Jam at Pete's Place - Aug. 28, 2015 - Mina Andreas' "Till They Take My Heart Away" with Tinnie Esguerra, Joaco Marco, Bubui Colico, Pete Lapeña and Mina Andreas on vocals

AUGUST 28, 2015 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

Last night's gathering was a far cry from the previous turnout. Just a handful of guys who braved the traffic made it to the music room. The long weekend, payday and an ongoing people's rally at some main thoroughfair in the metropolis caused gridlocks all over and likely disheartened most to come out to party.

Fortunately, the band attendance was good enough to complete a proper ensemble. Houseband drummer Bubui Colico was the very first to show up. Then came vocalist Marc de Asis and keyboardist/guitarist Tinnie Esguerra soon after. Finally, Joaco Marco, Rick Trinidad, Jj Disini, Monchie Henares and guest vocalist Mina Andreas joined me to complete the cast.

The jam started off with the band trying out some popular OPM renditions with Marc de Asis on vocals. We did some instrumental tunes along the way as well, some songs we had not done in ages. It's funny that with more than a thousand five hundred jam videos that we had already uploaded up to the present, we sometimes end up bewildered and on a bind not knowing what to eventually choose to play. It's crazy!

Music room sophomore Mina Andreas's rerturn on stage once again proved her vocal versatility and virtuosity. This time she tried out a variety of song styles. With the band, game and undeniably in the zone, plus a brilliant vocalist to boot, it was superb, to say the least. Quite a pleasure to behold and experience, if i may say so myself. Great jam guys!

Special thanks to Ed Diano, Mark Longos, Roger Salazar, Gab Villanueva and son Chris for dropping by despite the horrendous traffic. Always great to see friends around. Much appreciated guys. Godspeed!

Next week, September 4th, is expected to be another blockbuster. The Brat Pack Homecoming and Reynald Perez's Birthday Celebration will take place at the Friday Jam. We anticipate another smashing musical extravanganza with a lot of talented musicians expected to come and perform. Can't wait! Hope to see you guys then!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Never mind the raging storm outside last night. Another quiet storm brewed inside the Music Room when the Brat Pack's keyboard extraordinaire RJ Pineda and jazz chanteuse Mina Andrea teamed up for the very first time. A rare meeting of kindred spirits, and a tandem that we hope to hear more of in the weeks to come - Tinnie Esguerra

AUGUST 21, 2015 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

As earlier proclaimed, houseband vocalist Monchie Henares had a precognition that the evening would likely be another one for the books. And he absolutely was spot on. Despite the stormy weather caused by typhoon "Ineng", the friday gathering was unaffected and unspoilt with the place pact with friends and merry-makers.

Good childhood friends from the Air Force family pleasantly surprised us with their presence, came unannounced arriving in a big group comprising of balikbayans and some musicroom newbies. John-John and Julius de Leon, Paul Diano and Red Aquino along with their loved ones were in the house to name a few. It was apparently a premeditated effort of the group to bond and party with Ken Ebuen at the music room, who is incidentally in town. As always a habit, Ken would come and visit us on a friday as part of his itinerary when he is in the country.

The live music was fun and productive! John-John and his groupmates were not denied of stage time, took over the first wave of jammers and alternated doing vocal classic rock OPMs along with the band to the delight of everyone. "Woohooo...rock and roll to the world"! ..hehe! Good job guys!

It was perfect timing to have a special guest to jam as well. A distinguished jazz vocalist whom Monchie Henares and Joaco Marco met and invited recently, was in the house. Mina Andreas, her name, gamely joined in later on after the first batch had had their fill onstage. She showcased her talent and professionalism barring her lingering sore throat. Despite the handicap, she relentlessly and spontaneously sang some old and newer classics along with the houseband till past 2am even when some of the guests had already gone. Thanks for being a good sport Mina. We hope to jam with her again sometime soon.

Near closing time, Brat Pack's prolific keyboardist extraordinaire, RJ Pineda arrived unexpectedly adding more fire and excitement to the evening's live music. As expected, Rj never seized to amaze us with his musical wizardry in playing the piano, guitar and even the drums. It was also perfect time for him to participate in the formal turnover of the newest ever blessing of our humble place. A brand new set of G8 Sabian cymbals was donated and commissioned to the musicroom by no other than our very dear friend and houseband mate Tinnie Esguerra. It was a raffle prize he won at the recent "Road To Logano Send-off Party" at the Strumms last Wednesday. How fortunate I am and the rest of us to be a constant recipient of his genuine concern and generosity! He is a blessing to all of us at the music room time and again! May God bless his kind even more!

Unfortunately, a bit of a setback had transpired while everyone was happy partying inside. I just received word from Joaco that apparently he discovered when he reached home that his brand new car had been accidentally hit by one of the cars while parked outside. The bright side is that the damage was quite minimal but nonetheless revolting to say the least. Fret not my friend, I know how it feels. I'm sure it can be easily mended at the shop.

Special thanks to all the friends and guests who showed up last night! You know who you all are. Always a blessing to bond with close friends and family. Looking forward to seeing them again soon!

As so another night of fun and frolic witnessed and experienced by all who came and participated, another night of thanksgiving for all of God's countless blessings! Thanks be to God!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

AUG. 14, 2015 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

A musicians night was what aptly describes last night's weekly gathering. Certainly, a superb line-up of guys who shows up ultimately determines the outcome of the jam. It was great to have accomplished keyboardist Pecky Casuela on-board. He arrived early with his two talented daughters whom both evidently acquired his penchant and musical genes. Always good to start young.

Immediately the jam had to begin with Pecky having no luxury of staying too late with his children around. Timely, ace drummer Atty. Jj Disini came early as well. Guitarist extraordinaire Anton Atengco likewise showed up adding to the list. Houseband Rick Trinidad, Tinnie Esguerra, Dennis Espiritu, vocalist Monchie Henares, balik-musicroom pioneer Allan Flores, Gabby Villanueva, Mark Longos and myself comprised the whole ensemble who gamely participated in the evening's musicale.

Mediocrity was definitley out of the question. The live music was awesome and gratifying, progressing all night long with a variety of genres of classic tunes played from rock to pop to jazz. As always Anton displayed his total guitar wizardry with his licks and chops along with fellow class musicians, Jj, Tinnie and the rest of the houseband honchos. It was so exhilirating that we were able to capture a record breaker of more than 15GB worth of recording time. Had it not been that it was almost

5am, we could've gone on and on. It will take me more time and effort later to work on these files than the usual but surely will be well worth it. What a great jam! Well done guys!

And so, another wonderful night of friends and music. Another night bounteous in blessings..Thank and praise God!! What else can one ask for. Already looking forward to the next time.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

TGIF MANILA! HELLO WORLD! JAM NIGHT TONIGHT!

Jam at Pete's Place - Aug. 7, 2015 - Monchie Henares on vocals with Tinnie Esguerra, Joaco Marco, Mon Alleje, Bubui Colico, Richard Parcia, Erwin Dimaculangan and Pete Lapeña (Shaker Song)

Jam at Pete's Place - August 7, 2015 - Joel Canlas and birthday celebrant Monchie Henares on stage singing "Tin Man"

AUGUST 7, 2015 - MONCHIE HENARES' POST BIRTHDAY JAM UPDATE

Last night's celebration yielded a big turnout as the weather cooperated despite the presence of the strongest typhoon on earth this year lingering up north. Instead of rain, the climate was warm, humid and totally dry. Perfect for the the outdoor spread we had conveniently prepared.

The festivity commenced earlier than schedule with good friend Cali Tiansay and my wife Vicky deciding to get things started coming straight from work. Soon celebrant Monchie and his other guests arrived. Some LSGH highschool batchmates, Retro Verde and music room friends comprised most of the attendees.

Food was in abundance more than enough for everyone. Hyperbolic both in quantity as in quality. Our utmost gratitude to all the kindhearted donors. The live music was great as well. Quite lethargic at the start, i must say, but eventually picked up as the night quickly progressed. A mix of the house band and other music room friend musicians came to jam. Joaco Marco, Tinnie Esguerra, Rick Trinidad, Richard Parcia, Bubui Colico, Erwin Dimaculangan, Mark Longos, Michelle Adriano, Monchie Henares and myself comprised the whole ensemble on stage. Dr. Mon Alleje, a master percussionist himself, surprised us with his able presence coming straight from Coron, Palawan, were he practices and resides.

When the jam finally picked up at about midnight, it was non-stop till 4am. Comparatively a bit earlier than most nights but recharging just the same. After the jam, before i finally closed, Richard, Mark L., Dr. Mon and the birthday boy stayed around till about sunrise at 5:45am. All's well that ends well!

In behalf of the celebrant, our utmost gratitude to Air Force brats Jojo Castañeda, Johnny Sarmiento and
Ed Diano. To Joel and Karen Canlas, Arabelle Jimenez and all the other Retro Verde guys who came. To the LSGH highschool batchmates and friends and to all the other jolly well-wishers who dropped by. You know who you are. Thank you all for your love and presence. God bless you!

And so another epic night of fun, friends and music. Truly a special blessing overflowed. Praise and thank God!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Trying out our newest song assignment " Seeing Is Believing" by Paulinho Da Costa for the first time with Monchie Henares on vocals, Tinnie Esguerra on keyboards, Joaco Marco on rhythm guitar, Nitoy Adriano on lead guitar, Dennis Espiritu on bass and Pete Lapeña on drums.

JULY 31, 2015 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

Call it predictable, but last night was one of those foreseeable times i had an inkling of a similar outcome on the evening's crowd. Next week's anticipated big event surely had something to do with it. Nevertheless, it was all good. Purely an attendance issue. No problem.

The jam was certainly more productive compared to last week. With all the bases covered we were a complete band. Bassist Rick Trinidad and keyboardist/guitarist Tinnie Esguerra were earlybirds. Then, guitarists Nitoy Adriano, Joaco Marco and vocalist Monchie Henares arrived soon after. Game and ever-willing Mark Ronquillos was even around to join in the fun. Bassist Dennis Espiritu, who was the last to show up, eventually took over bass chores midway after Rick left. With all the slots filled, i ended up as the drummer boy.

I am always excited everytime the band learns and accomplish new songs. The gratification is absolutely priceless. And last night was no exception. More classic tunes to add to our long list. As usual, we were able to patiently capture the moment on video. Thanks to Ed Diano for being the cameraman on some occasions and to my trustly Canon digital camera and Joaco's camcorder. Not too fancy but it does the job quite well.

Alas, the stage was empty and all was quiet at around 4:20am. As usual, some of the guys still stayed around longer to chill and for more drinks until each eventually parted ways to call it a night. Joaco was the last one to go at about 5am. All's well that ends well....Praise be to God!

Next Friday, Aug 7th is the much anticipated Monchie's Post Birthday Jam Night. The celebrant is all but ecstatic and full of anticipation for this upcoming reunion with his LSGH batchmates and Retro Verde friends. Of course the music room regulars are expected, as well.

And so we turn another page on the music room's weekend history. Next week we flip a new one for an epic in the making..Monchie's Post Birthday Jam Night. Don't miss it.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!