Jam at Pete's Place - April 29, 2016 - Aidge Henares at the Magic Hour (At 17)

APRIL 29, 2016 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

Last night outdid the previous week's early start, commencing hours earlier than usual, when good friend, kumpadre and house band vocalist Monchie Henares spontaneously showed up at about 6pm coming straight from a chore somewhere in the South. When he arrived, we decided to go for a quick drive out first, to have dinner at a cozy restaurant nearby before proceeding to the music room for the Friday Jam.

When the others learned that we had already opened shop, some of the other guys volunteered to come early, as well. The first batch of earlybirds consisted of Marc de Asis, Arvin and Cindy Gatmaitan and then came guitarist extraordinaire Anton Atengco shortly after. When house band bassist Rick Trinidad and keyboadist/ guitarist Tinnie Esguerra finally arrived, we were all set and ready to jam.

Expectedly, the jam started off great, breezing through nifty instrumental tunes with Anton's guitar wizardry at the forefront and Tinnie switching in polyphony from second then to lead guitar while Rick played bass and myself on drums. Vocalist Aidge Henares arrived a bit late, followed by rhythm guitarist idol Joaco Marco then bassist Dennis Espiritu not too long after. Last among the lot, but defintely not the least, was keyboardist Kiko Montecillo. As always a trooper and the lifesaver, Kiko got on board and mastefully took charge of business, accompanying songs on the keyboards along with the band, while Aidge adeptly shined on her vocal renditions. A perfect setting for Aidge's last stint at the room before she flies back to the U.S. on Sunday. We hope to see Aidge back in town again soon.

Special mention to batchmates Jun Bediones and Selo Cruz, to Roger Salazar, Mark Longos, Jun Katigbak, Gab Villanueva, Nikki Segundo, Nick Sotelo, Cali Tiansay, Luisa Distor, Babidi Rubio and Jonnny Wassmer for their presence. Great to see you guys! My utmost gratitude to batchmate Jun for thoughtfully and patiently accompanying me (even using his car) for a beer and ice run when we ran out. You are one good man. God bless you!

Hands down, this Friday Jam concludes as another absolute winner. Good friends and family bonding, topped with great live music....a perfect recipe indeed! What else can you possible ask for? Thank you Lord for the blessing! Till the next time guys........!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - April 22, 2016 - Cita Revilla (It's Too Late)

APRIL 22, 2016 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

Last night's gathering proved to be another humdinger with a bunch of animated friends and guests showing up at the Friday Jam. It all began quite early with Cebu Pacific flyboy Loren Orendain arriving first. With him were his new toys, a gorgeous shiny Fender Strat and a nifty Fender guitar amp, he acquired recently that he wanted to try out in the music room. A self declared savant in the art of guitar tones, Loren scrupulously explained to me his lavish gear's advantages and how happy he was on its overall performance. Having to see and hear it first hand, i must say that I agree 100%. 

Music Room old timers and good friends Arvin Gatmaitan and wife Cindy, was next to show up. Usually coming early when ever they do, they actually make it a point to do so, so as not to have to stay up partying too late. Last night was one exception. They stayed way past their self imposed curfew. Arvin even joined us on stage to play bass. Really glad to see the couple enjoying themselves and staying longer. 

The evening suddenlly shot up a notch higher when good neighbors Robert and Tina Cruz and their throng of partygoing bunch suddenly shows up. Former Race car driver Jojo Silverio and his charming wife Jenny, Cita Revilla, Emma Gomez among others were in the house as well. The guests wasted no time and jumped right up on stage to join the band. It was mostly Emma, Cita and Jenny taking turns on the mic while most of the others cheered on. What a fun loving group they are. Always a thrill to have them around.

Among the regular house band who came were keyboardist/ guitarist Tinnie Esguerra, guitarist Joaco Marco, bassists Rick Trinidad and Dennis Espiritu, and vocalists Monchie & Aidge Henares. Having no other drummers around to play, I had to take charge to fill in the void most of the time.

At past midnight, my dearest wife and birthday celebrant Vicky with my daughter Nisee finally arrives straight from an impromptu birthday bash organized by her close friends at Strumms Makati. Spent and all, understandably after an all-night of partying, Vicky was still up and about and in high spirits, stayed up to mingle with the guests till past 3am. A busy day of celebrating for our beloved birthday celebrant, indeed.

Little did we know that when the smoke finally cleared and the stage calm, it was already past 5am. Thanks to our music room wall clock that apparently stopped at exactly 2:45am when its battery died. We actually could've been fooled that it was still early and continued on if we didn't discover. Oh well, no complaints! As i always say...MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! See you all at the next Friday jam!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - April 15, 2016 - At the Magic Hour feat Richard Parcia ( All I want Is You )

APRIL 15, 2016 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

Friday Jam regular Marc de Asis welcomed his 40th birthday with a successful bash at the music room last night. Even at short notice, his friends and relatives came over in droves just to be with him to celebrate his special day. He arrived very well prepared with an abundance of food and sodas, a bottle of Johnny Walker and an open bar system for the ice cold beers for the taking.

As expected, the celebrant was in high spirits (literally and figuratively) entertaining guests all night making sure that everyone was having a great time. Timely, a good number of musicians eventually came to perform. Marc immediately, took over the stage, grabbed the mic, entertained the crowd and jammed with the boys despite the band still short numbered at that time. Well, the show must definitely go on for the birthday boy, at least while he is still sober and intact...hahaha! Soon, as more musicians arrived and the band finally able to complete, the jam metamorphed into an all-night musical extravangaza capped with an avalanche of songs and instrumentals performed lasting till past 4am. Truly a great and fitting celebration for our good friend Marc. We wish him many many more blessed years to come.

With me, the house band musicians who came to perform were vocalists Monchie and Aidge Henares, keyboard/ guitarist Tinnie Esguerra, guitarists Nitoy Adriano, Joaco Marco & Reg Gutierrez, keyboardists Ronnie & Rj Pineda, bassist Dennis Espiritu, guitarist/vocalist Richard Parcia and drummer Bubui Colico. Thank you all! Welcome back to the music room Richard and Reg!

And so, another evening of bonding, song and laughter had concluded (not to mention drunkeness..hahaha!). Thank you all for another memorable, chaotic and recharging night...Thank and praise God! See you all next time!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - April 8, 2016 -trying out Basia's "From Now On" (Aidge Henares)

APRIL 8, 2016 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

It is really amazing how things turn out, regardless of the volume of people who shows up to our Friday gatherings. Somehow, whatever number comes up, things will eventually fall into place and the consequence will always be gratifyingly awesome. With just 15 headstrong in attendance (excluding myself), quality over quantity prevailed. All is well all the time.

Apart from our adopted young aspiring musicians (Monotones) who are always around, just a handful of regular house band guys showed up. Bassist Rick Trinidad was the first to show up then guitarist/ keyboardist Tinnie Esguerra. Music room pioneer and my comadre Aidge Henares, who just flew in from the US a couple of days ago, along with her hubby Monchie, was next to arrive. Much later in the evening, bassist Dennis Espiritu caught up to complete the list. Incidentally, apart from occasional stints playing bass, i took over the drums chores most of the time as my humble contribution.

As always a trooper, Aidge accomplished what she usually does best on stage, doing vocals. Along with Monchie, we were all set to go. Expectedly at the start, Aidge struggled with her jet lag but eventually got second wind and finally shook it off. We knew that we needed to savor the moment before her batteries ran out. We had to seize the moment. Quickly, we tried out some new songs and reviewed old songs in her repertoire. With four more weekends to go in Manila, we intend to learn new tunes for her while she is here. Overall, it was a great jam. Truly, an all night "Magic Hour" moment for all of us.

Let me acknowledge the presence of good friends Ed Diano, Jun Bediones, Selo Cruz, Marc de Asis, Gabby Villanueva and his son Christian for being in the house, as well. Always a pleasure! God bless you guys.

To no surprise, we packed and closed up at the usual time around 5am with Dennis being the last person to leave. What else is new?

And so another successful weekend concludes..praise and thank God! We welcome Aidge on her return and we look forward to learn more tunes for her and the band in the week to come.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL

Jam at Pete's Place - April 1, 2016 - Monchie Henares ( I Can't Help It)

APRIL 1, 2016 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

With most having a field day on April fools day, the jam night didn't fall prey to pranksters and surely was no victim either. Earlier on, i received another last minute online message notifying me that a big group of newbies had planned to come and party at the music room. It proved to be no fluke. I was informed that the guests will be coming early, in fact, earlier than usual. Not really a skeptic, i did go down to prepare way ahead of schedule just to be sure. Lo and behold, a throng of guests did suddenly show up. Unfamilar to them, Elizabeth Lietz walks in, and introduced herself to me and then her companions as they walked in at the entrance. Apparently, Elizabeth and the rest are from RLI (Rudolf Lietz, Inc) which they own and their head office located conveniently nearby. Coincidentally, her enterprising son Alexander Lietz, who was with her, is a good friend of my son Kevin. Incidentally, Alexander has a successful and thriving beer brewery business. If by any chance you've heard of Juan Brew, that's his product.

The visitors came well prepared, brought along food and drinks along with samples of Alexander's latest beer flavor now available in the market. Already impressed with the venue, the guests had more surprises coming. Promising Rock and Blues band Mean Jay timely makes a welcome entrance. As expected, the band did great, outdoing themselves everytime they perform to the delight of the cheering crowd. Sampling a dose of what the music room was really all about...and that was just for starters. What else can you ask for. Indeed a great night for the newcomers.

After Mean Jay, the regular house band guys took over. The band did it's usual job entertaining, playing tunes while encouraging the guests to join in on stage. Elizabeth and her lovely daughter Johanna who came late, was game enough to oblige representing their group pretty well. Elizabeth was more of a trooper though. She stayed behind, enjoying her stint with the band while most of her staff had already gone home. Way to go!

Among the regular house band who came to join me were Joaco Marco, Tinnie Esguerra, Rick Trinidad, Dennis Espiritu and Monchie Henares. Kiko Montecillo and Bobby Alvarez were in the house as well. As expected, a great line-up comes great music. The live music was nonstop starting early and concluding at about 4:30am with the finale being the magic hour. Physically exhausting but definitely well worth and gratifying to say the least. A perfect way to end a busy week. I thank God for this wonderful blessing.

Already looking forward to more Friday Jam surprises in the coming weeks ahead.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!