We never planned to start a band.

Pedro Wong, an IT business owner and casual rhythm guitarist, had bought a drum kit for his home. He also had a keyboard he didn't really play.

His friends Howard Tseng — a real estate business owner and hobby pianist — and Jay Ngan — an architecture professional and Grade 8 pianist — both had musical backgrounds from when they were younger.

“Why don't we play some music together?”

There was one small problem.

None of them really knew how to play the instruments they were about to play.

Howard knew piano. Pedro could play some guitar. Jay remembered learning a little drums when he was younger.

And that was enough.

They started.

In the beginning, GAME ON wasn't GAME ON. No plan. No audience. Certainly no concert.

Just three friends playing at Pedro's house because they enjoyed it. The equipment was basic. The skills were basic. The arrangements were even more basic.

And playing an instrument while singing at the same time? A completely new challenge.

But they kept playing.

The more they played, the more they heard what was missing. No real bass. Fills gone. Solos disappeared.

Finding a bass player seemed almost impossible. Slowly, the excitement faded too.

Practices became less frequent. Everyone found reasons not to rehearse.

For a while, it looked like the experiment had reached the end.

A real performance changed everything. The sections they used to skip could no longer be skipped.

Fills had to be learned. Solos had to be practised. Arrangements had to be completed. Timing mattered.

Howard even arranged for freelance musicians to help create proper piano scores. Hours went into parts they once considered impossible.

In 2024, GAME ON performed its first concert. It went better than anyone expected.

“Getting older doesn't mean you have to stop learning something new.”

— Pedro Wong

Someone in the audience at that first concert was Ken Chow.

With a background that included double bass, Ken became interested in learning bass guitar with the group.

GAME ON had spent so long wishing for a bass player. Suddenly, they had one.

The sound changed. The band changed. GAME ON was growing.

GAME ON organised another show — and this time more than 200 people came.

A professional sound engineer. Stronger arrangements. More confident performances.

Three friends jamming at home were becoming a real live band.

GAME ON now performs at selected concerts, celebrations, community events and private functions.

Coming up: a musicians' gathering dinner at MuiG.