OCTOBER 29, 2016 - SATURDAY JAM UPDATE

Frankly, having to reschedule the jam on a Saturday felt a bit odd with my body clock being habitually accustomed to the Friday nights. My usual characteristic hyperactivity in anticipation to the Friday festivity seemed to have already past its peak when Saturday came. Funny, as we used to jam both Fridays and Saturdays many years back. Nevertheless, it was better off having to converge later than not at all.

Having no idea on how the evening will turn out, i prepared the music room ready for action as usual. Except for loyal friends and former gym client Ervin Mate and music room pioneer Luisa Distor who arrived early and likewise with house band bassist Rick Trinidad who is always dependable and rarely absent, the other regulars took their sweet time before showing up. Unfortunately, some of the regular band mates were either busy and could not make it and some already had made other plans. Gabby Villanueva, who surprised us with his presence (after more than a month in absentia) arrived a bit later followed by his son Christian who came with his girlfriend.

It took an hour or so before the next wave of guests actually showed up. Arriving next were vocalist Monchie Henares, Arabelle Jimenez and percussionist Vincent Garrucho who came in full force with his whole family. Tagging along his daughters Maxine and Izzy and his charming wife Patti with him. It was to be Patti's first time to visit the music room. Untimely for her, the band will eventually end up falling short of complete. O well, there's always next time. Among the other guests who actually made it were Nikki Segundo and his friend Archie Paler who, eventually, joined us briefly to play drums.

With some munchies available (brought by some generous guests) and facing the prospects of having no band to perform, it was in the beginning, shaping up to be a picnic rather than a jam night. And so we thought. But as determined as one can be, we made good with what we had and still found ourselves jamming and singing all night.

Complete or not, we will definitely not be denied. The show must go on..as i always say. As ever the trooper, Rick took charge on stage playing the guitar and singing while i accompanied him on bass. We did his usual repertoire while Archie joined us to play drums. Maxine and Izzy had their stage time, as well, with the ever supportive dad Vincent accompanying them on guitar. As limited the list on the repertoire were, we eventually ended up shifting to the sing-along mode which dominated practically the whole evening. Thanks to the accessibility of Youtube, choice of songs will be of no problem.

Each one took turns singing minus-one classical and Broadway songs being the common and popular choice for all. Frankly, it made me realize that i needed to give vocalization again more time and not just concentrate on playing instruments as i'm am already struggling with my tone, breathing and timing as compared to before. Nevertheless, despite concluding way earlier at a record time of 3:30am, barring the struggle, we all had so much fun singing all the way till closing time. Thank and praise God!

By the way, hats off to Kiko Montecillo for dropping by at 3am and for patiently staying around to chill even for a shorty while we were already packing up prior to closing up. We hope to see Kiko back on the next jam night.

And so, that's how the cookie crumbled on our special Saturday night. Next week we go back to our usual Friday schedule. See you all then!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!