Jam at Pete's Place - March 24, 2017 - Magic Hour (Babe)

MARCH 24, 2017 – FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS

Fresh from last weekend’s successful “on-location” jam at Matuod Beach, we are back at our very own humble abode. It was good to be back home. Still in euphoria from last week’s phenomenal out-of-town event, i can still feel the fun experience crisp in my memory that I wanted to rekindle the feeling as quickly, if it was possible.

The evening started to elicit signs of promise when childhood friends from Nichols Air Base began to show up. Ret. Army General Henry Zabarre and San Miguel Corp. honcho Lucas Diano were the very first to show up. Rico Tayko, Julius de Leon and Ed Diano caught up hours later. Old friends Alex Joseph, Girrard Jison, Ferdie Barroso and Ozzy Lopez were around too.

With just this small group alone, our beer stocks were no match to supply this bunch of thirsty merrymakers. I had no choice but to make a beer run before it gets completely consumed. Thanks to my kumpadre Monchie Henares’ concern and his (mom’s) trusty Honda City, I had found company to make a fast purchase. God bless his kindness.

When we got back, the room was already laden with the other guests who had already arrived. The jam had started and was ongoing with professional guitarist Larby dela Cruz at the forefront.

Sweet couple Michael and Amar Puyat who came straight from their maiden gig at The Flask High Bar in Alabang arrived along with bandmates Larby dela Cruz and fellow music room house band percussionist Vincent Garrucho.

From the bar (after replenishing the cooler with beer), I hurriedly ran and got to position on stage to join in. No one was playing drums and so was time for some drum duties for me. Finding myself mostly behind the drum kit at the start, I finally had my chance playing bass later on towards the end. It was all good. As the saying goes…”better late than never”.

Among the other band mates that joined were guitarist Joaco Marco, guitar legend Nitoy Adriano, bassist Rick Trinidad, keyboardist Ralph Lauren Gulapa, guitarist Mark Longos, my beloved batchmate and drummer Jun Bediones, vocalist Monchie Henares, percussionist Vincent Garrucho and keyboard lord Kiko Montecillo.

Kiko arrived at past 2am coming from another place, caught up and quickly got on board to join us. It was totally weird and hilarious to find ourselves completely at a total loss for what songs to play, now that Kiko was around. Our minds suddenly became totally blank. Eventually, we did end up playing quite a number of songs but we would’ve wanted to do a lot more had we not choked on song choices.

Finally, the music stopped at about 5am offically ending the jam. And yes, no one complained and stopped us from playing..hahaha! God forbid.

An so another night of fun, friends and frolic comes to an end. We already look forward to the next one.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

March 10, 2-17 - Philippe Agnese (Blue Bossa)

MARCH 10, 2017 -  FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS

Down and eager to start the ball rolling, I was already at the music room at 8pm to set up and prepare. The first guests arrived at the usual time at past 9 with house band bassist Rick Trinidad at the forefront. Soon boss Ronald and the Lietz company staff (about six of them) showed up in a group coming straight from work. Very convenient for them as their work place is just near by. 

Last week’s music talent revelation, chef Philippe Agnese of the City of Dreams was back in the room. The Frenchman brought along his guitar and gear as he promised he would. With Philippe astute musical talent still open and waiting to be further explored, he is definitely a welcome addition to the group.

Dear friend and fellow air force brat Jet Bueno was likewise in the house. With him were Basa Air Base contemporaries and some other acquaintances he invited along. Straight from another gathering, he encouraged the bunch to tag along to visit and check out the jam right after.

With house band honchos Tinnie Esguerra, Joaco Marco, Maryana Arinez , Monche Henares, Mark Longos, Pj Cura,Vincent V. Garrucho and guest jammer Ralph Lauren Gulapa completing the roster, we were more than ready to play.

At the jam, I noticed that Philippe’s performance level was definitely a notch higher compared to last week. He Looked more relaxed, confident and in control. Pj was exceptional himself. His explosive drumming virtuosity and creativity in his drum solos totally blew the house down. As always, Maryana’s sax playing was as soothing as ever while the rest of the other guys were at their usual best as well.

The jam finished earlier than usual at about 4am, an hour short of the average. Nevertheless, it was fulfilling and satisfying to say the least. Definitely no complaints. As always, i thank and praise God for the opportunity.

Please be informed that next Friday, March 17th, there will be NO JAM at the music room. Instead, the Friday Jam will go provincial and on location in Lian, Batangas. The event will be dubbed as “Pete’s Place Jam @ Matuod Beach”. Watch out for the live feed and updates.

Thanks to our very magnanimous hosts Michael and Amar Puyat for the invitation. Michael, who is a professional singer and a recent addition to our ever growing Pete’s Place music room family had generously offered their beach front place in Matuod Beach for this once in a lifetime rare Friday jam event. Another milestone indeed for us. God bless you Michael and Amar!

In effect, the regular Friday Jam Night will be back in action at our usual music room venue on March 24, 2017. See you back then!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Chef Philippe Agnese singing an OPM (Himig Natin)

MARCH 3, 2017 – FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS

It never ceases to amaze me how the power of music can allure enthusiasts and practitioners to innately convene and connect in the strangest unconventional ways. There is never a strict rule that applies as to how, but the love and passion for it somehow finds its unique way when it does happen. One thing for sure is that the people involved will, most often than not, be a revelation of some kind.

Some key music room personalities, actually, had similar beginnings as well. It’s a mystery in itself why it happens but it does. It’s as if there’s an invisible force field attracting people magically together just like magnets.

Last night was one of those nights. We welcome Philippe Agnese to the music room. A French Executive Chef at the City of Dreams Manila by profession, he and his friend Lynette Tolentino chanced their way over to explore through directions they had gathered online. The bar hopping couple had initially thought that the music room was a commercial establishment only to find out that it was strictly not so.

Apparently, they were in search for new places to go to where they would hope to find and experience good music. By a stroke of luck, or whatever you call it, they found themselves landing in the music room.

Being good hosts, we did not want to just shoo them away. After all they did make an effort searching and coming all the way over. Strangers or not, it was just proper to welcome them to stay.

Upon scrutiny, we discovered that Philippe was not only a culinary expert but plays the guitar as well, particularly jazz as his preference. Apparently, he’d been longing to find a place to jam. And so, we quickly invited him to join on stage to play.

At the jam, Philippe was indeed a revelation. He made a pretty good accounting of himself playing guitar licks and solos like a natural. Even our very own house band guitar wizard Tinnie Esguerra was impressed, giving him the thumbs up. He was going to be a good addition to the band when he is around, as he expressed he will. He promised to bring his gear next time he comes. I’m surely looking forward to that.

Among the other musicians who were present were Bobby Alvarez and his friend Jojo Armas, house band honchos Rick Trinidad, Joaco Marco, Bubui Colico, Dennis Espiritu, Nick Mangubat and Reginald dela Cruz. Saxophonist Maryana Arinez , who came straight from her gig in Batangas, arrived at past midnight and joined in the fun as well.

Special thanks to Rico Tayko, Girrard Jison ,Jonji and Nikki Segundo for their presence.

Lastly, happy to note that the newcomer had enjoyed himself so much that he stayed and jammed till 4:30am. Welcome to the band Philippe. We look forward to seeing the French chef on board again next time soon.

And so this is how the story goes for this week’s Friday jam. Not bad at all, in fact it was great! Again I say…mission accomplished! I thank and praise God!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US 

e

FEB. 24, 2017 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS

Ambivalent as i was during the past Friday night jam's turnout, last night was quite unquestionable and in total contrast. In fact, i was literally caught a bit off guard at the start.

I had just gotten out of the shower and still taking my sweet time before getting ready for action when suddenly i hear my cell phone ring. It was airline pilot/guitarist Loren Orendain. Apparently, he called to inform me that he was coming over shortly and that his buddy and balik-musicroom Capt.Wynnford Martillana might, in fact, be already in the music room.

I quickly got organized and rushed down to the music room. Lo and behold, there i found Wynnford in the smoking lounge at the entrance, strumming his acoustic guitar patiently waiting for someone to usher him in. Indeed, it was a welcome surprise to see him back as it had been at least 4 years since he last came to visit. Being a good performer by reputation, i knew right away that it was going to be an interesting night.

Earlier on, i had heard that my kumpadre and houseband vocalist Monchie Henares had already planned on inviting some guests over. They were balikbayan guests from the US and some other locally based companions. Monchie notified the guys to make sure that we end up with a good line-up so that we could perform for them. It was already predestined to be a fun and busy night.

When Loren arrived, it was time to set up and jam. We started off as a trio. Loren with his Fender Strat, Wynnford with his acoustic guitar and on vocals and myself playing bass. Wynnford came through and never lost his touch despite some layoff. He actually performed as remarkable as the last time i've seen and heard him play, if not even better. Cool renditions of some favorites a la John Mayer and the likes was on his menu as appetizers. A Very satisfying intro to start the evening, if i may say so myself.

We were still performing on stage when the first batch of balikbayan guests arrived. We welcomed Dindo Alberto and his sister Mayette Alberto-Clemente to the music room. Later on, Percy de Jesus, who is California based, and some friends arrived completing the group.

We had fun performing for the guests, at times with Dindo and his sister Mayette joining in to sing. And at some point even toyed around with the percs while the band played. With keyboard lord Kiko Montecillo around, along with house band stalwarts Tinnie Esguerra, Joaco Marco, Nitoy Adriano, Rick Trinidad, Monchie Henares and Michael Puyat on stage, we were definitely smack in the zone.

The live music was relentless and awesome even after the special guests had left, stretching till about 5:15am, when we finally agreed that it was time to call it a night. All's well that ends well. As i always say.....MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Special thanks to Arabelle Jimenez, Selo Cruz, Marc de Asis, Nikki Segundo, Jon Zarraga and to the other guests for their company. Three cheers to another recharging and enjoyable evening. As always I thank and praise the Lord for the blessing.

See you all next week!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!