THE SESSIONISTAS JAMMED THE BIG DOME
by: Lorelie Dino
On February 5th, the Araneta Coliseum was an evening filled with hits, both homegrown and international from early generations to modern airwaves jammed by the ASAP Sessionistas. Coincidentally, this concert was a fundraising project by ABS-CBN in saving Pasing River. Simple, small, white-boxed steps were placed on the center of the stage between the orchestras occupying the left and right ends.
Front Acts: Six Part Invention opened the show at 8:15 p.m. with music from their Songs of D-Votion album. A finalist from Pilipinas Got Talent, Fil-Norwegian Markki Stroem dedicated a song to all heartbroken ladies. Three of the top singers from the afternoon show, Shout Out, namely Emman, Inno, and Jaco acoustically rendered Beyonce’s “Halo” and Bruno Mars’ “Grenade.” They have a very good blending of their voices and are in the making as future sessionistas. The Star Power Final Five showcased their vocal skills before the Sessionistas hit the stage at 8:45 p.m.
In black and glittery silver outfits, the G-Force led the dance moves to “Please Don’t Stop The Music.” As Aiza herself said, G-force made the Sessionistas appear that they know how to dance too. It’s mostly Aiza who provided much of the comic relief. Female version of Gary V’s “Heto Na Naman” was covered by Juris, Nina, Princess, and Sitti. When Duncan Ramos and Richard Poon entered the stage with “Just The Way You Are” and “Di Bale Na Lang,” shrieks resounded at the big dome. Everybody yelled for Aiza Seguerra as she rocked to “Reyna Ng Gabi.” True enough, she’s the “bida,” star of the night.
They continued to dance away to Jay Sean’s “2012.” The Sessionistas followed it up by covering one smash hit after another of Pinoy Pride. These were from Journey’s Arnel Pineda of “Don’t Stop Believing” to Charice Pempengco’s singing prowess of “And I Am Telling You (I’m Not Going)” that wowed Ellen and Oprah which was performed by Juris for that night. Duncan covered “Faithfully” while Princess did the Glee showdown between Charice’s Sunshine Corazon and Lea Michele’s Rachel Berry of Lady Gaga’s “Telephone.” Richard soothed the broken hearted with “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)“ and Sitti did a Bossa Nova style of “Pyramid.” When Aiza sang “Open Arms,” it was so empowering that television alone does not do justice for her amazing vocals. Nina powerfully sang “Note To God “ which Diane Warren wrote that was originally on Jojo’s The High Road album. It became Charice’s first international single. Nina has rightfully earned the title of “Soul Siren” because she’s got the full package of holding those very long notes covering a very wide vocal range.
As mentioned by Sitti, indeed it’s true that “Music is universal.” The Big Dome stood witness to that strong statement with songs that captured the hearts of many from foreign hitmakers to Filipino artists.
In yellow, vampy clothes of G-Force, ala-Cabaret style, Princess in pink and Juris in purple with matching pearl necklaces and black stockings, they classically jazzed to Christina Aguilera’s “Candy Man.” In white tuxedo and black bow tie, Richard serenaded the ladies with “The Way You Look Tonight.” He walked around, bonding with the audience to the delight and screeches of the crowd. He covered the VIP area up to the section nearing the lower box. Almost all seats were filled up at the Araneta. It’s a huge venue and having a massive audience in attendance is a feat especially for OPM artists. Aiza even joked that it’s her relatives and friends occupying the General admission.
It was a big production number of songs that made you feel good after the show. You got to reminisce on the wide range of music covered by the Sessionistas with their great talents. Repertoire included: samba version of classic Ramon Jacinto song by Sitti; funky moves by Duncan to the King Of Pop, Michael Jackson’s “Pretty Young Thing”; Nina delivering in full command to 70s soul era.
By 9:45, they were ensembled in red theme rendering their versions to current hits such as Rihanna’s “Beautiful Lie,” Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now,” Taio Cruz’ “Dynamite,” and Katy Perry’s “Firework.” Generally, it was a very attentive audience listening intently except for the screaming during high points of the concert. “Can’t Buy Me Love” and other timeless hits from the Beatles were covered up to our own APO Hiking Society originals like “Awit ng Barkada.” In colorful boogies attire, they swayed to VST & Co. chart-toppers including “Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko,” and “Rock Baby Rock.” Sitti kidded around that they were like doing a stop-dance. She’s sultry and sexy to which she retorted to Richard Poon as being “Bolero.” The Sessionistas also obligingly sang to OPM requests that they’ve received for the concert. Another highlight of the evening? The big “kilig” factor between Aiza and Richard!
After imitating Aiza’s famous “duck walk,” Juris touched everybody’s hearts when she got all teary-eyed singing to Side A’s 1990’s love anthem, “Forevermore.” The “Unstoppable” sensational Aiza Seguerra delivered acoustically Kamikazee’s “Narda” and it was highly impressive. The violin made it all the more special. It’s the kind of version, not only do you love the original, but a cover that you can’t help but fall madly in love with too. The night would not be complete without singing to hit songs of the Eraserheads, one of Original Pilipino Music’s pillars.
By the time the show ended at 30 minutes before the clock struck midnight, the crowd was up from their seats cheering and dancing along with the Sessionistas to Master Rapper Francis M.’s renowned Filipino theme songs. It was a night that brought us to current scenes and back to endless music that knows no borders beautifully performed by the extremely talented Sessionistas.
