The Santa Claus in Martin Nievera

It took eight years before Star Cinema decided to bring back the tandem of John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo via “A Second Chance,” a movie directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina who was also at the helm of “One More Chance,” the iconic romantic love story that fans of the tandem loved so much.

The film was a big hit and was a crowd favorite that we were not surprised that even Direk Cathy and her two lead stars had given it some thought before agreeing to do a sequel.

The success of “One More Chance” is a tough act to follow, but as Direk Cathy said, they wanted to bring a new dimension into the story of Popoy and Basha. It had been eight years and even her stars have grown up. “Both of them have matured and improved a lot as performers,” said Direk Cathy of Lloydie and Bea.

The maturity that Lloydie and Bea went through was a big help in making the characters of Popoy and Basha now more interesting. After all, as the two lead stars put it, they have put so much of themselves into their roles.

As “A Second Chance” opens to a brand new audience (after all, those who’ve watched “One More Chance” have gone through maturity as well and have grown up), it bears watching how this new movie of John Lloyd and Bea will be accepted by the millennials.

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In just four weeks, we will soon be celebrating Christmas, the most awaited season of the year, especially for kids. When you say Christmas, the kids think of the gifts they will receive while the elder ones think of caroling, dawn masses, Christmas bonuses and family reunions.

For Martin Nievera’s family and loved ones, Christmas becomes more special because of the Concert King. His family shares what is Christmas like for them and the singer.

“Christmas is more special when Martin’s around because he is Santa Claus to all of us – always goes out of his way to get the perfect gift, puts lots of thought in what he chooses and he shops on his own and does not send anyone to shop for him,” says Vicky Nievera Davis, Martin’s fraternal twin sister.

“He sets the tone for Christmas. He loves to decorate all areas of the house and the Christmas tree. He plays Christmas music the whole time we decorate to get us in the mood. Christmas is more special for me when he’s around because we both have kids now in the States that live away from us, so when we are not able to travel to be with our kids for Christmas, it helps that we can be together.”

For Rachel Nievera Zdzieba, “Christmas becomes more special with him around because he is like a child with such excitement to give his gifts that he put so much thought into. His generosity is one in a million.”

Recollects Tere Tabuena del Rosario: “Christmas is always special when Martin was with us because he always made Christmas about the children! I will never forget one Christmas when we were living in Florida – when my kids were still small, he pretended to be the reindeer on the roof – as in he climbed the roof and made those clicking sounds. He even prepared cookies for Santa (which he also ate!) and then pretended to be Santa with his ‘hohoho’ and his sack of toys under the tree. The kids were in awe and I was so touched to have my little brother Martin try his best to weave some magic into my children’s Christmas! He is a special brother and uncle in our family!”

“My Tito Martin is the family’s secret Santa. He doesn’t just buy gifts for everyone. No matter where he is or how busy he is, he makes such a big effort to find out what we need or what we wish for. For the longest time, I even made him believe I am his godchild even if I am not so that I get a bigger gift,” shares Miguel Tabuena.

Paolo Valenciano adds: “Tito Marts usually isn’t here during Christmas. He comes back usually towards the end of the season. And right when you think Christmas is over, he shows up like a late Santa with gifts and goodies for everyone! Christmas in January.”

Concluding the happy reminiscence, Samantha Godinez-Valenciano enthuses, “Christmas with Tito Martin is always special because of the same reason why we all love the idea of a Santa Claus. It’s not about the gifts he gives but the idea of why he’s giving. He wants everyone to be happy. His main purpose in life is to make people happy. He thinks of every single gift he gives and you can see how excited he is when he gives it.”

With all these wonderful memories shared, it is no longer a surprise why the Philippines’ Concert Royal, Martin Nievera, kicks off the holiday season with “Martin Home for Christmas” on December 1 at the Theatre at the Solaire, Asia’s finest concert venue. Showtime is 8 p.m.

So why not give yourself an early Christmas treat and watch Martin’s concert. For sure, it is going to be another magical evening.