A KARAOKE competition will be the highlight of the sixth anniversary celebration of 9-Eleven Resto Bar in San Jose on Saturday, March 5.
9-Eleven owner Edwin Maratas said none of those who competed last year are performing on Saturday.
“We’ll have new contestants,” he added.
Maratas said they launched the annual karaoke competition three years ago so their regular customers can “enhance their talents.”
9-Eleven Resto is a family-oriented hangout that allows customers to sing with a professional band, he added.
Those who will showcase their musical talents on Saturday are Mildred Pabilando, Mirabel Alarcio, Randy Teal, Franny Hosono, Rose Acesor, Rommel Ducusin, Efraim Dela Cruz, Mark Valeriano, Queenie Gem Ticsay, Nicole Victoria and Joel Borir.
Survivor
Maratas said the 9-Eleven family and its regular customers are happy that their favorite hangout has “survived” the Covid-19 pandemic.
They continue to comply with the government’s safety measures and are still providing nightly entertainment, he added.
The other good news, he said, is that lunch at 9-Eleven is back. Customers can again enjoy meals that come in one or two choices.
“So this Saturday, we have many reasons to celebrate,” Maratas said.
Groove Theory and Cross Circuit
Two bands play regularly at 9-Eleven: Groove Theory and Cross Circuit.
Groove Theory vocalist Jasmine Nabelgas said they perform music for the young and the not-so young.
Jasmine, who is also a vocalist of Cross Circuit, said she truly appreciates the regular crowd at 9-Eleven.
“We have everyone — locals, other islanders, statesiders, Filipinos and other folks from other countries,” she said.
Jasmine’s fellow vocalist, Anthony Reyes, said they can play “anything.”
“We sing a variety of tunes, and we ‘feel’ the songs when we perform,” Reyes said, adding that the hits of James Ingram are among the most requested at 9-Eleven.
Groove Theory’s guitarist is Neil Capacio, the bassist is Reuel Contreras and the drummer is Dennis Morante.
Rolly Capayas, a long-time musician on island, is one of the vocalists of Cross Circuit. He has been performing at 9-Eleven since it opened at its original location in Chalan Kanoa six years ago.
At the time, the name of his band was High Pitch. When some members had to leave the island, new members came in and the band was re-named Emperador.
Eventually, some of its members left Saipan and were replaced by other musicians who, with Capayas, formed a new band, Cross Circuit.
Like Groove Theory, Cross Circuit is known for performing a variety of songs, including those of Journey, Air Supply, Scorpions, among other famous musical groups.
Capayas said among the most requested songs at 9-Eleven are Journey’s “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” and “Faithfully.”
Vocalists Rolly Capayas, Jasmine Nabelgas and Anthony Reyes pose with bassist Reyel Contreras, drummer Dennis Morante and guitarist Neil Capacio at 9-Eleven Resto Bar on Wednesday night.
The Cross Circuit band performs their first song of the night on Wednesday.
9-Eleven Resto Bar patrons on Wednesday night.
