TWENTY years after their wedding was annulled, Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez are not just co-workers — as the country’s Concert King and Queen — but caring friends.
The ex-couple are performing in “Two-Gether Again” on February 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21, at The Theater at Solaire. At their press con, Pops and Martin opened their heart about their relationship today.
“It took a long time. I won’t pretend… I won’t be a normal human being kung ganun kadali,” admitted Pops, “Like I said, time heals a lot of wounds.
“Me kasi, I’m ok. I’m doing quite well. I’m blessed with my two boys. Parang nawala na talaga ang galit,” she continued.
“When you met Santino,” Martin volunteered.
“When I saw Santino, he’s such a sweet kid,” at this point, Pops’ voice trailed off and she became emotional. “It broke my heart. It totally changed pananaw ko. Everything has to be OK. And it is.”
Pops and Martin, their children Ram and Robin, Martin’s son, Santino, and Santino’s mom, Katrina, were together during the holidays. It was one of the most unforgettable Christmases for the modern family.
Pops related what happened on Christmas Eve 2019, which they celebrated in Las Vegas.
“I’m happy to say that for the very first time our Christmas — not quite normal yet — but somehow we made it normal. We made it work. We wanted the boys to be together and they did. I think they had a great time.”
“Very uncomfortable for me having Pops and Katrina on the same table,” admitted Martin,
“It wasn’t very forced because all the kids get along well. And Katrina made a big feast so it’s been a long time. Katrina and I are not together anymore and it’s the whole modern family concept. It was magic. It was Christmas, that is what it is all about, magic.”
Martin paid tribute to his ex-wife.
“Of course all the credit goes to Pops,” he said, “because if she does not allow it, it’s a whole different ballgame. It’s the woman really, it’s the one who was left with all of these burdens that has to cope or make the choice to cope with it or not. And she made the choice to cope with it. So for all the women out there, we talk about powerful women, she should be on the poster.
“Thank you, same goes to Katrina,” said Pops, ever gracious, “She also had difficult times. So mabuhay ang mga kababaihan.”
They have sung countless times, in their former show, “Penthouse Live,” where their romance started, in their many sold-out performances here and abroad. For Pops, the song, “How Do You Keep the Music Playing,” is the most apt to describe their current relationship.
“Kinakanta na kanta na namin nun,” said Pops, “It must be ‘How Do You Keep the Music Playing?’ kasi no matter what we have been in our lives, the music never ends.”
