OCT. 7, 2016 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

Compared to the recent past, it was nice to be spared of complaints about bad traffic from friends who showed up at the jam last night. I had the same pleasant experience, too, when i was out on the road to attend to some errands earlier in the day. The roads where i traversed were definitely green and go. But despite the luxury, the guys surprisingly took their leisurely time to the music room. Perhaps anticipating another imminent gridlock, subsequently deciding to just wait it out for traffic to subside before moving out could be a reason.

It was already past 10pm when the first wave of guys showed up. Nevertheless, it was all good and timely, as it gave me enough slack to set up, tinker and figure out how to make the new Yamaha EMX 3000 powered mixer we had planned to test, functional. Alas, after going through some uncertainty of having it operational in time. Soon enough, everything fell into place and the system was finally on commission and working as it should. Thank and praise God! Moreover, with the guys finally giving the thumbs-up on the backup mixer's performance, now all we need is a new set of house speakers to compliment and replace our old busted ones..In God's time it will happen.

Just a handful of merrymakers actually made it to the jam last night. Percussionist Vincent Garrucho and her talented daughter Maxine were again the first to show up. Minutes later, guitarists Joaco Marco and Japan based Tosho Murayama arrived. Bassist Rick Trinidad, who was already in the room with son Logan while i was still setting up earlier, returned for the jam after driving his son back home at their residence close by. House band honchos Tinnie Esguerra, Monchie Henares and keyboardist Kiko Montecillo was in the house, as well, completing the roster for last night's band.

With not many people around, it was the perfect time to rehearse and do some polishing on some tunes we kept on our to-do list in the past. As always the highlight, Kiko's closing hours stint was definitely the clincher. Kiko's vast knowledge on playing just about anything under the sun was always a delight. Everyone had so much fun singing and reminiscing classic songs with Kiko masterfully lording on the keys.

The part were we all sang Christmas songs in unison and even capping up with Auld Lang Syne to represent New Years was epic. Totally exhilarating! We were having so much fun that we had to remind ourselves that it was already past 5am and that we really had to call it a night. And so, at exactly 5:32:56am the jam regrettably had to come to an end. So be it.

Special thanks to Arabelle Jimenez, Luisa Distor, Selo Cruz, Tina Ansaldo-Cruz and balik-music room Ed Diano. Glad to have you back in the music room Ed! It's been a while. We truly missed your company, meng.

Till the next jam night. See you all next time!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!