Concert King Martin Nievera may have joked about being “the dinosaur in the middle of the poster” — referring to the official layout for “Champions of the Heart” — but at the press conference for this much-anticipated Valentine’s Day concert, the OPM icon was anything but out of place.
Held at the Gordon Ramsay Bar and Grill, the media event gathered five celebrated Filipino singers for what’s being billed as this season’s most powerful love show. And while most of the spotlight was cast on titles and triumphs from recent years, the group’s chemistry — playful, familiar, and overflowing with mutual respect — quickly made clear that the man in the center of the frame was also at the center of the room.
There was “The Voice USA’s” history-making big winner, Sofronio Vasquez. Then Jed Madela, the Philippines’ first grand champion performer at the World Championships of Performing Arts. And rounding out the group were two powerhouse divas from the local scene — Jona, the inaugural grand champion of “Pinoy Pop Superstar,” and Klarisse de Guzman, who first broke through as a finalist on “The Voice of the Philippines” before winning “Your Face Sounds Familiar.”
At one point, someone joked that Martin was the only one without a competition title — a playful nudge that gave The T-Zone the perfect cue.
“Have you told your fellow singers that you’re a singing champion too?” I asked, knowing the story from previous interviews.
Martin paused, then smiled. “Well, to be honest with you... Before there was ever any kind of reality contest on television, there was a contest that made me want to become a singer. I joined the California State Talent Competition in 1981. You had to win the first day to move on to the next. I won the first day, the second, and the third... and then, finally, I became the overall champion.”
As everyone in the room erupted in applause, Martin, with perfect comedic timing, warned, “But there’s no video. So I could be lying.”
Not that anyone was doubting him.
“So yeah,” Martin added with a grin, “I guess I was a champion, too.”
And just like that, the concert’s title rang truer than ever.
Produced by Anna Puno’s StarMedia Entertainment in partnership with Full House Theater Company and directed by John Prats, Champions of the Heart isn’t just about vocal showdowns or sentimental ballads. As the winning lineup themselves said, it’s about artists who’ve lived through love, loss, risk, regret — and still choose to sing.
“It’s not about the awards or the couples,” Martin later shared. “The star of the show is love — and how you, too, can be a champion of the heart.”
Direk John echoed the sentiment, explaining that the concert’s visuals will play with elements not usually associated with Valentine’s Day, such as castles, playing cards, the color black and gold-toned lighting, to convey the unpredictable nature of love.
“When you love, you topple,” he said. “Sometimes you win. Sometimes it hurts. But either way, you grow.”
Sofronio, still glowing from his global win, called the show “a complete experience.” “To be here with Martin Nievera... it’s an honor,” he said.
Jed added, “We’re done with proving ourselves. This time, it’s about connection — and choosing songs that became the soundtracks of our own lives.”
Jona said she was thrilled to perform with the group for the first time. “This lineup is powerful,” she beamed.
Klarisse added, “There’ll be beautiful collaborations — songs that make you feel love in new ways.”
Still, one thing hadn’t gone unnoticed — Martin didn’t seem to have a duet partner.
“Why didn’t they give you one?” I asked.
“Well, I think people are just so used to seeing me with one,” he replied with a grin. “But I trust our director. Maybe I’ll find a partner in the show... maybe in the audience,” he teased right back.
It was classic Martin — part icon, part jester, part old soul. And as the show’s title suggests, maybe you don’t need a partner to be a champion. Maybe all you need is to keep singing — heartbreak, hope, and all.
“Champions of the Heart” happens on February 14, 8 p.m., at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, Newport World Resorts. Tickets are available via TicketWorld and the Newport World Resorts box office.
And no, sorry — Martin’s 1981 championship is still not on YouTube.