25 years of  Martin Nievera

It has now been 25 years since the teen-aged Martin Nievera became a full-fledged recording artist.  He signed up with Vicor early in 1982 and was so happy that he told anybody who would listen that it was the fulfillment of his biggest dream.  Before that he was balladeer Bert Nievera’s son, a boy who grew up in the US determined to become only one thing, a singer. Now being a Nievera meant that Martin had big singing shoes to fill, but the kid was not only talented, he was also lucky.

That signing was followed by events that proved propitious for his career.  The first album, Martin Take One came out in June and went gold instantly.  He next headlined his first major concert barely a few months later in Aug. 20, 1982.  This was Wanted Martin and it was held at the Folk Arts Theater.  It was so successful that a repeat was held only two weeks later. More successes followed and on the whole, the snags and potholes in his career turned out to be few. As the years went by, Martin matured into an excellent performer and one of the best song artists the Philippines has ever produced.

Be My Lady, Each Day With You, Say That You Love Me, Christmas Won’t Be the Same Without You, The Best Gift, Forever, Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin, Forevermore, Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin, Never Said Goodbye, You Are My Song, Kahit Isang Saglit, Somewhere in Time, The Promise and The Last Time I Felt Like This are but a few of the songs he turned into hits. 

His personal life during the same 25 years has not gone as smoothly as the singing but just as nobody remains unchanged by anything, no problem, no matter how difficult is fated to stay unsolved.  To his fans, rest assured that he is sorting out things and making smooth transitions as needed.  As for the singing, there is still something he has to conquer, Vegas.  Why?  Because it is there and is every entertainer’s dream.  Hopefully his next 25 years will see the Las Vegas dream fulfilled.

Meanwhile, Martin will next be seen in Milestone, a concert that will be held at the Captain’s Bar of the Mandarin Oriental Manila in Manila on Sept. 14 and 15.  He will have old friend and music collaborator Louie Ocampo as musical director and it will be produced by XVR Events.  XVR stands for Crossover, a name that also figures prominently in Martin’s career history. Crossover produced many of his successful concerts including the Crossover Live Concert Tour of 2000 and Martin Nievera Live in Singapore two years later.  So there in the intimate setting of the Captain’s Bar, Martin will treat his fans to a recap in song of his past 25 years.

Hindi Kita Malilimutan

Still on anniversaries, The Bukas Palad Ministry will celebrate its 20th year with the release of the new album Hindi Kita Malilimutan tomorrow, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Church of the Jesus, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, Quezon City.  Hindi Kita Malilimutan features 20 liturgical and inspirational works composed by Bukas Palad Ministry founders Fr. Manoling Francisco S.J. and Norman Agatep and songs written by the five winners of the Bayan Umawit songwriting competition.

Bukas Palad started as an informal gathering of music lovers from the Ateneo, who were driven by the passion to compose and record original liturgical music. Among the best-known works to emerge from this are Tanging Yaman, Anima Christie, Sa ‘Yo Lamang, Panalangin sa Pagiging Bukas Palad and Hindi Kita Malilimutan.  Bukas Palad recorded its first album in 1986 and has done 12 more in the years that followed.  The group has also performed in concerts in Japan, Hong Kong, the US and around the Philippines.        

It’s in the Genes

It’s in the Genes is so apt a title for a concert that features mommy Annie Brazil and  children Richard Merk and Rachel Anne Wolfe. The show will show where Richard and Rachel Anne got their singing chops.  But sad for these kids, it will also prove that they still have a lot to learn as far as holding a candle to their mom's  magnificent styling  is concerned.  Of course, if they continue to work hard on their music, I am sure one day they, too, will have the same artistry and command of the audience Annie excels in.

Anyway It’s in the Genes promises to be a great evening.  I am sure the duets and trios will be fantastic.  It is set  on Aug. 30, 9 p.m. at  Captain’s Bar of  Mandarin Oriental Manila in Makati.  Call tel. nos. 750-1481, 892-0160 and 750-8888 for inquiries.