MANILA, Philippines - Now that he has started on his new job as one of MYX channel’s newest VJs (along with Julz Savard and Ton Vergel), Robin Nievera feels the pressure mounting on all fronts. And it’s not just because VJ-ing is a whole new world for him. It’s also because Robin happens to be Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez’s eldest son.
Robin won’t torment himself, living up to people’s expectations, though.
“I feel kilig when you compare me with Martin and Pops. But I don’t think I will reach their level. In my list, they’re the best performers in the world,” he says.
In fact, Robin thinks his dad is even better than the Justin Timberlake.
“Not that I’m being biased,” Robin explains. “I’ve seen a lot of concerts — local and foreign — in my life. Justin Timberlake can sing and dance. But when something goes wrong on stage, he can’t handle it like my dad can. He knows what to do when the microphone suddenly dies on him.”
Yes, he admits he can be funny like his dad. But to Robin, no one can be funnier and wittier than Martin, even if the son happens to drop punchlines left and right like his dad.
“When it comes to singing, I am more like my mom,” Robin crows.
When it comes to mom and dad, Robin is as protective as a lion guarding his den.
“Whatever makes them happy,” he replies when asked about his parents’ colorful love lives.
And no, they’re not short on cash just because Pops sold the Ayala Alabang house Martin, Robin and Ram lived in for more than 15 years.
“We’re fine,” Robin relates. “We moved because the Skyway is a pain. And the place is far from our workplace in Quezon City. We’re saving time.”
He and younger brother Ram are now on their own and are living at The Fort. And Robin plans to invest on things for their pad out of his earnings as VJ.
No, he won’t bother mom and dad. Robin would rather be independent — not just in terms of his living quarters — but financially, too.
Robin also knows being a Nievera makes him a shoo-in, not just for a VJ career, but for showbiz life as well. It’s a life he lived vicariously since he was that tall.
“I don’t know,” Robin replies to a question about entering showbiz. The fact that he admits he doesn’t dance may be stopping him.
“Right now, I just want to be a VJ. “I like talking about music and cracking jokes as much as I like playing the guitar, singing and writing music.”
Which is just as well. Myx boss Andre Alvarez said that they’re careful about getting VJs because others just see the job as stepping stone for becoming actors and actresses or singers.
Andi Eigenmann, he says, really wanted to be an actress. She made it as finalist of the search but didn’t make it in the final reckoning. And she acknowledges that Myx played a big role in making her come out of her shell.
Robin doesn’t have to come out of his shell. The 21-year-old musician is as outgoing as his dad. And he’s hellbent in “introducing this awesome new band and making people hear a song” more than anything else.
He’s on top of the show Rock Myx, Mondays to Fridays, 2 to 2:30 a.m. and 2:30 to 3 p.m., Saturdays, 1:30 to 2 a.m. and 2:30 to 3 p.m. and Sundays, 2:30 to 3 p.m.
The show features old and new rock music from local and foreign artists.
One week into the job and Robin has yet to get used to his new title.
“I’m not used to hearing people call me VJ Robin on the streets,” he admits. And he’s not afraid to say his first shooting day was not a walk in the park.
But he believes he has finally found his career direction.
“Before I was just busy,” he muses. “I was just wasting time. Now, I’m busy, with a purpose. I’m more comfortable with what I’m doing. I’m not singing, I’m not dancing. I’m just talking about music, which is what I love to do. I’m having fun!”
Mom and Dad are watching his every move on the show. They don’t mince words in telling Robin what areas he can improve on. They are, in Robin’s words, ‘my harshest critics.’
But they’re as supportive as can be. Martin gave Robin a car and a helper who carries his clothes and other things he needs in-between takes. Pops, like Martin, urges friends to tune in to Robin’s shows.
No wonder VJ Robin is inspired to give the job his best shot. And make Mom and Dad even prouder of him than ever.