When Martin Nievera first recorded the song "Ikaw ang Lahat
sa Akin" in 1984, he recalls that it was the first time he felt he was a
Filipino singer. Martin, after all, is an American citizen, who has been
shuttling back and forth from the United States for the past couple of years.
After celebrating his 25th year in the industry in 2007, Martin releases his
newest album, Ikaw ang Pangarap, under EMI Philippines.
Last July 4, PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) watched Martin Nievera perform at the Trinoma Activity Center for the benefit of his fans who were all eager to see the singer in person.
Ikaw ang Pangarap is Martin's first album to contain all Filipino songs. It is a compilation of his Tagalog songs, including the theme songs for ABS-CBN shows Lobo ("Ikaw ang Pangarap"), Vietnam Rose ("Magpahanggang Wakas"), and Lastikman ("Maging Anupaman Para Sa'yo").
According to Martin, he worked twice as hard on Ikaw ang Pangarap compared to any other album he has recorded, citing the fact that he is not as proficient in the vernacular as he is in English.
"Tagalog is such a challenge for me," Martin told PEP. He even pointed out that he works harder compared to other local artists when it comes to recording Tagalog songs. The challenge is worth it since Martin now refers to Ikaw ang Pangarap as his "perfect album."
"It has been a dream to record all new Filipino songs," he said. "I am glad that this is part of my collection. I am officially a Filipino singer with this album."
Martin said this album is a perfect example of what America and traveling the world has done to his craft. Although the male singer said he felt as if he never left the Philippines, it was when he started performing in Las Vegas that he realized how much he loves his home country. "I have been away so much I learned to love my country, my heritage...my Philippines," he said with pride.
According to Martin, performing for foreigners is easier than performing for Filipinos in America. "The non-Filipinos are easier to please. You stand on your leg, you rub your stomach, they you give a standing ovation." With Filipinos, however, Martin said he had to prove that he is worth their time, since they can see him perform in the Philippines during Sundays on the ABS-CBN variety show ASAP ‘08.
Of all the songs in the album, he enjoys singing "Ikaw ang Pangarap" and "Kailangan Kita," both penned by Ogie Alcasid. According to Martin, "Kailangan Kita" demonstrates how Filipino songs should be sung. "My soul is singing, not my mouth," he even quipped.
The 15-track Ikaw ang Pangarap also includes other Filipino songs such as "Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin" and "May Minamahal."