In the Philippines, the name “Martin” is synonymous with Martin Nievera. The Philippines’ Concert King is a household name. But beyond his fame, Martin embodies positivity and compassion, traits that have left a lasting impression on me.
I’ve long admired Martin’s warm-heartedness watching his television shows over the years, but I was fortunate to experience his genuine kindhearted nature firsthand when he was invited to sing the national anthem at the start of the Senate session on February 19, 2024. It was a significant day for Philippine labor, with important bills like the “Eddie Garcia Bill” for showbiz workers and the “P100 Daily Minimum Wage Increase Act of 2024” for employees in the private sector up for approval.
During the session, I was standing beside Martin as he waited to speak to his longtime friend, Senate President Migz Zubiri, who gestured for him to wait. Even though the Senate President asked him to sit down, Martin preferred to stand and listen to the proceedings.
Martin shared some anecdotes with me about his close friendship with the Senate President and the latter’s brother since their youth. He fondly recalled how he and the brother would wait for the young Migz for hours at the school parking lot and go home together. “Who would have thought this guy would come this far?” he said.
As the senators explained their votes in favor of the minimum wage increase, Martin all the while nodded in agreement. He believed that raising the minimum wage was important and understood how hard it is for families to make ends meet.
He asked me about the legislative process, impressing me with his quick grasp of the workings of Congress and his empathetic stance toward the plight of workers.
“Even if there are two people working in a household, a combined P1,200 income would still not be enough,” he said. I asked him if he could survive on P700 a day. He replied, “No, that would just be for breakfast—for myself alone, not the entire family.”
I have always held Martin Nievera in high esteem for complementing and supporting his fellow artists. I admired him even more for his candid and genuine concern for workers. I am grateful to have witnessed his compassion firsthand.
Happy Labor Day to all Filipino workers!
