With everyone avoiding traffic anticipating an imminent carmagedon happening, the evening’s outcome was in question. Being a payday weekend, the holiday season plus the rain, compounding the situation even more. Smelling chaos up ahead, most of the guys opted to just stay put and not push it any more than reasonable. Totally understandable to say the least. And yes, the thought and acceptance that it was to be an early night did cross my mind. Well, i was wrong.
In fact, the festivity officially started earlier than usual, commencing timely while I was still busy setting up the room before opening time. High school batchmate and rhythm guitarist brader Allan Flores travelled straight from Bataan where he is based, made a surprise visit just a week too early prior to the Music Room’s Christmas party. He wanted to be sure to make it over and be around as he is unable make it to next week’s party. If that’s his situation, i’ll definitely take it.
Immediately, we went straight down to business. Just two of us on stage to start, with Allan playing the guitar and i playing bass complemented with some vocal harmonies, we were able to survive. Soon, Monotones honcho Ryan Nacino timely arrives and played the keyboards to complete a trio. All we needed then was a drummer.
Suddenly, at the middle of the jam, comes two strangers sheepishly entering the room both in astonishment and amazement of what they got themselves into, obviously first timers to the place. I stood up, approached and welcomed them in. An American and a Filipina couple from the US they are. Bob who is American and Laurice a Filipina are from California and in town just visiting. Asked how they found out about our place? Well, they said that they had Googled us. Actually, the majority of our international music room friends had similarly learned and found their way over to us through the internet, too. Amusing fun fact indeed.
Apparently, Bob is a prolific drummer and plays with a jazz trio in New York. The newbies had actually searched online a suitable place nearby to go to as Bob was already itching to play. Wish granted, Bob found a place deservedly earning his chance to jam with the band. He quickly sat behind the drum kit, enjoying and playing his heart out for an hour straight, to the delight of everyone. Truly a natural. We hope to see and jam with Bob again at the Christmas party on Friday.
The other musicians who also performed were house band bassist Rick Trinidad, guitarist Pau Villanueva, drummer Rj Palma, synth keyboardist Pierce de Guzman, drummer and vocalist Rich Cruz, vocalist John de Leon and to a lady guest volunteer who sang a few songs with us on stage.
Also acknowledging balik-music room Ed Diano’s presence. It’s been quite a while since Ediboy’s last visit to the place. Always great to see this chap around. And to Nikki Segundo, Rico Tayko, Larry Gabor, Gab Villanueva, Lauren Panuncialman and a few others i failed to recall, thank you all for coming. You guys made tonight’s gathering a total success.
The stage was quiet and empty at 4am with still a handful of guests around chatting, drinking and partying. The closers opted to sit and hang out at the smoking area outside for the nightcap. At exactly 4:35am, along with the thunderous roar of commercial jets taking off one after the other from the airport close by, it was time to call it the night. Mission accomplished.
On Friday Dec. 21, 2018 will be our much anticipated Pete’s Place Music Room Christmas Party. It promises to be another epic musical event in the making. Already looking forward to it! Don’t you dare miss it!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! GOD BLESS US ALL!
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