Pete Monillas
- Born in Manila, Philippine Islands the son of a Filipino US Navy Sailor. Migrated to Richmond California at the age of 2 with mother, sister and brother. Raised Catholic now “Born Again Christian” and attended St. Cornelius grammar school, graduated from Saleisan High in 1966 and went on to get a AS degree in Architecture & finished up at Sonoma State College in Rohnert Park.
- Piano lessons at 8 years of age and in high school picked up the electric bass guitar (inspired by Paul McCartney of the Beatles). Part of the Garage Band of the 60’s, first band being “The Chosen For..” consisting of Ed Sanchez, Bob Russell, Lloyd Perata and yours truly. Had success with Maple Hall with a joint effort of the band “The Group.” Moved on to other groups with success with Gary & Chelle (Dave Raffanelli a 17 year old boy drummer)
- Got married, got into real estate, State Certified Appraiser. Married Susan Siegrist from Vashon Washington who bore two daughters Natalie & Shelly (1980/1982). Played in the band “Sweet Tooth” for 3-4 years then started up the “Heartbeat Band” with original members Mike Villanueva (guitar & keyboards), Rick Merriman (vocal & rhythm guitar), Everette Woolfolk (tenor sax, keyboard & vocals), Dave Raffanelli (foghorn & drums).
- Eventually, the band got a female singer (Michelle) but she left the band after a few short months (we’re currently trying to track her down but can’t locate her), Mike Villanueva also left the band and was replaced by present guitarist (the fastest guitarist in the world…Brad Andershon, also Paul Wood was in the Heartbeat Band for a short time when Rick Merriman had left the band to live up in North Shore Tahoe.
- After 6 years of the Heartbeat Band playing every weekend with only 3 weekends off, the band threw in the towel. Pete divorced and went on to host Karaoke DJ performances for the next 10 years.
- Meeting and marrying “Marylou” in year 2000, a blonde cutie that grew up in the Rockridge district of Oakland, divorced with 3 grown kids & now 4 grand kids. Natalie Pete’s oldest daughter is wife of a US Soldier stationed at Fort Drum, New York and mother of “Angelo” seen in Pete’s facebook picture. So family has taken over… but, 15 long years later…. “We’re back…. And with a vengeance ” to ROCK OUT once again.
- Finally, Dave called Pete, Pete called Brad & Bill Grimason the newest Heartbeater hooked up with Dave at the “Garage band of the 60’s Reunion.” Bill fits in perfectly and brings the band to completion with a tremendous vocal and keyboard contribution. Everette was asked to join but declined, Mike Villanueva now lives in Oregon out of the area. When we got together, the concept was… “Let’s play and have fun again.”