CHRISTOPHER Gian Santos is passion, purpose, and productivity personified. As such a young age, he is able to achieve recognition and break records in swimming not only by sheer talent but by training, hardwork. discipline and excellence. He is able to match this with excellence in academic and landed top honors which merited his entry to the prestigious Columbia University in New York.

To top it all, Gian has held on to and shared the admirable values of love of family, country and God, and serves as a good role model to young Kapampangans and Filipinos who may well follow his lead.

I had the pleasure of meeting with outstanding young swimmer Gian Santos during my recent trip to New York; and that was our reconnection after our initial encounter in Manila last August where he aced multiple gold medals and even charted new records in the junior division.

Here’s our initial talk with this next big thing in swimming:

When did you have this inkling that you wanted to get into swimming? How were you introduced to the sport?

Gian: I have always loved the water, so when my mom enrolled me in a summer swim school when I was only 7 years old, I was ecstatic. Also during this time, I started to watch videos of the Olympics, especially Michael Phelps at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. From this, I started to get my competitive drive in swimming, and I began to find satisfaction in overcoming the difficulty found in swim practices, as well as the eventual improvement of times during the competitions.

What made you decide to get into swimming seriously? How did this jive with your academic schooling?

Gian: At 12 years old, I was distracted. My coach at the time told my parents that I am not focused at practice, and mainly went just for “social hour”. That day, my parents told me that swimming, while something I do for fun, can also be very helpful to forming my future. If I stay disciplined in what I do and pray enough, I will be able to make a name for myself in both college and the Philippines. Now I am reaping what I sowed, attending an Ivy institution, and majoring in Neuroscience. It is an opportunity I am truly blessed to have, and can’t wait for what’s to come within the next four years.

How did it feel that you had to leave your swimming coach when you had to leave for New York for college?

Gian: It was definitely a sentimental moment for me, especially since I have been with my club coach, Adam Crossen for the past 4 years in L.A. We have worked on so much together in the water, particularly my technique, stroke, and mentality, while also bonding closely with each other outside of swimming. I think of him as my second dad and close friend, and Coach Adam is someone I have nothing but respect for for helping me mature into the person I am today.

Though I will be swimming in New York at Columbia University during the school year with Coach Jim Bolster, I will be sure to maintain a close connection with Coach Adam. I will still continue to train with him over the summer when not in college.

Which competitions made a mark on you and what did you learn from them?

Gian: At the 2022 Southern California Invitational, I earned my first Winter Junior cut in the 400 Freestyle, allowing me to swim for Novaquatics at the National level. Not only that, but my 4-second drop, which came completely unexpectedly, got me a spot into the 2022 World Juniors to be held in Lima, Peru. It was a monumental swim for me at the time, and one that showed to me the satisfying result of hard work, dedication, and a lot of patience.

2022 World Juniors in Lima, Peru was the first major stepping stone to my maturity as an athlete. Due to the pressure of representing my country (as the only person on the team with the A qualifying time standard, the magnitude of the competition, and how I was racing the fastest juniors in the world, I underperformed, resulting in arguably my worst competition to date. Afterward, I learned 3 things: 1. In swimming, like in all things, always give your best effort, even when you may not be feeling your best, because when you only have 60% and you give 60%, you give 100%; 2. Trust the process. I have swum these races many times before, and gone through enough training to know how to approach these races. Same race, different stage; and 3. Have fun. No matter how far I go in swim, and no matter how accomplished I may be, I always ensure I’m having fun. I do not swim for accolades, medals, or fame. I swim because of how I test my physical and mental limits each and every day for practice, along with my genuine love for the water, the sport, and improving on my times.

That’s it for now for Gian Santos who known for his monicker, Supertanker G. This is just the beginning of a truly bright swimming career, as entities, institutions. brands start to support him in his journey towards his Olympic dream. Without doubt, Gian will make our country proud!

Dear Iza,

I don’t know what came to your mind when – in the middle of nowhere, amidst all the offers to go back to television via a soap opera, you told me that, you’d rather do a play first. Of course my face lit. Why? Because unlike most artists who would really prioritize a regular and steady teleserye income, you opted to go the other direction, as truly, the theater bug bit you!

“Tiny Beautiful Things: A Play About Life — In Letters” is truly special. On the heels of two successful runs of the musicals “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” and “Little Shop of Horrors,” Sandbox Collective through our common friend Toff de Venecia will cap off its 10th anniversary season with this straight play.  The bestselling book-turned-play-turned-TV show was first published in 2012 by Cheryl Strayed. Based on her experiences as an anonymous advice columnist, the play is told in epistolary form, with a revolving door of Letter Writers appearing onstage and asking Sugar for advice on life. Featuring real letters from real people, “Tiny Beautiful Things” highlights the common threads between our experience as humans – something you have always wanted to deal with.

I saw that excitement in you when you were able to meet online Antonia Eugenia Vardalos, the Canadian actress and screenwriter. who starred in and wrote the romantic comedy film “My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002),” which garnered her nominations for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical and went on to spawn a media franchise. Instantly, Vardalos became a career peg, someone you would want to be.

In less than a month, you will be making your straight play debut. You will be stepping into the role of Sugar in an unfamiliar territory but bravely, you are exploring and learning to adapt to.  For a career spanning over two decades, with standout performances in acclaimed projects such as “Sigaw,” “Milan,” “Starting Over Again” and “Bliss,” plus the fantasy series “Encantadia” and “Ang Sa ‘Yo Ay Akin,” this I can say is another career high. Beginning in 2002, your versatility has made you a prominent and important actress in Philippine entertainment and society.

You are working with the best people in “Tiny Beautiful Things”; you will be directed by someone you look up to and respect – Jenny Jamora. Joining her in the artistic team are Marcel David as assistant director, Kayla Teodoro as set designer, Kiefer Sison as lighting and technical director, Arvy Dimaculangan as sound designer, Krystal Kane as costume stylist, and JV Rabano as photographer. Leading the production team is Toff De Venecia as managing artistic director, alongside Anna Santamaria as finance and operations director, Sab Jose as marketing and PR director, and Maine Manalansan as design director. Joining the production team are Charyl De Guzman as production manager, Pachot Festejo as head stage manager, Loreta Arroyo as marketing and PR manager and Marielle Filoteo as social media manager.

Joining you in the cast are Rody Vera, Gabby Padilla and Ketchup Eusebio as the letter writers. Rounding out the cast are Gawad Buhay awardees Regina De Vera and Brian Sy (swing/letter writer at certain performances). Rody Vera, of course, is a multi-awarded playwright, screenwriter, actor, and singer. A pillar of the Philippine theatrical scene, Palanca hall of famer and Gawad Buhay awardee, Rody has been in several shows including “Otelo,” “Rak of Aegis,” and most recently, “Old Gaze.” He is a seasoned actor, also appearing in films such as “Sister Stella L” (Mike De Leon, 1984) and “Ora Pro Nobis” (Lino Brocka, 1989). He is our future National Artist.

Last seen in “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” Gabby Padilla is a theater, film, and TV actress. She has appeared in TV shows and films such as “Billie & Emma” (2019), “Dead Kids” (2019), “Eerie” (2019), and “Kono Basho” (2024), which earned her the Best Actress Award at Cinemalaya 2024.

Making his return to the stage, Ketchup Eusebio is an actor and comedian with a career spanning over two decades. He has appeared in films and TV shows including “Ang Tanging Ina” films (2003), “Maalaala Mo Kaya” anthologies (2006), “Heneral Luna” (2016), and “Un/Happy For You” (2024).

Most recently seen in “Mula sa Buwan,” Brian Sy is a sought after theater, TV, and film actor. He has appeared in various productions including his award-winning turn in “Coriolano” and The Sandbox Collective’s “Lungs.” Brian has also appeared in films and TV shows including “GomBurZa” (2023) and the Philippine adaptation of “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim” (2024).

An actress and a director, Regina De Vera received her MFA in Acting at The Juilliard School in 2019. She was a resident actor of the Cultural Center of the Philippines for five years. She made her theatrical debut in the US with “The Underpants” (The Old Globe, 2019) and made her directorial debut in the Philippines at the 17th Virgin Labfest Festival (2022). De Vera most recently appeared in Harold Pinter’s “Betrayal.”

Given all the support, “Tiny Beautiful Things” do not look tiny at all. The play will run from November 16 to December 8, 2024 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati. Friday shows will begin at 8 p.m., while Saturday and Sunday shows will run at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

It is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. The play is based on the book by Cheryl Strayed, adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos, and was co-conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos.

Tickets are available at Ticket2Me (bit.ly/tinybeautifulmnl) and through the official show buyers.

I can’t help but beam with pride as your talent  manager, your ninong and your dearest friend and family member. This is truly another major achievement for you that will surely make your parents up there proud of their unica hija, who is now fulfilling many roles: a loving wife, a doting mother, an award-winning actress, an industry leader and now, a respected theater thespian.

Break a leg and take a bow, Izadora!

All the best, Noel

“Maybe This Time” resonates with singer Louie Heredia and journalist Dyan Castillejo as they reconnect in Vietnam after many years apart.

THE song with the viral dance moves goes: “Two old friends, meet again, wearing older faces, talk about the places they’ve been. Two old sweethearts who fell apart, somewhere long ago, how are they to know? Someday they’d meet again and have a need for more than reminiscin’…”

The song, “Maybe This Time,” resonates as we recently spent time with longtime friends – singer Louie Heredia and sports and pageant journalist Dyan Castillejo – during a trip to Vietnam this weekend.

“I used to pick up Dyan from ‘The World Tonight’ in the old ABS-CBN studio, and we would go on late-night dates and jogging,” recalls Louie, who was then a fast-rising singer with the signature hit “Can’t Find No Reason.”

“Louie would drive me home, and my mom really loves him a lot!” acknowledged Dyan, who was a celebrated tennis player and a hot sports journalist.

Life happened, and they drifted apart. Dyan eventually married businessman Anton Garcia, and they have a son, Matthew (a tennis player like his mother), who is now a college student in New York. Louie, on the other hand, considers himself a retired singer who enjoys life, takes care of his cats, and supports various charities.

How has their friendship changed after nearly three decades apart?

“Oh, we’re more fun now. I can say we’re sweeter. We can comfortably talk about our past, and there will always be a lot of care and concern for each other,” said Louie.

“Also, with her, I can be myself, and we can talk about anything under the sun and even under the stars here in Saigon.

“The thing with Dyan and me is that we have the same wavelength. The key to good vibes is remembering all the things in the past – we really have a lot of good memories.”

Dyan added, “The good thing about Louie and me is that we are both settled, and we can tell each other anything. Anytime of the day, truth be told, he would be the only person who can call me beyond midnight, and my husband, Anton, wouldn’t mind. Why? Because Anton trusts him and is enamored by his thoughtfulness toward our family.

“Anton just loves the sampaloc (tamarind) that Louie sends us, and we visit him with my whole family at his Tagaytay home, where we have a great time bonding.”

As Louie turned 60 last July, he reflected on how he has grown, matured, laughed more, and become happier and more prayerful. He celebrated with several small gatherings and said that, aside from the 20% senior citizen discount, he has a newfound desire to travel more.

“Do everything you can while you still can. I have more appetite for travel because I’ve learned that traveling makes you feel younger. It gives you a different kind of happiness, education, and joy.”

This year alone, Louie has visited Vietnam twice and Hawaii. He also plans to travel with Dyan to Mexico for the 2024 Miss Universe Coronation Night and will make a stop in Los Angeles before returning to Manila. Despite his many travels, Bangkok, Thailand, remains Louie’s favorite destination. He has visited so many times that he decided to get a retirement condo and a retirement visa.

“While the Philippines will forever be my home, Bangkok is my safe refuge, and Dyan is always welcome there,” said Louie.

‘Yes, times have changed, but the superstars of today have to know from the get-go the power of the press.’

(Last of the series)

All hail! As the “King 42ever” concert is one for the books, the great Martin Nievera completes his list of gratitude through his songs for the special people in his career and well-lived life.

Joy Alonzo – “Leaves”: Joy is one of the nicest people you will ever meet and when the day came when I thought I had no friends, she was the one who answered my calls and joined me in my new mission to bounce back from it all.

She and I are true believers that no matter how big the problem or how strong the storm – all will be alright in time. I don’t think I would have reached number 42 without her. We still have lots of memories to make.

Kristie Carlos and the Martians – “Forever”: The reason I live and breathe this day and always, besides my three sons, will always be Kristie and the Martians. I know they sound like a rock band and they might as well be one, because these people truly rock!

Kristie makes sure the Martians are always ready, willing and able to support me in every event I put myself in, and she has the biggest collection of my memorabilia. I just love Kristie to pieces!

Some members have migrated to other parts of the world, some go by different names, but they have all merged together, calling themselves, “Martians.”

But if I’m being perfectly honest, I should say I have always been in awe of every person that has worked so hard to sit in the seat of any and every concert I have ever done in the last 42 years. You know you don’t have to be out of this world to be a Martian. My love and gratefulness is “Forever.”

Mother Lily Monteverde – “Be My Lady”: Mother Lily is the lady we all look for when we talk about the Philippine movie industry. She is the lady who gave me my movie career and trusted me with her Regal name. She is a beautiful lady through and through. Every project she touched was a work of art and her memory will last forever. She is truly missed.

Boy Abunda – “Kahit Isang Saglit”: This is a special song for both Boy and I. In any and every occasion he always makes me sing this song. Even on a very quick, “Fast Talk,” there is always time for a chorus or two.

I have learned through the years that of the many talents Boy is blessed with, there is one mystery not too many will ever know about him. Boy’s soul has many layers. Just as deep as this song can sometimes go, Boy takes it even deeper. What lies deep in his heart when he hears this song? As the great Boy Abunda always shouts, “Abangan!”

He has always had my back for all these 42 years. He’ll be there till the end. I love him with all my heart.

Rowell Santiago – “Of All the Things”: Of all the things I ever done finding a friend like Rowell will prove to be the most valuable treasure ever. He was there from the very beginning and he has never left. We dreamed together, wrote and re-wrote concert scripts together, and now we love to reminisce of the good times every time we see each other. There is no one friend like him.

Paolo Valenciano – “What’s on the Other Side”: In all my 42 years, I can finally say I had the great Paolo Valenciano as my concert director. This boy is gifted. Never mind that I saw him enter this world the second he came in screaming his first rock song. When he came into my concert world, I learned many things about him.

I was at the lowest point of my emotional life where part of me was ok to be the concert king and the other part of me after many disappointments in my career wanted to know what life would be like on the other side sitting in the audience. Paolo lives for weird stories like this, so this song is perfect for him.

Thank you Pao for adding so much of your, “Paolo-ism,” into my year 42 as we dream of what’s next together.

Enrico Santos and Deo Endrinal – “Pain”: Deo and Enrico were the team to beat back in those days. They made me look intelligent (ish) and smart (ish) and their funny ideas then are brilliant ideas used and abused in some other shows and movies today.

I will never forget our time together, especially the hungry years. I love seeing Enrico when we bump into each other from time to time and I miss Deo very much.

I will always remember the time in Milan when “ASAP” was there; I was walking past a restaurant where from the corner of my eye I saw Deo sharing a meal with his family. Something made me brave enough to just walk in on their private time just to say hi. So I did. I walked in, greeted everybody and leaned over and hugged Deo and planted a kiss on his cheek as I often did. Then, I spoke to his son sitting across Deo and said, “You know, I think I should tell you, if it wasn’t for this man sitting over here, I would not have a career today. I love this guy! I am forever grateful.” And then I left the restaurant and never saw Deo again.

Noel Ferrer – “No Way To Treat a Heart”: Noel has been my cheerleader and the one person who never has to be on the payroll to literally put words in my mouth or to put good intentions in my heart. He also put a lot of good ideas in my head. We seldom disagree on things and almost always believe in the same things.

One very important thing we both believe in is, how one’s heart should and should not be treated. We both feel matters of the heart should not be forsaken or taken for granted. We are also true believers that being your true self is usually the best defense in any and every back against the wall situations.

I have known Noel for many years now and I have noticed that he has never lost one second of his usual high spirted energy. His zeal for life has never changed. He loves all those who live in his world that he himself loves so dearly and works so hard to improve. His passion for what he knows deep in his heart to be true is almost always unchallenged.

I trust Noel and his every opinion. I honor his friendship and love and his laughter. When I hear him laugh in my shows mixed together with the chanted words, “Go,go!” I know I am doing the right thing.

Thank you, Noel, for never running out of love and patience . Thank you for always giving a damn and for always caring how our hearts are treated in this world. I love you, Tatang!

Members of the Press – “Each Day With You”: Times have changed and we don’t see and meet with the members of the press as often as we used to, but when we do, it’s like a special occasion.

Yes we have concert days or movie premiere, before we allot some days  for them to herald and drumbeat any special activity. And they truly make everything special. My bond with them goes beyond any project, and when we talk, I give them a real piece of my heart.

Just like the lyrics to this song, each day with the press becomes a Valentine or some special day of love – a dedication. We need the press. We need warm bodies in a room with opinions and attitude and with great sense of humor. Yes times have changed , but the superstars of today have to know from the get go the power of the press. And their magic.

We are all one well-oiled machine. We need them to spread the word, too, and not just the new way on social media. We all need each other. I am so grateful to each member of the press. Thank you for making each day with you a day to celebrate.

To the person who sat in the furthest seat away from my stage – “Chasing Time”:  I don’t know who you are and I don’t know your back story. I don’t know where you came from. I don’t know how hard you worked just to afford that ticket you hold. That same ticket that you will probably put in an album or maybe carry with you everywhere hoping one day our paths will cross so I could sign it.

I don’t know anything about you, but I want you to know that I love and appreciate you the most. I will not stop doing what I do, singing what I sing. You have put me on that stage and made me the proudest person on earth to call myself a singer from the Philippines. I do it all for you.

I know it may not seem that way because I don’t know you. But I sing for you. I know I am not as young as I used to be and that time is catching up with me, but you came to my concert and I love you.

This journey begins and ends with you.

Martin Nievera shares the songs he dedicates to Regine Velasquez, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Ariel Rivera and Pilita Corrales.

The jampacked crowd at the Big Dome cheered for the Concert King Martin Nievera last weekend; but here he is, forever grateful, singing his thank-yous to the significant people who form part of his illustrious 42-year singing career.

Regine Velasquez – “Forever”: Louie and I, along with our dear friend Rowell Santiago, put our hearts and storytelling talents to the test when we wrote this duet for Regine and I, but little did we know how special this song would become.

Regine and I have had major concerts together here and all over the world. Our friendship goes back as far as the ‘80s when she launched her career on a TV show I hosted with Pops called, “Penthouse Live,” but it’s this song I feel that really brings us the closest together. Each time we sing this song, I know for sure that our love and friendship is the “forever” kind. Regine is the sweetest, most thoughtful friend I have. I will love her forever.

Zsa Zsa Padilla – “Beautiful”: I have never met anyone more beautiful inside and out, and inside again than my dear friend Zsa Zsa . She is the most reliable friend I have who will go out on a limb for any of us. She has been everyone’s favorite person for as long as I have known her. Never mind her one-of-a-kind velvet voice – she is first a friend till the end. Such a beautiful person. Such a beautiful soul.

Ariel Rivera – “How Can I”: I know, it sounds like a song a guy would give a girl, but let me explain.

There are so many chapters in my life that were either lost or left unwritten. There were friends I lost or who stayed away when I needed them the most, but not Ariel. He stayed around to help me pick up the pieces and find my way back. I don’t think I could have made it out of the hole I dug for myself without him. Of all my friends, I see him the least, but need and love him the most.

Crossover and Villar Family – “You”: I will always remember my Crossover family. At one time back then, I was over for lunch almost every Sunday, so I almost changed my last name to Villar.

They picked me up off the ground and breathed new life into my concert career. I will never forget them for that. We have made so many beautiful memories together. Besides, this song is the favorite song of my sister Sari who I love and adore. They helped me “crossover” to a happier time in my life.

EMI / POLYEAST Family – “Against All Odds”: I had some of the best years of my career with my Polyeast family. We made CD after CD, sometimes 3 in less than a year, but the one thing I will never forget was when my boss Ramon Chuaying met me and saw I had no car when we got to the meeting. He saw what I was going through with my public separation and all, and he gave me an advance to get myself a car. Such a beautiful man.

The “Martin After Dark” and “Martin Late @ Nite” Family – “Biggest Part of Me”: When I was a young boy I thought I only had one dream and that was to be a singer. When I came to the Philippines back in the 1980s to live that dream, I never once considered becoming a television host.

I remember loving to watch the Johnny Carson show and the Arsenio Hall show and found myself directing and critiquing these seasoned talk show hosts from my living room, only to be blessed with the opportunity to host my very first TV show, “Penthouse Live” with Pops on GMA7. This opened the door for me to host my own talk show MAD or “Martin After Dark” also on Channel 7 and “Martin Nievera After Dark” and “Martin Late @ Nite” on ABS CBN. This is where I learned how to interview the most interesting of celebrities and featured a lot of talented celebrities, politicians and people from all sectors of society; but the people who made me look like a credible host were the incredible family of writers and creative crazies who spoon fed me with the most brilliant of scripts and gimmicks which later became some of the most award-winning pieces of some of the shows we enjoy today. They are all the biggest part of me and all I have become in all my 42 years and I cannot thank them enough.

The “X Factor” Kids – “I Sing”: My “X Factor” kids:  Jeric, Kedebon, Allen, Gab and my KZ not to mention my “The Voice” kids and teens have blessed me not just their beautiful voices but have taught me so many lessons about life. Believe it or not, I learned from them more than they from me.

I have learned the true value of why they sing and who they sing for. It’s not for fortune and fame. They sing to make their family and hometown proud. They sing to repair a roof, to help their family through tough times, to put a brother or sister to school, to see miracles come true. To see dreams come true.

Now I have a whole new perspective on life each time I sing because of these beautiful angels.

One of them has even actually become my real daughter for life. My beautiful and talented KZ Tandingan. She has changed the whole music scene with her husband TJ Monterde, and the young people who listen to their music are moved and persuaded to do only good things. That in itself would make any father proud.

Pilita Corrales – “Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin”: My Tita Pilita was the very first person to ever make me fantasize about going to the Philippines to try my luck in showbiz, so when I first landed here, guess who gave me my first TV appearance? That’s right. My Tita Pilita.

She is a legend and an icon, but she is also the most levelheaded superstar I have ever known. Many could learn a thing or two from her about humility. Not only does she have amazing stage presence and showmanship, she is so pitch perfect she could harmonize with a jeepney backing up.

I love my Tita Pilita for all she has given us in the music industry and all she is to our family. I will forever be grateful for every opportunity she has given me.

Jackie Lou Blanco – “Rewrite the Stars”:  No one ever forgets their first love. She should have been my prom date back in the States when she was on tour with her mother, but when one of their shows got cancelled, they went home early and I was dateless for that prom.

Long story short, when I came to the Philippines, she owed me a couple of dinners and a dance. That day, until this very day, we have been very close. She knows she can always count on me and I know I can always count on her.

Luigi Tabuena and the Backstage Family – “What A Wonderful World”: What a journey! So many good years together sharing every new morning learning the ropes of show business. Hit and miss, every risk we took was a leap of faith. With Luigi’s business mind mixed together with Gina’s artistic passion, we were on our way to great things. What a wonderful world they gave me – Connie, Jennifer, Ramir, Arlene, Vangie, Christine, Arsi… I am forever grateful.

Bettina Aspillaga – “Because of You”: Bettina started my 42 years and gave me the best years of her life. We laughed together and cried together. She even saw me once in a church arguing with God about my life, asking Him to tell me about the why’s and the why nots of my life, screaming at the top of my lungs. No one knows me better than my Bettina. She was the my very first personal assistant and dearest friend. I love her to pieces.

Joji Dingcong, Connie Diegor, Jennifer Richter, Ramir Martin and the Big Mouth Family – “The Best of Me”: Joji, Connie, Jennifer and Ramir, I have to say, had the best of me. We soared high and fell hard together. We all tasted victory and defeat together. I will never forget nor will I ever trade our days in, Backstage Incorporated (and later Big Mouth Inc.) brainstorming the next concert, sharing chicken inasal and garlic rice. How we used to sort out fan mail and answer each one. We did everything together. Those days were the best. (To be continued)

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

(Second of a series)

When Martin Nievera talks, everybody listens. But when he sings, we don’t just hear him – we feel his entire being. For those who hold a special place in his life, it’s what he leaves unsaid that resonates. We are fortunate to have captured his soul through the songs he pours from his heart.

Tonight, we shall all experience our “Concert King 42ever”! In our hearts, we say thank you, Mart, for making us kings in your concerts. Truly, “Hail to Martin Nievera forever!”

But before that, here are some of the people who continue to inspire the songs in Martin’s heart:

Viva Family – “Holiday”: Viva, through Vicor, let my voice be heard for the first time. No one wanted this song as the first single, but Boss Vic del Rosario insisted it be an original I wrote. This song marks our first experiment together, and after many years, I’m back with them again.

ABS-CBN Family – “Kailangan Kita”: My ABS-CBN Family tops my gratitude list. They care for me and have faith in me. In this fast-changing world, their support means everything. I need my ABS-CBN Family; my life would be empty without them.

ASAP Family – “You Are My Song”: My ASAP Kapamilya, both in front and behind the camera, are the heart of my existence. They are the song in my heart that plays softly when I need to slow down and keeps the beat when I need to keep up. I am nothing without them.

Fritz Ynfante – “Corner of the Sky”: Tito Fritz made me work hard to find my place in the sky. Many artists have horror stories about him, but none regret his training program. I’m grateful for the challenges he put me through. He initially doubted my abilities but always demanded a big opening and finale. I give him back a Broadway classic that represents the courage and strength he instilled in me. I will forever be grateful, Tito Fritz! I love you.

Johnny Manahan – “This is the Moment”: Johnny taught me to “seize every moment.” He’s a man of few words, but his love for his craft is palpable. He captures our attention on and off stage and knows how to draw out talent. I appreciate everything he has done for me and the industry. His trust empowers me to take risks, making every moment with him special.

Louie Ocampo – “I’ll Be There For You”: Louie and I have such a deep history that it would take a book to recount. We both would dedicate the same song to each other. One night, he needed lyrics for a melody he wrote for his children, and I had just finished writing lyrics for a similar song. That synchronicity felt magical. We’ve supported each other through defining moments in our lives, creating a bond that makes our shared promises to our children significant.

Homer Flores – “Ikaw ang Lahat sa Akin”: Homer is everyone’s everything, creating beautiful arrangements. He’s our secret weapon on ASAP, knowing our keys and abilities. He arranged my first Tagalog song and helped me record it, making it special for us. I love Homer very much and am grateful for his contributions over 42 years.

Marvin Querido – “Magic”: Marvin and I wrote a song years ago celebrating my son Santino’s unique gifts. He helped tell Santino’s story without pity, turning it into magic. I dedicate this song to Marvin for his hard work and the passion he brings to our performances and arrangements over the years. I see a new kind of magic in him: the magic of change, forgiveness, and love.

Gary Valenciano – “As1”: From rival to brother, our careers have run parallel, eventually merging. I admire his musicality and dedication, which bless not just me but the entire music industry. For me, Gary’s star is just beginning to shine.

Ogie Alcasid – “On the Right Track”: Ogie is always on cue. Just when you think he’s tired, he snaps into character, always the funniest guy with perfect comedic timing. His generosity is unmatched. I will always remember how he rallied his team to produce my concert at the Smart Araneta Colosseum, putting my career back on track. I love this guy; who doesn’t?

‘What has happened to both APO and The CompanY are beautiful anomalies made possible by divine appointment’

On October 5 at the Music Museum, a historic musical event will take place. “In the CompanY of APO Hiking Society,” a highly anticipated concert, marks the first-ever back-to-back performance by two of the most iconic OPM groups – APO Hiking Society and The CompanY. With APO Hiking Society celebrating an incredible 50-year legacy and The CompanY approaching their 40th anniversary next year, this event will celebrate Original Pilipino Music (OPM) at its finest. Both groups boast a rich catalog of hits and have been stalwarts of OPM, with decades of experience in both local and international concert tours.

Fun fact: Both APO and The CompanY started in Ateneo. They write their own songs, and their shows are theatrical, Filipino-centric, and infused with humor. Their image, including their wardrobe, is Filipino-centric. They both started as 12 members. They explore various musical genres and styles in their music. Both groups advocate for honest leaders with integrity.

APO was originally a trio but is now a duo. The CompanY has always been a chamber group focusing on a fuller group sound.

Expect an unforgettable evening as they perform their greatest hits and more. When asked about the concert, Moy Ortiz of The CompanY said, “The fact that it happened within our lifetime, within our careers. Better late than never. APO has always been CompanY’s blueprint in terms of how a career looks like, and they were our first mentors who unselfishly told the truth and gave advice on how to navigate this tricky career.”

Musically, they are unapologetically bringing out the warhorses onto the stage – all the hits and entertaining production numbers. Why save it up? They will share them now while they still can.

Moy shared how his group was influenced by APO: “One year before we formed The CompanY, we were still members of the Ateneo College Glee Club. We auditioned and became the ensemble in Jim Paredes and National Artist Bien Lumbera’s pop opera ‘Bayani.’ Jim and the cast of 1980s superstars treated us with respect and warm friendship. This was 1984. We still had no plans of forming The CompanY, but this was an eye-opener. It planted the seeds of the possibilities of a life in music and the entertainment industries.”

At APO’s sold-out concert at the Ateneo de Manila gymnasium in 1985, The CompanY’s founding members – Moy Ortiz, Annie Quintos, and Tom Calisterio – voluntarily waited in line for three hours to get bleacher tickets for the historic performance. While waiting, the three members verbalized their pipe dream to have a career as long as the APO’s. Thankfully, The CompanY celebrates 40 years together next year. The manifestation became a reality.

In 1991, their debut album “Yon Na!” (Ivory Records) was released on APO’s Sunday show “Sa Linggo nAPO Sila.” Eventually, all of their albums were launched on this show.

In 2006, members of The CompanY – Sweet Plantado Tiongson, Annie Quintos, Cecile Bautista, Jay Marquez, and Moy Ortiz – shared mentorship duties with APO’s Jim Paredes in the primetime hit talent search show “Pinoy Dream Academy”(Season 1).

Interestingly, The CompanY performs a Bebop APO Medley with the songs “Mahirap Magmahal ng Syota ng Iba,” “Doo Bee Doo,” “Yakap sa Dilim.” They have been performing this complex jazz vocal arrangement for decades, both locally and internationally, as a tribute to APO. They also perform a lively Big Band version of “Lumang Tugtugin.” Additionally, The CompanY’s member Sweet Plantado was part of the cast of “I Doo Bidoo Bidoo,” the movie featuring APO songs.

When asked which APO song they would want to have their own version of, Moy quickly answered, “‘Friends In Music.’ It is a beautiful song that resonates with us. It would be nice to do a smooth jazz version of the song. We’ve gained and lost many colleagues and friends in music through our 39 years. We learned from the best of the best. We are grateful for the access and proximity to artistic and musical virtuosity.”

Why “One Night Only”? Moy explained, “APO leaves for their US tour a day after our show. We would like to suggest to them repeats and a local and international tour with this OPM alliance in 2025!”

What about The CompanY? What are they up to after this great collaboration concert?

Moy excitedly shared, “We shall be releasing our 30th album entitled ‘Beautiful Day’ under Star Music Philippines. This is a multi-genre and contemporary inspirational album that we feel is one of our very best in our catalog. We shall also be filming the music videos for the 10 songs in ‘Beautiful Day.’ Our new single, ‘Love Is the Answer,’ will be launched at the concert. And we will also be preparing for the big concert for CompanY 40 on July 12, 2025, at The Theatre at Solaire.

“We truly wish to do more international concert tours in the USA, Canada, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. That is one aspect we feel we didn’t have too many opportunities to explore in the past, or at least not as often as we would have liked. A jukebox musical would be fantastic. DingDong Novenario has already written a slightly ribald rom-com with our hits. Hopefully, that comes to light. We will also be investing our creative energies in more albums with original songs.”

It is the accepted norm that groups were never meant to have long careers. What has happened to both APO and The CompanY are beautiful anomalies made possible by divine appointment and the love and loyalty of their audiences through the decades. They are profoundly grateful to everyone who has kept them in good CompanY all these years.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness these legendary groups share the stage. With “In the CompanY of APO Hiking Society,” expect tons of hits, laughter, and stories – a beautiful reminder of the rich catalog of OPM songs both groups are blessed with. Tickets are available at http://www.ticketworld.com.