MANILA, Philippines - For his family and loved ones, Christmas becomes more special because of the Concert King, Martin Nievera.
“Christmas is more special when Martin is around because he is Santa Claus to all of us. He always goes out of his way to get the perfect gift, puts lots of thought in what he chooses and he shops on his own and does not send anyone to shop for him. He sets the tone for Christmas. He loves to decorate all areas of the house and the Christmas tree. He plays Christmas music the whole time we decorate to get us in the mood. Christmas is more special for me when he’s around because we both have kids that live away from us now in the States, so when we are not able to travel to be with our kids for Christmas, it helps that we can be together,” says Vicki Nievera-Davis.
For Rachel Nievera-Zdzieba, “Christmas becomes more special with him around because he is like a child with such excitement to give his gifts that he put so much thought into. His generosity is one in a million.”
Recollects Tere Tabuena del Rosario, “Christmas is always special when Martin was with us because he always made Christmas about the children. I will never forget one Christmas when we were living in Florida — when my kids were still small — he pretended to be the reindeer on the roof — as in he climbed the roof and made those clicking sounds — he even prepared cookies for Santa — (which he also ate!) and then pretended to BE Santa with his hohoho! and that sack of toys under the tree. The kids were in awe and I was so touched to have my little brother Martin try his best to weave some magic into my children’s Christmas. He is a special brother and uncle in our family!”
“My Tito Martin is the family’s secret santa. He doesn’t just buy gifts for everyone. No matter where he is or how busy he is, he makes such a big effort to find out what we need or what we wish for. For the longest time, I even made him believe I am his inaanak (godchild) even if I am not so that I get a bigger gift,” shares Miguel Tabuena.
Paolo Valenciano adds, “Tito Marts usually isn’t here during Christmas. He comes back usually towards the end of the season. And right when you think Christmas is over, he shows up like a late Santa with gifts and goodies for everyone. Christmas in January.”
Concluding the happy reminiscences, Samantha Godinez-Valenciano enthuses, “Christmas with Tito Martin is always special because of the same reason why we all love the idea of a Santa Claus. It’s not about the gifts he gives but the idea of why he’s giving. He wants everyone to be happy. His main purpose in life is to make people happy. He thinks of every single gift he gives and you can see how excited he is when he gives it.”
With all these wonderful memories, it is no longer a surprise why Martin will kick off the holiday season with Martin Home for Christmas on Dec. 1 at The Theatre of Solaire Resort and Casino. Show time is 8 p.m.
Martin will usher in the festivities with his own brand of entertainment. So, whether you have been naughty or nice, you are assured exquisite music, unequalled quality entertainment and a wonderful time from the Concert King himself, who has lined up his dramatic and romantic repertoire of signature songs alongside well-loved sentimental and nostalgic Christmas carols to ring in this year’s season of love, peace and goodwill.
On stage with Martin that night will be Louie Ocampo as musical director and the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra.
Martin Home for Christmas is produced by Fullhouse Asia Production Studios, Inc. and is staged in response to public acclaim and insistent demand of a repeat of the immensely successful Martin Home at the Theater presented by Solaire last September.
(Tickets are available at TicketWorld [891-9999] and Solaire [888-8888].)