Saturday, July 27, 2019
JULY 26, 2019 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS
Last night’s jam was another winner boasting of awesome musical talents hugging the stage all night. The Flightskool band comprising of powerhouse musicians Capt. Wynford, Loren Orendain and Empi Martinez had become the main attraction for two consecutive weekends already and was the first group around. Habitually reporting in early primarily to set up, these guys always come complete with their own sophisticated amps and gear along with a sound technician at their beck and call every time they perform. Coincidentally, it was also their sound tech Mr. Lee Benjamin’s birthday yesterday. Happy birthday Lee.
The shorthanded but tenacious Flightskool band completed two entertaining sets jamming alongside some music room house band regulars who ably filled in for the absentees. House band drummer Bubui Colico and house band percussionist Vincent Garrucho saw the queue and gamely proxied to complete the ensemble. Adding to the list, a female flight crew, a vocalist and a musician by the name of Jana wowed the audience with her brand of talent. Another Philippine Airlines vocalist/guitarist who performed last week came back and got his stage time as well.
House band honchos Rick Trinidad and Monchie Henares and young protégé’s Ryan Nacino and Pau Villanueva were in the house too. Rick did a set of his classic staple 3 songs while I accompanied him on bass with Vincent playing percussions. Ryan filled in on the keys while Pau on lead guitar.
As usual, the youngsters took over the final set with Rick and myself still on board. Despite being busy bar tending and manning the camera on the side, i was glad that i was still able to get to play. Overall, i must say that the general vibe of the jam towards the finale was hypnotic, spontaneous and quite liberating. The variety of chord progressions applied and explored was totally a fun experience for us all. No complaints. By 4am, we already had our fill to last us for a whole week. As i always say, all’s well that ends well.
In closing, i would like to acknowledge the presence of my sis-in-laws Ana Mara and Tintin Mara Reed and friends. With them were Bambi Rubio, Raul Julian, Allan Coscolluela, Johnny Wassmer, Jay Palma, Ozzy Lopez and Rosky. Special thanks to Tintin for always being game in sharing her vocal talents on stage with the band.
Special mention to Gab Villanueva, Nikki Segundo, John de Leon, Paul Diano, Manolo Valencia, Gina and Ian Curtis and many more who were present. Kudos to all of you!
Next Friday, August 2, will be another epic night. It is Monchie Henares’ birthday party at the music room. Join us! See you then.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!
Saturday, July 20, 2019
JULY 19, 2019 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS
It’s is quite impossible to describe yesterday’s gathering in a word that really gives it total justice with so many incredible and exciting things happening all throughout the time. An ultra successful 13 hour marathon event that kept me on my toes starting off with the heartwarming Reed Fitness Center grand reunion and then capping off with the customary Friday jam that came out to be truly extraordinary in magnitude by all standards.
It was around 4pm that I was alerted from my siesta that some of my former colleagues from the Reed Fitness Center group had already arrived. I then stood up and scrambled to go down to meet and welcome them in. Officially set at 5pm, the early birds decided to come early in consideration of weekend traffic conditions. By 6pm more and more guests from that batch showed up all too eager to be with their beloved boss, Douglas Reed, after more than 2 decades of not seeing him. Funny but twenty-four years would have turned most of us into senior citizens by now. It’s amazing how time flies. In all honesty, everyone looked really great.
Guest of Honor Mr. Douglas Reed, along with his wife and my sister-in-law Tintin Mara Reed, arrived at the party at around 7pm understandably anxious as to what to expect. After all, twenty-four years had already past since the center had closed shop. Unbeknownst, Doug was immediately swarmed by the excited throng of well-wishers, mobbing him just inches from the door where he came in. Flashes from cell phone cameras were like a lightning storm snapping away and capturing every moment of them beside their beloved boss. It was like a familiar scene at a Hollywood event. I am grateful to God to witness such happening. Praise God.
A touching scene seeing everyone merrily hobnobbing with one another, catching up and enjoying the reunion. Towards the end, the testimonial speeches of each former staff on stage and the candor and inspiring closing remarks of the guest of honor was indeed heartwarming to all concerned. If this event sparked something good for the group even for a glitter, then I had done my job.
On another subject, the Friday jam elevated the score even more adding an enormous contribution of talents around performing for the appreciative crowd. In fact, too many that some superstars had to step aside with no actual stage time available for them. My apologies to all concerned. It is just simply unpredictable as to what happens every week. This was just one of those crazy super nights lasting till about 5am.
To name some, among those who shared their talents were, Loren Orendain, Wynford (I always forget his family name), Empi Martinez, Paolo Manuel, Kristine Virtucio, Vincent Garrucho, Allan Abdulla, Michael Vargas, Alex Salva, Tin Caberto, Vincent Garrucho, Ryan Nacino, Pau Villanueva and a lot more. Quite a number of music room newbies performed as well adding more variety to the line-up.
Surprisingly, Kiko Montecillo with music room first-timer Norby David, Tinnie Esguerra, Anton Atengco and Dennis Espiritu are just a few who were sidelined to just be spectators. I was lucky that I was able to briefly play the drums and bass for some time. Believe it or not, no power play involved here..hehe! Anyway, i hope to see these guys on stage next time.
In closing, I would like to thank Doug Reed for honoring us with his presence and to all my Reed Fitness Center friends and colleagues who had given their time and effort just to be with us. Thank you for the food and drinks offering as well. And of course to all the awesome musicians who had shared their talents on stage till the wee hours of the morning, you are all awesome. God bless you.
And so, that’s about the size of it. We look forward to more fun and frolic in the coming week. Till then.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!
Saturday, July 13, 2019
JULY 12, 2019 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS
The evening started really slow with just a handful of us around, hardly able to even start up a jam. It was clear to me then that it was going to be one of those nights. Another case of the pre and post “big event” slump that is quite a common experience…and so I thought.
Nearing midnight, we eventually struggled but managed to play with Rick playing bass, Ryan Nacino on Keyboards, Vincent Garrucho on percussions and myself on the drums. Soon, the talented Adriano sisters Michelle and Kath showed up and quickly came aboard. We were then clearly in business.
My appreciation to these two girls for taking up the challenge and learning a song request I had proposed to jam but was previously junked for some reason. We have a video of the trial run-through as proof of evidence. Thanks guys, i am one happy fella.
While a lot of action were already happening on stage, my sweet and beautiful niece Tina Mara and her two associates had already cozied themselves up in the room, comfortably in their space, watching us perform. The room was clearly getting busier as the night progressed and steadily picking up momentum.
By past midnight the young blood of musicians and their cohorts spearheaded by Carousel Casualties’ vocalist/guitarist Pau Villanueva suddenly makes an entry and filled up the place with a big group of returnees and newbies they had tagged along. Among them was the talented Alex Salva. A favorite and sought after pianist/entertainer in many plush Hotels in the metropolis, it was good to see Alex around after quite a long time. Balik-music room Alex nonchalantly took his spot and lorded the keys along with his equally talented band mates who now had taken over center stage.
I am always happy and pleased to see talents and skills flourish most especially with regards to these young crop of musicians who had come around to play at our home. Well, these guys came exactly to the right place. Soon these kids will add up to the historical list of success stories of musicians who had started off with us and then eventually making a name for themselves in the industry. For the benefit of those who are still unfamiliar, it did happen many many times. For that, I praise and thank God.
In a nutshell, the jam did blow the roof down. The band was in the zone and clearly enjoying their precious time on stage. Oh yes, they were having the time of their lives. A newbie even admitted not noticing the actual hour as he was in deep musical euphoria. Admittedly, the sound they were producing was intense, precise and catchy. I am totally impressed. Even the oldies are regulars around can attest to it.
If you will notice, except for Pau and Alex, I had not mentioned any of the names of the other performers. Honestly, I do not know….no excuses. I am such an idiot that i didn’t ask. Well, i promise to find out next time they visit. My apologies to all.
Special mention to good friend Gab Villanueva and my high school classmate and aviator Mon Torres who kept us company last night. Always a pleasure to have these guys around.
In closing, the jam concluded at exactly 4am, and as always , the others stayed a bit longer to chill a bit and to settle down before packing up. Twenty minutes later it was over. Time to turn off the lights and close up.
Another Friday jam night over and done and now looking forward to the coming week. As I always say…..All’s well that ends well.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!
Saturday, July 6, 2019
JULY 5, 2019 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS
A totally gratifying and successful festivity most deserving of a good man was the story of last night’s ultra fun celebration. Officially dated July 3, Richard Parcia turned 43 years young. It didn’t even need much effort to put together as it was just at the spur of the moment decision for the celebrant to call. Uncertain on the outcome of whether people will show up or not, i personally had no doubts that it was going to be epic…and it was.
As if long planned, music room friends, guests and musicians showed up perfectly timed for the occasion and kept the stage busy all night with awesome performances by the musical guests.
Even the House Band guys had a good attendance. Among them were Tinnie Esguerra, Kiko Montecillo, Rick Trinidad, Vincent Garrucho, Bubui Colico and kumpadre Monchie Henares. Xtine Mercado, who is a Pete’s Place Music Room’s house band favorite accomplice was around to kick ass too…pardon my French.
Talented Nick Mangubat delivered his usual great performance with his renditions of popular songs in his long list. With Xtine backing him up on bass, Kiko on keys, Alvaro Nacino on drums and Vincent on percussions, the end result was a total experience.
Overall, the conglomeration of enormous talents put together kept the jam totally exciting and fun, well deserving of the celebrant’s delight and approval. It was a good jam. Thanks to all of you.
Fellow Air Force brats Paul and Nomy Diano and daughter Breanna, Joey Barroga, Johnny Sarmiento and Red Aquino were in the house as well. It was heartwarming to see the brats huddled and hobnobbing with mom reminiscent of the good ‘ol days when we were still residing in Nichols Air Base. We were like family and will always be so. God bless them all.
Among the regulars who showed up were Gab Villanueva, Nikki Segundo, Reynald Perez, Ryan Nacino, Pau Villanueva, Marc de Asis, Rj Palma and a few others I can’t recall.
Our utmost gratitude to our celebrant for the 20 boxes of pizzas ( yes…20 boxes!), the overflowing supply of spicy fried chicken and for opening the bar for everyone to partake and enjoy. To Vincent for the delicious Piaya and Monchie's Cassava cake. It was a gastronomical experience beyond compare. God bless you.
In closing, the jam concluded at past 4am with Nick on stage at the actual finale. As usual, some guys hanged out longer to chill and for some nightcap before heading for home. It was already 5am when I locked up before i went to up to the room to sleep.
Praise be to God for another fantastic night. Till the next time.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!
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