum chores most of the evening having the luxury of the two bassists around. Meanwhile, Mark Ronquillo, at the start of the jam, gamely took over the vocal chores before the other singers showed up. Job well done, Mark. It was also great to see Papo Xavier back in the music room since he relocated further south almost a year ago. He sang his all-time favorite songs in his repertoire, reminscent of the last time he performed here on stage. Good to see you back Papo.
My utmost gratitude to good and loyal friends Ed Diano, Gabby Villanueva and Jp Bugarin for their valued presence. Always a blessing and a pleasure to see you guys around. See you next time.
Two more weeks to our much anticipated Music Room 35th anniversary celebration. Excitement and anticipation is already building up. Thirty-five years of family, friends & music. What a feat..what a blessing! Thanks be to God!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Last night’s jam kickstarted not very long after Las Vegas based and good buddy, Kelly Bradley, arrived at just a little past 8pm. He brought along an acoustic guitar that he borrowed from his brother-in-law all set and ready go. We performed as a duo with me playing bass. Masterfully covering practically a whole album and more, just like the good ‘ole days, it was mostly Eagles tunes from the 80′s that Kelly played. Glad to see him enjoying and making up for the years he had been away. On Tuesday, after two weeks in town, Kelly will be on his way back to Vegas. He is scheduled to return to Manila sometime September.
Soon, dear friend and vocalist Monchie Henares arrived with music room newbies Marc Gimenez, BJ Abadilla and siblings Johnny and Carlo. Apparently, the group happens to be acquaintances he met at his past Toy Run sorties in Tacloban. None of them joined in the jam but just settled on chilling as the bands played on stage. They had a treat watching their pal Monchie while he showed his wares (pun intended) rendering songs we were then attempting to learn. Hope you all had fun. Welcome to the music room guys.
It was a welcome surprise to see Brat Pack’s drummer Allan Abdulla in the house. Arriving unannounced, he came with equally talented siblings Yuki and Michael Pariña. Being a bit short on musicians around, their presence and contribution was timely and refreshing. Thank you guys for coming! Always happy to see you around!
Among the few regular house band honchos who showed up to join me were Tinnie Esguerra, Rick Trinidad and Bubui Colico. Loyal music room friends, Ed Diano, Luisa Distor, Jp Bugarin, Gabby Villanueva, Ryan Nacino and recent birthday celebrant Mark Longos, who himself had stage time towards the end of the jam, were likewise around. Kudos to all of you!
As always, when all is done and quiet on stage, some guys stay around for a nightcap or two to recoup and relax before finally heading back home. We called it a night at sunrise at past 5am. All’s well that end’s well, as i always say.
I’m happy to say that next week starts our anniversary month. Proudly 35 years of friends and music. A milestone, a blessing! To God be all the glory!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL
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