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!