Martin is doing a Sinatra again

MANILA, Philippines — Martin Nievera is doing a Frank Sinatra again as he has been tapped as the brand ambassador of Solaire for another two years. You know, the Ol’ Blue Eyes was the face and voice of casinos in America, as Martin said in a previous interview.

Martin represents the luxury, fun entertainment and world-class brand of the casino hotel. In a group chat with the media, the singer-host said that he loves “to be part of the history of Solaire, knowing that people from all over the world come here,” and to be part of the guests’ hopes and dreams. He considered Solaire as “my home court, my home base.”

“Believe it or not, most of my new songs have always been Solaire’s songs — Follow the Sun and You Just Know It’s Christmas,” he added. 

The last two years saw Martin doing shows at The Theatre and gracing eight VIP dinners to the delight of all. Although it’s too early to tell, he and Pops Fernandez will do New Year’s Eve 2020 party of Solaire. Fans in the US, meantime, can catch the tandem from Aug. 10 until Sept. 8 (check out Martin’s Instagram for details). The showcase is called Two-gether Again. “We took (it) on tour in 2004 and (we’re doing it) now again in 2019,” said Martin in a media call. For millennials and Gen Zs, Martin and Pops had a variety show titled The Penthouse Live! on GMA 7 before they were named the Concert King and Queen.

“I’m scared to death actually to perform with her again,” said Martin. “First, as artists, she and I click the best. Just one look, isang tingin lang, she finishes my sentences, she knows when I’m gonna go here, I know when she’s gonna go there. We’re mirror images of each other. Usually, with the likes of Lani (Misalucha) and Regine (Velasquez), and all the other girls I work with, when I go to the right, and you go to the left, we do it harmoniously. But with Pops and I, it’s automatic. It’s almost automatic.

“But why am I afraid? Because I don’t want people who are watching ever think that we’re pretending that we like each other for the sake of applause,” he continued. “It’s the people who asked for this kind (of show)... There are so many people clamoring for Martin and Pops. And you see the chemistry, whether you’re romantically linked (or not).”

Martin Nievera remains the brand ambassador of Solaire — Photo by VER PAULINO

More than that, it’s their individual music that fans also look forward to (they have their own catalogues of hits) and the musical experience only them can create.

Early this year, Pops was seen as a judge (and member of the Wall of the World) in The World’s Best, which was also offered to Martin. The latter is open to the idea of gracing the show.

“Definitely. I think it’s a great exposure, it’s a great experience, too, more than anything to be a flag (bearer) of this country,” said he, who wanted Katrina Velarde (the Suklay Diva), other Filipino singers and some Idol Philippines contestants to follow the lead being started by the TNT Boys.

“With just two episodes, you are world known. The name (of the show) is The World’s Best, you didn’t have to win. You will be called The World’s Best for the rest of your life.”

Asked about the singing talent shows and the winners the public has seen in the past years, the X Factor Philippines and I Love OPM judge answered, “What can I say? There are too many and I think for other stations to make their own, at least it’s different.” Martin also said that it’s the thing now. So it’s natural for show runners “to strike while the iron is hot.”

Would he join the American Idol or any similar programs? “If I could, I would join American Idol in a heartbeat, I would join any Idol or X Factor. I would so join,” replied Martin, who has long proven himself and has nothing to lose. “Winning is so much rewarding, when you know how to lose, when you’ve lost before, winning is sweeter.”

Aside from concerts abroad, ASAP Natin ‘to and LSS: The Martin Nievera Show, intimate shows are what also keep him busy these days.

“My gigs now are weddings, 90-year-old, 70-year-old and 60-year-old birthday parties… I’m even doing binyag (christening) now,” shared he, who performed at the concert-themed party of Joel Cruz’s kids with a full orchestra. He also got invited to be a wedding singer. That’s a possibility Martin welcomes to do, especially with Solaire. What a privilege to anyone to have Martin sing in celebrating one’s milestone. “It’s nice to be the soundtrack of someone’s first day of marriage,” he said, “the first day towards forever.”

Regardless of platform or venue, Martin’s passion for music remains strong.
“The only time that someone’s passion is like it’s gone, is when she or he believes  she or he has made it. I don’t believe I have made it yet,” he said. “... That’s the kind of singer that I want to watch or pay ticket to watch, someone who doesn’t believe he or she deserves to be there. I can afford to say that because I have done so much and at the same time, I’ve made many mistakes, wrong decisions, still there are shows and endorsements like this (Solaire’s brand ambassador).”

Part of Martin’s ambassadorship role includes headlining concerts with meet and greet, attending events, doing visits and promoting the brand on social media.