The Filipino-American community, needless to say, puts a high premium on the presence of famous Filipino artists at their events. The combination of a celebration to mark the Philippines’ independence from colonial rule and featuring Concert King Martin Nievera as headliner promises to be a remarkable occasion to put in one’s calendar.
For one, the guy is not just some famous voice in the Philippine music scene. He is a household name with multiple hits under his belt and an act generations of singers have looked up to.
The stage is set for Martin come June 7 at the Veterans Park in the City of Carson in Los Angeles County, California, USA. Made possible by the said city in collaboration with the Philippine Independence Day Foundation, the whole-day event, scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., is expected to be a fun-filled show to celebrate the 127th Philippine Independence Day.
“I’m here. We’ll see you there,” exclaimed one of the most familiar faces in Philippine showbiz in a video clip showing him promoting the upcoming spectacle.
Martin, for all his reputation as a man who’s great at talking, doesn’t need much to say. His facial expression showed the excitement that’s within him, and that makes much sense, knowing he’s a key figure of such an event.
The feeling is mutual: Fil-Ams love to see stars in the flesh and fresh from the Philippines. Those stars, as always, feel honored to perform in, as often described, the land of milk and honey.
Martin’s involvement in the upcoming celebration was revealed at a press conference organized by Ted Benito of LXV Enterprises and attended by City of Carson Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes, along with Carson City Council Member Arleen Rojas and Council Member Jim Dear.
“Everyone present was thrilled when it was revealed and announced that the legendary Martin Nievera will grace the event as both the headliner performer and the esteemed Grand Marshal,” noted Adrian Lecaros, current president of the Filipino-American Press Club of California (FAPCCA).
The Concert King acknowledged FAPCCA by saying, “(For) all your years of service, great job! We all appreciate that. God bless you and more power to you.”
The Philippine Consul General Adelio Cruz is said to have asked the music icon to campaign for more Filipinos who have immigrated to the United States to also re-acquire Philippine dual citizenship.
Martin’s career has spanned four decades, where his albums have garnered 18 platinum, five double platinum, three triple platinum, and one quadruple platinum awards, easily listing him among the highest-selling Filipino recording artists of all time.
Some of his hits include “Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin,” “Say That You Love Me,” “Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin,” “Christmas Won’t Be the Same Without You,” “You Are My Song,” and “Be My Lady.”
Being designated as the Grand Marshal means that the Concert King will “lead the festivities, symbolizing the unity and pride of the Filipino-American community.”
The event is free to the public and will feature a day filled with cultural performances, traditional Filipino food vendors, community booths, and family-friendly activities.
Veterans Park is located at 22400 Moneta Avenue, Carson, California.
I recall Martin Nievera saying that when he released a rock album that did not sell well, he realized he should be a balladeer. True enough, his voice became the interpreter of some of OPM’s best love songs.
How he became the recipient of the moniker Concert King only proved his worth. His witty humor is also a reason he is so well-loved. Back in the Philippines, when I was covering a concert of his, he responded to someone in the crowd yelling that he should sing “Be My Lady.” He shot back with a grin, “Move on!”
Well, he does have scored numerous hits after that Vehnee Saturno-penned classic, which was originally a Metropop finalist performed by one named Pedrito Montaire. Of course, Martin’s recording of the song is the one that made it into a classic as we know it.
Naturally, Fil-Ams are expressively patriotic, being a bunch of people who made it in life away from their motherland. So having Martin Nievera to celebrate Freedom Day is certainly extra fun and meaningful.