Looking at the silver lining

Pops Fernandez is happy with how things are going on in her family, career and love life.

Being single again, after her marriage to Martin Nievera has been annulled, led Pops to enjoy life bonding with sons Robin and Ram, concentrating more on her career and having some time with Jomari Yllana (she has neither confirmed nor denied that they are partners).

"All I can say is that Jom and I are still in touch with each other, going out for dinner sometimes," Pops says.

However, remarrying is far from her mind now as Jomari knows Pops’ priorities are her children and her singing career.

Indeed, Pops’ dedication to her craft has never waned through the years. Songs that touch the heart make her sing with passion.

"I like songs that make me cry to release my emotion. Even when I was young, I was comfortable in songs with painful themes," she says.

But this does not mean sadness is all over Pops as she has lots of reasons to be happy after getting over the heartaches and pains of unsavory issues.

Silver is the color of Pops’ happiness as she marks her 25th year in showbiz with an album Silver, locally released by Universal Records.

Pops’ feelings on love are all over the album. It features compositions by Vehnee Saturno (Kung Malalaman Mo and You Said Goodbye), Moy Ortiz/Edith Gallardo (Anong Sabi ng Puso Mo), Babsie Molina/Edith Gallardo (Mahal Kita Dahil Mahal Kita), Cecille Azarcon (Huwag Kang Mangako), Jim Brickman (By Heart), Martin Nievera (Still In Love With You) and son Robin Nievera (Friends).

In a recent album launch, Pops came in a sultry black gown and rendered songs in the album that reflect her views on love.

"I never imagined I will last this long in showbiz with lots of ups and downs and constant surprises. When I was just starting, I thought I will stay for only 10 years," she says.

Asked how it feels reaching 25 years in the biz, Pops replies, "It’s such a joyful experience. The passion is intact and though I’m singing the same songs, I render them in different styles depending on my audience and emotions."

Pops also breathes new life to Jack Jones’ What I Did for Love and Pia Zadora’s ballad Wrong For Me to Say I Love You.

Huwag Kang Mangako defines Pops’ sentiments on love and reminds men not to make promises they can’t keep.

Talking about promises, Pops says Jomari never fails to keep his promises but hastily adds that no ultimate promise of marriage yet has been made.

Pops’ other source of joy is son Robin’s composition entitled Friends which is included in the album. Robin used to write inspirational songs mostly for his church.

"I’ve always wanted a song from him, and always looked forward to getting first shot at singing it professionally. I love that duet we did for sentimental reasons. A mother and son doing a song together – that’s a first for me," Pops says.

According to Pops, Robin, who is turning 20, sings with touches of dad Martin’s style but his voice is low compared to Martin.

Martin also contributed a song in Silver. He was in Manila when Pops told him she was working on a new album and he came up with Still in Love With You. This only proves everything is all right between them after issues came out on Martin’s not-so-nice reaction to his ex-wife’s posing for FHM magazine and about her feelings for Martin’s baby with Katrina Ojeda who gave birth recently to a boy named Santino.

"It’s very important for our children to know that both Martin and I are okay. I’m okay with the baby, too," she clarifies.

As for her business, Pops will launch a new Pipay line next month.

Being around for over two decades, what are the changes in her life?

"I have learned to enjoy life more than ever unlike before when I was stiff and took life so seriously," she ends.

Pops will perform on Dec. 11 at Crowne Plaza and Dec. 31, Makati Shangri-La Hotel.