Martin Nievera shares thoughts on marrying again
Martin Nievera’s songs never get old. From the days of cassette tapes, jukebox, Walkman, compact discs and karaoke to this era of music streaming platforms, Martin’s music lives on.
After four decades (and counting) in the biz, he does a special kind of encore. In 1983, his album Take One was a huge success. Fast forward to 2025, he launches his new album, Take Two. It is a compilation of his top hits (released by Vicor Music and distributed by Viva Records).
Martin’s songs are lovelier the second time around. Hail to the Concert King. No artist can ever dethrone him in the OPM scene and in the hearts of Pinoy music lovers.
Here’s my chat with Mart:
Among all your songs in Take 2, which one hits you in an entirely different way this time around?
“Of the nine OPM classics I recorded in this Take 2 album, there is one song I used to love to listen to back in the ’80s. It’s a song written and recorded by Iwi Laurel entitled, Special Memory, and even though I was still very new in the business, I would feel so sentimental and miss my life as a young boy dreaming to become a singer during my childhood.
“Why does it hit me differently now that I have done a ‘take 2’ version of it? Well, for the simple reason that now that I have been living my dream for the last 43 plus years, I find myself feeling a little like a special memory myself. Time can do that to you.
“With all these great singers and songwriters and hitmakers emerging today, I ask myself: Have I done enough? Did I give enough to an industry that has been so very good to me? Will I be remembered for the good I have done or for the viral bad?”
Since Take 2 won’t be available on streaming platforms, do you prefer vinyl albums?
“Actually, to be honest with you, I am still very new with the whole streaming thing. I thought streaming was a new kind of fishing sport. Although my very first contribution to OPM was on a long-playing vinyl album entitled Take 1, so this concept is comfortable for me. But I look forward to an all-original OPM album to be streamed on all platforms the way we are all used to doing today on the next project.”
If you could do a Take 2 of any moment in your life and change how you handled it, what would it be?
“The list of ‘Take 2s’ I could have for my failed ‘Take 1s’ in life would be endless — some bigger and more life-changing than others. If given the chance to turn a failure into a victory, I’d be a fool not to take it.
“There are some things in life you should not Take 2 on. Maybe God wanted us to learn from that life lesson to become the people we are today. So live and learn and make sure you don’t have to think about another Take 2 in your life again.”
What’s your advice to young artists who are more driven by views and likes when creating music?
“You don’t need to be viewed or liked to be creative enough to make a difference in this world and, more importantly, in this industry. Create and make music that will change lives. Not to make yourself popular or rich, but to inspire a nation of frustrated dreamers and overthinkers. You have the power in your hands, but use your heart too.
“I care very much about OPM and the entire entertainment industry and where it goes from here. So much so that I make sure the new and the young and up-and-coming hear from me as I try and make them believe that I believe in all they stand for. Yesterday, today and tomorrow.”
Are you willing to do a Take 2 and try marriage again or once is enough?
“Wow, somehow I knew you would ask that question. My doors are never closed. If she will have me, why not? But I am a true believer that we don’t need a ring or a contract to know where we are going or how much we can or should love each other. I wanna take 2 and take 3, maybe even take 4 if we have to, on life and all that life throws our way. I want to take this journey with her and see where it brings us. As long as we are together, no matter how many takes. Practice makes perfect. Approach life like it’s your ‘Take 1!’ Don’t stress out, never give up ’cause there is always a ‘Take 2.’”
From Wattpad to Viva One
What if we could relive the past to ensure that we will love happily ever after? Such is the premise of Viva One’s adaptation of the Wattpad novel “I Love You Since 1892.” Written by Binibining Mia, it has gained over 132 million reads.
The series, which premieres on Sept. 6, is helmed by Mac Alejandre. It stars Heaven Peralejo, Jerome Ponce and Joseph Marco. On the wings of love, their characters travel back in time. What a journey indeed. Keep your heartstrings securely fastened.
Here are quotes from Heaven, Joseph, Jerome and direk Mac:
Heaven: “I did not do this project in order to reactivate my lovelife. Playing a dual role made me go back to my core as an actress. I must give both my characters equal importance.”
Joseph: “This is the first time I won’t be able to adlib because my lines are ‘malalim na Tagalog,’ so I have to stick to the script. I don’t want to disrupt the flow of the scenes.”
Jerome: “At first, I thought I was in the wrong Zoom meeting because I could not believe that I will be paired with Heaven.”
Direk Mac: “Since it’s about time travel, that makes it fiction, so we are not bound by historical accuracy.”
Heaven: “Just like the two characters I play, my loved ones come first and I can also be possessive at times because of love.”
Joseph: “My character, Leandro, and I are both driven when it comes to work and we fight for people we love.”
Jerome: If I could freeze a moment in time, it would be my younger years when I was ‘pasaway.’ I will pay more attention to my dad and heed his advice.”
Direk Mac: “I make sure that the acting is always heartfelt. Even if the script is well-written and the cinematography is perfect, if the actors’ hearts are not in it, it won’t work.”
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