Always unique and unpredictable, last night’s story was another one for the books. Starting early with the first guest arriving just when I was opening the front entrance and then quickly continued on with more arrivals minutes later to start the action going. The streak could’ve normally gone on all night but unusually the action ceased prematurely by midnight. Surprise balikbayan guests arrived at past midnight and settled for some delightful bonding but minus the live band on stage till about 3am. Already quiet in the room at this time , the guys who were still around decided to stay a bit longer to smoke, drink and some friendly chitchat but opted to converge at the smoking area prompting me to do a French exit way before our usual closing hour, as I couldn’t really bear breathing second hand smoke. I heard that it was at around 4am when the rest of the guys wrapped up.
Luisa Distor was the very first to arrive followed closely by habitual earlybird, flyboy and guitarist Loren Orendain. Percussionist and versatile musician Vincent Garrucho and his talented daughter Maxine was next to show up. Soon “The Master Showman” Michael Puyat and his lovely wife Amar along with professional session guitarist Larby dela Cruz makes a surprise appearance. Clearly, at the onset, there was really no shortage of musicians to speak of.
Immediately, Michael did not waste time, did his thing and started the ball rolling With Larby and Loren on guitar, Rick Trinidad on drums, Vincent alternating on drums and percussions and myself on bass and featuring some audience participation from guests doing vocals, it was to be Michael’s ala Anything Goes 101 at Pete’s Place. Totally a fun time for everyone, courtesy of the master showman’s stage presence and supervision.
Regrettably, with Michael and Vincent having early commitments the next day, they can’t stay very late. By past midnight they were gone, leaving the stage quiet and empty for an hour or so.
Much later balik-music room and house band honcho Joaco Marco surprisingly shows up. With him were two female friends who he invited along for the purpose of showing the place and maybe to sing on stage too. Unaware that he was actually dropping by the music room, Joaco wasn’t able to bring his guitar with him and had to borrow one available in the room left by another friend. Thank you Richard Parcia for allowing us to use your precious guitar. God bless you.
Not very visible at the Friday jams lately and not having much practice playing the guitar due to his tight work schedule, Joaco struggled a bit playing some songs we used to be familiar with. We did a few tunes along with his guests while I played the bass. Rick joined occasionally and half-heartedly played the drums occasionally, sometimes stopping in the middle of songs while texting somebody on his phone. Eventually, deciding to just drop the sticks altogether to do some other important business leaving me and Joaco alone on stage to accompany the vocalist. Can’t blame him though, as we weren’t cracking it, so to speak. Pretty much the situation at this time of the night.
Making up for the melancholy vibe, it suddenly became a refreshing and envigorating sight to see good old friends drop by. Happy to see balik-bayan and good old friend Beejet Sevilla back in the room. Based in Virginia, Beejet was one of the original members of the music room back in the 80’s. She came with her sister Tecci, Ging General, Skipper and Esmin Aquino, who are all my good friends. Happy to see you all and Bon Voyage Beejet. Hope to see you again in a few years when you come back to Manila.
After my balik-bayan friend’s group left, it was all freezing cold and quiet in the room. There was nothing left for me to do. It was time to make a French exit. Lucky for me that Dondon was around to take charge to keep the others company (at the smoking area) and then closing up after the guests had left.
Thanks to everyone who showed up most specially to my wife Vicky, sister-in-laws Ana Mara and Tintin Mara-Reed, my daughter Nisee, Stephanie Salazar and her brother, Mark de Asis and to youngsters Marco Aquino and group.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!
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