AUGUST 26, 2016 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS

Scribbling an update in seclusion is very much atypical in my standards. But by not being able to join in the fun and frolic of a much anticipated event, writing about it might somehow make up for it. Nah! Who am i kidding? Nothing will ever replace the satisfaction of being physically present. However, still stricken with the flu, i had really no choice but to just rest it out and let the big boys play by themselves. That didn't sound right..did it?

As they say, "the show must go on". Stormy weather or not, the regular guys came out and took charge of business just to keep the weekend tradition going. House band bassist Rick Trinidad was the very first guy to show up. Vocalist Monchie Henares, guitarist extraordinaire Tinnie Esguerra, percussionist/exterminator (pun intended) Vincent Garrucho and his 2 daughters Maxine and Izzy, Richard Parcia and Roger Salazar were the first batch to arrive. Incidentally, Monchie had invited his 2 balikbayan friends over and was expected to make it over. It was going to be an interesting night. 

The two balikbayan guests finally arrives. They are Rodney and Nina Nuval, from Virginia. Rodney is an accomplished guitarist in his own right. He validated his spot on stage when he jammed with the house band showcasing his exemplary guitar skills. Along with Tinnie, Rick and Bubui Colico on drums, the group performed familiar Jazz and blues tunes with Rodney on lead guitar. According to Rodney, last night was his first solid jam in quite a long time. He surely didn't seem to have lost his touch. But then again, who am i to judge. It's the first time i've seen nor heard him play. I say, if you have it, you have it! 

The evening heated up even more when the crazy trio took charge on stage. As always, versatile and talented vocalists Michael Puyat, Monchie Henares and Marc de Asis entertained everyone with their humor and wit (oh, plus vocals too..hehe) with no other than piano master Kiko Montecillo on the keys. When Kiko is around, you can be assured of a musical feast. It is just like having a human jukebox around. Just pour bourbon and press play (am i correct..Tinnie? hehe!). Anyway, i heard that the crazy trio had intentions of keeping their comedic partnership seriously. That didn't sound right either..hahaha! 

As expected the jam continued unabated all throughout the evening with personalities jostling on stage to perform. It was quite a fun riot, if i may say so myself. Well, this is exactly what the music room is all about. At about 4:30am the stage finally turned quiet. It was time to rap it up, pack up and go home.

Special thanks to Arabelle Jimenez, Luisa Distor, Air Force brats Jb Gabor and Rico Tayko, batch mate Selo Cruz and Gab Villanueva. To Amar Puyat for painstakingly taking charge of the LIVE facebook feed and photos as well. 

And so this Friday Jam is done and over...till the next time around. God willing i should already be healthy and well by then to join. Already looking forward to it. Thank and praise God!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!