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.
