MARCH 31, 2017 – FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS

During our regular Friday jams, you can never really predict at a 100% what is to occur. Despite some perceived ideas on what you had thought will transpire, there will always be twists and turns along the way. Not exactly what you had initially envisioned will surely happen but certainly will be as gratifying and joyful as ever, if not a lot more. 

And as I had earlier suspected, my hunch that Flyboy and guitarist Loren Orendain would eventually show up to jam indeed materialized. But not specifically to try out his newly acquired 10 watt mini Marshall amp, which I earlier assumed to be the very reason. Apparently, it was after discovering an oversight on flight schedules that he had earlier overlooked decided to drop by instead. Little did we know that he was, in fact, destined to be commissioned as the main man for the evening’s jam.

Despite my presumption, strangely enough some key regular musicians did not make it over. Hell or high water, the show must go on. After all, I would’ve preferred a good attendance by the house band as there were expected special guests scheduled to join in…so I thought.

Having limited songs in his arsenal, particularly the ones that the house band occasionally plays, classic rock and blues lead guitarist Loren had entirely taken the cuddles as rhythm section without the other regular guys around. Being undermanned, I had to alternately play the drums and then the bass to cover for drummer Bubui Colico before he arrived and bassist Rick Trinidad when he left. We just had to improvise, that’s all. Life goes on.

Balik-music room Nando Alberto and his sister Mayette Alberto–Clemente did show up, as promised, but arrived without their supposedly invited guests who had backed out at the last minute. As Nando had said in jest when I asked,…“I guess they chickened out”. Nonetheless, it was still great to see Nando and Mayette back in the room. 

Not to be deprived, the siblings got what they specifically came for, that is to have fun full band or not. Not wasting any time, talented singer Mayette got up on stage, joined in and did some nifty vocals. Mayette is a natural and has a good musician’s ear. A role player as she is, she managed to feel in the blanks, so to speak, despite the band’s lackluster line-up. Similarly, Nando himself had his stage time singing some rock classics that Loren had in his familiar repertoire. Good job guys! Power couple Michael and Amar Puyat arrived late along with house band percussionist Vincent Garrucho and their good friend Roger Limjoco. Coming from another gig engagement in Alabang, the stage breathed new life when they showed up. Suddenly the place became a pseudo comedy bar. The impromptu, witty and comedic style of entertainment performed by Michael and house band vocalist Monchie Henares was so totally hilarious that I was practically in tears with laughter while playing bass. What a crazy bunch of guys they are! Loved every minute of it. 

When Loren left, the band was totally crippled having only the bass, drums, percussion and singers on stage. Too early to stop, the jam persisted despite the handicap. Believe it or not, it turned out to be the highlight of the evening. You just have to be creative.What made the festivity even more special was the surprise visit of music room old timers Jeff Tan and Tony Tirol, both I had seen for more than 25 years. Truly a sight for sore eyes seeing these two. Welcome back to the music room guys!

Special thanks to Arabelle Jimenez for always taking charge of the camera and making sure that everything was well covered and to Nikki Segundo for his valuable presence. Godspeed to you both! 

As so that’s how the cookie crumbled for last night’s Friday Jam. As the familiar saying goes from one absentee band mate, "it’s not in the quantity but the quality".
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!