The evening started off quite normally with the music room all set and ready for action, as usual, at about 8pm. As in most cases, except for some occasional early arrivals and special events, friends and guests usually start to turn up at past 9 or even later.

As for last night, the very first guy arrived close to 10pm. Jp Bugarin (who used to live nearby) was a regular and a habitual earlybird but had recently moved further south in Sucat where he now resides. Some minutes later, house band Richard Parcia’s group, house band main drummer Bubui Colico along with Geebee Casiano, Benzon Baldelovar and another friend arrived next ahead of him. Apparently, these guys were supposed to come last week but had aborted their plans due to some other pressing commitments.

Teen guitar sensation Joko Reantaso along with his supportive dad Jay, was in the house as well. Among the other musicians who made it over were the versatile Vincent Garrucho and his talented daughter Max, vocalist Monchie Henares, bassist Rick Trinidad, guitarist Reynald Perez along with his friend Aiko Oropesa and keyboard lord Kiko Montecillo.

The jam started fierce and hot with Joko’s fiery presence on lead guitar along with Richard, Rick, Vincent and myself on stage. It is always fun and pleasurable to jam along with a musical genius like this talented kid. We ended up jamming some instrumental tunes to warm up and some other bluesy and familiar songs we could ever think of. It was a non-stop solid musical interaction lasting for hours. Totally exhilarating experience indeed.

Much later, it was about time for the other guests to play. Being able musicians themselves, it actually took a bit of prodding before I was able to entice Geebee, Benzon and company to take over. Afterall, it was, indeed, the very reason why they came over, wasn’t it?

Finally on stage and ready, it was their turn to have fun. The group actually ended up jamming a few nifty songs themselves. Frankly, I would’ve preferred to see them have more stage time. Nevertheless, it was still a good and productive jam for the guys!

At the magic hour at 3am, Kiko, Monchie, Max, Vincent and myself took over. It was an OPM journey all throughout for us. It was totally reminiscing and an enjoyable experience trying out countless old OPM favorites once again. I even had the chance to exercise my vocal chords singing a couple of songs, something i haven't done in a while. Hats off to Kiko for being such a brilliant musician. He is absolutely one of a kind. The music room is truly blessed to have him around.

At just about 5:40am the jam was finally over. The last batch transferred to the smoking area and stayed to wait for the others finish their last stick of cigarettes before finally heading for home. Time to call it a night. Finally, the gate was closed and locked at exactly 6am. What a great night! Praise and thank God!

Special thanks to Richard Parcia for the boxes of sumptuous pizzas he generously shared to everyone. God bless him!

And to the balikbayan guests, Rocky & Heide for gracing our place. Would’ve been great if they had stayed a bit longer to see us in action. Hopefully next time before they fly back to the US.

In closing, let me not forget to greet a good friend, a musical genius and a house band honcho, Tinnie Esguerra, who is celebrating his birthday today (Feb.17th). Happy birthday Tinnie!!!! Wishing you all the very best in life.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!