I first met Tito Sonny Nicolas approximately 16 years ago, most probably during a Dexter Calliope and the Tito Gil Twins jamming. (This was my first-ever band in college with Jazz Nicolas on bass and Kelvin Yu-nited Arabemirates on guitars.) We were at Jazzs house and Tito Sonny walked into the band practice room wearing his usual uniform of sando, shorts, and tsinelas. I remember thinking he was effortlessly cool. Tito Sonny would listen to the music wed be playing, nod his head with approval, and then show us a beautiful new guitar he had either bought or fixed. We would also find him in his home studio, producing something and/or tinkering. (This studio would be our home during the vocal recording of Boldstars album in 2000.) I spent a lot of my college years in his house, and I remember vividly that he had mastered the Max Fried Chicken recipe. A few years later, I remember seeing Tito Sonny play guitar for Rockin Revival at a hotel and I was astounded at how amazing he was. I remember thinking, So thats where Jazz gets it (Peavey too). Seeing his kickass guitar skills live also made me understand why Francis S. Reyes geekgasmed to Jazz when he first interviewed Boldstar for NU107s In The Raw. A couple more years later, I would start seeing these crazy beautiful nature photographs scattered around Jazzs house, along with the awards that Tito Sonny won for them. He would also bring his camera to the Itchyworms 70s Bistro nights, where he would snap away. The last time I got the privilege to see him play was with Ciudad and the Worms during Justin Sunicos wedding. He kicked ass that night with his Beatles covers. The last time I got to hang with him was last August, when Nix Cue Nicolas was taking us to scuba dive in Batangas. It was great hanging out with the Nicolas family, playing Monopoly Deal and eating a private lunch buffet on the beach. Tito Sonny has taught me that, no matter how old you are, you can master a new hobby and rock the house down. I am eternally grateful that he welcomed us aspiring musicians into his home and allowed us to make music using his equipment and guidance. The Boldstar album would never have existed without his help. I just wish I was in Manila so I could pay my respects to him in person. Thanks to my family for dropping by the wake in my stead (the photos below are from my sister Jasmin Jamora). Over here in Los Angeles, the last few days have been somber for me because my best friend Jazz has lost his dad, and, for the rest of us, we have lost our mentor and our coolest Tito.
Posted on: Sat, 29 Mar 2014 23:54:42 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015