Martin and Pops still making magic onstage

CEBU, Philippines - People in their 30s grew up watching their love unfold in television. The viewers of Penthouse Live would often watch Martin Nievera try to steal a kiss from Pops Fernandez during their last duet at the closing of the show. He would also find every excuse possible to hug the bedimpled singer. But love does not all end in fairy tale romance, so once again, the viewers were there to witness their bitter breakup.

They may now live different lives but the people who saw them perform together know that they have chemistry, maybe not in love, but certainly on stage. Cebu got a chance to witness another magical performance of Martin and Pops, "Together Again live in Cebu" this time, with special participation of both sons, Robin and Ram.

Undoubtedly, Martin can hold the attention of hundreds of audience alone. He can bring the audience through a myriad of emotions, of love and despair, heartbreak and sorrow through his soulful music and haunting voice. Cebu has been his regular stomping ground for decades, with concert sites like Balls disco in the 80s when he was still trying to make it big in the business, to Cebu Plaza Hotel (now Marco Polo Plaza) when he was already soaring high with his "Be My Lady" hits.

But with Pops by his side, it's a whole new vibe. Sort of like a cherry topping. And Pops certainly looked beautiful enough, with her several custome changes, even though Martin would poke fun at her gowns, calling them names like "lampshade" and "couch cover".

Pops’ former boyfriends weren't spared either. When Pops said she has developed a sense of humor after the breakup of their marriage, Martin replied, "Well you had to coz those men didn't have a sense of humor." Ouch!

Their verbal tussle gave the audience a glimpse of what their lives are at now — ex-lovers who have remained friends but can still make beautiful music together.

Together, yes, but Pops' performance alone, without Martin, is lackluster, sort of like putting the lights out. There were half-hearted applause and people going on bathroom breaks. She had to pump the audience for that much-needed applause. Her singing pop songs didn't help much either. Even on some of their duets, Martin had to weave his vocal magic to support Pops’ voice. After one of their duets, Pops said, "I'm glad we sang that song. It's the first time we did that." For which Martin snickered, "And the last..."

The audience was much more receptive to Robin who showed signs of inherited his dad's magic onstage. After he performed one song, the audience gave a warm applause and shouted "more!". He would've declined and said his dad was ready to sing his set, but Martin obligingly said, "OK lang, wala naman 'yang bayad." Robin granted the audience request, launching into a medley of Reggae songs. The eldest son might not have his dad's vocal range but he certainly showed to the audience that he can hold his own and is definitely on the same musical path as his father and grandfather.