APRIL 6, 2018 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS

God truly works in mysterious ways. It never ceases to amaze me how truly blessed we all are, and how things fall right into place despite all odds. There are times when circumstances unintentionally mend itself and find its way to our favor even without us lifting a finger. We just have to have faith and trust in Him. Last night was one of those noteworthy and special moments.

If not for the spontaneous and unpremeditated appearance of unexpected musicians conveniently around with hardly anyone from the regular house band showing up, it would’ve turned out to be another quiet and uneventful evening. Well, clearly God had other plans.

Thanks to the timely presence of the exciting Flightskool band spearheaded by flyboys Loren Orendain and Winford Martillana along with Southern Musician founder and exceptional drummer Roy Secillano, ultra talented bass man Empi Martinez and guitarist Larry Velazquez, and to Pau Villanueva of Athalie and Carousel Casualties along with the much improved Monotones band comprising of Ryan Nacino, Ryan Pineda and Rj Palma plus their guests playing second fiddle, everything turned out perfectly.

Flightskool was a thrill and a total delight playing two awesome sets with Winford at the forefront doing exceptional vocals and guitar to everyone’s approval and delight. The band even made a couple of encores towards the end after Winford was done and stepped off the stage. Pau and the Monotones, on the other hand, took turns with the masters and did alternating sets and even closing up the night’s live entertainment concluding at around 4am. House band Dennis Espiritu and his former high school Industrial Drafting instructor companion Joe Miranda, “Sir Joe” as he is fondly called, briefly got their grips to jam on stage with myself ending up doing the drumming chores before turning it over to the kids to finally wrap things up. My congratulations to all the musicians who performed for a great job.

Special mention to music room family and friends Cali Tiansay, Luisa Distor, sis-in-law Tin Mara Reed, Allan Rufino, Raul Julian, balik-music room and Bacolod based Tisoy Henares and son Iñigo, to siblings Mayette Clemente and Nando Alberto, Henry Abesamis and his group, Air Force brats Rico Tayko, Red Aquino and daughter Nicka, and of course to the charming couple Michael and Amar Puyat for their welcome and valuable presence. Always grateful to see these guys around. God bless them all.

And so it goes…another wonderfully blessed and successful night for all to cherish. As always, I thank and praise God for the opportunity and experience. Already excitedly looking forward to next week’s festivity.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!