Nelson Morales

Review: Sessionistas stage successful repeat of reunion concert

Article (news)

Leah C. Salterio

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1743929264637Sessionistas stage successful repeat of reunion concert 04062025.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Review: Sessionistas stage successful repeat of reunion concert"/></div>MANILA -- Since it was formed in the Sunday noontime show, “ASAP,” 16 years ago, the Sessionistas continue to make beautiful music together, serenading audiences with timeless OPM tunes that truly tugged at the heartstrings.Back in 2020, the Sessionistas staged an online setup and performed “Better World” virtually, with Maestro Ryan Cayabyab on the piano. The song was originally recorded by Smokey Mountain.“Always an honor singing with these amazing souls,” Kean Cipriano posted about their collaboration. “We just want to send good and positive vibes through this simple jam.”Last February 8, “Love, Sessionistas,” mounted by Ice and Liza Diño-Seguerra’s Fire and Ice Entertainment, finally served as a reunion concert for the Sessionistas. The pre-Valentine’s show was born out of their group chat that they kept active for a decade now. It was in their group chat where everybody agreed to stage a concert.“Love, Sessionistas” proved to be such a hit that even before it opened, a second night on April 4, was immediately announced to accommodate those who missed the first show. Hence, Seguerra, Cipriano, Nyoy Volante, Juris Fernandez, Duncan Ramos, Sitti Navarro and Princess Velasco – regrouped for the much-awaited second night.Two other Sessionista members – Richard Poon and Nina – were unable to join the concert, although Volante acknowledged them.“We always inspire each other,” said Volante. “There’s this weird-like entity that we become. When we are together, you have to see it. When we perform, we become something else.”“We come from different genres, different personalities, different characters, but we perform as one,” added Cipriano. “Through the songs that shaped us, the music that moves us, to the fans who never stopped listening.” “This is our love letter to you,” added Sitti. The concert is the group’s way of giving thanks to their fans, who have supported them since they started in their “pwesto” segment in “ASAP,” as they looked back on the journey that brought them together.“Love, Sessionistas” started immediately on a high note with a powerful Queen medley led by “Bohemian Rhapsody,” followed by “Somebody To Love” and “We Are the Champions.”The music bar setting onstage gave a more intimate feel for the concert. It was a “night of nostalgia and shared memories” as Seguerra earlier described. They couldn’t have asked for a more incredible audience.The Sessionistas rendered their unreleased, original songs in one segment where they displayed their respective songwriting talents. Ramos, who started singing in his native Cebu when he was only nine, kicked off the solo spotlights where each artist showcased his musical evolution. He rendered “Ikaw Nga.”Velasco, now 44 and mom of three kids, is thankful for her gift of music as she played the guitar and dished out The Eraserheads’ “With a Smile,” one of her favorite tunes. She wasn’t a mom yet when she joined Sessionistas in 2010.There was a playful segment, where the artists explored new horizons and stepped out of their comfort zones. The segment showcased the group’s versatility and willingness to explore new genres.Juris and Sitti dished out Blackstreet’s “No Diggity,” while Seguerra and Velasco did “Super Bass.”Volante and Ramos delivered SB19’s “Gento,” while the ladies danced to BINI’s “Salamin, Salamin.”Ramos also dished out “Huwag Na Lang Kaya,” Cipriano sang “Harana” and Volante crooned “Buwan.”Just like their memorable stint in “ASAP,” the artists did their interactive “Dear Sessionistas” segment in the concert, where they pulled out three members of the audience who shared their personal stories with the crowd.Their respective stories were matched by romantic songs – “The Search Is Over,” “I’ll Be Over You” and “She Will Be Loved.”Seguerra sang “Para Lang sa ‘Yo” and ended his solo part with one of his biggest hits, “Pagdating ng Panahon.” The group also rendered “For Good” from “Wicked.”“This song is for all of us because the friendship that we have is just inspiring,” said Seguerra. “Mahal na mahal ko kayo guys, sobra.”

The Sessionistas continue to make beautiful music together, serenading audiences with timeless OPM tunes that truly tugged at the heartstrings.

The Sessionistas continue to make beautiful music together, serenading audiences with timeless OPM tunes that truly tugged at the heartstrings.