JULY 27,2018 - FRIDAY JAM UPDATE & PHOTOS

It is always gratifying and heartwarming to host reunions with good old work colleagues and acquaintances from our very distant past. Almost 3 decades ago to be exact. Seeing and being with them after such a long time, reminiscing good and fun memories literally transports you to a virtual time warp that turns back time. Last night, indeed, was one of those priceless moments.

Roberto “Obet “ Reyes, a former workmate from Reed Fitness Center back in the 90’s ( i was a young fitness trainer then) was to be the guest of honor. Obet who had since migrated to the US and had raised a family was back in Manila for a short visit. He contacted me through facebook to inform me that he was in town and to ask if he could bring over his family (his two daughters loves to sing) to see and experience the music room. Upon learning about his intention to visit, i thought it fitting to invite some of our old gym contemporaries to make his sojourn more timely and meaningful. With such short notice, I was fortunate enough to able to round up 4 guys as most are already indisposed and unavailable. Surely, better than none at all. My utmost gratitude to Dres and Sammy Saprid, Mako, and Lisa Bisnar for making it over despite the very short notice. The group was later set to converge before midnight.

The evening started at past 9pm with teen guitar prodigy and youngest Fender endorser Joko Reantaso and his co-musicians arriving first and heading the list. With him were his school mate and bassist Matt Marasigan, elderly Mr. Jun Dizon who played drums and his daughter Basia who sang a few songs. The band completed 2 quick sets as they had to leave before midnight having early commitments the next day. Right before Joko and his band packed up, a new set of musicians timely arrived to take over. Welcome back to the music room Diesel Band.

Busy from their Friday gig commitments, more than a month had already past since this young rock band last came to the room to perform. Their timely presence ensured that there will be a band on stage performing when our special guests arrive later on.

Finally our balikbayan guests of honor arrived close to midnight along with his family and some other relatives who tagged along with them as traffic condition was bad all around. At that time, the band had already taken a break and the stage free for the taking. It was perfect timing for Obet’s daughters, Jessica and Joyce to take over.

With just them, Jessica and Joyce had to sing karaoke as back up with their choice songs I had to queue in the sound booth. At times the siblings took turns playing the piano while they sang along with it. Towards the end of their stint, the band even joined in impromptu while Joyce was singing and playing the keyboards. It was later on did i realize that Joyce was actually singing her own original composition. Good job Joyce!
Much later, Monotones’ honcho Ryan Nacino arrived and caught up with the rest of the guys to jam a final set before finally calling it a night. Bassist Rick Trinidad who was the solitary personality from the House Band lineup who showed up had his stage time as well. The jam’s conclusion ensued at about 4am.

As usual, some of the guys stayed a bit longer to finish up their drinks and just hang out to chill before going home. By 4:45am it was closing time. Mission accomplished!

Another evening of blessings, bonding and good music is now history. We excitedly look forward to what the upcoming month of August will bring. I bet that it’s going to be another great month ahead of us. Praise God.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!