Jam at Pete's Place - June 29, 2018 - Vincent on vocals, Kiko on keys, Ryan on guitar, Pete on bass w/ Gab on percs (Impromptu take of "My Girl")

JUNE 29, 2018 – FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS

The sheer unpredictability of each and every Friday night on how circumstances develop is truly amazing to me. Unique each time, one can’t really tell for sure what is in store until it actually happens. The possibilities are diverse and endless. It’s always a different fun story every week. Perhaps, the very reason why after 38 years and counting, i had never gotten and will ever get tired of it. I thank and praise God for that.

In contrast to the recent past, last night’s festivity started quite late. It was almost 11pm when the action began. Having no clue, whatsoever, who would eventually come and how things would be, I was surprised to see Gab Villanueva and his son Christian showing up first . Incidentally, Roger Salazar had communicated much earlier informing me that he had intentions of coming and did so later on. House band drummer Bubui Colico , as he had promised he would, showed up as well. Tired from a long day at work, he did jam a bit but did not stay around too late. As kind hearted as he is, Bubui even ordered pizzas for us right before he left the music room to go home. God bless his generous soul. My hats off to this guy.

Accepting the fact that it will just be a handful of us around to hang out for the evening, the tide suddenly changed and shifted to high gear. My wife Vicky and a horde of her good friends, coming straight from another gathering, suddenly arrived unannounced to party. The room was suddenly packed with merrymakers. As always an animated and a fun group to be around, the mood went from sober to totally festive.

Soon more regular guests and jammers from the youngsters/Monotones group arrived to join in. Vicky’s gang took center stage (featuring my sis-in-laws Tin Mara Reed and Ana Mara) taking the lead, singing some minus-one songs after noticing that it was their chance to do so, as there was still no musicians jamming on stage. After the ladies had their fill and having already warmed up the stage, the youngsters comprising of Monotones' honchos Ryan Nacino and Rj Palma along with their friends Josh Panuncialman and Virgil Sagana finally had their chance and grit to play, officially starting the jam. House band percussionist Vincent Garrucho, who was already around, joined in as well. Keyboard lord Catman Kiko Montecillo, who was stuck in traffic on the way over, made it to the jam too. Not to be denied, I also had my chance playing the drums and bass, as well. We were in business.

Right before closing time, it was just Kiko, Ryan, Vincent and myself on stage. We finally were done playing at about 3am. After the jam, a few others stayed around a bit to chill and to finish up their beers. By 3:35am it was time to close up. Mission accomplished. As I always say, all’s well that ends well. Praise be to God.

Many thanks to Johnny Wassmer, Bambi Rubio, Raul Julian, Myron Reyes, my niece Tina Mara and to everyone who showed up last night. And, of course, to Bubui for the boxes of sumptuous pizzas he left behind for all of us to devour. Muchos gracias amigos y amigas.

And so…till the next week.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place- June 22, 2018 - Jam at closing time (Lady Wants To Know)

JUNE 22, 2018 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS

Living up to the old adage “calm after the storm”, the familiar Friday jam night phenomenon was exemplified again at last night’s outcome. Fresh from last weekend’s blockbuster, it was a common expectation that the following week will most likely be a subtle one. Sure enough it did turn out to be so. If not only for the ever dependable and ever present Rick Trinidad and Vincent Garrucho (who actually did contemplate on just staying home to rest), all the guests who showed up last night were absent at last week’s anniversary party. Though lean comparatively in head count and concluded way earlier than the usual cut off, the evening was nonetheless generally productive.

The festivity started early at around 8pm with a group of six guys from Rudolf Lietz Co. arriving first. Air Asia Flyboy Capt. Loren Orendain, who was busy last week, showed up with a vengeance along with his band “Flightskool”. Comprising of awesome musicians in the likes of frontman/guitarist/vocalist and PAL Capt. Winford Martillano , phenomenal bassist Empi Martinez and drummer Dani Pajarillo, the band who had finally found time to be together after a while took center stage and was the main entertainment for the evening.

As always a thrill to watch, Flightskool ended up doing two sets of their familiar repertoire of covers to the delight of a few audience around. After they were finished, it was time for us to jam.

It was great to see house band honcho and guitarist Joaco Marco back in the room. Joaco had actually been missing the weekly jams lately due to his tight workload. Untimely feeling under the weather and still under medication, he unfortunately wasn’t able to make it to the celebration last week, as well. Good thing he had already completed his antibiotic medication in time and was fit to come.

With just Joaco, Rick, Vincent and myself around, we just barely established a decent roster to play, but we managed. The jam was short-lived but sweet. We just had to enjoy and make the most of it. Better than none at all.

The jam was finally over and the stage quiet and empty at a record time of 1:45am. Much too early compared to our usual cut-off of 5am. Nevertheless, we still got our much anticipated jam fix to speak off. No reason to complain but instead grateful to still have the opportunity to do so. Praise God.

Our thanks to Nikki Segundo and SAF ret. Col. John Ablan for their presence and to Dudeus de los Santos of the Lietz Co. group for the pizzas.

And so another weekend completed. Tranquil but still satisfying. Short but still enjoyable. Early but still enough. It’s all just a matter of perspective. Whatever the story was, it was all good. And as always, I thank God for the opportunity.

Till the next time.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

38th ANNIVERSARY PARTY - June 15, 2018 - Free Jam w/ Toby & Mayette (Let's Groove)

JUNE 15, 2018 - 38TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY UPDATE & PHOTOS

Now I know how it feels to have a writer’s block as i found myself having difficulty getting started. As part of the introduction, choosing a better word to describe last night’s colossal success alone was tough. This year, “epic” might just not cut it and fall short of an apt description which is by far more productive and exciting compared to the past. But one thing I can say, this year’s celebration was totally a winner. Let me just cut to the chase and just give a quick rundown on what had transpired, if that is at all possible.

At 7pm the delivery of lechon and lumpia arrived right on time. The rest of the potluck food contributions came in spurts but in abundance filling the food counter even before most of the guests had arrived. Cases of beers already drowned abundantly in ice and already in the cooler and the room all spruced up with balloons along with the official event banner perfectly positioned in its full glory.

The festivity officially started early with Brat Pack’s Xtine Mercado beating me to it and already in the room before 8pm. Her talent and stage presence was immediately felt by the early birds as she provided solo entertainment on stage with her delightful song renditions while playing the guitar. After her stint, Alex (daughter of Paul and Nomy Diano), gamely went up stage, joined Xtine and showcased her singing prowess, as well, rendering two songs accompanied by Xtine on guitar and Sheldon on keyboards.

The powerhouse Mean Jay (band), with frontman teen guitar sensation Joko Reantaso was the second batch to perform. With Joko’s fiery but tasteful guitar licks playing along with his equally talented bandmates, the band electrified the crowd with their impressive performance, doing mostly originals from their latest released album and a few covers.

Next on the list was a band called “Joyride”. A full band including a brass section and a dynamic female singer. The group surely lived up to their namesake. A totally joyful and impressive line up of musicians that is so much fun to watch. They did a long set of catchy party music that invigorated and livened up the room. What an entertaining group they are. Truly different from what we usually experience and hear in the music room. We hope to see them back next time soon.

Diesel band was the fourth group to perform. This aspiring young rock band just recently became Friday Jam Night regulars, and is one amongst a number of new bands who frequent the room practically every week. Comprising of guys in their early 20’s, they have mostly original compositions in their arsenal as well. More power to this young breed.

A collaboration of musicians on stage completed the 5th wave of performers formally starting the free jam. Comprising of personalities from the bands who had already participated and some from the regular house band were down on the list. Among them were Nitoy Adriano, Xtine Mercado, Richard Parcia, Pecky Casuela, Mayette Alberto Clemente, Rick Trinidad, Kiko Montecillo, Vincent Garrucho, Bubui Colico, Tosh Murayama, Monchie Henares, Sheldon, Nick Mangubat, Ryan Nacino, Max Garrucho, Tim Carlos, Toby Alberto and Steph Salazar.

I finally had my chance to jam playing bass towards the end of the party, in between a couple of beer runs, when most of the guys had already gone home. We were done jamming at about daybreak at past 5am with just Kiko, Monchie, Vincent, Steph and myself being the last men (and a woman) standing. If not for the late time, we would’ve gone on playing.

I am aware that there were still a lot more musicians around and on standby all night but, unfortunately, had absolutely no chance to participate. We couldn’t possibly accommodate everyone to fit in as time could not permit. We probably needed to extend another day just to let the others play. Well, I know it wouldn’t be the same, but I guess, there’s always our regular Friday nights for them to come and make up for it. My apologies to you guys…You know who you are.

Kudos and special thanks to all the awesome bands who participated. Music is what kept us together and the very reason why we had been celebrating all these years. Thanks, too, to all the guests, friends and family who had joined us to celebrate and, last but not the least, to all the magnanimous donors who generously and selflessly contributed and brought food and drinks for everyone to enjoy. God bless your kind hearts!

In closing, we thank and praise God for all the 38 years of grace bestowed upon us and now looking forward to another exciting year full of great music, good friends and loving family in bonding. I have absolutely no clue what the next year will bring but one thing I am sure of is that the best is yet to come. We are ready. Bring it on!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLES US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - June 8, 2018 - Allan Abdulla drum solo

JUNE 8, 2018 – FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS

The momentum notably continued to pick up since the start of the month of June with the “fun rating” soaring notches higher. A fitting prelude to the upcoming and much anticipated Pete’s Place Music Room 38th year anniversary celebration set next week. The room was packed with merrymakers comprising of family, friends and guests, with a world class caliber band “Bleu Rascals” performing on stage to boot. It was an awesome and jovial evening of fun entertainment for all lasting till daybreak. 

The much acclaimed guest band comprising of guitarist/vocalist Paul Leobrera, drummer Allan Abdulla and bassist Oliver Cuevas Salaysay singlehandedly blew the house down with their awesome display of individual talent and musical skills performing impeccably as a trio to the delight of the appreciative audience around. It was one hell of a show. Initially prepared to just do a solitary set for us, the guys found themselves back on stage for a second serving, much later in the evening to jam along with the regular jammers before they left. Totally awesome performance by these young group. Hats off to these musical geniuses. I hope it won't be the last time they come to visit.

The evening’s live entertainment commenced at about 10pm with house band keyboardist Atty, Pecky Casuela’s daughter being the first one on stage. She manifested her piano skills and versatility playing a couple of Beethoven‘s classical music pieces and at times playing the drums while her dad accompanied her on the keys and Rick Trinidad on bass. Later on drummer Bubui Colico, guitarist Richard Parcia and keyboardist Roger Salazar arrived and joined in the fun too. 

Next on the list of performers was Capt. Ronnie Go. A PMA’er and a private chopper pilot of the Floirendo’s, Ronnie likes to sing and was quite a revelation himself. He took center stage and sang along some “minus one” tunes of his choice and did his set along with my sis-in-law Tintin Mara Reed who occasionally joined in doing 2nd vocals. 

The other musicians who showed up and jammed were guitarist Joaco Marco, Percussionist Vincent Garrucho and his 2 talented daughters Max, Izzie and their guitarist friend Tim Carlos, guitarist/vocalist Nick Mangubat, drummer Boots Bautista, Montones’ Rj Palma and Ryan Nacino. 

It was already past 5am when I decided to pack up my stuff and make a french exit after noticing that my daughter Nisee and some of her friends were still up and partying. It didn’t seem like they were going to finish anytime soon. Didn’t want to be a party pooper, so I just decided to go ahead and make a quiet exit. Timely that my bro Dondon was still around with them to take charge of closing up after they were done. What an awesome night indeed! Praise and thank God!

Next Friday, June 15th is our 38th Year Anniversary Party commemorating almost 4 decades of bonding and camaraderie with family and friends who loves music. We anticipate another epic event in the making. We hope to see you all then. 

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - June 1, 2018 - Summer Breeze

JUNE 1, 2018 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS

Last night was a fitting and timely way to jump-start our anniversary month of June with a hefty number of the house band regular guys finally showing up to jam. Praise and thank God. It’s been a while since we’ve gotten a good turnout from the gang and having them back on stage and in action was a refreshing development and a total thrill for me. These past few months, a new crop of young musicians that had become regulars had taken over and dominated the weekend gatherings and subsequently most of the stage time as a result of the house band’s absence. It was all good as having the music room as a breeding ground for aspiring musicians is a natural and welcome thing for me. However, it was indeed great to see a handful of my buddies back along with some surprise music room old-timers who made it over as well.

Young and talented musicians Jian Nisnisan and Justine Tan of “Diesel band” along with their drummer held on to their dominion of being the newly crowned early birds beating balik-music room and now Beijing based music room veteran guitarist Tosh Murayama in just minutes securing the first wave of guests that showed up.

Guitarist Joaco Marco, drummer Bubui Colico, percussionist Vincent Garrucho, keyboardist Kiko Montecillo, bassist Rick Trinidad and vocalist Monchie Henares of the house band finally made it over to join me, becoming the best turnout for the guys in quite a while now.

Likewise, it was great to see veteran drummer Yx Bugarin back in the room after many years in absentia. Teen guitar sensation and youngest Filipino Fender endorser Joko Reantaso was also back with his ever supportive dad Jay. Incidentally, Joko will be part of a show billed “Stages Session presents: Trailblazers” where he will be launching his new album at the plush 19th East Bar & Grill in Sucat on Sunday June 3. To all those who are free, please swing by the venue to give support to our guy. Thank you.

Among the other musicians who made it to the jam were guitarist Pau Villanueva of “Athalie” and “Carousel Casualties band”, and Monotones’ Ryan Nacino and Ryan Pineda. Ryan Pineda is likewise the official drummer of Carousel Casualties. All around musician Carlos Castaño, another friend and recruit of Pau, is the latest on the list of talented newbies around. Last night was his 2nd time to jam and hopefully not the last.

The live music started off at way past 9pm with Diesel band taking the first crack on stage. They did a set of their familiar repertoire of rock songs and some chord progressions to jam and warm up to, this time complete with their regular drummer and bassist on board.

The house band quickly got up on stage after the first batch was done with Joaco at the forefront taking over the rhythm section along with Rick on bass, Vincent on percussion and vocals, Bubui on drums, Tosh on lead guitar and myself alternating on bass and vocals. Later on, keyboardist Kiko Montecillo arrived and joins in to complete the group.

Admittedly a bit rusty from the long lay-off, the house band struggled somewhat in executing the tunes correctly but eventually shook off the rust and slowly got back into the groove of things. We revisited some of the songs in the repertoire and tried it out until we got it fairly right. Thanks guys!

Towards the end of the festivity, the youngsters joined and collaborated with the elders alternating on stage and jammed till closing time. It was almost 5am when we ultimately pulled the plug, so to speak.

Most definitely, a very successful and gratifying jam not only for me but for everyone who took part. Praise and thank God for the opportunity.

Special thanks to each and everyone who dropped by and to Bubui for his unwavering generosity. Once again Bubui was the magnanimous sponsor of the 4 boxes of sumptuous and mouth watering pizzas we all enjoyed last night. May God bless him even more.

And the count down begins…Two more weekends to go guys! Mark that date.

HAVE A GEAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!