Martin Nievera says he will never leave 'ASAP'

MANILA, Philippines – Martin Nievera sees the ABS-CBN Sunday noontime show “ASAP” as a big part of his life, not only of his career.

“I will never leave ‘ASAP,’” he replied when asked if he’s going to leave the show, in a recent interview. “It’s always going to be part of my life even if I’m dead, that’s going to be my show.”

“I love that show, I love being on ABS-CBN,” he added.

The Concert King also denied that there are “billing issues” in their show between the experienced hosts and the new breed of talents.

“I’m not like the main host anymore, but there are no superstars on our show,” he said. “We are all equally needed. There’re no billing issues whatsoever.”

This comes after Martin said in a recent interview that he feels the long-time ABS-CBN noontime show has "no slot for dinosaurs."

READ: Martin Nievera: ‘I want to be important again’

For now, Martin will be less visible in “ASAP” to focus on his show “I Love OPM,” where he’s one of the judges or “Himigration Officers,” together with Lani Misalucha and Toni Gonzaga.

The show showcases foreigners who can sing Filipino songs well.

Being raised in America and having a difficulty learning the Filipino language, Martin said he has learned something from their contestants.

“I learned from these children here that I should really get more in touch with my OPM side,” he said.

In line with this, he has worked on an all-OPM album.

“I just finished an OPM album, all OPM songs, when OPM is not yet OPM. I’m talking about old, almost Kundiman-ish kind of Tagalog songs,” he revealed. “So in this show, I learned that I have to have that sound in my songs.”

“I Love OPM” is hosted by Anne Curtis and Erik Nicholas, which airs Saturdays after “Maalaala Mo Kaya” and Sundays after “Rated K.”