The 'Big Mouth' shoots from the heart

Column: Directline
Author: Boy Abunda

This is the second part of our “fast talk” with the Concert King Martin Nievera who, to me, remains one of the most fascinating persons in this country. The thing with Martin is that he expresses his sentiments best when he’s singing or writing poetry. You have to listen intently to the nuances of his singing to know whether his heart is joyful or in pain. When he reads his poetic lines you read around his words to see the clarity of his emotions. He is still the eternal boy-king who says he is the least favorite singer, that he is a wild flower who can survive storms and can bloom even without sunlight. He laughs and cries and gets lost, in the process not knowing whether he cries because he’s happy or he laughs because he’s in pain. Only Martin knows! Read on.

What makes you laugh?

Everything! I can make a joke about anything or anyone and I laugh. Political promises make me laugh, too. Even in my head I am laughing. Sometimes a happy ending in a movie can make me laugh… laugh until I cry. Sometimes happiness can make me laugh…

What is the most romantic place on earth for you and why?

Sitting on a rock watching the sunset, waking up in the morning with her on your chest, walking down Time’s Square in downtown Manhattan sharing an umbrella, strolling through Central Park in the spring time, standing on a balcony over Waikiki beach waiting for a falling star, sitting in traffic just the two of you, long walks with a stroller, a lazy day in bed watching movies I have seen a million times before, in the backseat of a car, sharing a seat in business class with her head on your shoulder… any place, any time, anywhere can be romantic if you are with the one you love…

The best gift you have ever received from a loved one?

Children

Who is your favorite singer? Why? Your least favorite?

I like Josh Groban for bringing back real singing, Michael Buble’ for his crooner style, Brian Mcknight for his laid back soulful feel, Luther Vandross for his smooth and sexy voice, Jay Durias for his international style, Lea Salonga for her attention to detail, clarity and power of her voice and her success story in general and for her Tony award, Rachel Ann Go for her voice quality and range, Sarah Geronimo for her dedication to her voice and for owning every song she sings, and Sheryn Regis for proving that the best gifts still come in small packages. Regine Velasquez is still my favorite. What power! What a range, too. Christian Bautista, very clear and correct; Erik Santos puts everything he’s got into every song; Mark Bautista has a complete package to offer; Jed Madela, sometimes only the dogs can hear his high notes; Zsa Zsa for her velvet voice; Lani Misalucha for her unstoppable hunger to learn and grow as a performer; Piolo Pascual, more than just an actor filled with humility and gratefulness; Gary V. for his dedication to every beat and note of any song he sings; Arnel Pineda and Charice Pempengco, my bets for international stardom. My least favorite singer is me…

What is the best sound? What is the worst?

The sound of silence is the best and the worst. When life is loud we seek silence… when it’s too quiet it can be deafening.

The song you wouldn’t sing in public?

Any rap song… “yo, yo, waz up…”

You are 10 years old, the first thing that you remember?

Hawaii Five-O... Christmas in Hawaii

If you were to confess only one sin to God, what would it be and why?

I would confess that I blamed Him for not answering many prayers in the past. I would ask forgiveness big time… I still do.

If you were a wild flower, what would you be and why?

I would be the wild flower that survives every storm and the one that could grow even when the sun doesn’t shine.

If you were to sing Be My Lady today, to whom would you sing it to?

To the one I would want to spend the rest of my life with… and she better be a lady! “Yikes…”

Where do you think you would go? Heaven or hell? Why?

Heaven for sure, because I think I am already in hell… there’s no traffic in heaven…

Who is the most beautiful person in the world and why?

The most beautiful person in the world is the person who can love unconditionally. The person who is most forgiving. The person who gives more than he takes. The person who can, who uses the past as a photo album and not a weapon. The most beautiful person in the world is not perfect, but instead strives for perfection.

When was your “last cry”?

Last night… No matter how happy I may be today when I close my eyes I always see someone I miss, hurt and love. No matter where I go in this world I am always leaving someone behind with many beautiful memories. So I cry all the time. Sometimes even while I am smiling…

What do you do “before you say goodbye”? The last time you said goodbye?

I hug, I squeeze, I rewind memories in my mind with every warm embrace, I hold on for dear life to the person I am parting with and find myself lost in the moment. I kiss and then I cry. The one saying goodbye usually has it better than the one being said goodbye to, but just the same, it hurts like there was no tomorrow…

Write your epitaph?

Hey you! Get off of me!!!!... Or “ Sing For You!... Or Martin Nievera — brother, father, singer, friend… a dreamer... Or better yet, Martin Forever!

Thirty years from now, where are you and what are you doing?

Watching the same sunset, singing the same song and watching my children realize their ever dream… “Abangan! Susu---nod!”

Source: The Philippine Star