Martin Nievera tells young singers to cherish their fans

Way back in 1983, Martin Nievera came home to the Philippines to become a singer.

- BABY A. GIL

Way back in 1983, Martin Nievera came home to the Philippines to become a singer. No need for singing contests or door-knocking for him. The gangly 19-year-old from California easily bagged a recording contract with Vicor Music Corporation and was put to work on his debut album.

The buzz then was that it was because of his well-placed connections. Dad Bert was one of the country's most famous crooners, and aunt Pilita Corrales was known as Asia's Queen of Songs. Big names those.

Then Martin released his first album, "Martin Nievera... Take One," that same year and proved those who thought he was merely riding on his father's coattails very, very wrong. The kid could really sing.

"Take One" was made up mostly of new originals composed by Martin and his sister Gina Tabuena. There was also this ballad titled Be My Lady. It was written by an emerging songwriter named Vehnee Saturno and Vicor big boss Vic del Rosario Jr. insisted that Martin record song and released it as a single.