MOM'S IMPROMPTU THANK YOU SPEECH

PETE'S PLACE MUSIC ROOM 37th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION - JUNE 16, 2017

By far, last night’s 37th year celebration at the music room was totally and unquestionably unparalleled. To this minute, believe it or not, i am absolutely lost for words on how to justly describe the gratitude and elation I had experienced before the night was finally over. Celebrating our yearly music room anniversary is the ultimate highlight of it all. It was never about a celebration focused just for one person but rather a celebration, collectively as one family, being its truest purpose.

Even if indeed my birthday falls technically on the same day (June 19th is the exact music room anniversary date and also my birthday. If it doesn’t fall on a Friday, the anniversary celebration will be set on the nearest Friday before the official date), excluding close friends and relatives, no one really knows about it. That’s purely intentional. As i am never and will ever be the person who gets pleasure being put on the limelight at anytime and anywhere. Last night’s proceedings was bizarre and unexpected for me. In truth , i’d rather be the instigator than the recipient anytime. It was definitely a surreal experience. Don’t get me wrong, i was totally but positively blown away. I felt the love enormously!

As expected, the much anticipated event started early with guests and food donations pouring in as early as 8pm. Immediately, an influx of guests arrived consistently in droves. Soon the place was packed with family, friends, merrymakers and musicians who were more than willing to start the ball rolling. Immediately, things fell into place. A music room newby and sexagenarian veteran folk singer by the name of Gab Cristobal became the starter of the evening’s musicale. Next on the list were duo Ed Evangelista and Lito Godani.

With the stage warmed up, it was time for the main attraction. Flag bearer “Bandang Tetel” spearheaded by Richard Parcia with Tete Serra, Mark Longos, Roger Salazar, Erwin Dimaculangan, Bubui Colico, Zyrus Judan and Ralph Gulapa was the star of the show. Straight from 2 weeks of rigid studio rehearsals, they were more than ready. Their performance was impeccable and very much entertaining to the delight of the appreciative and applauding crowd. All their efforts definitely paid off. To add, Anton Atengco, Rj Pineda, Xtine Mercado, Rick Trinidad, Dennis Espiritu, Nitoy Adriano, Kiko Montecillo, Pj Cura, Nick Mangubat among others were just some of the musical greats around. It is a no-brainer as to how awesome the live music was. Kudos to everyone who shared their talents and time to make this possible.

THE BOMBSHELL: At the stroke of midnight the entertainment suddenly halted and was briefly side tracked. There was suddenly tranquility onstage. Kumpadres Rick Trinidad and Monchie Henares (along with all those others who had secretly conspired) suddenly took over. Hmmm, i can tell they had something up their sleeves. But I must admit, i had no idea what was coming. After some prodding, they finally succeeded in summoning me up stage. Uncomfortable and anxious of what was to come, the 2 finally made their heartwarming pronouncements. I was to be greeted and honored for my birthday. One after the other, they presented before me surprises they had put together for my birthday in conspiracy with genuine loving friends and family working behind them. Allow me to share what i was given. First was a cute oversized replica of a Senior Citizens Card with a funny photo of myself attached to it, second was a decoy and “pang inis”gift which was a “Kahon” (musical wooden box simulating the drums which I banned and still is from being used in the music room..grrrr) and finally the big big surprise…a whopping new yamaha alto saxophone (once upon a time my most favorite instrument to play). Yes, i used to tinker with it way back in the 90’s. Apparently, there was a secret conspiracy of soliciting contributions from loving friends and relatives since a couple of months back in the quest of putting up the amount to buy me one of this expensive musical instrument. Frankly, i can never ever afford to buy one of these myself even if i wanted to. This to me is a miracle. Thank you Lord God for the blessing. You never cease to amaze me everytime!

Admittedly, i can never ever be any close to music room saxophonist greats such as Lorry Zamora, Anton Marquinez, Pete Canson, John Ray Pangan, Paul Casili, Maryana Arinez and the likes, but I will definitely try to make the most of it just like what I do with the other instruments I play. Time to practice.

I will forever be grateful to these loving friends and family who contributed and made it all happen…May God bless you and your family even more!

GENEROUS DONORS:
FRIENDS: Rick Trinidad, Monchie Henares, Jet Michael Gary A Bueno, Nikki Nicolas Wilson Segundoo, Roger Jr Salazar Salazar, Noel Red Aquino, Vincent V. Garrucho, Arabelle Jimenez , Tin Man Tinnie Esguerra, Pecky Casuela , Gabby Villanueva, Freddie Gabor, Arlene Zabala , Gigi Rubio, Michael Puyat & Amar Carino Puyat, AnTon AtengCo, Loren Orendain, Cali Tiansay, Luisa Distor , Benj Leoncio, Tecci Sevilla, BeeJet Sevilla-Sievert, George Limjoco, Jazz Aquino, Corky Aquino & Maritzi Aquinoi, Bubui Homer Colico, Richard Parcia & Taryn, Skip Aquino & Esmin Fontanilla Aquino. Jay Reantaso, Tetel Serra, Ferlin J. Hicarte, Mark Ronquillo ..

FAMILY: Tep Lapena, Ana P. Mara, Tintin Mara Reed.

After the gift giving, the live music continued unabated. As if there was no tomorrow, the jam did not lose its steam and persisted till past 6am. Kiko was still up and about along with Chef Phillipe and the rest of the band with Monchie still on vocals and myself playing bass. At 6:35 the jam was officially over. Time to go home. Philippe was the last to leave at 5mins to 7am. What can I say but what an awesome celebration! Praise and thank God!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - June 9, 2017 - Ed Evangelista and his Sgt. Pepper's Studio band

June 9, 2017 - Friday Jam Update

It was another gloomy and wet Friday evening at our locality but certainly no reason enough to totally dampen our regular jam night. A week before the grand 37th Pete’s Place Music Room Anniversary, the “calm before the storm” adage could conveniently pass description to last night’s character but only because a handful of the regular house band musicians were again unavailable to participate and that we finished jamming way earlier than usual. But as always, when things seem to look bleak, something positive timely comes up to compensate.

Sgt. Peppers Studio owner and musician Ed Evangelista made a surprise visit and were the very first to arrive. They were supposed to come last week but got aborted for some unexpected reason. He tagged along a band that happens to be a troop of veteran musicians as well. Most are in their 60s ( Ey, wait a second…are they insinuating something here? LOL!). With him were drummer Bong Porbajon, guitarist Lito Godani and our very own guitar legend Nitoy Adriano.

The band did a long solid set of originals and classic rock tunes with Ed and Lito doing the vocals while playing the guitar. Nitoy uncharacteristically was the bass player, something you don’t see very often. Actually, Nitoy was impressive with his bass stint as well and their overall performance was very entertaining. You can clearly notice the effort they put into rehearsing to perfect their performance. Well done guys!

After the guest band had left the stage, it was the regular guy’s turn to jam. Undermanned, we struggled a bit but still managed to have fun despite being short of regular key band players. We had no choice but to settle for those who are available. Among those present were guitarist Mark Longos, keyboardist Roger Salazar, bassist Rick Trinidad and percussionist Vincent Garruncho. Houseband vocalist Monchie Henares was also around, however, did not sing but just played the drums on some occasions. It was Rick who sang and played the guitar most of the time while I played bass.

As early as 2am we were done playing. We ended up just chatting and listening to house music on YouTube till closing time. The guys stayed up until about 3:45am before packing up and eventually homebound.

Let me not forget to thank good friends Gabby Villanueva, Joey Barroga, Paul & Nomy Diano, Nikki Segundo and sidekick Jun, Luisa Distor and Arabelle Jimenez for their valuable presence. See you guys next weekend!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL

Jam at Pete's Place - Monchie Henares (Loving You)

JUNE 2, 2017 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

After the fun and festive Friday and Saturday events that transpired at the music room the past week, last night was quite simple but stood out as well. Short of an enormous number of guests to pack the room but surely enough to fulfill and satisfy one’s musical yearning. Well, at least, that definitely goes true for me. And as always, i thank and praise God for such blessings.

Seasoned vocalist/ master showman and host of “Anything Goes 101”, Michael Puyat pleasantly surprised us when he crashed the place, apparently, after his gig had been cancelled. As a recourse, and with nowhere else to go, Michael decided to bring the show back to our doorstep for a repeat. He actually had done this once on a similar circumstance they found themselves in, some time ago. And as always, the show must and will go on for this bunch. With Michael was his charming wife Amar and his talented guitarist Larby dela Cruz. Percussionist Vincent Garrucho along with his talented daughter Maxine came ahead of the pack to complete his band.

Guitar icon Nitoy Adriano arrived next but minus the French band he and good friend, Sgt. Pepper’s Studio owner, Ed Evangelista invited over to the place to perform. Unfortunately, one of the band members got stricken and could not possibly make it, hence, putting it off for some other time. We hope to see them perform soon.

Having no official drummer around , i knew that I was to be the duly designated honcho. No regrets. I was going to have fun and indulge in my musical craving come what may. House band bassist Rick Trinidad, vocalist Monchie Henares, percussionist Dante Bosch and keyboard lord Kiko Montecillo were likewise in the house.

After almost 2 years in forced suspension, some of the Monotones’ personalities finally made it back to the room. Apparently, Michael’s son Nicolas, are good friends with some of the guys. Upon learning that his dad was pulling the show to the music room nearby, Nicolas and his friends had asked if they could watch and possibly to jam as well. How can you possibly resist that plea? Soon, they joined in and finally had their precious stage time. Well, what can I say? Welcome back to the music room Ryan Nacino & Rj Palma.

ALLELUIA! It’s now the merry month of June. The month of anniversaries and birthdays for some of us. On the 16th of June we celebrate 37 years of the music room’s existence. That’s 2 weekends from now guys. Mark your calendars. June will also be the month that i (and some good friends) will be granted dual citizenship…wooohoo…hehehe! Life begins at 60. How time flies when you're having fun. Thank you Lord for the gift of life!

In closing, let me not forget to acknowledge the presence of air force brats and childhood friends Gen. Henry Zabarre, Col. Ed Diano & San Miguel Corp. honcho Lucas Diano. Also, good friends Luisa Distor and Gabby Villanueva. Always great to see you guys around! 

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!