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The clock winds back, and the music plays on this Valentine's season as the uber-talented Sessionistas return to the stage for their much-anticipated reunion concert, "Love, Sessionistas," on February 8 at The Theater at Solaire.
Known as a powerhouse ensemble of OPM (Original Pilipino Music) icons, the Sessionistas — Ice Seguerra, Nyoy Volante, Sitti, Duncan Ramos, Princess Velasco, Kean Cipriano and Juris — are ready to remind fans why their harmony transcends the ordinary.
Originally formed in 2009 by ABS-CBN's Sunday long-running noontime variety show, "ASAP," the Sessionistas brought together solo artists already celebrated in their respective genres — from acoustic to R&B and Bossa Nova and other varieties in between. It was a masterstroke, fusing their talents into something magical. For a decade, their captivating chemistry on stage made the Sessionistas a much sought-after staple of the Philippine music scene.
The Sessionistas — Ice Seguerra, Juris, Duncan Ramos, Princess Velasco, Kean Cipriano, Sitti and Nyoy Volante. PHOTO FROM FIRE AND ICE
However, as years passed, each artist ventured into solo projects, personal milestones and new horizons. Still, the camaraderie they built stood firm, paving the way for this heartfelt reunion concert.
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"Love, Sessionistas," therefore, isn't just a Valentine's Day event; it's a celebration of music, friendship and love in all its forms.
"There was a plan in 2019 to do this," OPM's Acoustic Icon Ice Seguerra — who is producing, directing and performing in the show — shared with The Manila Times Entertainment at a media conference this week. "But the pandemic happened. Even if we had venues and production teams ready, everything had to be put on hold."
The singer continued, "Then life took over, I guess, but I've always missed singing with them."
It was also Ice who eventually rekindled the conversation among the Sessionistas, urging the group to come together again under his and wife Liza Diño-Seguerra's young but thriving Fire & Ice Production.
"Whenever we meet, it's like no time has passed," added the ever popular soul and acoustic pop artist Nyoy Volante. "Our dynamic is special, as you've seen today." He was referring to the solo performances all seven of them gave before the Q&A, where the rest would slip into harmonizing or supporting each other's moments unplanned.
"That's just who we are," Nyoy continued. "For so many years now, we're so used to playing off each other's music. So it's going to be like that at the concert, but of course, it will be more organized and prepared, because we're really trying to make it good for everyone. So what we already know how to do — complementing each other—we'll just harness that and refine with preparation.
"We have so many nice surprises for you guys," He added excitedly. "We just got all the new arrangements just arrived, and they're so, so nice."
It's this seamless synergy, borne out of years of performing together, that will take center stage at "Love, Sessionistas."
And to be sure, the concert will be an emotional journey, not just for the artists but for their hordes of fans, who have so many shared memories with the group.
In fact, the clamor to reminisce with the Sessionistas has been so overwhelming that even as the February 8 show at The Theatre at Solaire has yet to happen, it quickly sold out, prompting the addition of a second night on April 4 to accommodate demand.
Now, for those lucky enough to secure tickets for the first date, the concerts promise a celebration of love in all its facets.
"Valentine's Day is about universal love," explained Ice. "Yes, there's romantic love, but this concert is also about celebrating our friendship and the love we have for our craft."
Alternative rock artist Kean Cipriano likewise shared his thoughts on the concert's concept, saying, "It's a treat for everyone. The thing here is that love is the answer to everything. So we'll make sure that every song we'll perform in this concert, we will interpret them with the true meaning of love in all its forms."
The seven artists also said that fans can expect unreleased originals, surprise collaborations and heartfelt stories throughout the concert. Segments like "Sessionistas Now" will showcase their respective artistic journeys, while "Dear Sessionistas" will allow fans to connect with the group by sharing questions about love and life.
Moreover, Liza, who also serves as the show's creative director, describes the concert as the Sessionistas' "love letter" to their fans.
"It's a thank you to everyone who's supported them through the years while highlighting their journey as friends and individuals. It's been a while since they've been seen singing together, so it's really nice for the fans to see them performing again as a group.
"As we all know, their careers didn't stop after the Sessionistas on 'ASAP.' They went on and lived out their careers. Some started families. So, it's nice for the fans to also be updated about where they are now, what they've been doing, and how they are compared to the last time fans saw them together."
Ultimately, the group's gratitude extends beyond their audience to their shared history. As Ice aptly put it, "More than the singing, it's the friendship that makes us special. And that's what 'Love, Sessionistas' is all about — a harmony that has endured the test of time."
While tickets for the February 8 concert are already sold out, tickets for April 4 are now on pre-sale via TicketWorld and Fire and Ice Live (call 0927-7003262 or email [email protected] for reservations).
