Jam at Pete's Place - Aug. 26, 2016 - Kiko Montecillo (Theme from The Game Of Thrones)

AUGUST 26, 2016 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS

Scribbling an update in seclusion is very much atypical in my standards. But by not being able to join in the fun and frolic of a much anticipated event, writing about it might somehow make up for it. Nah! Who am i kidding? Nothing will ever replace the satisfaction of being physically present. However, still stricken with the flu, i had really no choice but to just rest it out and let the big boys play by themselves. That didn't sound right..did it?

As they say, "the show must go on". Stormy weather or not, the regular guys came out and took charge of business just to keep the weekend tradition going. House band bassist Rick Trinidad was the very first guy to show up. Vocalist Monchie Henares, guitarist extraordinaire Tinnie Esguerra, percussionist/exterminator (pun intended) Vincent Garrucho and his 2 daughters Maxine and Izzy, Richard Parcia and Roger Salazar were the first batch to arrive. Incidentally, Monchie had invited his 2 balikbayan friends over and was expected to make it over. It was going to be an interesting night. 

The two balikbayan guests finally arrives. They are Rodney and Nina Nuval, from Virginia. Rodney is an accomplished guitarist in his own right. He validated his spot on stage when he jammed with the house band showcasing his exemplary guitar skills. Along with Tinnie, Rick and Bubui Colico on drums, the group performed familiar Jazz and blues tunes with Rodney on lead guitar. According to Rodney, last night was his first solid jam in quite a long time. He surely didn't seem to have lost his touch. But then again, who am i to judge. It's the first time i've seen nor heard him play. I say, if you have it, you have it! 

The evening heated up even more when the crazy trio took charge on stage. As always, versatile and talented vocalists Michael Puyat, Monchie Henares and Marc de Asis entertained everyone with their humor and wit (oh, plus vocals too..hehe) with no other than piano master Kiko Montecillo on the keys. When Kiko is around, you can be assured of a musical feast. It is just like having a human jukebox around. Just pour bourbon and press play (am i correct..Tinnie? hehe!). Anyway, i heard that the crazy trio had intentions of keeping their comedic partnership seriously. That didn't sound right either..hahaha! 

As expected the jam continued unabated all throughout the evening with personalities jostling on stage to perform. It was quite a fun riot, if i may say so myself. Well, this is exactly what the music room is all about. At about 4:30am the stage finally turned quiet. It was time to rap it up, pack up and go home.

Special thanks to Arabelle Jimenez, Luisa Distor, Air Force brats Jb Gabor and Rico Tayko, batch mate Selo Cruz and Gab Villanueva. To Amar Puyat for painstakingly taking charge of the LIVE facebook feed and photos as well. 

And so this Friday Jam is done and over...till the next time around. God willing i should already be healthy and well by then to join. Already looking forward to it. Thank and praise God!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - Aug. 19, 2016 - Michael Puyat & Monchie Henares Show (Knocks Me Off My Feet)

AUGUST 19, 2016 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

Last night was unlike any usual Friday with some of the guests already gathered at the music room when i showed up. An early dinner with my kumpadre and house band vocalist Monchie Henares that was initially planned at 6:30pm run an hour and a half late when heavy traffic prevented it from happening right on schedule. By the time we finished and ready to head back to the room it was already way past 9pm. 

Admittedly, I actually felt a bit awkward and uncomfortable seeing the music room already occupied and unprepared with some of the lights still turned off , the place quiet with no music playing in the background, and no one around to welcome the guests when they arrive. When i got there, the Reantasos, Joko and dad Jay along with grand dad Louie Hipolito, guitarist Tinnie Esguerra, Brat Pack vocalist Xtine Mercado and Gab Villanueva were already around. Without wasting anytime i hurriedly put everything in place and got things back in order. 

Soon the musicians set up their gear and the jam commenced. First batch on stage were Xtine manning the bass, Tinnie and Joko on the guitars and myself on the drums. Later on guitarist Anton Atengco, bassists Rick Trinindad and Dennis Espiritu, percussionist Vincent Garrucho, vocalists Monchie Henares and Michael Puyat and keyboardist Kiko Montecillo joined in to complete the cast.

Last night's jam was indeed fun and productive with the band's musical chemistry uniquely in the zone for some reason or another. We tried out some nifty instrumentals and then some diverse vocal tunes we had not done before to the delight and approval of everyone around. From jazz, to blues, to pop, to popular love songs were on the menu for the day. Kudos to Monchie, Xtine and Michael for their masterful vocal performances. You guys were awesome! It was an appropriate and timely entertainment for some first timers who had arrived and joined us later on in the evening. Well done guys!

The festivity ended with the stage finally empty at past 4am. Some of the guys stayed on a bit longer to chill and have more drinks before heading for home. We eventually closed at 5am. Alls well that ends well. Praise and thank God! 

Special thanks to Arabelle Jimenez, Luisa Distor, Raymond Donesa, Amar Puyat, Maxine & Izzy Garrucho, Christian Villanueva and friend Abby, music room newby PBA player Harvey Carey and his partner for their presence. Hope to see you all next time!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - Aug. 12, 2016 - ZAR

AUGUST 12, 2016 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

Just when things were not looking good and the chances for the Friday jam to happen getting bleaker, it suddenly turned around quickly. The weather grew sour mid-afternoon with unrelenting heavy torrential rains battering the metropolis. It was raining cats and dogs for hours.Traffic and flooding were everywhere. People were caught stranded on the streets for hours on end just to get to their destinations. It was total madness. I was actually already resigned to expect a meager turnout if not a total cancellation of our much sought after weekend gathering. Never in more than 3 1/2 decades had the room been empty despite any circumstance. But last night was not going to be the first time.

Soon everything fell into place. The plan to have the new Fender Strat guitar officially signed by Joko Reantaso (as part of the Rebuilding Ironman fundraiser) pushed through. Our official photographer Vincent Garrucho (despite being under the weather, literally and figuratively) was in the house to cover the moment. The band (Richard Parcia's guests) that was expected to arrive did show up despite Richard's absence due to flooding in their area. And a lot more friends who had found their way to the room as well. .

The guest band that performed were comprised of Apryl Gorriceta Cinconiegue and her brother Paul Gorriceta, Momoy Aumentado, Jeff Ramos and Roy Dumanal. Apparently, the group could actually put up 2 bands within their line-up with both having diverse genres in their repertoire. One band covered Satriani and Eric Johnson's tunes while the other did pop songs. They took over the evening's entertainment with both alternating stage time. Well done guys!

Among the regular houseband guys who came and jammed were Rick Trinidad, Joaco Marco, Vincent Garrucho, Mark Longos, Michael Puyat and Monchie Henares. Apart from daddy Vincent's daughter Maxine, Izzy, his youngest daughter was present as well. As talented a family as they are, it was no surprise that Izzy had come to her own showcasing her singing talent too. A revelation herself, Izzy's stage demeanor was a joy to behold. What a talented family they are. 

Special thanks to batchmates Jun Bediones, Selo Cruz, to Arabelle Jimenez, Luisa Distor, Cali Tiansay, Jay Reantaso and Louie Hipolito for their presence as well.

As usual, the jam was non-stop till 5am. With everything in place and all important matters finally done, bad weather or not, it was mission accomplished for us all! God was truly in control. Praise and thank God! .

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Having fun is what it is all about (Lovely Day)

AUGUST 5, 2016 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

A week after my son Kevin's successful benefit concert at 19th East, the love and support from friends and family was still very much evident last night. Loving family and friends continue to shower their support for Kevin, in one way or the other, as my son goes through his road to recovery. We thank and praise God for all of them. 

Yesterday's festivity started at around 8pm despite bad weather and traffic. We had actually expected a new band to come to perform but, unfortunately, Bleu Rascals did not make it. It must have been the gridlock that had discouraged them from coming. But the other guys who made it last night more than made up for it. 

As promised, dear friend and music room pioneer Ana Distor-Mcgroarty came as she said she will. She arrived with her sister Luisa along with newby David Olson, an aspiring young personality from the production outfit she is currently connected with. Reminiscing the good old days in the room, Ana went straight to the sound booth and took charge of the music playing some 80's and 90's tunes. Always a thrill to see old friends around. We hope to see her back again next week. Welcome back to the music room Ana!

Talented and fun couple Michael and Amar Puyat were likewise back in the room. As always a total performer, Michael never fails to amuse everyone with his vocal artistry, his wit and funny antics on stage. His charming wife Amar, finally obliged and joined us on stage. Having a fantastic voice, which she did possess, was truly a welcome revelation. A perfect husband and wife match, if i may say so myself. We hope to have Amar's presence on stage more in the coming jam nights. Good job!

Later on, house band percussionist Vincent Garrucho walks in with her talented daughter Maxine. I am glad that Maxine is now a regular companion of her dad every Fridays as the exposure would surely develop her even more as a singer. At a fresh 13 years of age, God willing, she will make a name for herself pretty soon . We wish Maxine all the best. 

Just before closing time, Brat Pack keyboard sensation Rj Pineda shows up. He came with his dad Ronnie, and his brother Ryan. As expected the Pinedas dazzled everyone with their musical dexterity and talent. Music is truly in their genes. Believe it or not, at 5:30am these guys were still setting fire on stage. Truly amazing!

Among the other friends and musicians who showed up and jammed were Xtine Mercado ( Xtine played drums apart from doing vocals), Monchie Henares, Rick Trinidad, Tinnie Esguerra and Joaco Marco. Thanks to Arabelle Jimenez for the sumptuous spaghetti she prepared and Mon Alleje (in absentia) for the lumpia tray, to batchmate Jun Bediones for the company and to Gab Villanueva for being a good audience.

......and so we look forward to more surprises in the coming weeks to come! See you all again next time!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!