Daily Tribune
Photograph courtesy of ABS-CBN ABS-CBN exec Cory Vidanes hugs a teary-eyed Martin Nievera at his contract renewal.
Martin Nievera is 60 and feels proud to still be an ABS-CBN contract artist.
"To be asked to stay Kapamilya forever, I'm very touched. The word 'Kapamilya' may sound like a title, but for me it's a true honor. It's a great badge we wear because some of the greatest artists have walked our hallways and studios," the enduring pop star said in a statement.
Nievera renewed his contract on 4 November with ABS-CBN executives in Las Vegas before performing at an ASAP Natin 'To special show at the 9,500-capacity Orleans Arena in Paradise, Nevada.
In 1982, returning to the Philippines from Hawaii — where his father, singer Bert Nievera, migrated as a performing artist — Martin pursued his own showbiz career and established a reputation as a fine television host.
He co-hosted with Pops Fernandez the late-night GMA 7 musical variety show Penthouse Live!
When the show ended its run in 1987, ABS-CBN tapped the tandem to do co-host their own show Martin and Pops Twogether.
For many years he thrived on the moniker Concert King, selling out all his live performances. He has recorded 28 albums, hosted a number of talk shows, and appeared in a few movies.
He's a mainstay of the Kapamilya Channel's Sunday musical variety show ASAP Natin 'To.
"I'm proud to say there are a couple of things going for me. There's just endless possibilities on what they (ABS-CBN) have in store for me. But first and foremost, I must remain loyal, positive, keep inspiring, and more importantly, I must remember that I am in the service of the Filipino people wherever."
