‘In celebration of his 42nd anniversary in music, Martin Nievera honors 42 significant people in his life with dedicated songs’

In celebration of his 42nd anniversary in the music industry, the Philippines’ one and only “Concert King” Martin Nievera stages his major concert back where it started – at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on September 27, produced by his peers and his staunchest supporters Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez’s sister-manager Cacai Velasquez.

The grateful man that he is, we asked Martin to list down 42 significant people in his life and asked him to dedicate a song that would be his way of honoring them.

In his own words, here are the songs of gratitude of “Concert King” Martin Nievera for his loved ones:

Bert Nievera – “The Best Gift”: Many years ago my father and I shared a song written by Ryan Cayabyab. Little did we know he would become a National Artist and this song would become the title cut for my second album. Dad taught me many things, but singing was something we both loved. He always told me to sing with full heart and soul. We shared many stages together, but the one I treasure most was behind the counter of our family burger joint back when I was finishing high school in Concord, California. My father will forever be, “The best gift that I ever had…”

Conchita Razon – “Wildflower”: My mom is a brilliant woman with an enormous amount of pride. She is always the smartest person in the room and never runs out of stories. Everyone thinks it’s my father and I that have so much in common, but I’ve learned it’s actually my mom and I that are more alike, especially when it comes to love. We love unconditionally and hurt unpredictably. When we are in love, we give everything, expecting nothing in return, but even the small stuff can turn our world upside down. The song I would give her is “Wildflower.” She has given up her own life choices and happiness for the loves of her life, thinking about the, “what might have beens.”

Louie Tabuena – “Smile”: Daddy Louie is not my Father number 2; he is my father, TOO. How I wish he lived long enough for me to express my love and gratitude. He was there for us even when he and mom were exes. Not too many know how important this man is to me. I learned so much from him. He also taught me how to believe in myself against all odds. More often than not, Daddy Louie had a list of songs he felt I could sing. I guess you can say he was my first musical director. It was not Louie O. It was Louie T. Such a great positive man who always found a reason to, “Smile.”

Baby sister Rachel – “Go the Distance”: My youngest sister has always been and will always be my role model when it comes to raising a family. Her number one priority has always been her children. Even though her children are not children anymore, she still lives her life for them. She will go the distance for them. She is my hero.

Twin Vicki – “Wind Beneath My Wings”: Vicki and I share one heart and one soul. We even share the same passion to sing until we can’t sing anymore. Actually, she loves it a little more than I do. She is my problem solver and the one who supplies me with common sense when I am running on empty. Through every storm, Vicki is the wind that pushes me forward. I fly higher when I am with her.

Sister Gina – “One Day In Your Life”: This is the first song that Gina ever taught me to sing. I never knew I had a voice until one night when Gina and Vicki were jamming on the guitar. I joined their last note, and out of nowhere, I hit a very high note using my falsetto for the first time. That’s when Gina’s eyes lit up, and she taught me “One Day In Your Life.” When I went to the Philippines to try my luck, Gina became my true champion. To this day, she is still my champion.

Sister Tere – “Because You Loved Me”: I love all my siblings equally, but the love my sister Tere has given me has not only given me wings, it’s given me a sword and shield. Between my siblings, Tere and I see each other the least, yet we feel each other the most. Her love has taught me so many beautiful lessons from childhood to today. This family would be helpless without her.

Brother Luigi – “In Christ Alone”: My brother Luigi has always been my idol, not only because he was always the best athlete but because he was always the smartest person around. He worked hard to help me realize my dream to become a singer. But what I admire most is that he found Jesus and introduced Him to our entire family. The most precious lesson Luigi taught me is that no matter what challenges I face, I must trust in Christ alone.

Son Robin – “You Are To Me”: There is a song I was asked to write with Homer Flores back in the ’80s as a birthday gift from a fan club to their idol. Today, it’s my son Robin who inspires me. His musicality is miles ahead of my own, and he has become such a responsible father. Robin is the star that shines in me.

Son Ram – “Change the World”: Ram has brought so much color and animation into my life. Even how he deals with people and problems is like a storyboard for a new animated film. I love the man he has grown into, and I know in time Ram will change the world — and make us all proud.

Son Santino – “Part of Your World”: He has always loved mermaids. Being a child on the spectrum, his everyday walk is a challenge. How I wish I was part of his world so I could better understand his challenges. I pray every day that he finds his place and shows all those who doubt him that he truly belongs.

Grandson Finn – “Miracle”: Thirty minutes into my fatherhood, after Robin was born, I wrote a song called, “Miracle.” I now give this song to Finn, my first grandchild. He is Robin’s miracle now, but in my eyes, the miracle is the father Robin has become. I couldn’t be a prouder, “Lilo.”

Ex-wife Pops Fernandez – “Time of My Life”: I think Pops and I are in a good place right now. After all has been said and done, we are able to co-parent Robin and Ram the way we have been. Her superpower is forgiveness, and because of this, we are able to do what we still do on and off stage.

Girlfriend Anj Del Rosario – “You’re My Everything“:  My dear sweet Anj. She is so many things to me. She holds the key to happiness and soothes my soul. She reminds me to keep my feet safely planted on the ground no matter what. She is the loudest scream in the audience when I am down on myself, but she doesn’t fill my head with praise to feed my ego, no way! Are you kidding? She tells me like it is and holds my hand and walks through the gates of reality with me. She pushes me to be the best version of myself that I can be. She could do so much better than to be with someone like me who carries so much excess baggage, living in a glass house for all to see, but I thank God she chooses to stay with me. (To be continued.)