How breakup with Pops affected Martin’s career

For every era in our lives, there’s a Martin Nievera song that goes with it. After four decades—and counting—of singing his heart out, Martin’s love affair with music remains as intense as ever. Let’s celebrate 42 years of that Nievera magic in “The King 4ever” on Sept. 27, 8 p.m. at the Big Dome (visit ticketnet.com.ph).

I’ve been friends with Martin and his ex-wife, Pops Fernandez, since the ’80s. I have fond memories of hanging out with the couple in their Alabang home back in the day. That’s why I am happy that they have come full circle. They are proof that friendship is the best kind of love.

It was my mom (Inday Badiday) who coined the monikers “Concert King and Queen” for Martin and Pops. After countless hit concerts, Mart can never be dethroned. Long live the King who reigns supreme!

Here’s my chat with Martin:

What’s the best and hardest part of being called “The King”?

The hardest part is living up to the title. That would be hard for any singer to live up to. I have always been so sensitive about that title because people through the years might think I gave myself that title when the truth is, “concert king” was the name I was called in reviews both bad and good by the press—namely, the late great Bob Castillo.

He actually used to refer to me as the concert king almost sarcastically when he didn’t write so favorably about me. So it’s funny how we turned a negative into a positive. The best thing about that title is it makes me strive to give my very best with every performance, big or small, and at the same time put together a show fit for a king.

In my eyes for the last 42 years (and counting), it has always been my audience that is “king,” not me.

How do you manage not to rest on your laurels?

I believe resting on my laurels will be the end of me. The competition has increased through the years and because of this, I have always tried to stay on my toes and embrace my niche in the industry while learning from the new breed of singers.

Remember, I am that balladeer who never takes himself seriously. I have been that guy for 42 years now. I know there are better, younger, better-looking singers than me, but I stay true to myself and the music I am known for. I think I have earned the right to stop proving myself, but not to the point of resting on my laurels.

How do you stay grounded?

My family, the people closest to me always made it a point to never fill my head with praise. While the world back then chanted my name, my family did the opposite and kept me grounded.

I am the same guy who took out the garbage as a young boy, the same boy who used to fix his own bed. Even to this day, I take great pride in fixing my own bed before starting each day. Even in the hotels I frequent. That’s a good practice for anyone who is full of himself. Make your bed!

How did your split-up with Pops affect your career?

During the early stages of my breakup with Pops, it was a struggle. The phone didn’t ring and I found myself with a lot of time to reflect. I lost a lot of momentum in my career during the first two years of this chapter in my life. But again, my family made sure I stayed true by supporting my decision to tell all that I was to blame for it all.

Time away from my sons Robin and Ram was killing me too, so taking pride and ego out of the playing field by telling the truth of all my sins helped me learn a new talent. It’s called “bouncing back.”

Among all your songs, which one has the most interesting backstory?

“I’ll Be There for You” has always been my answer to that. Because the same time I was writing lyrics for a song about my two sons, Louie Ocampo was doing the same thing. He asked me to put lyrics to a melody he wrote for his daughter and I nearly fell off my chair because I also had lyrics for my sons, but no melody. That’s the magic behind that song.

But one day, years later when my life was a wreck with me living alone in my studio office and sleeping under my desk on a thin mattress, wondering when I would work again, I get a knock on the door.

In my boxer shorts and no shirt, I answer the door and there’s a man who hands me papers, pats me on the shoulder after saying, “You have been served!” Then, he left me standing in shock.

My friend/manager back then came over to comfort me and all I could say was, “Hand me my yellow pad and a pen.” In that very moment, when I received my annulment papers, I sat on the floor and could not stop writing on that yellow pad. Word after word, I kept writing.

Later, that yellow pad paper with my scribbling became the song, “Before You Say Goodbye.” This is now the new answer to the question about what is the most interesting backstory behind any of my songs. To this day, I still don’t sing that song…

If you could travel back in time, what moment in your career and personal life would you want to relive?

I would love to relive the years of that overly confident, almost cocky, younger, stronger me. When I watch old videos of myself, I can’t believe it’s me I am watching. Now I hate watching old clips, because I’m not that Martin anymore.

During your early years, how did the rivalry with Gary Valenciano affect you?

Jollibee needs McDonald’s to last in this very competitive business. Gary and I needed each other and we still do to this day. Only now, we share many stages together both off and onstage. I will never be as musical or as talented as Gary V, but I need Gary to be Gary so Martin can be Martin.

I have always admired his musicality and grace onstage. Personally I think he is one of the best, most complete entertainers we will ever know. Just don’t tell him I said that.

What has fame taught you?

Fame has taught me that it doesn’t last forever. And that if you hunger for it and thirst for fortune, you will never be successful or happy. It feels good in the beginning , but don’t let it get to your head. Someone new and better always comes around. Cheer for him. Be famous for making others shine.

What’s your song for Pops, for your girlfriend Anj, and for your grandson Finn?

For Pops, “The Greatest Love of All.” She has shaped a beautiful future for our children and has survived all the crap I put her through. She can now lift her head high and throw her arms in the air in victory because she has learned the most important lesson in life—“learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all!” And with this love, she can move on, live her dreams and love others unconditionally. She can forgive wholeheartedly and shine for us all.

There is no one I know who can do all this with such grace and class. Pops is one of a kind.

Anj and I have always said our song is Zack Tabudlo’s “Give Me Your Forever.” But if I were to choose a song that best describes my Anj, It would be TJ Monterde’s “Palagi.”

Since you are asking, Anj deserves a man with less excess baggage. A younger man, most probably better looking, and with a more stable profession. But she chooses to be with the likes of me. She is patient and so understanding. She is always with me through the good times and bad. She calms my soul. I love being with her. Even doing nothing is fun with Anj.

For Finn, the song I would give him today is the song I wrote for his father when he was born. It’s called “Miracle.” My grandson is a true miracle in many ways, but the bigger miracle is the father my son Robin has become. My heart breaks each time I see Robin rush home even from another state to get to Chicago just to be with his son. He is so hands-on as a new father I could not be prouder.

What’s the secret of your staying power?

Always have something to look forward to. Never forget the journey and all it took to get there. Stay true. Stay humble. Stay available to all those who need you. Just because you shine bright doesn’t mean you can’t help others shine, too. Stay grateful. Don’t let fame take you away.