MANILA -- Mayonnaise, arguably one of the more popular bands in the OPM scene during the mid-2000s, has stood the test of time.

After scoring its big break by winning a nationwide battle of the bands in 2004, Mayonnaise has developed a large fan base with hit songs such as "Jopay" and "Bakit Part 2."

Seventeen years and six albums later, Mayonnaise, which several critics consider an "underrated" band, continues to spread joy with its music.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, lead vocalist Monty Macalino said the band is "still here because of the songs."

"Matindi pa rin 'yung influence ng '90s bands sa amin. Ewan ko, maraming dumarating, nauusong tunog, pero kami kasi, 'yun pa rin kami. We just love playing together, and whatever we do, even individually it is music-based," he said.

Despite their longevity, Mayonnaise still could not believe that producers like One Music PH and Gabi Na Naman Productions will be more than willing to risk on them. The band will headline the concert "Akalain Mo Yun: Mayonnaise Live at the Music Museum," which will be held on June 29.

"Kami kasi usually self-produced. Kaya talagang when this came, parang, well for me, personally, parang being patient pays off," Macalino said.

The members of the band are also thrilled to collaborate with other artists for the concert. Fans can expect to the hear Mayo songs with a different twist, starting off with the "very exhilirating" sound of the Manila Stirring Machine, which will be joining them for the first time.

The band will be also be sharing the stage with Agsunta and Sharlene San Pedro.

"A show like this should have a responsibility. I believe that given this venue, we should produce something out of the normal Mayonnaise show. We should make the most out of it. I expect them to enjoy their time. We will make it a show na hindi nila makakalimutan," Macalino promised.

As for their own memorable experiences as a band, drummer Shan Regalado mentioned a concert at the Araneta Coliseum. "Tumutugtog kami nun sa Araneta, may part na binuksan nila 'yung ilaw kita 'yung mga tao, tapos tumatalon sila sa 'Jopay.' E concert 'yun ng Parokya ni Edgar 'yun. Nasabi ko na lang, kilala na nila tayo."

The Big Dome is also memorable for bassist Nikki Tirona.
"Concert ni Vice Ganda, iba 'yung crowd eh, sinabing dumapa dapa, talon, talon sila," he said.

For lead guitarist Keano Swing, it wasn't one particular concert but the entire tour in support of their album "Gusto Ko Lang Kasama Ka Palagi Pero Hindi Pwede." "'Yung buong tour sa akin. Gusto ko lang mag-tour," he said.

For his part, guitarist Carlo Serrano prefers playing in gigs. "Palaging masaya 'yun eh," he said.

Macalino has three on his list, all with his parents in the crowd. "Una, 'yung una kong 19 East (a bar in Muntinlupa) kasi napanood ng pamilya. Pangalawa, 'yung Muziklaban na nandun nanay ko, talagang nandun siya sa audience. Pangatlo, 'yung ATC (Alabang Town Center), anniv namin nandun si Papa. 'Yun ang pinakanatatandaan kong sinabi ng Mama ko na 'sobrang proud sa 'yo ng Papa mo,'" he recalled.

Meanwhile, for avid Mayo fans who are waiting for "Bakit Part 3," Macalino has this to say: "Well, hindi ko naman sinasara. Depende kasi 'yan sa perspective kung bakit magkaka-part 3."

"Nagkaroon kasi ng 'Bakit Part 2,' kasi bitin, parang hindi yata natapos 'yung kuwento," noted Regalado.

But for Macalino, there should be inspiration for them to create a third part of the "Bakit" songs. "Naniniwala kasi ako na the amount of success of every song cannot be measured. 'Pag nag-click, gagawa ka na? No, it's something personal," he said.

"Simple lang kami," he added, "tutugtog, makakaisip ng kanta. Ikaw lang naman makakakaalam kung hanggang kailan, basta siguro kami, habang kaya. Kahit pa hindi 'yun ang uso, kasi 'yun kami. Expect nila na dun kami sa kaya namin. Hindi man alam ng lahat anong pinagdaanan namin as a band, nakikita natin ngayon na mas matamis, mas malutong."