Saturday Jam at Pete's Place - Oct. 29, 2016 - Izzy Garrucho on stage

OCTOBER 29, 2016 - SATURDAY JAM UPDATE

Frankly, having to reschedule the jam on a Saturday felt a bit odd with my body clock being habitually accustomed to the Friday nights. My usual characteristic hyperactivity in anticipation to the Friday festivity seemed to have already past its peak when Saturday came. Funny, as we used to jam both Fridays and Saturdays many years back. Nevertheless, it was better off having to converge later than not at all.

Having no idea on how the evening will turn out, i prepared the music room ready for action as usual. Except for loyal friends and former gym client Ervin Mate and music room pioneer Luisa Distor who arrived early and likewise with house band bassist Rick Trinidad who is always dependable and rarely absent, the other regulars took their sweet time before showing up. Unfortunately, some of the regular band mates were either busy and could not make it and some already had made other plans. Gabby Villanueva, who surprised us with his presence (after more than a month in absentia) arrived a bit later followed by his son Christian who came with his girlfriend.

It took an hour or so before the next wave of guests actually showed up. Arriving next were vocalist Monchie Henares, Arabelle Jimenez and percussionist Vincent Garrucho who came in full force with his whole family. Tagging along his daughters Maxine and Izzy and his charming wife Patti with him. It was to be Patti's first time to visit the music room. Untimely for her, the band will eventually end up falling short of complete. O well, there's always next time. Among the other guests who actually made it were Nikki Segundo and his friend Archie Paler who, eventually, joined us briefly to play drums.

With some munchies available (brought by some generous guests) and facing the prospects of having no band to perform, it was in the beginning, shaping up to be a picnic rather than a jam night. And so we thought. But as determined as one can be, we made good with what we had and still found ourselves jamming and singing all night.

Complete or not, we will definitely not be denied. The show must go on..as i always say. As ever the trooper, Rick took charge on stage playing the guitar and singing while i accompanied him on bass. We did his usual repertoire while Archie joined us to play drums. Maxine and Izzy had their stage time, as well, with the ever supportive dad Vincent accompanying them on guitar. As limited the list on the repertoire were, we eventually ended up shifting to the sing-along mode which dominated practically the whole evening. Thanks to the accessibility of Youtube, choice of songs will be of no problem.

Each one took turns singing minus-one classical and Broadway songs being the common and popular choice for all. Frankly, it made me realize that i needed to give vocalization again more time and not just concentrate on playing instruments as i'm am already struggling with my tone, breathing and timing as compared to before. Nevertheless, despite concluding way earlier at a record time of 3:30am, barring the struggle, we all had so much fun singing all the way till closing time. Thank and praise God!

By the way, hats off to Kiko Montecillo for dropping by at 3am and for patiently staying around to chill even for a shorty while we were already packing up prior to closing up. We hope to see Kiko back on the next jam night.

And so, that's how the cookie crumbled on our special Saturday night. Next week we go back to our usual Friday schedule. See you all then!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - Oct. 21, 2016 - Vincent Garrucho at the Magic Hour (Dusty Road)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFt5TSHSM4o&feature=youtu.be

OCTOBER 21, 2016 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

Another awesome jam occurred last night with new talented personalities showing up to join. Music room newcomers Lori Lava Coates and her sister Baby Lava de Guzman (who earlier contacted me in facebook if they could come) made good with their intention and showed up as promised. Coincidentally, both ex-professional singers, Lori and Baby were former band mates of music room house band honcho Tinnie Esguerra back in the 90's. What is even more astonishing was the fact that Lori was a former schoolmate of vocalist Monchie Henares' wife, Aidge. Blending in with the rest of the music room regulars will definitely be no problem for our new found friends. Small world indeed!

Earlier, the newbies met up with their nephew keyboardist Steven Lava (past music room guest musician) who had recently introduced our humble abode to them. Along with Lori and Baby were professional musician Leo Lesaca and his wife Pia. On stage, Leo displayed exceptional talent in singing and playing the guitar. He was brilliant specifically in his renditions of Brazilian samba songs he performed all night. With the house band along to back him up, it was a perfect mix. Lori and Baby came to their own and showcased their vocal talents singing with band as well. Kudos to these bunch!

Balik-music room guitarist Lee Archangel Fernandez quickly made a comeback just after last week's maiden visit. As usual, he shared some of his classical tunes and at times some totally contrasting rock numbers with Mark Longos doing the vocals. It is always heartwarming to see new talented friends returning for more. It speaks highly of how good a time and experience they had with us. Totally humbling for me, if i may say so myself.

Overall, it was a busy but totally fun and exhilarating evening of live music for all. The band jammed till past 5am and stayed around to relax till 5:30 before finally calling it a night.

Special thanks to Loren Orendain, Rick Trinidad, Bubui Colico, Monchie Henares, Vincent Garrucho and daughter Maxine, Jun Bediones, Selo Cruz, Nikki Segundo, Ervin Mate, Arabelle Jimenez, Luisa Distor, Louie Cabrido and the rest of the musicians, friends and guests who showed up.

Please be informed that on Friday October 28th, the Friday jam will have to be rescheduled to give way to my son Kevin's exclusive party to be held at the music room. In lieu of this development, next week's jam will be moved to Saturday Oct. 29th. Please be guided accordingly!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - Oct. 7, 2016 - Revisiting an old favorite (James)

OCT. 7, 2016 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

Compared to the recent past, it was nice to be spared of complaints about bad traffic from friends who showed up at the jam last night. I had the same pleasant experience, too, when i was out on the road to attend to some errands earlier in the day. The roads where i traversed were definitely green and go. But despite the luxury, the guys surprisingly took their leisurely time to the music room. Perhaps anticipating another imminent gridlock, subsequently deciding to just wait it out for traffic to subside before moving out could be a reason.

It was already past 10pm when the first wave of guys showed up. Nevertheless, it was all good and timely, as it gave me enough slack to set up, tinker and figure out how to make the new Yamaha EMX 3000 powered mixer we had planned to test, functional. Alas, after going through some uncertainty of having it operational in time. Soon enough, everything fell into place and the system was finally on commission and working as it should. Thank and praise God! Moreover, with the guys finally giving the thumbs-up on the backup mixer's performance, now all we need is a new set of house speakers to compliment and replace our old busted ones..In God's time it will happen.

Just a handful of merrymakers actually made it to the jam last night. Percussionist Vincent Garrucho and her talented daughter Maxine were again the first to show up. Minutes later, guitarists Joaco Marco and Japan based Tosho Murayama arrived. Bassist Rick Trinidad, who was already in the room with son Logan while i was still setting up earlier, returned for the jam after driving his son back home at their residence close by. House band honchos Tinnie Esguerra, Monchie Henares and keyboardist Kiko Montecillo was in the house, as well, completing the roster for last night's band.

With not many people around, it was the perfect time to rehearse and do some polishing on some tunes we kept on our to-do list in the past. As always the highlight, Kiko's closing hours stint was definitely the clincher. Kiko's vast knowledge on playing just about anything under the sun was always a delight. Everyone had so much fun singing and reminiscing classic songs with Kiko masterfully lording on the keys.

The part were we all sang Christmas songs in unison and even capping up with Auld Lang Syne to represent New Years was epic. Totally exhilarating! We were having so much fun that we had to remind ourselves that it was already past 5am and that we really had to call it a night. And so, at exactly 5:32:56am the jam regrettably had to come to an end. So be it.

Special thanks to Arabelle Jimenez, Luisa Distor, Selo Cruz, Tina Ansaldo-Cruz and balik-music room Ed Diano. Glad to have you back in the music room Ed! It's been a while. We truly missed your company, meng.

Till the next jam night. See you all next time!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - Sept. 30, 2016 - Richard Parcia (Perfect)

SEPT 30, 2016 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

It's already been 2 consecutive weekends that the horrendous traffic all around the metropolis was a major setback to some music room goers. More so, falling on a weekend payday for the workforce compounded the situation and made things a lot worse. So what else is new? Bliss will be the day when this perennial problem will be finally resolved. In our lifetime perhaps? Well, i just darn hope so!

Uncharacteristically and possibly intended to make up for last Friday's failed attempt, house band guitarist extraordinaire Tinnie Esguerra was early and the very first to show up. Though still caught in a gridlock on his way to the room, he was more determined to make it through this time. Mark Longos who lives in a subdivision nearby was next to arrive. With just the 3 of us in the roster, we could actually start the jam if we wanted to. Marc de Asis came early as well. Marc could've stayed around all night but had to rush home moments later after his stomach turned and acted up on him. He said that he will just come back right after he finishes with his business but didn't. I just hope he made it to the throne in time though. Ok, that's too much information already...hehe! House band bassist Rick Trinidad showed up as well.

Good to see balik-music room and Distress Sessions guitarist Erwin Dimaculangan back in the house. So as music room family honchos Roger Salazar and Richard Parcia. Both frequently busy on work related international sorties, we are so happy to have them back on stage. As well as house band drummer Bubui Colico who himself had been absorbed with work. With Erwin, Richard, Roger and Bubui on board, it was going to be a fun and exciting Parokya ni Roger'ish kinda jam for the night.

As expected, we played some of their bands classic repertoire warming up and starting off with a True Faith band popular tune which we had earlier rehearsed most specifically reserved for our France based comrade. As expected, Richard nailed his signature songs with impunity to the delight of everyone around. As we say in the vernacular "walang ka kupas kupas". Great job Richard!

Among the other musicians who came were teen prodigy Maxine Garrucho, vocalists Monchie Henares and Michael Puyat. Monchie sang a few songs and did back up on some tunes while Michael atypically just opted to be a spectator with wifey Amar Puyat on the sideline. Special mention also to Arabelle Jimenez, Nikki Segundo, Selo Cruz, Christian Villanueva and company and to my son Kevin's friends Alvin, Paolo & Carlo for their presence.

At near closing time, the jam concluded with an acoustic set with Tinnie on acoustic guitar, myself on bass, Vincent on percussion while, at the same time, doing vocals along with Luisa Distor. Admittedly, i enjoyed the late hours of last night's jam where we painstaking tried to polish every songs we were trying to accomplish. It definitely made up for the lack of participants and guests around at the time.

Special thanks to Richard, Roger and Mark for the sumptuous boxes of Pizzas and Mojos they ordered for everyone. Everyone was a gastronomically satisfied and happy bunch! Praise and thank God for the blessings!

An so another enjoyable, recharging and blessed evening concludes. Already in anticipation to the next one coming.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!