Martin Nievera's timeless songs

Author: Manila Standard Today
Column: Life & Entertainment

To mark a quarter-century in an industry that's as volatile as the stock market is indeed a rare feat. Only a few in the industry can last this long. To be a member of this elite circle and be worthy of the acclaim, you have to possess the talent, the guts, the courage, and the charisma to make it past the humps and bumps that's a staple in showbiz. One of them is Martin Nievera who will celebrate his 25th year in the music business with a major anniversary and birthday concert titled Martin Nievera XXV on Feb. 1 at the Araneta Coliseum 8 p.m.

Looking back at the colorful 25 years of his life in showbiz, Martin shared that some of the highlights include the day he had his very first concert titled Wanted: Martin Live held at the Folk Arts in August 1983. "This concert is the realization of my life-long dream as a kid, which is to perform in front of a live audience," Martin said. "It wasn't perfect because several things went wrong during the show and that we weren't even able to record it, but it's still very memorable for me."

Hosting the variety show Penthouse Live! along with Pops Fernandez on TV is another milestone in his showbiz career. In 1987, Penthouse Live! was changed to Martin and Pops Twogether in celebration of their marriage. Getting married, having a family and then losing it are some of the ups and downs that made him experience life in its sweetest and most bitter. He considers these moments the most important ones that made him who he is right now.

"I'll also never forget having a taste of an international career in the US and I'm determined to make a go of it again," Martin added. "But the best highlights are yet to come."

The three-hour concert at the Big Dome will be a long night of Martin's timeless songs, which he recorded during his 25 years in the music scene. Martin admits that it is a tough act to put all his songs in just one show because they might forget some songs that fans might look for. Martin said in an interview, "It's 25 years of my music. Everything I ever recorded will be there. From "Be My Lady" to my latest songs to some songs I've recorded but haven't sung live before. What's going to be hard is to not forget some songs." Martin has released unforgettable ballads throughout his enduring musical career. Who could ever forget Martin's timeless classics that became part of our life like "Each Day With You," "Forever," "Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin," "Kahit Isang Saglit," "Say That You Love Me," and "You Are My Song."

Martin's equally talented sons Robin and Ram will be his special guests in the concert. Martin said he was surprised when Robin asked him if they could join and appear in his silver anniversary concert. The siblings, who write and sing their own songs, undoubtedly inherited the genes of their famous parents.

Martin Nievera XXV is directed by Rowell Santiago with Louie Ocampo as musical director. A 28-piece FILharmoniKa Orchestra under the baton of Gerard Salonga will accompany Martin. The major concert is produced by XVR Events and 105.1 Crossover which produced Martin's past major shows.

Ticket prices at P3,800, P3,200 P2,700, P1,600, P800 and P375 are available at all SM Ticketnet outlets and Crossover office. For inquiries, call 911-5555 (Ticketnet) and 680-1051 (Crossover).

Martin Nievera XXV will also have provincial tours on April 30 at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of Waterfront Hotel Lahug, Cebu City; May 10 at the Corpus Christi Gym in Cagayan de Oro City; and May 17 at the Clark Expo, Clark Freeport Zone Pampanga.

Source: Manila Standard Today