“I’m very much in love with her and I’m very happy,” he says. “But the moment I make her identity public, she becomes public property and kawawa naman siya if she’d get bashed because there are Pops and Martin fans who are still hoping magkakabalikan kami. She doesn’t know what could happen to her once ma-exposed siya.”
Martin says he didn’t have any second thoughts to do the concert for the Tabernas as it’s for a good cause. “For me naman, it’s not really work kasi it’s gonna be more of pleasure because we know where the money is going. It’s not a career-making or breaking event or concert. It’s more of something that I think more singers should start doing and I see myself doing more of this, so I’m so happy that Anthony and of course, his lovely wife have chosen me to be one of their performers for that evening, along with KZ Tandingan, Cacai Bautista, the Soul Supreme and the two daughters of Anthony and Rossel, Zoey and Helga. Doing this kind of show for needy people gives more substance to your life as you’re not just doing it for your own self interest.”
Someone asks him why doesn’t he put up his own foundation for charity. “No offense meant to those who do charity then post their pictures while doing it but you shouldn’t do that. It’s no longer charity if you announce it, but to praise yourself and that’s not what charity is all about. That’s why I take my hat off to Derek Ramsay. He had his housing project for Habitat for Humanity last year but he didn’t even announce it. I’ve helped a lot of other people, too, but I never announce it. It shouldn’t be announced.”
Martin is celebrating his 35th year in showbiz. “I’m just glad that I am still here. I’m not as in-demand as I used to be and that’s the reality that we have to face. But I’m glad that my phone still constantly rings and that means a lot to me.”
How is his dad, balladeer Bert Nievera, after he was reported to have a stroke last year? “He’s doing great in Las Vegas, but he’s very thin. He had brain seizure and he lost his memory that we all panicked. But after a week, his memory came back. Not only does he remember again, but he even he remembers what he forgot before, so I don’t what that is. He’s okay now, but still very thin.”
His eldest son Robin is now a popular DJ on 107.5. Is Robin still on with Zia Quizon, the singer-songwriter daughter of Zsa Zsa Padilla and the late Dolphy? “Yes, and I’m very happy for them. Of all the girlfriends Robin had, Zia is the right one for him. She made him a better version of himself. Robin has always been a good boy, with good values kasi he’s well brought up by Pops. I give all the credit to his mom. But with Zia, he became an even better person musically and spiritual. That’s why I’m very fond of Zia. Mabait talaga siya.”
Is he ready if they’d face the altar? “Ay huwag muna. Let us not rush our children. Marriage is just out there. Mag-prepare muna sila.”
