Saturday, June 22, 2019
JUNE 21, 2019 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS
Fresh from last Friday’s epic 39th anniversary celebration, it is a familiar scenario to end up with a lesser turnout of people the week before and the week after every big event. Though the numbers did concur quite accurately, the quality of the jam was, in fact, superb.
The festivity started very early with the first guests arriving timely as I was just preparing the room at about 7pm. Top class bassist Empi Martinez along with their band tech/roadie were the first to arrive. “Flightskool” frontman Capt. Winford and drummer Paolo Manuel were then on their way over too. Apparently, the band had been planning to come over to the music room to jam for some time but had difficulty getting themselves together due to their busy schedules. Braving bad traffic conditions all around, they finally succeeded in getting everyone available.
House band honchos Rick Trinidad and Vincent Garrucho along with the Monotones main man Ryan Nacino, drummer Alvaro Nacino and a couple of young aspiring musicians were likewise around. To complete the roster, keyboard lord Kiko Montecillo came straight from a gig, caught up to join the jam, but this time showcasing not only playing the keyboards but his guitar talent as well.
Music room newbies couple Ian and Gina Curtis, who are the invited guests of Vincent, were a revelation to everyone. Both were totally game to perform on stage with us. Gina, who works at The Living Room bar in Parañaque, surprised us with her powerful vocals, belting songs like a true professional. Her range was impeccable. Gina’s husband, Ian, was himself a fantastic singer plus an excellent drummer to boot. It was fun backing up and playing alongside these guys. Welcome to the music room Gina and Ian.
The jam finally concluded with Rick, Ryan and Alvaro taking the last slot up until closing time. By the 3:45am the stage was quiet and empty. A bit early than the usual closing hour but good enough to satisfy one’s craving. All’s well that ends well. Praise and thank God.
Special thanks to Gab Villanueva and Reynald Perez for keeping us company too.
Till the next jam…see you all next time.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!
Monday, June 17, 2019
JUNE 14, 2019 - 39TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY & PHOTOS
Hands down, the 39th Pete’s Place Music Room Anniversary Party clearly outdid expectations turning out to be one of the more productive and action packed event in recent years, notwithstanding an unwelcome technical setback due to a busted speaker occurring midway through the jam. A vast assembly of awesome talents from all ages flocked the stage all night and gave their all to the absolute delight of the appreciative crowd in attendance that lasted till past 5am.
Officially starting much earlier than usual, the festivity commenced at 5pm for the prescheduled music room blessing officiated by our former parish priest, Fr. John Morota. Lay Ministers from our parish, spearheaded by good friend Rolly Palma, were around to witness the brief ceremony before gathering for some fellowship and cocktails with Fr. John. The church group stayed much much longer even though our guest priest had already left.
Soon more guests started to arrive in droves. By this time, the empty food table was filling up and was now overflowing with potluck food contributions courtesy of all the generous donors around. Special mention to ever thoughtful Richard Parcia for the yummy lechon and to Atty, Pecky Casuela for the bottles of Red Wine. Totally an abundance of food, drinks and heart pumping music for everyone to partake and enjoy all night.
The party was split into two areas, primarily at the music room and then at the lanai upstairs where my wife Vicky, her siblings and other good friends converged for a more quite setting. Expectedly, most of the action and noise happened in the room, courtesy of the electrifying bands and musicians around.
Pinoy Rock icon and one of the music room's favorite performers, Lou Bonnevie, jumped on stage and started the ball rolling, sang a few songs to start off. Rock band Mutiny was the first guest band to perform. As always exciting to watch, Mutiny is reputed to be one of best rock bands in the circuit today.
After a lengthy collaboration set by the music room regulars featuring Nitoy Adriano and Joko Reantaso, next to perform on stage was Joyride. It is always entertaining to watch a band like theirs. Indeed one of my favorites, having a brass section and all in their lineup plus a dynamic and lively vocalist to boot, makes their band uniquely stand out from the rest. The free jam segment commenced and persisted all night immediately after the guest bands were done with their sets.
Among other great talents who performed where Kiko Montecillo, Rj Pineda, Xtine Mercado, Rick Trinidad, Adriano sisters Michelle and Katie, Bubui Colico and his brother Allan, Monchie Henares, Jet Bueno, Toby Alberto, Steph Salazar, Pau Villanueva, Ryan Pineda, Ryan Nacino, Gav Sabalburo and more. House band personalities, Mayette Clemente and Tinnie Esguerra were around too but did not jam.
In closing, let me not forget to thank each and every one who took precious time to come and celebrate with us. Too many of you for me to recall, but you know who you all are. My utmost gratitude to all who assisted and took charge in tending the bar, to all the entertainers, magnanimous food and drinks donors and to our household staff who assisted in making everything easier for us. God bless you.
An so another epic anniversary celebration had concluded and with flying colors, at that. A fitting climax to another great year that had breezed through. Looking forward to an even more blessed and exciting times ahead! In God we trust!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!
Saturday, June 8, 2019
JUNE 7, 2019 – FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS
The countdown begins for the much awaited Pete’s Place Music Room 39th Year Anniversary. Just another week to go before the big event, the anticipation seems to be building up with the bands and friends already poising up to contributing and having fun. Almost 4 glorious decades of music and friendship defines and characterizes our humble home. Truly, a privilege and a pleasure for me to be hosting. As always, I thank and praise God for the enormous blessing.
All these years, it had consistently been a pattern that the turnout of guests becomes leaner prior to and immediately after a big event. However, last night was tricky to call. Though indeed the house band guys were a few, the younger generation came in a multitude consisting of performers and spectators dominating the room subsequently refuting the myth. The house band, in collaboration with the young crop of musicians were the performers for the evening.
Monotones main man Ryan Nacino and his group arrived in full force along with some of their friends who came to party. Up and coming band Carousel Casualties’ spearheaded by Pau Villanueva and front man Emmi Villegas along with Ryan Pineda and their guest bassist came straight from their rehearsals and got stage time as well.
Rick Trinidad, Mayette Alberto-Clemente and i were the only representation from the house band. Mayette still had her fill singing most of the evening while i ended up playing bass and drums. Ryan Nacino lorded the keyboards while Alvaro Nacino and a couple of alternating drummers came from the young blood’s group. Ryan Pineda played drums and keyboards as well. Believe it or not, Gab Villanueva got his wits going and tinkered with the guitar on stage at intermission during the band’s break. The jam concluded at about 4am with Carousel Casualties on stage for the set finale. Mission accomplished.
And so the countdown is on for next Fridays big night! Don’t forget!!! Friday, June 14th is our 39th year anniversary celebration! Mark your calendars guys! Don’t miss it! See you all then!
HAVE A GREAT WEEK EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!
Saturday, June 1, 2019
MAY 31, 2019 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS
With our 39th anniversary coming soon, the recent jams had shaped up to my expectations and showed glimpses of what was in store come June 14th. For 2 consecutive weekends, the stage was indulged with awesome talents with the house band getting more success in turnout and stage time. Surely we can expect another epic musical extravaganza in the offing.
House band honchos Tinnie Esguerra, Rick Trinidad along with Anton Atengco, Rj Pineda and Xtine Mercado made it back to the room, joining me on consecutive weekends with the inclusion of main vocalist Monchie Henares finally making it this time around. The talented Adriano sisters Michelle and Kate were present, as well, adding up to the already illustrious line-up.
The jam was breathtaking with Rj lording the keys and Anton on lead guitar. Tinnie, Rick, Xtine and the rest of the band mates complimenting contributions blended superbly and masterfully in every tune played. It was good to be able to try out new songs to add to the repertoire. Nothing beats a good assemblage of top notch musicians in action.
Among the others who ably pitched in to peform were regulars Ryan Nacino, Pau Villanueva, Ryan Pineda and Fonz Cabal. Drummer Alvin Alvaro Nacino was in the house, too, completing the roster. The youngsters took over the stage after the house band was done, with the exception of Rick who tirelessly continued to play bass with them. Nice jam guys!
It was indeed a pleasant surprise to see Joel Disini and charming wife Gigi around. It was their very first time to visit and experience our regular Friday jam night. Joel and Gigi happens to be our very gracious hosts at the recent Pete’s Place Music Room Summer Jam held at their plush resort/farm in Pintoresco, Alfonso Cavite. We hope see them back in the room with their other friends next time soon.
Always glad to see my Air force child hood friends, siblings Deana and Macau based Red Aquino and their families around. Truly exemplifies the true definition of an extended family for me. Our congratulations to Red’s daughter Caroline for graduating recently with honors as a cum laude. Kudos and more power to our beloved Caroline.
Also, special mention to Richard Parcia, Reynald Perez, Arabelle Jimenez, Gab Villanueva, Beth Marquez, Nikki Segundo and the rest of the others guys who made it over. You guys rock!
And so the story goes for this weekend’s festivity. Countdown commences for our much awaited coming event. See you all next week.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)