AUGUST 18, 2017 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE

For two consecutive weekends to date, the Friday Jam Night started early and had lasted all the way till daylight with both immensely packed with fun, surprises and non-stop music.

Having received a facebook private message earlier from Vanessa Orendain (fly boy and guitarist Loren Orendain’s wife) asking for our complete home address, made me suspect that Loren was in town and might have had invited some friends over to join him. Having an inkling that he was, I had to make sure to come down much earlier than usual to prepare the music room as he habitually comes quite early.

True enough, Loren arrived at exactly 8pm. With him was his good buddy and “Flightskool” band mate Capt. Winford , a fellow music room patron, co-airline pilot, a talented and an accomplished musician as well. Jeng, their bassist and Harold, the drummer, were to follow some minutes later.
Loren, Winford and company took first crack on stage and did 2 delightfully lengthy sets of awesome covers with Winford masterfully playing guitar and on vocals to the total delight of just a few of us who were in the room at the time. As always, it is a treat to see them perform.

Guitarist Tosh Murayama, who is in the country, was in the house as well. He invited two of his lady friends, Cucay Pagdilao and Anne Cambe who, apparently, were both music majors. Cucay was a keyboardist while Anne was a vocalist. Though Anne shied off to participate despite persistent prodding, Cucay was game enough to perform and jammed along with us. House band honchos Rick Trinidad, Pj Cura, Vincent Garrucho, Tosho, myself and the newby were to be the next band on stage.

Much much later at around 3am, Pau Villanueva and the Athalie band fulfilled their anticipated comeback. “Out of Order” band , made good their promise as well, returned in full force with their 6-man band intact, as they had pronounced they would. Comprising the roster were Aj Soliman, Russ Tunggol, Jason Ursua, Eric Diamailig, Jaris Orobia and Anthony Cachero.The young and ultra energetic band impressed the crowd with their breathtaking and electrifying performance, quite remarkable considering their youthful age. They are indeed getting younger and younger these days.

Next on stage was Athalie. As usual, their inimitable style, control and poise was again very noticeable throughout their performance. Obviously much more relaxed and confident since the last time we watched them play. More power to these guys.

Assuming that when the two guest band finished at past 5am, it will be over? Well, think again! We definitely were not done yet! Talk about resilience, Catman Kiko Montecillo on the keys, Rick Trinidad on drums/vocals, Tosh Murayama, Pj Cura, Vincent Garrucho and myself on bass will have more of it. We eventually did with gusto and continued to jam till past 6am. What can I say?

Thanks to everyone who joined us. Special thanks to Toronto based childhood friend and Air Force brat TA Aquino who is likewise in town on a much deserved vacation. Always grateful to see good old friends around. Praise God!

And so another night of awesome fun, frolic and music had transpired. Thank you Lord for all the blessings. Already anticipating and looking forward to next week.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!