Concert King hits Dubai

The biting cold and strong wind didn't prevent Martin Nievera's fans from lining up in Zabeel Park to catch the singer, songwriter and actor in another memorable evening of music and fun. It was the fifth time for "The Concert King" from the Philippines to perform in Dubai and this time he was ably supported by the "Crystal Voice of Asia" Sheryn Regis.

Nievera revealed that he had been looking forward to doing another concert in Dubai since his last visit in 2003. He said the audienceis an important factor in his enjoyment of performing in the emirate.

"Dubai's crowd is really great and they really appreciate the songs," he told tabloid! in an interview just before the concert, adding that he prefers crowds that show their appreciation by clapping and not screaming. Nievera entertained his audience not only by belting out his hit songs but also with his great sense of humour, a key attribute which has made him one of the most successful entertainers in the Philippines.

The Concert King's failed marriage with fellow recording star Pops Fernandez, one of the most intriguing love affairs in Philippine showbiz, was again not spared by his adoring fans, who could not resist bringing up the subject of reconciliation, especially after Pops, regarded as the Concert Queen in the Philippines, recently broke up with her actor boyfriend Jomari Yllana.

An emphatic "No" was the answer and Nievera, who is accompanied in Dubai by his new non-showbiz girlfriend, told the crowd that he prefers not to bring up the topic in his concerts. Some of the hits he performed were Be My Lady, Ikaw ang Lahat Sa Akin, Pag-uwi, which he dedicated to the Filipino expatriates, and Say That You Love Me. Another well-applauded song was his rendition of the hit Wildflower as well as a number of duets with Regis.

Nievera also told the audience about some of his future gigs, including a verbal agreement with Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquaio to sing the Philippine National Anthem during Pacquaio's next fight against British superstar Ricky Hatton. "I hope he doesn't change his mind," he said.