Martin Nievera waxes poetic not only when he sings, but even when he talks about his music, his children and the love of his life. Inarguably one of the most charismatic persons in the world, Martin has been through the wringer many times over but has survived. Maybe scarred but wiser, sexier and better. Remaining a diligent student of the school of hard knocks and heartaches, Martin beautifully sails the coast of life, reaches out for his dreams while remaining seductive and exciting. Whether he sings or he talks, Martin always leaves an imprint that lingers on and on — till forever. Read on.
What other talent would you like to have aside from music and why?
I wish I were an architect building dream houses for everyone in my family. Another talent I wish I had would be to paint or draw and maybe make my own superhero movie. But the talent I really wish I had would be the talent a doctor or surgeon possesses. To heroically save a life with dedication and have the best education would make me the most talented person alive.
In your opinion, what is the worst thing about being a Concert King? The best?
The best thing about being called the Concert King is also the worst thing. The title, although an honor, is a gauge or a reminder for greatness. Not a reminder that I’m great, but instead a reminder that my audiences, foreign or domestic, deserve nothing less than greatness in a performance fit for a king. Not a performance from a king, but a performance for a king. For me, my audience is king!
Are you afraid of getting old?
Sorry let me get my glasses, what was that? Oh getting old? Me? No way! Of course it depends on how you say it. “Martin Nievera is getting old” meaning old news, laos, stale or is close to being history. That for me is more frightening than, “Martin is getting old” meaning in years. We are as old as our smile. The more you smile the younger you will remain. I want to age gracefully, musically and comically.
What was the best thing said about you?
“No, you’re not fat...” that would be one but there are words my children said in the book of Jun de Leon titled, Our Father, that made me melt. They don’t say much, but when they do they’re music to my ears.
What is the question you have been asked most often? And the question you hate most?
The most-asked question is always a question about Pops (Fernandez). The question I hate answering most is any question that will get more than just me in trouble. I hate answering any question that forces me to reveal too much.
How well do you understand women?
Apparently not well enough. The most beautiful wonder in life is how to understand a woman. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again and again.
What childish thing do you still do as an adult?
How much space do you have on this page? I think it would be easier to count the adult things I do than the childish things I still do. Worrying would be on the top of the adult list. But I think the most childish thing I still do now is whining and complaining, “Are we there yet? Are we there yet?” Oh and coloring in coloring books and watching cartoons. “Go, Speed Racer! Go, Speed Racer! Go, Speed Racer, gooooo!”
How do you pray?
My words are not clear or poetic. They don’t move mountains or part the seven seas. There is no particular time or place where I need to be to compose these prayers. I may never be quoted in church and my words may never be used in future teachings, but when I pray I know He is listening. Loud and clear.
If you will dedicate one of your songs to somebody, who would it be? Why?
I would dedicate a song I composed titled, I’ll Be There, to my three sons. It’s a song about a father’s promise to always be there for his children. I have been called many things in the past, but because my children are blessings to me, in different corners of the world I work very hard to not be called a bad father. When the thunderous applause and the over amplified chants have all disappeared the only thing that keeps me going is, knowing that I’m loved by my three sons.
What was the best thing you did for love? The worst? Why?
The best thing I ever did for love was fight for it. The worst thing I did was lose it. If you have fought for love only to lose it, but didn’t learn from the whole adventure, then you will never have the answer to why you lost what you fought for in the first place.
If you are Superman, who is your Superwoman?
My mom is my superwoman. She can fight everyone’s battles and save the world and still have time to make dinner.
Do you still write love letters?
Oh yes! All the time. And not only to women I love, but also to my sons, myself and to my God.
(To be continued on Monday)