Jam at Pete's Place - May 27, 2016 - Mark Longos (Crossroads)

MAY 17, 2016 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

'Twas a fitting and successful birthday bash celebrated by Mark Longos last night, with a throng of his office colleagues and music room friends around to greet him. Skeptical at the onset that the invited guests coming might just be a few, the evening turned out to be quite the opposite. Starting early, the early birds timely arrived just as i was down in the room preparing for the evening. The celebrant, along with 3 office mates, were the front runners. Mark's fiancee Nikki Verzo caught up not too long after. She came with the party finger food and sweets she specially prepared for the celebration. Quite a tasty spread, if i may so myself. Thank you Nikki!

Looking very enthused and excited, and with just a bit of prodding, the newbies finally jumped right up on the empty stage. Like kids on a park, the guys took turns feverishly trying out the instruments accessible. It was their time to play before the actual jam starts.

Soon, a lot more guests arrived. Along with the music room regulars who showed up, the place was finally packed. It was party time! The house band musicians timely improved in number compared to last week, as well. As usual, the band played all night, with each one alternating on stage with some of the other guests joining in to jam. As usual, the jam was relentless and lasting till 5am. What else is new?

Incidentally, balik-music room guitarist Tosho Murayama was a sight for sore eyes. Based in Japan, he apparently just got in yesterday for a brief stay and thought of surprising us with his presence unannounced, beefing up the roster. Well, he definitely did! Welcome back to the music room Tosho! See you back in town at our anniversary party on June.

Among the other musicians who came to join me were bassist Rick Trinidad, keyboardist/guitarist Tinnie Esguerra, vocalists Monchie Henares, Luisa Distor and Marc de Asis, percussionists Dr. Mon Alleje and Vincent Garrucho, keyboardist Roger Salazar, drummers Bubui Colico and Pj Cura (incidentally, Pj just played awesome guitar, as usual, last night) and balik-musicroom performer Tetel Serra. Special thanks to Mark's office mate, Stephanie Suarez, who shared her vocal talent on stage, as well.

And, thank you to each and everyone who dropped by for our beloved celebrant Mark. God bless you all!

See you all next week!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - May 20, 2016 - Red Aquino (Human Nature)

MAY 20, 2016 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

Goodbye summer, welcome rainy season. With the rains finally here, a bit of relief from the heat that we've been experiencing these past months was mana from heaven. A cool and relaxing weather was just perfect for our sought after weekend rendezvous. And indeed it was..thank and praise God.

The evening started way ahead of schedule with kumpadre and house band vocalist Monchie Henares showing up again early straight from his commitment in Alabang. Unlike the last time, where we had to eat out and spend extra, we decided to stay put and have dinner at home instead. And why not? Nothing like a simple home cooked meal.

Done with dinner, we were all set and ready for the music room. I thought it very timely to have a head start, as i had gotten word (a day before) that a younger group of high school batch mates will be coming early to meet for some brainstorming regarding their upcoming batch reunion. Strangely enough without any notice, it didn't happen. Well, i'm sure they had a very good reason for the no-show. No problem at all. No matter what, every Friday night will no doubt hold its own. When did it ever fail?

Daddy Jay, his talented son Joko Reantaso and Berkeley (or Music Institute), California bound Ivo Pollack was back. A sure sign that they enjoyed their stint last weekend. With the music room still vacant, the youngsters wasted no time and jumped right up on stage. Nice to see the young guns enjoying their time even if it was just the two of them playing. Anyhow, house band drummer Bubui Colico soon arrives to join them. Making good with his promise, Bubui brought a generous platter of food to share with everyone along with a bottle of strong liquor (hmmmm, i hope he doesn't bring drinks too often as it is eating up beer sales). Thanks to Bubui for the tasty pasta he generously prepared for everyone. By the way, he is definitely welcome to make it a habit..hehehe!

Though the house band musician's turnout was low, it was never scarce enough to spoil the fun. As always, the show must go on! Among the other musicians who came to join me where guitarist Joaco Marco and bassist Rick Trinidad. Incidentally, balik-music room Mark Ronquillo returned after a long lay-off and joined us on stage doing vocals. Jay Reantaso did his share in front of the mic as well. Macau based, childhood friend and Air Force brat Red Aquino was in the house, too. He came with his charming daughter Caroline. Always great to see them around! They are a personification of what an extended family is all about. God bless them even more!

The jam ended earlier than usual but definitely not short of the gratification it always brings. With just the acoustic guitar, drums, bass and vocals, we were good to go. It was about 4am when the smoke finally cleared, so to speak, and the stage turned quiet and empty. Ten minutes later we were done. It was time for everyone to pack up and head for home. Mission accomplished!

See you all at the next Friday Jam!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - May 13, 2016 - Joko, Ibo & Bubui doing a Dave Matthews

JAM AT PETE'S PLACE- MAY 13, 2016 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

Election hoopla is just about over with just the final results of victors to be determined. With much controversy, tension and anticipation in the air, our Friday jam came as a welcome respit. A distraction was definitely what we all needed. Thank God for music and friends!

Starting on the right foot, houseband drummer Bubui Colico's early arrival was timely as his drumming talent was predestined to be put to good use soon. Teen guitar prodigy Joko Reantaso and Mean Jay Band frontmant suddenly walks in with his dad Jay along with a collegue, another 16 year old musical revelation by the name of Ibo Pollack. Young looking Ibo was the bass player. Both exceptionaly adept with what they do at a young age, it was totally amazing how these kids play. Without their drummer, Bubui ably filled in the chores for the young maestros. It is truly a wonderful thing that a lot of young musicians today are stepping up their game into another level. Good job guys..keep it up!

Multi-talented keyboardist/ guitarist Tinnie Esguerra was the next musician to arrive. While he did set up his gear to jam with the house band, he packed and left for home early (nope..he didn't walk out..hehe!) minutes before the kids finished their set. With the kids done and Joaco Marco already in the room, it was our turn to jam.

Playing bass along with drummer Bubui, rhythm guitar honcho Joaco, guitar icon Nitoy Adriano and keyboardist Kiko Montecillo on stage, was definitely a joy. How can you complain with these bunch of guys around. If Tinnie had not left so early, it would've been the perfect line-up.

Without the luxury of a vocalist, it was opportune time for good friends Ed Diano and Raymond Donesa to take over (or should i say forced to...haha!). The two did oblige and participated until eventually running out of songs for them to sing. It was a totally hilarious experience. I was practically in tears laughing. Such a trooper these guys are. More power guys!

After the jam, Raymond, Ed, Joaco and Nitoy still stayed around for more drinks. It was past 5:30am, already bright and sunny when we finally called it a night. Time to go home. Welcome sunshine..welcome new day!

And so another weekend jam concludes...recharged, happy and content. As always, i praise and thank God for the blessing!

Till the next time!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - May 6, 2016 - Raymond Donesa & Bubui Colico at the Magic Hour (We're all Alone)

MAY 6, 2016 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

How do I describe last night? Well, in a nutshell, from uncertainty it eventually started off on the right foot, slowly but surely progressed (both in terms of guests appearance and musical bustle) then eventually rapping up at day break with a childhood friend. Not much funfare. It was one of those days.

Just before dark, i had already conditioned myself for the worst. With a faulty room aircon (one of the 2 A/Cs used in the music room) unoperational and no technician quickly responding for service all week, suddenly gets attention moments before the start of the festivity...Thanks to Joel Canlas for the recommendation. In my excitement, i intentionally went down to the music room before the usual time to prepare and set up for the evening's jam.

Houseband bassist Rick Trinidad came at past 9pm. Keyboardist Atty Pecky Casuela's arrival was a pleasant surprise. Enjoying a well deserved respit from his very busy schedule, he decides to spend it with us along with his son and nephew.

Wasting no time, we jumped right up on stage to jam. Pecky sat in front of the keys and tinkered away, while Rick played bass and i on drums. Pecky's son found himself playing drums a few times as well. Keep it up young man. Make your daddy proud.

Musicians Richard Parcia and Mark Longos were likewise in the house. Having them on board is always a pleasure. Guitarist Joaco Marco was next to show up. Monchie Henares came with his Bacolod based cousin Tisoy and music room newby and accomplished Photographer Vincent Garrucho who caught up with them shortly. Vincent, incidentally, brought along his tone perfect bongos and jammed exquisitely along with the band. Nice jam Vincent!

Better late than never, keyboardist/guitarist Tinnie Esguerra and drummer Bubui Colico were the last to show up. Among the other guys who joined the jam were vocalist Marc de Asis and drummer batchmate Jun Bediones. Thank you all!

Fun neighbors Robert and Tina Cruz showed up again, this time with a bigger hoard of fun partygoers packing the place, among them actor Eppie Quizon, who had been in the room before when his brother Ronnie tagged him along many years ago. Unfortunately, i wasn't able to mingle with the crowd as i was stuck playing bass and drums practically the whole time when they were around. Sadly, I was not even able to take photos of them for posterity being overly too preoccupied. O well...maybe next time.

Right before closing time, old friend, Air Force Brat and Chef Raymond Donesa shows up. Looking spent from his busy and hectic schedule, Raymond was able to squeeze in time to drop by to catch up. Always a blessing to see good friends around. To no surprise, we ended and closed up at already daybreak. All's well that ends well!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!