It's the merry month of December and Christmas is just around the corner. Most homes, offices, shopping malls, parks and most anywhere we go are all spruced up with glitter and holiday ornaments to welcome the yuletide season. For me, the festive atmosphere it brings radiates positive vibe that thoroughly rejuvenates and refreshes the spirit. Indeed, my favorite time of the year.
With the holiday frenzy building up, traffic gridlock all around the metropolis is inevitable. It's understandable that some people get discouraged to move about having to deal with it. Apart from a string of other holiday related activities here and there, it partly explains the unpredictability of people who will eventually make it to the jam. But whatever the case may be, as i always say, we will not be denied. Whatever happens, the show must go on.
At past 9pm, it was Korean based, Air Force brat and dear friend Jet Bueno along with his chef son Jethro arriving first. Nikki Segundo and his office mate (don't know his name), Joaco Marco, Luisa Distor, Rick Trinidad, Mark Longos and balik-music room Emman Yuzon came next. It was great to see my batch mate Selo Cruz who last night brought along his charming wife Mina. It's been years since her last visit. Welcome back to the music room Mina.
Guitarist Bobby Alvarez surprised us with his presence having not seen nor jammed with him for almost a year already, i think. According to him, having a busy work schedule on Fridays, he finds himself too spent after work ending up just staying at home to rest. Eager and mustering enough energy to swing by the music room to jam this time, Bobby made up for lost opportunities and took control of the stage practically all night long. Along with Jet Bueno on drums, Joaco Marco on guitar, Vincent Garrucho on percussion and Rick Trinidad on bass, the jam officially started.
Later, keyboardist extraordinaire and all-around musician Kiko Montencillo shows up. Kiko quickly joined in and showcased his musical versatility playing alternately on the keyboards, guitar and bass. Last night's music was in the 70's and 80's (i'm guessing) though mostly unfamiliar to me with Bobby spearheading most of the song choices. As expected, Kiko was still able play and relate to tunes done. So what else is new to Mr. Montecillo?
With the stage dominated and too busy, some of the regular musicians around found themselves just as spectators. Among them, vocalists Monchie Henares, Michael Puyat, Luisa Distor and Mac de Asis, respectively. On the other hand, as determined as she will always be, my sister-in-law Tintin Mara Reed, will still find her stage time...and so, she did.
It's a fact that it'd been a couple of weekends already that the house band had not had a proper line-up. It will be quite impossible to perform the songs we rehearsed without some key players around. Although i miss the familiar and jazzy tunes we do play, whatever genres we end up with is all good and worthwhile. Definitely beats having not to play at all. How can i complain?
And finally, the action ends at about 4:30am. It was time to call it a night. Mission accomplished.
ANNOUNCEMENT: On Dec. 9th (that's next friday), an EXCLUSIVE 65th birthday bash for the husband of Vicky's (my wife) good friend Jenny Villegas will happen in the music room. They will be renting and had reserved the place for the occasion. So in effect, there will officially be NO FRIDAY JAM NIGHT NEXT WEEK. To all our beloved Pete's Place Music Room friends and patrons...please be guided accordingly. See you all next time.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!
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