It was an evening overflowing with kilig, nostalgia and all the good music as the Sessionistas took over the Theater at Solaire on February 8. Ice Seguerra, Nyoy Volante, Sitti, Duncan Ramos, Princess Velasco, Kean Cipriano, and Juris gave the sold-out audience an amazing three-hour concert of their spectacular performances. Produced by Fire and Ice Live!, the show was a classy showcase of veteran OPM talents that had people singing along and reminiscing at the same time. 

The Sessionistas started in 2009 when the top-rated Sunday afternoon show ASAP took them in as an ensemble, the concept being they were from different musical fortes performing as one. With their magnetic charisma and sensational musical prowess, they gained the adoration of the audience. Not long after their formation, they held hugely successful shows all over the country and abroad. 

Love, Sessionistas felt like an elaborately written love letter – one that was meticulously prepared with consideration and effort – for the intended receiver: the fans. The Sessionistas picked every detail to fill the show with the best they had to offer. The stage set-up was grand, it was like a major theatrical show, with its changing panels and flashing videos unique to each particular segment. This was matched by the high-level production – the live band arrangement and the occasional dance segments – were captivating. Basically, the show was not just to entertain the audience from a musical point of view, it was also there to tell the Sessionistas’ story.

Starting off strong with a QUEEN Medley (“Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Somebody to Love”, “We Will Rock You”, the Sessionistas made their entrance with their powerful vocals, a live band backing them up. The stage then turned into a bar, complete with tables and chairs. their framed old promotional posters hanging all around. It was a stroll down memory lane as we got to hear their dreamy hits  like Juris’ “A Little Bit”, Ice Seguerra’s “Para Lang Sa’yo”, Kean Cipriano’s “Magbalik” and Duncan Ramos’ bit on “Rainbow”. 

Heartfelt Moments with the Sessionistas

The rawest throwback was the Dear Sessionistas segment which was part of their weekly gig at ASAP before. They each read out letters from fans that told them stories about their personal lives, including their joys and grievances. The Sessionistas would then give out their advice to the sender and afterwards, dedicate a song for them. The fans were also present at the concert, each one got their chance to meet their idols up-close and personal. It turned out to be a tender interaction as the Sessionistas made the moments sentimental yet heartfelt, as if they were conveyed the emotions through their singing. 

Sessionistas as Composers

The crowd also got to see another side of the Sessionistas when they each performed unreleased self-composed tracks, highlighting their growth as personal and artistic growth. Princess calls back to a song she wrote a lovestruck song when she was only 19 years old. Sitti’s vibrant outlook was reflected on the song after watching a K-drama. Ice shared a song she wrote at the peak of the pandemic, when depression was eating away at her. Nyoy dedicated his composition to his wife.

Party Time with the Sessionistaz + P-Pop!

Another explosive surprise was the Sessionistaz segment wherein the group split into units to perform covers of hip hop and R&B. Ice, Juris, Princess and Sitti put their game face on as they rapped and sang to Blackstreet’s “No Diggity”, Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass” and Eminem’s “Lose Yourself”, all of them hitting the right bars and notes as they went along.

The fast-rising glam of P-Pop got its time to shine on the stage when they performed BINI’s “Salamin, Salamin” and SB19’s “GENTO”, complete with the original choreography. 

The Sessionistas at Present

The final segment provided the audience with an intimate glimpse of the Sessionista’s personal lives. Snippets of their time with their kids and significant others were flashing in the background as the group talked about how much they appreciate the friendship they have built way back in 2009. They also thanked their fans for their lasting support over the years.

“Ten years ago was the last time we performed together, but through those years, we remained friends. Nagkikita kami for lunch, for dinner, for our birthdays, pero namimiss ko silang kasamang kumanta. Sobra. 2019, gusto ko nang buuin to kaso nagpandemic, hindi natuloy. Kaya masayang-masaya ako ngayong 2025, finally kasama ko na kayo ulit,” Ice said.

Together, they performed Coldplay’s “Fix You”, The Rembrandts’ “I’ll Be There for You” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” for the finale. 

Special thanks to Fire and Ice Live!

by Sandra Mae Laureano

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Missed the show? Due to overwhelming demand, Love, Sessionistas will have a 2nd show on April 4 at the Theater at Solaire. Few tickets available at https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph/.