MAY 16, 2017 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

“'Twas a cool and rainy evening…on a Friday jam night. Uncertain and unforeseeable it seemed…but in the end turned out perfectly right…” “Amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life…and the uncertainty of the times...a birthday celebration looming was to be the bet… the highlight of the night.”

From the start, i already knew that it was going to be a “wait and see” situation on whoever will eventually make it to play. Earlier on, some key house band personalities had already said that they can’t come. Nothing unusual, but whatever the case may be, if we end up with just a decent line-up of musicians, we were going to be just fine. Life goes on.

Incidentally, last night was Mark Longos’ birthday celebration. Nothing will go wrong on a special night. I glanced on my phone and saw a missed call. Lo’ and behold’, it was from our very own guitar icon Nitoy Adriano. Suddenly, problem solved! We were going to have a good jam after all! Kudos to Nikki Segundo for unselfishly offering to fetch Nitoy at the studio. God bless your kind.

First to arrive were music room pioneer and old timer Tony Tirol along with good friend Girrard Jison. House band bassist Rick Trinidad and Air Force brat Col. Ed Diano walked in minutes later. Soon, house band vocalist Monchie Henares and good friend Arabelle Jimenez makes an appearance. Thanks to Monchie aka M”u“nchie for bringing over a huge bag of shrimp “chichirya” and suka for pulutan. You’re the man!

Later on, with Nitoy and the rest of the other guys already around, we set up and went straight to business. It was time to jam. To add, drummer Bubui Colico, guitarist/vocalist Richard Parcia, birthday boy Mark and Emman Yuzon rounded up completing the cast.

The jam was totally awesome and satisfying with guitar hero Nitoy taking full control. His exquisite virtuosity on the guitar exploded and sparked everyone’s game to a high. Everything came natural with everyone glaringly in the zone the whole process. Frankly, i admit i had more fun jamming last night compared to last week. Great job guys!

Our outmost gratitude to the birthday celebrant for the boxes of yummy pizza ordered and shared for everyone. Apart from the others, i actually ate and enjoyed so much of the Hawaiian Delight variety. And yes, i’m good with pineapple on my pizza! So, i’m different…Live with it!

And finally, acknowledging the presence of Johnny Wassmer and Nitoy’s guest, Enquirer journalist Poch Concepcion who were likewise in the house. Welcome to Pete’s Place.

Next week we welcome the month of June. I can feel the positive vibe already. Excitement brewing up. Bring it on!

HAPPY WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - May 19, 2017 - Little Wing

MAY 19, 2017 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

With the majority of the house band members inadvertently missing in action at the jam last night, we had no option but to cope and settle for what we had. Sadly, some of the regular guys couldn’t make it for some reason or another. Though handicapped in manpower, the Friday jam must not be denied. Come what may, we just had to make the most out of our humble resources.

It was already past 10pm when the evening eventually showed signs of life. When house band bassist Rick Trinidad confirmed his attendance, and knowing that with me doing the drumming, we just needed somebody on the rhythm section to compliment the ensemble, then we’re good to go.

Later on, guitarist Mark Longos shows up. Still grieving from the sudden demise of his idol Chris Cornell of Soundgarden, Mark brought his trusty fender guitar in an attempt to unwind and pay tribute to his fallen hero. Then Chef and guitarist Philippe Agnese arrived shortly after. Percussionist Vincent Garrucho was in attendance too. Much later, vocalist Monchie Henares makes an appearance as well. Monchie seemed distracted and did not sing but played the drums in some occasions till about 4am. Apparently, he was conserving his energy needing to drive to Anilao, Batangas straight from the music room.

Understandably, without the proper line-up, the jam struggled and fell short of its usual character. However, the conditions didn’t discourage us from having fun. No excuses…we kinda’ sucked (so what else is new? We always do anyway…hehe). We just aimed to enjoy and not waste the evening because of it.

In contrast to the norm, the jam didn’t last very long. Minutes before 3am we were done. We just had to throw in the towel. We finally ended up listening to some tunes on YouTube (care of Gab Villanueva’s song choices) while the other guests drank beer and listened. By 4am it was time call it a night.

Special thanks to Nikki Segundo, Ed Diano, Luisa Distor and Mark Ronquillo for their presence. It was great to see Mark R. back in the music room and doing some vocals after quite a long respite. We hope to see him back again soon.

And so this was how the cookie crumbled at the jam last night. We hope to have a better showing next time around both in attendance and performance. All in God’s will and grace.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

MAY 12, 2017 - Jam at Pete's Place - A Night In Tunisia

MAY 12, 2017 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

It was another one of those early nights. Just like clockwork, Cebu based Air Asia flyboy and guitarist Loren Orendain arrived at his usual hour timely as i was just starting to get the place ready for our regular Friday jam. Looking back, it was really no surprise as he previously did say that he will be in town this weekend.

Along with his trusty roadie, the early bird wasted no time and quickly set up his gear to start the jam. This time, Loren’s objective was to practice his slide guitar playing. Next was a meticulous choice if he will be using the brass or the glass slide with it. Finally opting to use the latter, we were then all set.

By this time, bassist Rick Trinidad had already arrived. In a hurry to play, needing to leave early to be rested for a camping trip the next day, we went straight to business. With no official drummer around, just as in my favorite TV series, I was to be the designated survivor. It was going to be a busy night for me.

Soon, City of Dreams Chief Chef and guitarist Phillippe Agnese walks in. Then percussionists Dante Bosch and Vincent Garrucho not long after. House band rhythm man Joaco Marco and guitar icon señor Nitoy Adriano were in the house too.

Much later, the second batch of reinforcements arrived. Mr. Showman and vocalist Michael Puyat and his lovely wife Amar suddenly shows up. Bassist Dennis Espiritu and keyboard lord Kiko Montecillo also makes an appearance. Coming from his earlier commitment and visibly tired from long hours of rehearsing, Kiko still gamely obliged even if just for a shorty. Michael was at his usual demeanor on stage with renditions of his distinct song choices with Kiko on board on the keys.

With the band more reinforced, it was smooth sailing from then on. We did a long fun set of jazz, classics and rock with Nitoy and Phillippe masterfully in cahoots exuding musical synergy and synchrony throughout the entire jam. It was one enchanting and relaxing jam to say the least. The small audience’s response of appreciation wasn’t too bad either. Thanks Nikki Segundo, Tristan Bael, Ed Diano and Gab Villanueva for the applause.

It had been too long that I was drumming without relief that my feet started to freeze and struggled from weariness. Keeping the beat on the high hat and the bass drum became an absolute nightmare. O well, the show must go on. I just wished that there were other drummers around to substitute next time. By the way, thanks to Rick for shortly taking over the drums while i briefly played bass.

Overall, it was a great jam. A totally awesome and exhilarating experience, if I may say so myself. My outmost gratitude to all the musicians who did make it to the jam last night. Good job guys!

At 5 mins. to 5am it was all over. Time to call it a night. And so we now look forward to the coming week. Bring it on!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

May 5, 2017 - Friday jam - Monchie Henares(Ticket To Ride)

MAY 5, 2017 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS

Earlier, as i was at the music room preparing for the Friday Night Jam, i was wondering what the story would be like this time around. Last week the jam struggled a bit at the start and had some low moments but eventually survived and picked up towards the end. The other nights had their own unique contrasting outcome too. Though unpredictable each and every time, i thank and praise God that in the end our Friday tradition always end up positively and well worthwhile. God is truly great.

The evening started strong with guitarist/vocalist Lord Brian Soriano first off on stage officially starting the jam. He quickly set up his guitar and gear, warmed up and entertained everyone with an instrumental piece as preliminaries. Then later on sang countless tunes, along with the other musicians who had already arrived and eventually joined in. More than 3 hours of non-stop stage time was his record last night. Such a feat for this talented young man. Good job Lord Brian.

An awesome line-up of jammers were actually present last night. Teen guitar sensation and youngest fender guitar endorser, Joko Reantaso was in the house. Vocalist and master showman Michael Puyat, bassist Rick Trinidad, drummers Jet Bueno and Bubui Colico, guitarists Mark Longos and Erwin Dimaculangan were around too. And so were Richard Parcia and Roger Zalazar. Incidentally, Roger invited along 2 new company recruits who happened to be musicians as well. We welcome drummer Arey Concepcion and guitarist/singer Dexter Alcantara to the fore.

The jam progressed with a variety of genres played for hours. Definitely, an A+ rating (for effort) for the guys this time. Joko even found the perfect reason to try out his different guitar effects while the band jammed some catchy random progression alongside.

Catching up late were percussionists Dante Bosch and Vincent Garrucho along with his talented daughter Maxine, vocalists Monchie Henares and balik-musicroom Tony Tirol who all came from their other previous commitments.

Much later, keyboard lord Kiko Monctecillo finally makes an appearance and goes on board. Despite the late hours, the Catman was always the icing on the cake. The Magic Hour main man indeed. It was during his stint that we were able to squeeze in time to experiment on recording 2 songs on Vincent’s nifty audio recorder, which I must say were quite decent takes. I look forward to hear them when they are edited and posted. Thanks Vincent.

Thanks to everyone who came over last night. Special thanks to Richard Parcia for the boxes of yummy pizza and sodas you shared to everyone! It is always a feast when you’re around. Please don’t ever ever stop spoiling us. God bless you more!

The headline? It’s a no-brainer…..”Two (over)Lords Takes Over Last Night’s Friday Jam” thanks to Lord Brian Soriano and the Keyboard Lord Kiko Montecillo. More power to you both!

And so that’s how it was last night. See you all next week!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!