'There are not many like me'

If you had any doubt about the enduring popularity of the Filipina songstress Pops Fernandez, then the theatrical display at the Majestic Hotel would have put it all to rest.

When no sooner had the pop star entered the room to address the press yesterday, her entourage comprising singers Jay R, Geneva Cruz, John Prats, Iya Villania and Kris Lawrence stood up from their seats and gave her a standing ovation. Visibly-embarrassed by the blatant display of admiration by her own peers, the singer, who will be leading the Divalicious concert tomorrow at the Aviation Club, says she feels incredibly blessed to have survived for more than two decades in the showbiz industry.

"There are not many like me. To have survived in the industry for 25 years and still draw a crowd in any part of the world is not an easy feat. But what keeps me going, is the adrenaline rush before the start of each show. I love the energy, the admiration, the attention… I love it all," says Fernandez.

After wrapping up her concert in Dubai, she will be heading to Bahrain to celebrate her 25 years in showbiz.
Often referred to as the Philippine's Concert Queen, Fernandez adds that her trek to stardom has been filled with missteps and retractable errors.

"Even after spending so many years in the industry, I am always filled with self-doubt. I am still clueless about what works with the audience and what doesn't. And making matters worse is that I am extremely critical of my work. I have set high standards for myself and I am quick to find faults with myself too," she adds.

Though her standards are exacting, Fernandez, daughter of the late action hero Eddie Fernandez, adds that there were a few times in her career when the situation was beyond her control.

Taking the example of her maiden attempt at acting in a Tagalog movie, Fernandez terms the episode as nightmarish.

"I was hardly 15 and I was playing a character that was much older than that. When the director asked me to cough up some emotions, I did not even understand what he wanted from me. But fortunately, my next few projects were successful and I could it behind me. To me, the best part of showbiz is that you are always on a trial and error mode," says Fernandez, who made her movie debut in 1982.

She has also dabbled in television and modelling.

To the average Filipino, Fernandez may be a firebrand on stage. But, if you were to ask the singer to pick sides, she would inevitably choose television.

"I love being on TV. My stint as the host of the musical variety show Penthouse Live! Is an experience that I would always cherish. It was one of the few shows that had a bit of everything. There was singing, dancing, interacting with the crowds. I would love to do something similar in future," she says.

Fernandez says she has no plans to to hang up her glitzy boots anytime soon. "I have performed across the globe.

The day I detect an element of monotony creeping in is the day I quit showbiz. Till then, I plan to entertain and enjoy every minute of it."

What to expect

The Divalicious Concert will have a bit of everything. Her must-perform list comprises a medley of her hit songs including Kaya Pala and Don't Say Goodbye. Also, expect a string of cover versions of hits songs by Beyonce and Rihanna.

About the event

What: Divalicious concert
When: Tomorrow
Venue: Tennis Stadium, Aviation Club, Dubai
Time: 8pm (Doors open at 7pm)
Tickets: Dh75 (Can be purchased at the gate)
Contact: 050- 7370881 or 050- 8761958