Jam at Pete's Place - Oct. 23, 2015 - Rj Pineda (That's The Way Of The World) with Tinnie Esguerra, Joaco Marco, Dennis Espiritu & Bubui Colico

OCT. 23, 2015 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

What a fun and productive jam it turned out to be with a good assemblage of musicians in the house last night. The band enjoyed added leverage with practically having two instrumentalists of each available to fill in on each slot. Around were astute keyboardists Rj Pineda and Kiko Montecillo, bassists Dennis Espiritu and Rick Trinidad, guitarists Tinnie Esguerra and Joaco Marco, drummers Bubui Colico and myself taking turns while Monchie Henares did what he does best, on vocals. The overall sound was rich and vibrant. With all the bases filled and productive, it's easy to find yourself in the zone.

The jam progressed quickly and early on with the band playing instrumentals at the onset and later with vocals. Music room sophomore Kiko fit in perfectly well with the ensemble and even contributing unexplored tunes that everyone enjoyed playing. Apart from some revisited songs we did, we were able to video record some nifty new songs as well. Great jam guys!

Along with great music, the guests had an added treat upon learning that their drinks were already spoken for. Thanks to balikbayan old friend Melvin Herrera for sponsoring a case of beer for the guys. You are the man Melvin! Of course with due respect to compulsive donor and music room big spender Ed Diano..hehe! May both your tribes increase!

Special thanks to Reynald Perez for making time to drop by to pick up his shirts. Likewise to Christine Mercado who, even in absentia, through the kindness of (hubby bubby) Rj, had settled and collected. Thanks guys...appreciate it!

Also, to Mark Longos, Ed Diano, Arabelle Jimenez, Gab Villianueva and his son Christian for their company. Hope to see you again next time.

And so another recharging and fulfilling night concludes...Already looking forward to next week. Thank and Praise God!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - Oct. 16, 2015 - Monchie Henares on vocals ( I'm Not The Same Boy) with Tinnie Esguerra, Joaco Marco, Dennis Espiritu & Pete Lapeña

OCT. 16, 2015 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

At about 10:30 pm, as a consequence of last night's horrendous gridlock, i was just about to concede that the Friday jam was a nix. But as always, unexpected developments happen in the music room. Soon the guys started to trickle in. As if on queue, one after the other the guests arrived. By midnight, we had completed a proper band line-up. Among my bandmates, Joaco Marco was the first to arrive followed by Rick Trinidad. Tinnie Esguerra and Dennis Espiritu made it to the jam as well. Alas, we were all set and ready to jam.

We still managed to learn a couple of new tunes despite some minor technical problems with Tinnie's guitar. Fortunately, Tinnie was able to sort out and mend the problem eventually. As usual, Joaco played rhythm guitar, Rick Trinidad and Dennis alternated on bass, Monchie did vocals while i ended up playing the drums all night.

Super glad that my wife Vicky joined us coming straight from her Friday night out with her sister Ana and friend Allan Coscolluela. A fitting "salubong" to our 26th wedding anniversary. How time flies! Happy anniversary Hon..I love you!

Thank you Gab Villanueva and batchmate Jun Bediones for your presence. As always, we are totally grateful to see the regular guys around. A good audience and critique to the band's performances, these guys (with special mention to absentee Ed Diano) always pushes and encourages us to improve. God bless them all!

At 10:00 AM today, the eye of Typhoon “LANDO” was located based on all available data at 295 km East of Baler, Aurora. It's has a maximum sustained winds of 160 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 195 kph. Another strong typhoon expected to hit across the country. It is also forcasted to dump a lot of rain over northern and central Luzon including Metro Manila over the weekend and possibly till Monday or Tuesday before it finally heads northbound out of the country. Stay dry and safe everyone!

And so another recharging and gratifying Friday jam concludes. Mission accomplished! As always, I Praise and Thank God!

HAVE A SAFE WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - Oct. 2, 2015 - trying out "Real Thing"- Monchie Henares on vocals with Tinnie Esguerra & Pete Lapeña

OCT. 2, 2015 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

Despite tropical storm "Kabayan" looming north of Manila, the evening was indeed a gratifying one. Surprsingly, the weather was calm and dry. In contrast, the guest's elation from watching the Gilas semifinal game victory against Japan at the start of the evening manifested more fury than mother nature itself. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

Positively charged, it was time to jam. We had a pretty solid line-up with house band drummer Bubui Colico finally around and on board. With Tinnie Esguerra on guitar and keyboards, Rick Trinidad and myself alternating on bass, Joaco Marco on 2nd guitar, Richard Parcia on percussion and Monchie Henares on vocals, we were all set to go. Jazz was the menu for most of the evening. We had fun playing instrumentals at the onset trying out some old favorites then later on with Monchie on vocals. Later in the evening, balik-musicroom Nick Mangubat walked in and made a surprise comeback after more than a year in hibernation. Talented as ever, he performed solo and then with the band playing the guitar while singing some of his familiar classic tunes in his repertoire. When Bubui left, Nick even took over drum chores while i played bass. Welcome back to the music room Nick!

Music room pioneer, Air Force brat and childhood friend Raymond Donesa, who came with old friend Alex Joseph, was likewise in the house. As always funny and animated, Raymond typically makes his presence felt with his peculiar antics and demeanor to the total amusement of everyone and his would-be victims. Totally flushed at closing time, we had to let him lie down and sleep to recoup before he drives back home. Always great to see you around my friend. Hope you made it back home safe and sound.

Among the other guys who showed up were Mark Ronquillo, Gab Villanueva, Luisa Distor, Alan Coscolluela Rufino and Nikki Segundo who came along with some guests. Thank you all for coming.

Let me not forget to thank Ronnie Bungubung for manufacturing the new music room shirts, as well. Good job Ronnie! We had already distributed some of the shirts last night but there are still a lot waiting to be collected.

To all those in town who had ordered, please come and get it. By the way, interested parties can still order. So please let me know so that i can include you in the next batch. Thank you so much.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!