JUNE 15, 2018 - 38TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY UPDATE & PHOTOS

Now I know how it feels to have a writer’s block as i found myself having difficulty getting started. As part of the introduction, choosing a better word to describe last night’s colossal success alone was tough. This year, “epic” might just not cut it and fall short of an apt description which is by far more productive and exciting compared to the past. But one thing I can say, this year’s celebration was totally a winner. Let me just cut to the chase and just give a quick rundown on what had transpired, if that is at all possible.

At 7pm the delivery of lechon and lumpia arrived right on time. The rest of the potluck food contributions came in spurts but in abundance filling the food counter even before most of the guests had arrived. Cases of beers already drowned abundantly in ice and already in the cooler and the room all spruced up with balloons along with the official event banner perfectly positioned in its full glory.

The festivity officially started early with Brat Pack’s Xtine Mercado beating me to it and already in the room before 8pm. Her talent and stage presence was immediately felt by the early birds as she provided solo entertainment on stage with her delightful song renditions while playing the guitar. After her stint, Alex (daughter of Paul and Nomy Diano), gamely went up stage, joined Xtine and showcased her singing prowess, as well, rendering two songs accompanied by Xtine on guitar and Sheldon on keyboards.

The powerhouse Mean Jay (band), with frontman teen guitar sensation Joko Reantaso was the second batch to perform. With Joko’s fiery but tasteful guitar licks playing along with his equally talented bandmates, the band electrified the crowd with their impressive performance, doing mostly originals from their latest released album and a few covers.

Next on the list was a band called “Joyride”. A full band including a brass section and a dynamic female singer. The group surely lived up to their namesake. A totally joyful and impressive line up of musicians that is so much fun to watch. They did a long set of catchy party music that invigorated and livened up the room. What an entertaining group they are. Truly different from what we usually experience and hear in the music room. We hope to see them back next time soon.

Diesel band was the fourth group to perform. This aspiring young rock band just recently became Friday Jam Night regulars, and is one amongst a number of new bands who frequent the room practically every week. Comprising of guys in their early 20’s, they have mostly original compositions in their arsenal as well. More power to this young breed.

A collaboration of musicians on stage completed the 5th wave of performers formally starting the free jam. Comprising of personalities from the bands who had already participated and some from the regular house band were down on the list. Among them were Nitoy Adriano, Xtine Mercado, Richard Parcia, Pecky Casuela, Mayette Alberto Clemente, Rick Trinidad, Kiko Montecillo, Vincent Garrucho, Bubui Colico, Tosh Murayama, Monchie Henares, Sheldon, Nick Mangubat, Ryan Nacino, Max Garrucho, Tim Carlos, Toby Alberto and Steph Salazar.

I finally had my chance to jam playing bass towards the end of the party, in between a couple of beer runs, when most of the guys had already gone home. We were done jamming at about daybreak at past 5am with just Kiko, Monchie, Vincent, Steph and myself being the last men (and a woman) standing. If not for the late time, we would’ve gone on playing.

I am aware that there were still a lot more musicians around and on standby all night but, unfortunately, had absolutely no chance to participate. We couldn’t possibly accommodate everyone to fit in as time could not permit. We probably needed to extend another day just to let the others play. Well, I know it wouldn’t be the same, but I guess, there’s always our regular Friday nights for them to come and make up for it. My apologies to you guys…You know who you are.

Kudos and special thanks to all the awesome bands who participated. Music is what kept us together and the very reason why we had been celebrating all these years. Thanks, too, to all the guests, friends and family who had joined us to celebrate and, last but not the least, to all the magnanimous donors who generously and selflessly contributed and brought food and drinks for everyone to enjoy. God bless your kind hearts!

In closing, we thank and praise God for all the 38 years of grace bestowed upon us and now looking forward to another exciting year full of great music, good friends and loving family in bonding. I have absolutely no clue what the next year will bring but one thing I am sure of is that the best is yet to come. We are ready. Bring it on!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLES US ALL!