There was a time when my brother (deceased) and I — the Joson Brothers — used to sing regularly in various Shakey’s Pizza parlors in Metro Manila — Recto Avenue, Espana, West Avenue, Mabini and Malate. As a young man, it was a time when I thought it was a good idea to earn a living as a folk singer and have some fun. Aside from Shakey’s Pizza parlors where we worked regularly, we were also called once in a while as alternate singers (when a singer or a band don’t show up for work) at the Bodega, My Father’s Moustache and at Hobbit House. We were called the Joson Brothers back then.
We started out as a duet but then later on our other younger brother (also deceased), joined us and we later formed a band by recruiting a drummer to join us. One of our younger sisters also joined us for a while so we had a lady singer for some time but we maintained the band name as the Joson Brothers. We sang mostly folk songs and a little bit of not-so-hard rock music. I was not really a good singer nor was I a very good bass guitarist — just trying hard to become one — but would you believe it my brother and I were able to work in Japan as musicians for some six months hahaha! And I don’t even know how to read notes — I just play it by ear.
Started as High School Band
My brother and I actually started band playing back during our high school days. It just so happened that ADSCO, our high school alma mater in Bayugan City, had acquired a complete set of band instruments and we got interested to check it out. So we just started tinkering with the guitar instruments until we eventually learned how to play it. I was about 14 years old and it was my first time to see and hold a real bass guitar haha! We eventually became the school’s band and performed in many school activities for some 3 years. We were also busy around town being frequently invited on various occasions even reaching up to the far town of Trento at one time. It was a fun time for me during my high school days being a band leader and bass guitarist. Oh well, those were the days.
Striving After a Handful of Wind
Looking back—now that I’m a senior citizen — I can see that it was all for fun, for the love of music and for seeking something you don’t know what. It was like striving after a handful of wind — striving to really understand what the meaning and purpose of life is all about. I now know finally what I was looking for and I found it. I was after all, actually looking for a relationship, a deep and lasting relationship, a spiritual relationship, the need to connect with our Lord and Maker. This is what life is actually all about. It’s like “longing to be home.” I believe I finally found “home” with the Lord.
Actually, the Lord found me. “I once was lost, but now am found.” Amazing grace, isn’t it?
Sir i am touched with ur wonderful experience. May competencia pala noon ang everly brothers .hehe. .tc God bless
Hello Macky. I was in the elementary grade when the Everly Brothers became popular hahaha! Bata pa ako noon. Thanks for keeping in touch. Regards to our friends in Zamboanga City!
Really cool story Sir Len! I am amazed to learn about this part of your journey. I love how you ended the article. Now, He is the Player and we are the strings 🙂
Hello Michael. Thanks! Yes the Lord is the “Player and we are the strings.” I agree. Regards to your Sweet and lovely wife. And regards to all our friends in Davao City.
Wow! My friend Len, thanks for sharing. This is really good… never thought you were singing in so many places before. It must be quite an experience. Good that you were able to go through it. When I was also a teenager it was my sort of dream to be with a singing group. .. but God has other plans hehe. Thanks again for sharing.
Hello George my friend! You never knew the dark side of me hahaha! Happy to see you and Pam at Facebook once in while enjoying your life and love in the US with your family. God bless you always my friend! Regards to Pam and family!