Blues

In an anniversary party of our company in 2003, I hired famous Filipino Reggae band "Tropical Despression". I have been following this band since the 90's as aside from knowing their front man personally, their former bassist was a band mate in high school.

After their set, they hurriedly left the venue telling me they had to catch the gig of Juan Dela Cruz lead guitarist and rock icon Wally Gonzalez. I couldn't believe what I had heard as Wally was out of the music scene for more than 15 years.

A week after, cutting a long story short, I had followed Wally's gigs at his band's home, Chaquico's formerly Kiko's bar and at other bars when my tight schedule allowed me to.

Every time I watched his gigs, I had this desire to ask him to play even one song to make my dream come true to play with my idol. Unbelievably at a product launch last night, that dream came true.

It was "Halo Halo Special" as my friend called the band named "The Manila Blues Experiment". A collection of great musical talents from well known rock and jazz bands in Manila: Kat Agarado of Sino Sikat, Louie Talan of Razor Back, Vic Mercado of Rivermaya and Bamboo, Wowee Posadas, session keyboardist and drummer of several great artists, and of course the rock guitar god and my idol...Wally Gonzalez.

Fortunately, good friends made the request with slight hesitation from some of the band members but the 2 of my favorite "Wally Songs" : Wally's Blues and JDLC original Beep Beep were approved by Wally so the jam went on with Wally's Blues coming in first. Powerful at the build up, unforgettable in the end. And it was most fulfilling after your idol gives you his sign of approval with a high five.

Another JDLC song came in second but it was more of a fun segue to the first song as we all did not take it seriously being sung by a friend who had a drink too many. Fast forward, I requested to sing "Beep Beep" while playing the drums. I felt the entire band was worried as they thought it was going to be a train wreck. Well, I proved them wrong. The song was sung an played in the format of the original version in the "Maskara Album". And what was so rewarding was to see seasoned musicians looking at you while we played as if saying something through their instruments. It was tight and heavy till the end.

That's one off my bucket list. Amid all of life's hardships, there are always moments that lighten you up. Surely one for the books that I will never forget till the end of my days.

Thank you Manila Blues Experience for one of the best experiences I have ever encountered in my life. I look forward to more.

Bright Idea

I have not stopped using my imagination to come up with a new concept for this new project I have been working on for months.

With the goal of having my own "brand", I have exhausted everything I can to come up with at least 3 alternative concepts just in case the one I chose does not get accepted by my partners.

In as short as 10 minutes into my explanation, I was happy to see their faces light up with their big nods of approval.

So here we go again, moving forward and thinking of ways to mix good taste and affordable price with a concept that will come in with a bang!

I hope I can open this with the budget I estimated with in time for the holiday season. It would help my family a lot and it would give opportunities to my brothers as well.

Taste test is in the making......Let's get it on!

BER

We have now reached the "BER" months. That means, in 3 months, people will get crazy again and celebrate Christmas season. The time of the year when you eat what you are not supposed to, there are parties almost every week, and people wait for you to give them a little something to spread the cheer so to speak. Good for those with deep pockets, dangerous for those who have none in them.

Well life has been too exciting lately and I'm hoping the excitement mellows a little bit so I can rest. I mean, I'm not complaining but sometimes a guy needs some R&R.

It would be great if I could buy a bike though. I miss biking and racing.

I hope to be able to do it soon.

Moving On

It's been a while since I last posted in this blog of mine and there are times I have already forgotten it even exists.

Another boring day so I decided to put something new today.

Yes, it was a big opportunity as I mentioned in my last post, but little did I know that it would turn out into a big headache. Real colors of people you knew and did not know started to show, and the circus came to town. You got crooks, Mr. know it alls, button pushers, big talkers.

But life went on, on a positive note, and I am proud to say that the team towed the line. From a very optimistic and enthusiastic start to survival mode, admittedly I have sort of fallen in love with the challenge.....why? I have no idea.

I am just fortunate to have partners that are honest, a very supportive and loving wife, and friends who come to your rescue whenever you need them.

I write from the point of view of the circle within the business. Outside that circle lurk the critics who judge and preach their quick fix tips even though they have zero experience in this type of business. The holier than thous who think like they are some kind of well known food critic but the truth is, they do not even know their food.

On the other hand there are the advisers, each word of advice they give you is a treasure that you will learn from. Their kind words inspire and give you the strength to move on day after day.

Whatever it is, I hope in that in the end, the workers are taken cared of. All the bad eggs have left and the ones who stayed behind are all deserving of a better future.

Like the greeting I received last New Year's eve from a dear adviser, May you be more blessed this year so that you may share your blessings with the ones you love.

I surely wish the same for our workers and everyone who put in his and her heart and soul into this venture. Good luck to us.