Jam at Pete's Place - Jan. 27, 2017 - "Vincent (Starry Starry Night) feat Michael Puyat

JAN. 27, 2017 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

It was already past midnight when the jam finally started. Just as soon as we had a proper line-up of musicians did we make it happen. As usual, i was already in the music room preparing at 8pm and waiting for the guests to arrive. Only at about past 10pm did the very first guest walked in. Apparently, some of the guys were caught in traffic on their way to the music room, some took their sweet time before finally deciding to swing by and some probably just stayed home to enjoy the lazy cool weather we are having. Whatever the reason, last night was to be the least attended Friday jam night since the start of the year. We were in fact just a handful.

Not to be denied, at about 12:30am the band was finally ready to play. Bassist Rick Trinidad, percussionist Vincent Garrucho, guitarist Joaco Marco, guitarist/ keyboardist Tinnie Esguerra, keyboardist Kiko Montecillo, vocalists Michael Puyat, Marc de Asis and myself on drums were the first on stage. Much later, vocalist Monchie Henares arrived and joined in the fun.

Despite the lackluster turnout, we still got our usual musical fix just as always. As a good friend had said..."It's the quality not the quantity".

Initially, i played the drums and then shifted to bass later on (until practically closing time) when bassist Rick Trinidad had to take a break. Kiko was as always our ever dependable sparkplug with his wide array of tunes that he can play on the keys. With Tinnie in his usual guitar backup and solo spills along with Rick, Joaco, Vincent, Michael and the rest of the gang, how can you possibly go wrong. It was definitely all good.

To my good friends Jun Bediones, Nikki Segundo, Tristan Bael, Mark Longos, Emman Yuzon & Arabelle Jimenez, thank you all for your presence. As always a blessing to have all of you around.

Though really not much exciting stories to tell this time but our usual treasured bonding with dear friends, there is always the next time to look forward to. I have absolutely no complaints! As i always say...mission accomplished!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - Jan. 20, 2017 - Blues Jam

FRIDAY JAM UPDATE - JAN 20, 2017

Calm and collected may be a good description of last night's gathering at the music room after a busy and lucrative special event that preceded it on Thursday. Amazingly, as if by perfect design, it came just at the right time for me. Not as spry as we used to be, two consecutive late nights of fireworks may already be too much of smoke to handle, so to speak. Serene in character and ambiance in comparison but nonetheless still got the job well done. God is truly in control.

The festivity actually started quite late as the guests started to trickle in at already past 10pm. It still took some time before the live music started having to wait for a decent line-up to prosper.

Among the musicians who came, bassist Rick Trinidad was the very first to show up. Percussionist Vincent Garrucho arrived minutes later. Finally, guitarists Joaco Marco and guitar icon Nitoy Adriano makes their entrance to complete the band.

As boldly and appropriately displayed on the monitor screen on stage, Blues was to be the genre for the evening. It was all good. With Nitoy on board commandeering on lead guitar, it was the perfect mix. I took over the drums chores, while Rick on bass and Joaco on the rhythm guitar. We were good and ready to roll. Eventually, I had to shift to playing bass when Rick called it a night later on. We jammed for over two hours as a full band and later on further downsized to a trio before we were finally done.

In the audience were power couple Paul and Nomy Diano, along with partners in crime Tristan Bael and Nikki Segundo. Ed Diano much later. An hour before closing time, my wife Vicky and our good friend Luisa Distor (who were coming straight from another get-together) arrived and joined in the cluster as well. Perfect company to wrap up the evening. Thank you all for the company.

By exactly 4:20am it was time to pack up. And so another productive and blessed weekend in its conclusion had unfolded. Thanks be to God!

Hoping to see more of you guys next weekend!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - Jan. 13, 2017 - Maryana Arinez (Caught Up In The Rapture)

The Friday the 13th hullabaloo proved to be just another lame Western superstition as last night's evidence proved it to be. Admittedly different from last weekend's overall character, the much anticipated weekend gathering was nowhere near bad luck. Though we may have had a much lesser turnout in participants, it was nonetheless fulfilling and gratifying just the same. In essence, the main reason why we do this. That definitely spells success to me.

The night was actually a mix of young and old (admit it guys, we ain't spring chickens anymore) both in collaboration for a purpose, to have fun and make music. Having my daughter Nisee and her former high school CSA batchmates back in the room for more, they surely got their wish quickly. A couple of them gamely went up on stage to perform officially starting off the evening's jam.

Providing needed instrumental back-up, the house band did its share and jammed along as the youngsters went through their song choices taking command of the first set. The house band eventually took over soon after but not without having the neophytes summoned back later on.

The house band had a decent line-up as well with Marmalade saxophonist Maryana Arinez in the roster beefing up the squad. Coming from up north where she resides, it is always a delight and a pleasure to have her around.

Soon to relocate to France, brilliant vocalist, guitarist, writer, IT expert..., (loverboy?) Richard Parcia and Parokya ni Roger main honcho and keyboardist Roger Salazar were in the house as well. Incidemment (that's French), it might be a few months before we see Richard back again with us when he flies to France very soon. Nous lui souhaitons tout le meilleur!

Incidentally, it was likewise a pseudo send off for teen prodigy and youngest Fender endorser Joko Reantaso as he leaves today for The NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA. A yearly global convention showcasing music products, pro audio, live sound, lighting and entertainment technology communities, Joko is there to represent his product and to do a series of invitational gigs around town. We wish him all the best, as well.

Among the other regular house band musicians who also joined me were bassists Rick Trinidad and Dennis Espiritu, keyboardist/guitarist Tinnie Esguerra, guitarist/vocalist Mark Longos, vocalist Monchie Henares, and drummers Bubui Colico and Jun Bediones.

Normally showing up at our so-called "Magic Hour" (usually begins at 2am or so), accomplished solo vocalist/guitarist Nick Mangubat finally makes an appearance. Still pumped up from the gig where he came from, his adrenaline wowed the youngsters (yes they were still around until closing time) by his inimitable stage performance, presence and dexterity. A perfect and a delightful way to cap the night, i must agree. All's well that ends well!

Finally, at 4:30am the stage was quiet and empty. Time to pack up and call it a night.

And so the 2nd Friday Jam of the new year is done and over with. Already anticipating and looking forward to the next one. As always, i praise and thank God for all the blessings! God is good!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Game Of Thrones Theme (Houseband)

JANUARY 6, 2017 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

If last night's manifestation at the Friday Jam was a representation and culmination of things to come for 2017, then we might just be in for a fantastic ride this year.

Thanks to my brother Tep, the room timely underwent a welcome facelift with the newly installed LED stage lighting effects in place. Truly amazing how the room's mood and character completely transformed with just that solitary innovation. Everyone loved the change as much as i did. Definitely a new look for the new year. I thank and praise God for another blessing.

It was a welcome sight to see the boss Elizabeth Lietz and her company staff back in the room. It's actually been a while since the big group last converged over for a company shebang. Always humbling and flattering to see a group of new friends and acquaintances coming back for more.

The live music wasn't a push-over as well. In fact it shot way up the scale. If there was an expression to describe it, it was" burn the axe and blow the roof sky-high" sort of vibe. An awesome display of talented musicians masterfully lording their guitar wizardry and skills on center stage to everyone's delight and amazement.

Kudos to our music room guitar idol Anton Atengco for his penchant in inviting over guitar greats time and again to join. We welcome Jason Ombao to the Friday Jam. Apart from being a musician, California based Jason is a registered nurse and is just in town for a visit. I had never seen anyone play the guitar the way he does in the room. I was totally blown away. Soon to fly back to the US, it was indeed a pleasure and a treat to have witnessed and jammed with such great talent. We wish Jason all the best on his musical journey.

Among the other talented musicians around who joined me were bassists Rick Trinidad and Dennis Espiritu, drummers Bubui Colico and Pj Cura, Keyboardists Tinnie Esguerra, Kiko Montecillo and Steven Lava, guitarist Joaco Marco, Joko Reantaso, percussionists Vincent Garrucho and vocalist Monchie Henares. There were a few more other guests who had jammed as well that i had not mentioned. Thank you all.

My gratitude also to all the other guests who joined us last night. Special mention to my daughter Nisee and her former CSA highschool batchmates who came in a group to party with us. Thanks to all who gamely went up on stage to participate. Your performance was very much entertaining, Well done!

And so we conclude the very first Friday jam of the year with bravado and with flying colors. Surely a sign of even greater things to come. God is good..God is with us! How can you go wrong!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!