Martin Nievera & the other enduring singers

What are the qualities that make for an enduring singer? Or to be truly precise what makes an enduring entertainer? I believe I came across several while watching Martin Nievera perform in Tribute at Resorts World Manila last July 16. 

While the place was certainly plush and the Newport Performing Arts Theater truly beautiful with a large stage and fantastic sound system, it was really no easy gig for Martin. He had to please a particularly testy audience.

Vehicular traffic Southbound from Quezon City was very heavy because EDSA lacked one lane. They closed it to lay out tiles on the wall of the underpass. As a result, a lot of people arrived late. The whole of Manila seems to have chosen that day to visit RWM or maybe watch Martin’s show. Great! But that meant the nightmare of getting parking space. Forget dinner, too, as there were long lines in the restaurants inside.

 And so it was with this frame of mind we sat down, would you believe on the most comfortable seats ever, to watch Martin? And when I say comfortable, that meant chairs that, with the cool temperature at Newport, can lull people to sleep. I do not think they succeeded that night because Martin did everything in his power to sing so many wonderful numbers and keep everybody entertained. 

Martin paid tribute to the important people in his life, family and friends and other artists. Surprisingly, the jokes were few. He was mostly serious. It was actually mostly music, a best of Martin concert with one medley after another of songs he is closely identified with. 

The audience seemed lost with the Top 40 stuff featuring songs by Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber, Train and other current favorites but was rapturous in its reaction to his Broadway medley, Somewhere, the Louie Ocampo songs, Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin, old hits like You Are My Song and his latest Iisa Pa Lamang.

 What made the show different from others was Martin’s performance. He was a man determined to give his best with every number. Tired or sleepy, it was very easy to warm up to the man who is surely still the best balladeer around. With his voice and his dedication, I see many more years ahead for him on top. And that is why he is indeed an enduring singer.

A wonderful discovery was Robyn Nievera, Martin’s only guest performer. Now several pounds lighter, sporting short hair and a head taller than his dad, Martin’s son showed off very good guitar licks and a quiet but deadly action star stance. The boy can really play and has his own distinctive singing style. He was rock star chops all the way and I am already very curious about what he will come up with in the future.

Martin will be returning to Resorts World on Sept. 2 for another Tribute show. Get your tickets now. You will definitely get your money’s worth despite the traffic, the difficult parking and missed dinner.

Speaking of enduring singers, my piece last Wednesday drew some comments and lists from our readers. I learned so much from the valuable feedback and again I regret not being able to include more names on the list. 

Dominic Jacon of Nagcarlan, Laguna came up with 25 names that should have made the list: 1. Lani Misalucha; 2. Noel Cabangon; 3. Rachel Alejandro; 4. Anthony Castelo; 5. Jed Madela; 6. Victor Wood; 7. Hajji Alejandro; 8. Leah Navarro; 9. Janno Gibbs; 10. Gary Granada; 11. Jaya; 12. Raymond Lauchengco; 13. Jun Polistico; 14. Victor Wood; 15. Asin; 16. Ariel Rivera; 17. Dulce; 18. Cynthia Alexander; 19. True Faith; 20. Nina; 21. Jay R; 22. Aegis; 23. Marco Sison; 24. Joey Albert; and 25. Philippine Madrigal Singers.

Edgarsanti came up with his own list: 1. Pilita Corrales; 2. Sylvia La Torre; 3. Ric Manrique Jr.; 4. Nora Aunor; 5. Freddie Aguilar; 6. Basil Valdez; 7. Kuh Ledesma; 8. Apo Hiking Society; 9. Juan de La Cruz Band; 10. Sharon Cuneta; 11. Martin Nievera; 12. Gary Valenciano; 13. Sampaguita; 14. Armida Siguion-Reyna; 15. Jose Mari Chan; 16. Celeste Legaspi; 17. Rico Puno; 18. Imelda Papin; 19. Didith Reyes; 20. Regine Velasquez; 21. Hotdog; 22. VST & Co 23.; New Minstrels; 24. Katy de la Cruz; and 25. Atang de la Rama.