THEIRS is one of the most durable tandems in the local music scene. As concert artists, Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez need not prove anything anymore.

Aside from being topnotch performers in their own right, the public loved their team up in reel and real life. It can be remembered that before attaining their post as concert royalties, they first endeared themselves to the viewers as hosts of GMA-7’s Penthouse Live. Said musical-variety show not only propelled their popularity to great heights but also became instrumental to their real life partnership.

At one point in time, they were the hottest husband-and-wife team in the ‘biz. They made the rounds in various social circles which further strengthened their stature in the business. From television, movies and concerts to product endorsements, their names were much in demand.

However, such happy state did not last very long as they eventually parted ways. But not even their marital separation affected concert-goers’ warm reception to them as concert performers. What is amazing is that after all these years, despite of their being romantically linked to others, Martin and Pops still weave magic whenever they have concerts together.

What can they say about the fact that their popularity as a concert tandem remains intact even if they are leading separate lives already? What makes them click?

“ I think our chemistry on stage is the main factor for our success as a tandem, and the fact that we are also a real life duo makes viewers curious to see the magic that truly exists each time we’re together,” says Martin.

It is good they remained friends despite what happened to their union. Does this affect their continued success in their musical profession? Pops says:

“ We started as friends and we will remain as such because of our children. We have harmony in our relationship. I believe that it’s one of God’s laws, to love one another and as best friends, we do love each other.”

“That’s true! Actually, more than its contribution to our careers, it has done great wonders to the success of our dynamic duo, Robin and Ram,” adds the Concert King.

Speaking of their kids, what are their dreams and aspirations for them? Would they like the siblings to continue on their musical legacy or let them branch out into other fields?

“No! I wouldn’t want them to take over the family business. (laughs) We should not dream the dreams for our sons. It wouldn’t be a dream if that were so. They should dream their own dreams and as parents, Pops and I ought to embrace them,” Martin explains.

“Our children have each their own paths to take but if I were to be asked, I would rather not let them go the same way,” seconded Pops.

Personally, what do they think are the strengths of their stage collaboration? All their concerts together are certified crowd drawers.

“ We have a spirit of understanding. Being together for a long time now gives us this invisible force that makes everything in the show fall right into place. We have harmony on and off the stage that makes everything spectacular,” the two state almost in unison.

Having collaborated in various hit shows many times, what changes do they notice with each other as performers in the passing of years?

Muses Pops: “ I think we’re more matured now. We’re also more open in accepting new concepts. We compromise and agree on ideas for the show as well as choosing the songs we’re going to deliver.”

At present, can they still think of a new concept that they haven’t shown the public yet?

“Oh yes! Ideas always come and we’re always up for the challenge and experience. If you speak about Pops and I, if we are to play a role or character, no one will stay. We need to be purely ourselves and let the magic of the evening and the tandem take over. Then and only then can you see the concept change. No two shows are the same. But if you mean a dream concert, it will be with our children,” Martin reveals.
Interestingly, how essential is music to their lives? Pops tells:

“Very important as it’s the joy to keep life more livable. As for me, it’s bread and butter.”

“Like the sky to a bird or water to a fish, music and performing is my life. I will die without it. It’s what I am. It’s all I know how to be. It’s in my bloodstream,” declares Martin.

Lastly, how will they like their musical partnership to be remembered?

“As REAL and not REEL, ALWAYS and FOREVER!” the concert icons positively sum up.