Jam at Pete's Place - Oct. 27, 2017 - Vincent Garrucho (Long Ago And Far Away)

OCTOBER 27, 2017 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

The outcome was like the good old vintage music room vibe all over again with hoards of merrymakers individually and in groups randomly dropping by to party. And indeed it turned out to be an exciting one. To highlight were Air Force brat and good friend John-John de Leon’s impromptu birthday bash (actual birthday Oct. 26), Red Aquino and wife Portia and their son’s presence on their wedding anniversary, the surprise comeback of Nando Alberto and his sister Mayette Clemente and my wife Vicky’s lively and crazy gang’s participation were on the top of the list. Totally non-stop fun and frolic lasting till sunrise.

Flyboy Loren Orendain held on to his reputation and was still the early bird amongst the guests. Soon after, the others arrived with the birthday boy ahead of the pack. Apparently, John-John had planned to invite over some of his close friends to join him to celebrate. It was heartwarming having to witness the love and overwhelming support he got. Expecting just a few company turned out to be plenty. Soon the room was packed with merrymakers with everyone cozied up and having a great time.

Despite being under manned, the jam was not so bad either. It started off with just Loren, Rick Trinidad and myself on stage. Quickly, bassist Dennis Espiritu added to the line-up alternating playing keyboards while Rick played bass and myself on drums. We did some rock tunes to entice John-John to join as he has a knack of singing too. Birthday boy obliged, did vocals and performed to the delight of his friends.

When Tinnie Esguerra and Vincent Garrucho arrived, the band became more productive. Balik-music room Nando and Mayette also got what they came for having stage time with the band timely when we were more complete. Seeing the two stay to jam till past 5am surely is a good sign.

By 3am, most of the new guests had trickled out and left for home already happy and content from partying. As expected, the regulars were still intact alive and kicking. With Tinnie, Vincent, Rick, Dennis, Red (playing drums on some songs) and myself along with vocalists Nando and Mayette on stage, it was time for the magic hour. Time to shift to jazz.

Finally, at exactly 6:10am with just Tinnie, Vincent and myself being the last 3 men standing, the jam finally comes to an end but not without accomplishing an mtv take with Vincent on the flute. It actually did turn out quite nice. Praise and thank God!

To all the other hoard of friends and guests who showed up and made the evening extra special, i thank you all so much for coming. Till the next time.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - Oct. 20, 2017 - Let's Stay Together

OCTOBER 20, 2017 – FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS

The unforeseen happened last night when after setting up the music room for our regular Friday jam, I suddenly became ill with stomach pains that developed to unbearable proportions. Tracing back on what must have triggered it and similarly supported by the attending physician after a thorough check up at Comcare where I was brought, it was primarily deemed to be a result of severe pressure applied for too long to the diaphragm/abdominal region on a full stomach. Having to siesta, immediately after on that condition, exacerbated the condition. Too much pressure developed into acute acid reflux and stomach spasms had progressed manifesting as soon as I woke up.

Apparently, the lengthy and tedious saxophone practice i did was one of the reasons. I had just finished having a heavy meal when I decided to cram on the sax parts of a song that we agreed to do, just to be ready for the jam. Having not played for a while, it took me some time before i got myself back in the flow with a more controlled and relaxed blowing technique. The pressure was too much for my diaphragm and abdominal region on a full stomach and had taken its toll.

A few hours of rehearsing, I then decided to stop and rest. Exhausted with my stomach feeling bloated with air, it was time for my siesta. When i woke up i knew there was something wrong. I ignored it and still managed to prepare the music room. The “show must go on” was the plan. I even took my usual after set-up selfie but the discomfort had started to get worse.

I just had to go upstairs to our bedroom to lie down and take some breather hoping to recuperate before the guys arrive. While on the bed, I soiled two shirts, all soaking wet with perspiration due to profuse cold sweating while trying to weather the pain. It was darn awful!

Eventually, I had myself driven to the clinic (my wife Vicky and dear friend Cali were already there waiting for me) because i could not bear the suffering anymore. After being examined by the resident doctor, I was then administered two intravenous shots as a remedy for the diagnosed acute hyperacidity and abdominal spasms. Some minutes later I was allowed to be released from confinement only as soon as the meds had taken effect and the abdominal pain subsided.

Praise and thank God, today I wake up refreshed and relieved from that agonizing ordeal. No more abdominal pains. I hope and pray I will never encounter this experience ever again.
While all these were happening behind the scene, the Friday Jam still lived on in the music room. I would have wanted to join the guys after I was released but naturally it was only smart to just relax and recover fully. Besides, I was already too spent and tired from the ordeal.

Well, the photos and jam videos taken of last night will just have to speak for itself for now.

Thanks to everyone who came, took care and managed the place without me around, carrying on and living up to our much anticipated weekend tradition.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - Oct. 13, 2017 - A new song at the Magic Hour (Dindi)

OCT. 13, 2017 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

Notwithstanding the stormy weather, bad traffic conditions (being a weekend work payday) and falling on a Friday the 13th (if you are superstitious…I’m not!), our Friday Jam Night lived on and was unperturbed. In fact, the gathering started pretty early with Air Asia flyboy and guitarist Loren Orendain already in the music room setting up his gear while I was still preparing the place. With the rains pouring relentlessly practically all evening and flooding being a conceivable threat, it was quite surprising that things looked up and progressed smoothly till the very end.

Early bird Gab Villanueva showed up at his usual time while house band bassist Rick Trinidad, who habitually comes a bit later in the evening, decided to skip routine and come early to make sure to be around when guitarist extraordinaire Anton Atengco and his music room newby friend arrives. It was, in fact, an exciting coincidence for both guitarists Loren and Anton that the two were to try out and test their newly acquired axes in the room for the first time. And boy, both Telecaster guitars sounded and looked awesome, to say the least.

Apparently, Anton’s new acquisition came from his companion and friend, Frank Resulta, a guitar aficionado and a crooner. Loren, on the other hand, bought his guitar very recently when he flew to the US for a few week’s vacation with the wife.

An hour or so later, percussionist Vincent Garrucho was the next musician to arrive. Finally, the jam commences with Loren, Anton, Rick, Vincent and myself on stage. We proceeded and jammed some old time favorites showcasing the two guitarists’ new toys. Great sound guys!

At past 2am, the place suddenly became more alive when friends of Vicky (my loving wife) and her gang came straight from another gathering to join us. On that list were, Johnny Wassmer, Luisa Distor, Tecci Sevilla, Girrard Jison, Allan Rufino, Raul Julian, my sis-in-law Ana and Strumm’s Open Mic singer John Fernandez. At this time the house band was already very much intact with Tinnie Esguerra already in the house completing the line-up. John eventually joined the band on stage to do vocals.

When Vicky’s friends left, it was past 3am. Now that we were just by ourselves, it was time for the Magic Hour. On board was Monchie Henares (who had just arrived) on vocals, Tinnie on keyboards, Rick on bass, Vincent on percussion and myself on drums.

It was gratifying to be able to learn and record a new song again to add to our growing repertoire. With Tinnie back to the fore, the band is again on track. With his strong leadership and tutelage, we hope to be able to learn more new tunes in the coming weeks. Crossing our fingers on this one.

Finally, at exactly 5:10am and still raining outside, it was time to call it a night. Another great night indeed! Thank and praise God!

Till the next time….

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - Oct. 6, 2017 - Monchie Henares and Tony Tirol (When I Met You)

OCT. 6, 2017 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS

Similarly to last week, last night’s turnout was also a handful but contrastingly told a different story from the previous. The festivity started at its usual customary hour and habit with Gab Villanueva as the early bird and the front runner. Soon music room old timers Jeff Tan and Tony Tirol arrived. The time was past 9pm. Everything seemed normal and on the right course. It appeared that we were back to normal.

Having some pleasant and engrossing chit chat with delightful personalities like Jeff, Tony and Gab can be fun and enjoyable, to say the least. In fact, too engrossing was the food and culinary conversation that we mostly dwelled on for too long, maybe an hour or so on the topic, made my stomach grumble. I had to sneak out and clandestinely ordered pizza to satisfy the craving even if I had to take the tab. What’s the point of suffering, right…hahaha! So be it.

After almost an hour of agonizing wait (apparently the delivery man’s motorcycle broke down on the way), the 2 boxes of pizzas finally arrived…thank God. By this time, it was already 11pm. Air Force brat Ed Diano makes his timely entrance followed closely by house band percussionist Vincent Garrucho. Both right on time for the taking. Perfect timing guys!

Alas, already at past midnight, there was still no evidence that we will be able to jam. Still no proper line-up of musicians around to work with. I actually had already conditioned my mind not to play and just bask and enjoy the good company. No problem there.

However, at past 1am, Rick Trinidad and Monchie Henares arrived. With Rick and Monchie plus Tony, Vincent and myself available, it appeared that we finally might have a chance to jam after all…and so we did.

We made the most of our humble resources and ability having fun playing a Christmas carol that we had arranged uniquely ourselves. Rick was playing the guitar, Monchie on drums and vocals, Jeff on keyboards, Tony on vocals, Vincent on percussions, flute and vocals and myself on bass.

The band suddenly got a welcome unexpected boost when house band honcho Tinnie Esguerra suddenly showed up at past 2am. With the main man around, we were finally back in business. The Magic Hour lives on.

Just like the usual, we meticulously ran through some choice tunes, painstakingly trying it out till short of perfection, with the master Tin Man spearheading the group. As always, it is a refreshing and fulfilling experience to work with a perfectionist like Tinnie. Hat’s off to a great talent and friend.

Despite initial plans of ending the jam earlier than usual so that vocalist Monchie can have his rest, anticipating his first ever paid gig happening lunchtime, we found ourselves still concluding and packing up at 5am. We wish Monchie all the best on his first paid performance. Shake a leg kumpadre!

And so that’s how the cookie crumbled for this week’s Friday Jam Night. Thank and praise God for making each and every gathering unique, gratifying and fulfilling one.
See you all next time!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!