Martin Nievera Holds Valentine Concert With Lani Misalucha At PICC, Proud Of Ex-Wife Pops Fernandez For Being A Judge In An International Show

MARTIN NIEVERA is celebrating his 57th birthday on February 5 and the presscon for his Valentine concert with Lani Misalucha at the Luxent Hotel turned into a birthday party for him, with a big cake from Fernando’s being wheeled into the ballroom and everyone singing the birthday song for him, led by Lani herself. He got a special birthday gift from Anna Puno, the producer of their concert, and this is a new massage table since the one he’s using now is “bulok na” according to him.

This year will be a memorable year for Martin as he is seriously branching out into an acting career. First, he is in the comedy film produced by his own ex-wife, Pops Fernandez, starring Ai Ai de las Alas and Bayani Agbayani. Then he is also in Maricel Soriano’s new movie for Regal Entertainment, tentatively titled “Does Your Mother Know”, to be directed by Eric Quizon and intended to be a special Mother’s Day presentation.



“I really don’t know why they’re getting me when everyone knows I’m not an actor,” he says. “Actually, I said no to both Pops and Mother Lily Monteverde, but they both won’t take no for an answer. Pops said ako ang una niyang tinawagan sa cast ng movie and I can’t say no. Mother Lily naman said Maricel won’t do the movie kung hindi ako ang kasama niya. Since they’re both good friends of mine, including Eric Quizon who’s directing the Regal movie, di I said yes, sige, I’ll do it.”

He says both roles are very challenging. “Yung sa kay Pops, mahirap talaga kasi it’s a non-speaking role. Hindi raw ako magsasalita. Di ba ang hirap noon? At yung kay Maricel, very demanding role din kasi I play a balikbayan at hindi ako masyadong maka-relate diyan. And not just a balikbayan, but a rich balikbayan. And Mother Lily told me she wants me to do more movies for Regal, so we’ll see!”

How does he feel now that Pops was chosen as one of the judges in the Wall of the World global experts of the new CBS reality show, “The World’s Best”, that will start on February 3?

“Of course, I’m very proud of her and I want the whole country to know how proud I am that she is selected to represent the Philippines and how proud we should all be as the show will feature the best talents in the world. She will be appearing with the likes of Drew Barrymore, Faith HIll and Ru Paul, hosted by James Corden.”

He says he also auditioned online via Facetime but his schedule was in conflict with the show’s taping days. “Each day, I have a concert in different city. I tried to get out of my commitment but it was too late. They asked me who I could recommend and I said, Pops Fernandez, and they said, she’s really on the list. They asked me how do I know her and I said we have two kids. So they spoke to Pops and they were able to fix her schedules so she can be with them. Pops is really a perfect choice. She’s described in the CBS website as a music icon and that’s true, she’s a Philippine icon.”

Martin is just too happy to do a Valentine concert again with Lani Misalucha in “Timeless Classics”. Their first major concert together, “Masquerade”, was a huge hit both in Manila and the USA in 2016 and Lani won the best female concert performer of the year for that show in Star Awards for Music. Both Martin and Lani are respected artists whose talent and style will always remain timeless, so the title of their new concert, “Timeless Classics”, really fits them perfectly.

Produced by Starmedia of Anna Puno in  association with Global Police Community Relations, it’s co-presented with Zim Cleanser, Farlin Baby Products, Luxent Hotel, Athena Clothing, Doon Thai Cuisine, Tony’s and Amber Restaurant, etc.

Tickets are availabe at Ticketworld Outlets on 891-9999 or ticketworld.com.ph, or visit www.starmediaentertainment.com, with the efficient and indefatigable jetsetter Jun Lalin as PRO.