SEPT. 13, 2019 – FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS

The dreaded proverbial folklore of ‘Friday the 13th’ had again proven to be totally idiotic as bad luck is never really a guarantee to happen on this specific day, much more for the music room’s case, at that. In fact contrarily, comparatively last night’s jam turned out be the most satisfying in a long while. Talk about luck.

A good number of awesome musicians, in fact, came unannounced and kept the stage busy and productive all night long. The house band, too, gave a good accounting with some main cogs finally showing up to play. Except for a few in the audience, it was mostly jammers that populated the room. It’s a jam night, right? How can I complain?

Kosmikskala’s Paolo Manuel and Kristine Virtucio surprised us with their presence along with Flytskool frontman Capt. Wynford Martillana. A class act all on their own, they came early to have fun and to make some music. Always glad to have these guys around sharing their art. Definitely a treat to watch.

On the other hand, among the house band personalities who joined me were guitar wizard Anton Atengco, musical geniuses Tinnie Esguerra, Kiko Montecillo, Vincent Garrucho, Rick Trinidad and Monchie Henares. Vocalist Luisa Distor shared her talent as well taking over the vocal chores later on at the magic hour. Young blood musicians Pau Villanueva and Ryan Nacino joined in on stage as well.

The jam was reminiscent of the glorious days when the house band was still very much intact. With Tinnie, Kiko and Anton on board, it was definitely like the good old days all over again. In the process, we learned another new song with the intention of polishing it more next time we meet. The magic hour definitely still lives on.

Near closing time, Kiko lorded over the keyboards with Tinnie on acoustic guitar while Luisa provided the vocals. Vincent played percussions and vocals, while Rick and myself alternated on bass and drums. It is always fun to jam with talented musicians like these guys. The good vibe that comes along with it must be the very reason we had lasted for almost 4 decades.

The stage was finally quiet and empty at exactly 4:46 am. And as usual, the guys stayed longer after, relaxing at the smoking area outdoor while i tidied the room inside. By 5:03am everybody was already homeward bound. Mission accomplished. As always, I thank God for the blessing and opportunity.

And so we look forward to the next jam night….see you all then.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - Sept. 6, 2019 - Monchie Henares/ Vincent Garrucho (Ain't No Sunshine)

SEPT. 6, 2019 – FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS

Had another refreshing and enjoyable jam last night having some old timers gamely on board again to play. For two consecutive weekends the house band’s headcount improved in numbers but definitely still a far cry from being complete. Nonetheless, it’s always a treat and a joy to have these guys around, sparingly or otherwise. Right away i knew it was going to be a fun and busy night.

So glad to see House band honcho Joaco Marco back in the house. Joaco is always a treat to have around considering his unmatched prowess and virtuosity in playing rhythm guitar, truly a totally different class all on his own. A former main cog every weekends, unfortunately now, his hands are tied with pressing early commitments from his transport business, barring him from coming as frequent as he wants to.

To no surprise, the new generation had their representation, as well, catching up with us much later on. Generally, the jam was nice and productive all throughout, with the action becoming more intense towards the tail end when the band was more complete. I must say that I am happy to see the youngsters embracing and adapting quickly to the type of music I’m personally fond of... jazz that is. Kudos to these kids.

The rest of the other house band guys who showed up were Monchie Henares, Rick Trinidad and Vincent Garrucho. Young blood Pau Villanueva, Ryan Nacino and their drummer friend and music room newbie Charles Gener added fire power to complete the cast.

Also acknowledging the presence of Gab Villanueva, mayor Jess Burahan, RJ Palma and three other female youngsters whose names i do not know. Thank you all.

On another note, it was heartwarming to see balik-music room and Coron based Dr. Mon Alleje in the house to unwind and to play percussions after a few years I had not seen him. He is here in Manila, in mourning with his family and loved ones, after his nephew had recently passed on. From the Pete’s Place music room family, our heartfelt condolences to the Cruzs and the Allejes. Rest in Peace, Lino.

In closing, the live music concluded at around 4:30am with some guests still around at the smoking area up till 4:45am when i finally was able to lock up. Mission accomplished!

As I always say, all’s well that ends well. Praise be to God.

Till the next jam night….see you all then.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - Aug. 30, 2019 - Toby Alberto's reggae version (Waiting In Vain)

AUG. 30, 2019 – FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS

As always, it is hard to predict what transpires in each unique Friday night at the music room. Just when you thought that you had already figured out completely how things are you suddenly hit a brick wall. When will I ever learn?

Unlike last week, tonight was a rebirth of the past. Old timers, pioneers, regulars and even the house band had a better showing. And of course, having around old friends from way back is always a treat. The mood was warm and perfect and with the band busy on stage backing up every vocalist, it was a typical music room vibe we are normally used to. Nonetheless, unlike last week’s dominance, the young blood’s representation was solitary. As always, i thank God for another wonderful evening.

It was great to see fellow Air Force brat Skip Aquino and his lovely wife Esmin and also Tecci Sevilla back in the room. Air Force brat Ed Diano likewise made a comeback after some time in absentia along with his amusing unconventional antics we miss too. It’s always a pleasure to see this guy around. To me, the music room will never be complete without Ed. By the way, Air Force brat John Sarmiento was around as well.

Among the guys who made it over to jam were Vincent Garrucho, Monchie Henares, Rick Trinidad, Ryan Nacino, Mayette Clemente, Nando Alberto, Toby Alberto and Steph Salazar. Mayette and Steph along with Toby, Nando and Monchie dominated the vocals with Rick, Vincent and myself alternating on whatever instrument needs playing. If you must know, by culture, multitasking is the name of the game at the music room. Overall, a great jam much gratifying for all that persisted till past 4am.

Special thanks to Rick Trinidad for the cake and to Nando Alberto for the snacks. Acknowledging also the presence of Luisa Distor, Atty. Maggie Tamin, Mano Estrella and Ryan Nacino for their presence. God bless you all.

And so another successful weekend at the music room had come to an end. I am already looking forward to what’s in store for next week’s jam. Till then….

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!

Jam at Pete's Place - Aug. 23, 2019 - Community jam with Vincent Garrucho (Everybody Wants To Rule The World)

AUG. 23, 2019 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS

Last night we were given a glimpse of the inevitable when the younger generation finally takes dominion over the old timers. With the regular house band musician’s uncertain presence and dwindling numbers, a new breed will soon take over to fill in the slack…C’est la vie.

The evening’s population was predominantly the young, originating from different groups who had lately visited the music room to jam and some newcomers. Talented and promising youngsters with remarkable musical adeptness echoed throughout the night displaying skills that are totally exceptional, to say the least. Impressive in their individual performances, the guys were truly awesome and fun to jam with.

Among the young guns who performed were dynamic 5-string fretless bassist Ana Declaro and Tristan Rusel Castro who played wicked ukulele that totally impressed me. Both are members of the Rhythmo Y Cuerdas Band that currently performs in Newport. Talented flutist/bassist Carl Arcilla along with drummer RJ Alfafara and keyboardist Theo Blanch were all a welcome revelation. With their inherent talents you can already tell that these guys are destined for greatness.

The jam was totally breathtaking and the variety of tunes played were masterfully executed displaying each individuals virtuosity with their chosen instrument. The few regular guys who showed up had stage time as well and blended as always. With the improved audio from the new speaker system everything was perfect. Unrelenting, the live music persisted till past 4am. What a great set of musicians tonight. I really had fun!

The only two House Band guys who made it over were Vincent Garrucho and Monchie Henares. Also, acknowledging the presence of Gab Villanueva, Luisa Distor, Steph Salazar, Nikki Segundo, Pau Villanueva, Ryan Nacino and their friends.

Incidentally, apart from the newbie performers that made it over to the room was another group from The Generics Pharmacy Company, their building situated just outside our village. Apparently, this group was looking for a place nearby to hang out and coincidentally found us on the internet. They stayed to witness the jam and enjoyed the setting good enough to plan a return with more recruits next time they come. Welcome to the music room guys.

And as usual, most would stay longer to mingle and chill at the smoking area before going home. I finally locked up at exactly 4:45am. And so another successful night had commenced…Praise God.

In closing, let me just say that, i am happy to welcome these new young talents to the fore anytime. I can actually hang my gloves whenever for these kids. After all, the music will live on at the music room forever. In God's will and grace!

See you all next week.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!