NOV. 25, 2016 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS

As if a part of a grand design, being a bit under the weather and needing some ample time to rest and recover, the jam night timely took off quickly and ended way much earlier than usual rewarding me an early sleep. SomeONE surely must be looking after me...praise and thank God. Suffering from dry cough and colds that had lingered since Wednesday, I certainly was not at my 100%. But, come hell or high water, i will not be denied. The show must go on! No better way to treat an ailment but a solid dose of good music.

Although the festivity lasted comparatively shorter in duration than the ordinary, it was nonetheless productive and packed with quality time. Mark Longos and his office mates Eman Yuzon and Dan Garces had decided to come early specifically to rehearse before the other guests arrived. It was going to be their very first time to merge and interact as a band. They are still at the organizing stage hoping to be ready for an event they will be participating at in a couple of weeks. Timely the stage was all free allowing them enough needed time for familiarity.

Just when the neophyte band was about to finish, my sister-in-law Tintin Mara Reed and some friends (they came from another party) stormed in and quickly took over center stage. They've been wanting to come over and sing karaoke to cap their night. Tintin came with a friend and music room newbie by the name of Avon Morales and some others. Tintin and Avon got what they came for and sang a few tunes to the delight of the cheering crowd in the room. As fast as they came in, soon bade goodbye and rushed out the door. Minutes later they came back. Apparently, on their way out, they chanced upon Kiko Montecillo who was just coming in. Unsurprisingly, with the keyboard encyclopedia and the rest of the band around to accompany, the two ladies were right back on stage performing. Well, there's no question that a live band will be way more exciting than singing karaoke.

Another highlight was having witnessed my daughter Nisee perform on stage for the very first time along with her good friend Pat Concepcion. The young ladies nailed the vocals trying out an OPM song with Kiko and the band in the background. Appearing shy at the start, Nisee quickly got into the groove and spirit and did a good job with the vocals along with Pat, who i was told, was really the singer in their group. Great job guys! Keep it up!

And finally, late at the magic hour, the house band finally had their stage time. In the roster were Kiko Montecillo, Monchie Henares, Rick Trinidad, Bubui Colico, Vincent Garrucho, Mark Longos and myself. Newcomers Eman and Dan, who were still around, joined in on some occasions. As usual, we enjoyed covering a variety of pop songs from different genres and eras. I immensely enjoyed the band's effort in striving to achieve the proper synchrony of the instrumentals in impromptu to as close to how it should be. The satisfaction of having completed a song decently on the spot is so much rewarding. That is, after all, the thrill of it all musicians in general can comprehend. At least it holds true for me.

And so we finally ended early at just 3:30am..totally a record of some sorts for our regular weekend jam. And yes, more time for me to rest and recover. God is truly good!

Thanks to all the other friends and guests who dropped by. See you all next time!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!