"Sessionistas: The Playlist" was held on August 22 at the Theatre at Solaire, and it was a jam-packed Saturday night affair that smartly played to the musical memories of Filipinos: how songs of the past are such great triggers for us to sing along, tear up a bit, break into smiles, and head home with “last song heard” syndrome.

In other words, following on the heels of the highly successful three-day concert run of "Love, Sessionistas" last year, producers Fire and Ice Live, partners Liza Diño and Ice Seguerra, knew exactly what they were doing in mounting this return bout of a concert.

For the August 22 iteration, we had Ice Seguerra, performing, directing, and co-producing, joined by Nyoy Volante, Sitti, Juris, Princess Velasco, and Kean Cipriano.

More than a reunion of talented singers from the 2000s, the six had performed regularly together on the "ASAP" TV show in the 2010s, and true friendships among the group, including with Duncan Ramos, had been formed. So, there’s real rapport among the singers, and it showed throughout the two-hour-plus show, as they joked with each other and delivered heartfelt patter.

The show was structured around the concept of a Love Playlist. First up were songs about first love, being “kilig,” and being head over heels when in love. Then there were songs about falling into a deeper sense of love, and even a suite of songs about being “malandi” and sensual.

Inevitably, there were songs about heartbreak, about waking up from the dream that is love, and how it can be friends and “barkada” who pick you up, complemented by a lot of alcohol.

Songs about getting over love, about healing, and about transcending emotions also came into play. Throughout these suites of songs, there were very smart choices that ranged from OPM tunes of the early 2000s to international pop hits.

As a result, without exception, each song sung had sections of the audience singing along and being triggered by these tunes that were part of our lives. And yes, the bulk of the audience would have been in their late teens and twenties during the period from 2000 to 2015.

The last part had the six artists dishing out their own hits of the era, and it was wonderful to observe the audience reacting to them.

Nyoy and Princess were part of the acoustic wave of solo singers. In my “past life” as a co-managing director of Dish at Rockwell’s Power Plant, we would regularly book Nyoy and Paolo Santos to perform.

Juris was the lead singer of MYMP and had a string of movie theme song hits when she went solo. Sitti will always be known for championing Pinoy Bossa, while Kean headed the rock-pop band Callalily.

Ice was a mainstay of "Eat Bulaga," and I recall how we would be astounded by her emergence as a singer-songwriter.

So, you always knew there would be something special in the air when these Sessionistas get together.

Comfortable laughs, compelling renditions of popular songs, memories being recalled and championed, and a rousing sing-along, live karaoke night. If ever Liza and Ice decide to mount a Part 3 of Sessionistas, make sure you’re an early-bird ticket buyer.

You won’t regret this nostalgic night of music.

I am happy to note that the Manila Bulletin was one of the media partners of this concert.