MARCH 23, 2016 - HOLY WEDNESDAY JAM NIGHT UPDATE

My verdict? Definitely two thumbs up to our Holy Wednesday Jam Night! I had not really expected anything much happening being a midweek prior to a long weekend but the gathering turned out to be just amazing. Conditioned to just a few musicians and guests showing up, the evening told a different story in the end.

An impromptu birthday celebration, courtesy of celebrant Pecky Casuela, was the highlight of the evening. It was a surprise and a delight to see him back in the music room after a long respit from jamming. Ultra busy from work, birthday boy Pecky will always be a welcome addition to the band. Just when things had started to show promise, keyboardist extraordinaire Rj Pineda makes himself available as well. With rhythm guitar master Joaco Marco, multi-talented musician Tinnie Esguerra, accomplished bassist Dennis Espiritu, guitar icon Nitoy Adriano, masterful drummer Bubui Colico and dynamic vocalist Monchie Henares on stage, the band roster was nothing but supreme. The jam was superb from start to finish. Pecky assumed his place at the keyboards while Rj did his magic playing one of Pecky's proud possesions, a nifty Roland Lucina AX-09. Rj appeared to be having so much fun playing the shoulder synthesizer that Pecky decided to allow him custody of the instrument to bring home to use in his future gigs. One lucky and happy chap indeed!

Former Brat Pack drummer and currently with the illustrious band Blue Rascals, Allan Abdulla was likewise in the house. He came along with Yamato stalwarts brothers Michael and Yuki Pariña. Allan joined us on stage while the two talented brothers just opted to sit back and watch. As always a thrill and a pleasure to jam alongside world class caliber musicians like these guys.

Equally great to see Ed Diano back in the house. A usual fixture at our regular jam gatherings, Ed had been in hybernation from the music room for about a month already. Welcome back Ed! Pete's Place is not the same without you, Meng! Reynald Perez who was also present brought along Joy Peña, his friend and a music room newbie. Welcome to the music room, Joy. Hope your first experience at our humble abode was worth your while. Acknowledging also the presence of good friends Jun Bediones, Mark Longos and Ryan Pineda. Always a pleasure to have these guys around!

And lastly, let me not forget to thank the birthday celebrant for the boxes of sumptuous pizza and the tall bottle of Scotch Whiskey he brought for everyone to partake! You are one fantastic and thoughtful guy...definitely, one of a kind! May God bless you even more!

A BLESSED AND MEANINGFUL HOLY WEEK TO EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - March 18, 2016 - Pilot take with Mark Ronquillo doing the vocals (Knocks Me Off My Feet)

MARCH 18, 2016 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

Very rarely do i declare that i had been discontent about things, undoubtedly last night could count as one. But as sure as day, there's always a silver lining in the end. It was one of those nights where i can just say.."oh well, better than nothing". With most of the regular house musicians not expected to show up, we were banking on attendance just to make a proper band line-up. With the ensemble still unable to complete at way past midnight, things were not looking great, so i thought.

Houseband bassist Rick Trinidad, who was suffering from stomach discomfort all night, did show up but took off, opting to rest, way before the other musicians arrived. Houseband stalwarts Tinnie Esguerra and Monchie Henares barely made it over, too, due to prior late and distant commitments. The gridlock all around was no help either. It was keyboardist Kiko Montecillo who practically saved the night...or should i say morning. At about 3am thereabouts, through heavy traffic coming all the way from Alabang, Kiko was the answer. Along with Tinnie playing lead acoustic guitar, Monchie Henares and Mark Ronquillo on vocals and myself on bass we finally had a shot at playing. Having no choice but to be drummer-less, we were good to go. Finally! Thank God!

Guess what? Kiko couldn't stay too long, as well either, as he had an early thing going on today. O well, c'est la vie ( take note...Richard Parcia...hehe!)! At least we were able to accomplish and record the 2 Stevie Wonder song assignments we were planning on doing. Our apologies to Boyet Perez for not being able to have the opportunity to try out his personal song request. We hope to learn the challenging "Sir Duke" - Stevie W. tune you had requested soon. Crossing our fingers though.

Overall, it was still a fairly good jam. Would've been better if we had more time but still grateful, nonetheless, for the opportunity and the blessing. There's always next time. No problem.

My utmost gratitude to my loving wife Vicky, her siblings Ana and Tin, to Luisa and Ana Distor, to Randy & Van Soliven and to all the other guests and friends for joining us. To the ever determined Monotones, who practically took over the stage all night ( ...and that's an understatement.), keep the spirit! We do hope to see you guys play a complete song and a proper set next time soon. It's about time guys! More power to you and God bless you all.

Please take note that next week, we will not be scheduling a Friday jam. In observance of Good Friday, the jam will instead be re-scheduled in advance on Holy Wednesday, March 23rd. Mark your calendars guys. Hope to see you all then!

HAVE GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! HAVE A BLESSED AND MEANINGFUL HOLY WEEK AHEAD! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - March 11, 2016 - MagicHour Song of the Night : Still in the works with Umagang Kay Ganda (Luisa Distor & Monchie Henares)

FRIDAY JAM UPDATE - MARCH 11, 2016

With my mind already set for another slow and uneventful evening, a reverse of eventualities developed instead. Not expecting anything really special to happen, it turned quite the opposite. Taking my sweet time and unmindful of what was to transpire, the Monotones again arrive early while i was still fixing up. While i was outside doing my rounds, at the entrance gate, Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie and Joyce Pineda, the proud parents of keyboardist sensation Rj Pineda and younger sibling Ryan walks in. Not really first timers, i excitedly welcomed and escorted them back inside. Usually the couple would just sit quietly in one corner to watch the kids play. But the initial surprise came to fore when the elder Pineda stood up and volunteered to sit in front of the keyboards wanting to jam. At long last, with all the prodding that we did in the past, it finally happened. Sufficing to say, it was pretty obvious where his talented sons got their knack in music. It was clearly in the genes. Music was in their blood. We did manage to do a few jazzy tunes but unfortunately had to be cut short as the couple could not stay very long. He promised to come back and jam with us again next time soon.

It was indeed a welcome surprise to see guitarist extraordinaire Anton Atengco back in the room. Anton who came unannounced surprised us with his presence and invited along another guitarist buddy he met via internet. On vacation, Jonathan Manuel, is a balikbayan from L.A. California. Jonathan's guitar savoir was a revelation. His guitar playing was superb. Along with regular house band honchos Tinnie Esguerra, Joaco Marco, Rick Trinidad, Monchie Henares and myself on drums and at times on bass, we were on a roll.

Next on the surprise list of personalities who came was lap steel guru Haro Echter. As always a pleasure to have him on board. He came with his lovely wife Marge who, despite being tired coming straight from Clark, tagged along to be with us. It was a pleasure and an honor to finally get to know and meet Haro's wife.

Incidentally, Air Force brat and childhood friend Lucas Diano surprised us with his presence, as well, driving all the way from Pampanga where he resides just to be with us. It was actually ages since his last visit to the music room. Always great to see and reunite with good 'ol friends. God bless him!

The night was definitely not over yet when the jam suddenly breathed second wind. Just before closing, accomplished musician Kiko Montecillo makes an entrance. Busy from a full day of commitments and gigs, he conjured enough energy to overcome weariness, found himself jamming at his newly discovered sanctuary. Though, we weren't able to record any of the songs we did with Kiko, it was a lot of fun, to say the least. Special mention to Luisa Distor who briefly joined Monchie doing vocals.

And finally at closing time, out of the blue, so to speak, enterprising Kublai's Rock owner Poch Camahort shows up. Apparently, his bar uncharacteristically closed early than usual prompting him to swing by just to check us out before going home. Regrettably, his stay was brief as the jammers were almost done playing and about to call it a night. Alas, this week’s Friday Jam Night finally came to a close with Tinnie and Kiko being the last to go at around 5AM. All's well that end's well! Praise and thanks God!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

MARCH 4, 2016 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS

Last night's jam participants turned out to be a repeat of last week with only bassist Rick Trinidad adding to the list of regulars. Just like last Friday, Tinnie Esguerra, Joaco Marco and vocalist Monchie Henares were consistently present. Rick's appearance definitely made a big difference with the band more complete. Likewise, drummer and flyboy Jet Bueno, made it back, as he promised he would.

With a more decent line-up, I was free to take over the drumming, playing bass or whatever calls for the need. Multi-faceted musician Tinnie decided not to tinker with the keyboards this time and instead opted to concentrate on playing his trusty acoustic guitar, his first instrument of choice. Unfortunately, keyboardist Kiko Montecillo who was already all set to come, begged off at the last minute already feeling too spent after a previous gig engagement. With his versatility and skillful command on the keys, it could've been even more delightful to have him on board. There's always next time. Kiko promised to join and make up for his absence next week, if his busy schedule permits.

Overall, the jam was delightful and productive to say the least. We were able to learn some new songs, reviewed and polished some old ones as well. Luisa Distor's more frequent participation did her very well as she continues to improve in her vocal performances. Good job Luisa...keep it up! We hope to see you on stage with the band more regularly.

We jammed practically non-stop with just occasional smoking breaks for some from close to midnight till about 4:30am when the guys finally had their fill. What can i say but...Mission accomplished!

Among the other dear friends who showed up were Mark Longos, Reynald Perez, Gab Villanueva and his son Christian, Air Force brats Deana Aquino, Rico Tayko and Joey Barroga. Always great to see these guys around.

And so another fun, recharging and magical night came to pass. How can i not be thankful for the blessing? Praise and thank God!

See you all next week!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!