If indeed last week’s festivity was serene in character, last night’s outcome turned out to be much tamer. Again, not many people showed up, even more so with the musicians jamming on stage. But as always, though unique every time, the fulfillment and uttermost joy of bonding and fellowship with friends still very much exists. That to me is exactly why we do it, crowded or not.
As always the early bird, Air Asia flyboy and guitarist Loren Orendain was as usual the first to arrive. Along with his trusty roady, he set up his gear, tuned and meticulously tweaked his amp and efx settings to perfection all ready and awaiting to play.
While waiting for the others to arrive, i grabbed my bass guitar and joined Loren for a sound check. Soon we were all set. Apparently, with vocalist Tony Tirol, acoustic guitarist Nicky Hidalgo and house band bassist Rick Trinidad’s arrival a bit later, we ultimately was to be the main guys on stage all evening.
Nevertheless, it is always a pleasure and a thrill to see good old friends in the house. Arvin and Cindy Gatmaitan was back in the room after some months in absentia. The sweet couple used to be a regular fixture on our Friday gatherings when they were still residing nearby. Music room old timer Jeffrey Tan, who is currently based in Davao, was also around. Jeffrey, was a music room regular, as well, when he was still living in Merville way back in the 80’s.
Arvin, who happens to be a music teacher, is a prolific bassist. Jeffrey, on the other hand, is a performer who sings and can play the drums as well. Both gamely joined us on stage doing their thing beefing up the band fondly reminiscent of the good old days. Good job guys!
The jam was short and sweet with just us on stage lasting a little past midnight. Time was mostly spent on delightful chit chat with the balik-music room friends, catching up on things with them. I must say that it was definitely all worthwhile. Thank God for true friends.
At past 1am, keyboard lord Kiko Montecillo shows up fresh from his usual Friday gig in Manila or was it QC?. With the stage already quiet when he arrived, it was not going to stop us from playing with the Catman even if just for a quick fix. And so we did. Tony sang his usual classics while Jeffrey even obliged doing his ever popular and most requested song rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody with Kiko manning the keys and myself on bass.
The jam finally concluded early at past 3am.
Presuming an imminent early closing, surprisingly some of the guys stuck around. Content on just hanging out, drinking beers and chitchatting for hours on end, we were surprised to find ourselves chatting away and calling it a night just a tag before 6am. Mission accomplished, as I always say. Praise God.
Thank you one and all for another interesting, unique and fun night! See you all next time!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!
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