Green Rhapsody at Aruba

It’s been a long time since I’ve been out for some R&R. Work’s been quite stressful and I haven’t had much time to spare lately.

But when a few friends texted to ask if we would be joining them to catch Rannie Raymundo’s gig at Aruba last night, I wasted no time agreeing.

So after talking a long trip via bus and jeep, I finally got home to grab a hot meal. I will admit that by the time I finished dinner, my exhaustion had caught up with me and was tempted to go to bed.

But then I already made a promise to show up. To avoid the temptation of talking a quick nap, I refused to go near my room or touched anything associated with a bed.

By the time the clocked indicated 9:20, I dragged myself off the couch and headed out to Metrowalk on Ortigas avenue.

Upon arriving at Aruba, Rannie’s band, Green Rhapsody, was almost done setting up their equipment.

A few of my friends were already sitting at the table in front of the band, sipping a nice cold reddish drink.

From the looks of things, the drink had a little rum in it, but it wasn’t enough to impair anyone’s faculties as they continued to consistently roast Rannie throughout the night.

As the band began to form up, there was a guy behind the keyboard. One manned the electric guitar with another holding a base guitar. Another guy handled the violin, while a lady positioned herself before the congas. It was Rannie behind sitting behind the drums that kicked off the first set with a nice instrumental that showcased everyone’s talent.

I ordered the same type of beer that one of my friends was drinking. It was one of San Miguel’s Premium All-Malt Beers and had an apple flavor.

It actually tasted more like a Cali, making it a very refreshing experience for the night. And as I was halfway down my ice-cold bottle, I began to relax.

As the two female bands warmed up the audience, they serenaded us with a new repertoire of songs, making it another refreshing experience.

And before I knew it, the first set, including my beer, was done.

When the second set started, it was Rannie who took the lead with a totally new set of song for the night, again making it a very refreshing experience.

But while the new beer and selection of songs made for a nice change, the quality of Rannie’s voice still stayed the same.

In Filipino, it would be described as buo, or full-bodied when used in the context of music. There was no straining and everything was done in such a relaxed manner, it felt as if it was as natural as breathing.

I was glad to hear that the list of songs covered music from the eighties and nineties. The Eurythmics and The Corrs were represented, making for an even more pleasant experience.

Nothing hits the spot more than an old song sung by a great band to make thing right perfect. All my remaining problems and tension began to drain away.

And just like a great writer or photographer, Green Rhapsody told me a story for the night; a story that life is great when good music and good company come together.

By the time the band rendered their last song, I felt shortchanged. I thought that after taking so long to get me in the right mood, it was unfair to have to end the night so soon.

Luckily, the band acceded to the audience’s clamor for more with a few songs to cap the night.

When had to drag myself off the couch earlier, I will admit that I had not planned to stay too late. I had work the next day and I needed sleep badly.

But I time flies when one is having fun; and fun was what I had.

When the last note was struck and the last light dimmed, those of us at the table got up hesitantly and said our goodbyes to one another.

I wasn’t in much of a mood to leave yet, so I lingered a while longer to say a few extra goodbyes. I guess I just didn’t want the moment to end. But then all good things come to an end.

Besides, Green Rhapsody is here every Wednesday so it is something to look forward to next week.

Hopefully, my friends will once more be there to share a nice drink, a good song, and great company.