Jam at Pete's Place - Eladio Pamaran (We're All Alone)

FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS - DEC. 29, 2017

Last night was the final jam for the year and just like fireworks the year ender did not conclude without a bang. The vibe and energy of everyone in the room was totally immense and spirited all the way through. The jam was awesome from start to finish with everyone in stride and in high gear. It was a perfect way to end year 2017.

Our jam finale started quite early with a majority of awesome guitar talents showing up to gather on stage. Among the guitar greats who did perform were Joaco Marco, Pj Cura, Tosh Murayama, Richard Parcia and balik-music room Reg Gutierrez. Timely, Rodney Nuval, a Virginia based balik-bayan friend of house band vocalist Monchie Henares and last night’s special guest, was himself a prolific guitarist as well. With him was his lifetime partner Nina Gabriel.

Dubbed as the night of guitar players, a total of 5 superb guitarists all togetherly working in total synchrony and harmony was amazing and entertaining to watch. If you are a rock aficionado, last night was absolutely the night for you. The jam was relentless and solid with mostly classic rock songs on the repertoire. Each musician was in the zone and masterfully playing at their best to the delight of the crowd. It was breathtaking to experience to say the least.

Among the other musicians who participated were house band drummer Bubui Colico, vocalists Monchie Henares, Marc de Asis and Tony Tirol, bassists Rick Trinidad and Kate Adriano, Michelle Adriano, and houseband honcho Tinnie Esguerra, who is himself a guitar virtuoso but just opted to give way and instead played the keys.

Arabelle Jimenez, who arrived late from another previous event, came with a good friend who jammed with the band too. Eladio Pamaran, his name is, is an accomplished singer. A former vocalist of the renowned vocal group “The New Minstrels” back in the 90’s (or was it the 80’s) and currently performing in one of the lead roles as “the engineer” in the German edition of “Miss Saigon”. He wowed everyone with a sampling of his talent with some song renditions of classic and contemporary standard tunes along with Tinnie on the keyboards, Rick on bass, Tosho on guitar & myself on drums to cap the night. Truly an excellent showcase of talents and music from all the performers on stage all throughout the evening. What else can you possibly ask for?

And so as we bring to a close 2017, we first and foremost praise and thank God Almighty for all the wonderful and unforgettable happenings we had cherished in the music room all year long. Countless blessings, the ups and downs, the victories as well as the challenges are all part of the wonderful ride we are honored and privileged to experience. Indeed, there was never ever a dull moment. Thank you Lord!

Likewise, our uttermost and lasting gratitude to all the bands, guest musicians, to the regular house band, friends and family for being an enormous part of the success of year 2017. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat!.

And so, as we approach 2018, we earnestly look forward in anticipation to an even more promising and exciting year ahead.

A HEALTHY, HAPPY AND PRODUCTIVE NEW YEAR TO ALL! GOD BLESS US ALL!

SORRY NO BLOG UPDATE FOR DEC. 22. NO INTERNET CONNECTION

Jam at Pete's Place - Dec. 15, 2017 - Allan Flores warming up w/ Loren Orendain & Rick Trinidad (Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd)

DEC. 15, 2017 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS

The 2017 Pete’s Place Music Room Christmas party billed as “A Christmas Gala Night With Mom” set just a week from now is expected to be another epic and an unprecedented event of its kind being the very first time our beloved moms (who will be present) will be bestowed as our guests of honor. Just our simple and humble way of giving recognition and appreciation for the unconditional love and sacrifice they had withstood and endured for us all these years. What better time to celebrate their greatness and munificence but on the advent of Christmas. Truly, an event i am very much looking forward to as it is also my mom’s 86th birthday.

Last night’s mood turned out to be the “calm before the storm” sort of vibe despite a respectable number of guests and friends showing up. We had a fairly good band line up, as well, with some key personalities making it despite Christmas parties everywhere and the horrendous traffic all around the metropolis.

Bataan based and rhythm man Allan Flores found himself back in the room, for two consecutive weekends already, hoping to make up for his apparent absence at the party next week. Formerly based in Cebu, Air Asia Flyboy Loren Orendain, was the first to arrive. Now on his way to becoming a full-fledged captain soon, he is now re-assigned back in Manila for good. House band guitarist Joaco Marco who finally found free time from his ultra busy schedule, after almost a month being unavailable, was in the house as well. House band honcho Tinnie Esguerra braved the traffic and made it over at already past 1am. Among the other musicians who showed up were vocalist Monchie Henares, percussionist Vincent Garrucho and bassist Rick Trinidad. Incidentally, it was the perfect time for Rick to finally try out his new 6-string Ibanez bass he recently acquired in the US.

Unrelenting and lasting till past 5am, the jam was delightfully nice and sweet and definitely more productive with last night’s line-up. Joaco’s presence was surely missed and was a welcome addition. With Allan adding more rhythm, Tinnie in his usual precise musical perspective and leadership leading the pack, Rick and his bass skills, Monchie and Vincent in their usual element doing what they do best and my humble participation as well, were all part of the superb sound that permeated the place. I must say that indeed the Magic Hour lives on. Praise and thank God.

My gratitude to all the other friends and guests who showed up and participated. To Kikoy Ventura, Marc de Asis along with his Sales Team comprising of Mariam Mariano, Jasmine Poblete, Charles Manlosa, Mark De la Peña, Macky Esguerra and Divina Gracia Ramirez, I thank you all. Also, we welcome back balik-bayan and music room pioneer Tosho Murayama, who will be in town for the party and for the rest of the holiday season.

Finally, let me not forget to thank Loren and Marc for all the boxes of sumptuous pizzas and sodas you had shared with everyone. It was another gastronomic experience for everyone who partook. God bless your generosity.

See you all on the Dec. 22nd for our 2017 “A Christmas Gala Night With Mom” Christmas Party!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - Dec. 8, 2017 - Allan Flores (Words)

DEC. 8, 2017 – FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS

For two consecutive weekends, our Friday gathering resulted in a similar arrangement with the guests split up into two venues. Just like the last time, my wife Vicky and her group gathered at the Lanai area while the rest of the regulars converged at the music room. Personally, i find the recent option convenient for Vicky and friends as they need not have to congregate elsewhere far to party. Not really the live music kind of crowd, their group prefers to spend their bonding time with some friendly chit chat, food and drinks at someplace else before they can even join us in the room, if at all. At least with this new setup option, we are all closer together and just under one roof.

Incidentally, both parties garnered much lesser attendees compared to the past week. Perhaps with Christmas functions happening left and right, bad traffic and what not, this occurrence should not be surprising at all. Nevertheless, despite the minor setback we still won’t be deprived of our regular Friday night fix.

At the music room, high school batch mate Allan Flores’ surprise presence was totally a welcome development. After a long time in absentia, it was great to see him back. Based in Bataan, we really don’t see him very often. Commuting all the way to the music room and then travel back to the province right after just to be able to visit and jam, is quite a remarkable feat. Our hats off to our dear Rockerboy brader Allan Flores.

Vocalist Monchie Henares, Arabelle Jimenez, percussionist Vincent Garrucho along with his talented daughter Maxine, vocalist Tony Tirol, Marc de Asis & his staff, Nikki Segundo (his birthday is actually today Dec. 9), Tecci Sevilla who joined us briefly before going up to the Lanai and young couple Christian Villanueva and his partner Abigail Cruz, were the only guys who showed up.
Looking at the list of musicians who made it, there was clearly no proper house band roster to speak of.

Determined as we always are, mustering up with just vocalists, a percussionist and myself to perform, is no excuse to sulk. We won’t be denied of stage time on our much anticipated Friday Jam Night. Allan’s gallant effort to travel far just to be with us will definitely not be for naught.

Soon the jam commences with Allan and Vincent alternating on guitar while I played bass. Monchie and Tony on vocal chores most of the evening. Occasionally, Monchie played the drums while Allan tinkered with the keyboards. Vincent played percussions and 2nd vocals.

The unique sound that we eventually produced was bordering on satisfactory to tolerable to totally hilarious. Nevertheless, it was still enjoyable and satisfying to say the least. We did accomplish completing some songs eventually. However, there were also times that i was almost in tears for laughing so hard while we were struggling, trying to complete a tune. Well, nothing like variety to make life more interesting.

The gathering concluded early, duplicating last week’s finish. With everyone needing an early respite for some early commitments they have the next day, everyone decided to pack up and call it a night at exactly 4am. On his way out, batch mate Allan ended up hitching a ride with Vincent & Maxine to the terminal in Pasay to catch his bus ride back to Bataan. What a trooper, Allan is.

Special thanks to post birthday celebrant Arabelle and birthday boy Nikki Segundo for the sumptuous pancit palabok, wine and chips they shared with everyone. God bless both their kind souls. Wishing them all the best in all of their future endeavors.

And so another successful Friday Jam Night in the books. Already looking forward to next week. As always, I thank and praise God for the opportunity.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - Dec. 1, 2017 - I Will Always Stay In Love This Way

DEC. 2, 2017 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS

It’s our first Friday Jam Night in the month of December and the yuletide season is certainly upon us. In just a few weeks it’ll be Christmas. Truly, how time flies when you’re having fun. Though different in complexion every time, whether a packed room or just a few in attendance, as always, our Friday gatherings never fails to bring joy and gratification to everyone who comes each and every time.

Last night was quite unique with the gathering divided into two settings. My wife Vicky with her siblings and some friends converged and cozied up all night to enjoy their bonding time in the lanai area while the rest of the guests stayed down in the music room. Incidentally, only a handful of musicians showed up to jam.

Similarly to last week, it was quite late before we even started playing. Well timed that our new Finnish friend, and guitarist Aksu Arola, showed up to add to the roster. Percussionist Vincent Garrucho and his talented vocalist daughter Maxine were also in the house, as well as my high school batchmate, Jun Bediones, who obliged taking over the drumming chores for most of the evening. Vocalist Monchie Henares, who was with birthday girl Arabelle Jimenez, made it to the list as well and as expected, i was to be the bass player. When house band honcho Tinnie Esguerra arrived we were complete and good to go.

The jam was not as lengthy, as in most nights, lasting only about a few hours before we were done and over. We started at past midnight and were finished by 4am. Though not at all a reflection of complaisance nor lack of interest from the jammers to perform but just a coincidence that most needed to leave early for one reason or the other. Nevertheless, we were still able to record on video a few of our work before we called it a night. No complaints.

At closing time, Aksu, was still enjoying his last round of beer when the rest of the guys bid good bye to go home. That was only 4am. Left all by himself, I kept Aksu company and encouraged him to stay around and not to rush and just enjoy and finish his drink. Good opportunity also for him to contact his apparent UBER ride home. It was 4:30an when his ride arrived to pick him up. Congratulations and best wishes to Aksu Arola and his filipina fiancee on their upcoming wedding, soon to happen.

After I finally closed

up, i left the room and joined my wife and family at the lanai where they were still there partying. Stayed with them for a while but finally called it a night at about 5:30 am. The lanai group , I learned, apparently packed up by sunrise. All’s well that ends well. Praise and thank God.

And so our countdown for Christmas day begins. ‘Tiss the season to be jolly! Peace on earth goodwill to men.

Till the next jam night...

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!