Martin Nievera reveals "Christmas List"

Found in the dedication page of his Christmas album My Christmas List under EMI Philippines are Martin Nievera's heartfelt words addressed to his sons Robin, Ram and Santino:

"To see them exchanging gifts and sharing one Christmas together would be unforgettable. That is why this CD is dedicated to them and to all the children like them who are absolutely innocent from the life choices their parents have made in the past. To be a ‘yoyo' kind of dad spending Christmas Eve here and Christmas Day there can sometimes be emotionally draining. My heart breaks every Christmas, because of the consequences I live daily from decisions made in the past. Every year at this time I am always making someone cry. Usually it's me. My Christmas wish is for peace in my heart and in the hearts of all those I love..."

Such a courageous testament from a man whose personal domestic life had been played up in public for years since separating from wife Pops Fernandez to be with girlfriend Katrina Ojeda. Following the lead of his 2007 CD Milestones, Martin once again expressed his feelings on the record sleeve to resemble a diary-like entry. Reading the entries, one can't help but wonder if the Concert King is trying to make peace with his past through an album composed of his favorite Yuletide tunes.

But then again, there's no other better time to make amends and repair damaged relationships than the upcoming season of Christmas.

HOLIDAY COLLECTION. For his Christmas offering, Martin gathered 18 of his favorite Christmas songs like the OPM classics "Pasko Na Sinta Ko" and "Nakaraang Pasko."

The music video of "Pasko Na Sinta Ko" incidentally features ex-wife Pops Fernandez and their children, Ram and Robin. The idea of the video according to Martin is to show that Christmas is really about family togetherness regardless of geographical distance.

Typical of Martin, the songs included in the album does not venture away from the original arrangement though the Concert king still managed to put his personal touch to the songs. Martin's voice added more soul to the tunes "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year," Bing Crosby's "White Christmas," "My Grown Up Christmas List," "Blue Christmas," and Barry Manilow's "It's Just Another New Year's Eve."

Martin also rendered his own interpretation of Kenny Loggin's "Celebrate Me Home" and "In Christ Alone." Basil Valdez's well-known "Lift Up Your Hands" also found its way to the record. Martin also re-recorded "All I Want (This Christmas)" especially for the album.

Singer and stage actress Alex Godinez joined Martin in dishing out the original number titled "Christmas Love." Another original material in the album is the hopeful "Maligaya Sana Ang Pasko."

But the most touching moment in the record comes in the form of "Forever I'm Yours" which is an original composition of son Robin. Martin, who reportedly became emotional during the recording, wrote in the cover sleeves, "When Ram joined to sing I cried. They are the greatest gifts to me, I don't need anything more."


Martin Nievera's Christmas album titled My Christmas List is now available in record bars courtesy of EMI Philippines.

TRACK LISTING.

1. Can't Stop Christmas
2. Give Love on Christmas Day
3. What Child Is This
4. Pasko Na Sinta Ko
5. Blue Christmas
6. Nakaraang Pasko
7. My Heart's Song
8. White Christmas
9. Christmas Love
10. The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
11. All I Want (This Christmas)
12. Forever I Am Yours
13. Lift Up Your Hands
14. My Grown Up Christmas List
15. In Christ Alone
16. Celebrate Me Home
17. It's Just Another New Year's Eve
18. Maligaya Sana Ang Pasko