by Ted Benito
May 2008, Los Angeles, CA. – In a little more than a month, two of the biggest names in Filipino entertainment take center stage in one of the most prestigious venues underneath the Hollywood stars. Celebrating 25 years of music and dance, Gary Valenciano is set to entertain and inspire along with the Concert King himself, Martin Nievera. In an exclusive interview with me, Martin was, as always, gracious enough to answer questions about his upcoming appearance at Gary’s concert and to share some thoughts about his own 25th Anniversary celebration.
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Question: You'll be the special guest on Gary's show at the Nokia here in L.A. and for many people, your performance will be a highlight of the show. Are you planning anything special for the concert? Will you and Gary be singing a song or two together?
Martin: Yes, I am gonna be the special guest of Gary. He did a cameo opening and two numbers in my [25th] anniversary show in the Araneta show last February 1, so I am simply returning the favor.
Question: A lot of people want to see you and Gary as co-headliners in a major concert, as you alluded to when you appeared on “Kababayan L.A.” with Jannelle So awhile back. Now that you're guesting at Gary’s concert, is this going to "steal some thunder" from a potential Martin/Gary show or is this a "teaser" for what's to come?
Martin: If the bigger Hollywood stars don't worry about such things when they “jam” with their fellow colleagues, than why should we? Gary and I have never agreed in the past to do a back to back together for one reason or another, but that doesn't mean never. So here I am, re-paying a favor where I will do a number alone and for sure one or two with him. But that's all. Hopefully this will be a springboard to the Dream Team-Up everyone is waiting for sometime in the near future. But for now, I am merely jamming with a friend on his anniversary . . . plain and simple.
Question: You yourself are continuing to celebrate your 25th anniversary in entertainment. Such a major milestone obviously brings many memories and 20/20 hindsight. What are your top 3 career highlights?
Martin: Wow, only 3? That is too small a number . . . but if you want 3, hmmmm. . . my first concert ever would be number 1 for sure. It was on Aug. 20, 1983. Why [was that] a highlight? Besides being a first, it was one of the few concerts to date by any artist that had to be repeated only 2 weeks after; also because it was the only concert I have that was never televised for the simple reason that I didn't hit even one good note! Seriously! The sound of [the audience’s] screams and the low tech feature we had back then with sound systems made it almost impossible to hear myself. But it was a major highlight in my 25. On The Right Track [concert] was also a big highlight because they rushed the construction of the ULTRA so that I could open it with a concert. Number 3? When I sang with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra at the CCP and ABS-CBN and MCA records joined forces to have it televised and produced a live CD. That was indeed a moment!
Question: If you could tell the Martin of 25 years ago what the Martin of today knows now, what one thing would that be and why?
Martin: I would say, "what were you thinking????!!!!!!" or "look before you leap!" or "are you sure about this????"… but for sure, I would say, "Go for it Martin! Follow your dream and you will have happiness always!"
Question: You're setting the stage for yet another 25 years in the [entertainment] business. What do you see yourself doing 5 years from now?
Martin: I will try to listen more and maybe try to out do myself again and again.
Question: How about 10 years from now?
Martin: If the 5 year plan didn't work, I would do the same and add one more chore - I would swallow some pride and start all over again, again and again...
Question: Do you see yourself producing or presenting the next generation of Filipino talent?
Martin: I hope I am already doing that by example alone. But to manage a talent or produce one as a manager or producer? Maybe by guesting them in my projects, they too will be discovered. That is why I do what I do. You will never know who is out there. Always perform like it was the first time on its way to being your last.
Question: Is television in your future?
Martin: You bet! Never left television; just took a break. TV is fun!
Question: Lastly, if there are 3 things you have yet to do in "the business", what would they be?
Martin: First, to record a duet with an international star to be released in America and the world and not just the Philippines. Second, to hear future American Idols sing Martin Nievera songs in one of their competitive days the way they do Andrew Lloyd Webber, Mariah [Carey], Neil Diamond, etc….that would be something! And third, to host a television show to be seen all over the world through TFC [The Filipino Channel] and/or the Internet.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
GARY VALENCIANO 25TH ANNIVERSARY WORLD TOUR 2008
With Very Special Guest MARTIN NIEVERA
Featuring:
Paolo Valenciano, Gabriel Valenciano, Jason Zamora & Joshua Zamora of the Maneouvres, and Mico Aytona of Anime, with the Powerplay Band and
Musical Director, Mon Faustino
SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2008
7:00pm
NOKIA THEATER L.A. LIVE
777 Chick Hearn Court
Los Angeles, California 90015
For Tickets: 1-888-937-1998
www.AllAccessConcerts.com
www.ticketmaster.com