Revisiting ‘Penthouse Live’

MARTIN Nievera confesses that he feels guilty for not being the father that his sons deserve.

It’s been 32 years since “Penthouse Live” debuted on GMA 7, yet the chemistry between its hosts, Pops Fernandez and Martin Nievera, remains as strong as ever.

Relive that “Penthouse” magic as Pops and DSL Productions bring “The Penthouse Live Reunion Concert” to the PICC Plenary Hall on Dec. 12, 8 p.m.

It is top-billed by Pops and Martin, with Nanette Inventor, Jojo Alejar and The Tigers and other surprise guests. (For tickets, call 6593474 and 0918-5633781.)

It was in “Penthouse” that the colorful love story of Pops and Martin unfolded. Even if their marriage ended, it doesn’t mean it was a failure because they both learned what they had to learn.

Martin and Pops have become better performers and happier persons for having touched each other’s life. Through the years, and through the fire, Martin and Pops have always been a team.

Here’s my one-on-one with Martin:

What is your fondest “Penthouse Live” memory?

That’s hard; there are so many. It was my first steady job in the Philippines so every day was new and exciting for me. But the best for a 19-year-old boy like me would be buying my first car from my earnings.

How has “Penthouse” changed your life?

It didn’t just change my life; it started it. I came home to the Philippines to try my luck as a singer. I never thought I’d be a TV host. “Penthouse” not only changed my dream; it improved on it.

What makes it different from today’s variety shows?

It would be the longer casual interviews. TV nowadays demands faster chats with quicker camera shots to hold the viewers’ attention. In the past, the conversation was enough. “Penthouse” is often held up as a model for today’s shows. I am proud of that.

How has the Martin-Pops tandem evolved since the “Penthouse” days?

I would like to think our followers have matured with us through the years. Many still hope for us to reunite, but there are also those who see us as a professional tandem. Unlike other separated couples, Pops and I have learned to be “pros” even though we used to be “cons.”

If you could go back in time, what would you have done differently?

Probably nothing. Everything happens for a reason and, like it or not, we are what we are and what we are not because of it.

What do you and your grown-up sons Robin and Ram talk about?

It’s not what it used to be. We text, but the replies are usually late and short. I was just on the road with them and … they saw me at my most vulnerable. They are quiet, but they understand me.

Robin is sensible and surprises me with his wit and sensibility, while Ram cracks me up without losing his role as the original baby brother. I truly love them. To this day, I feel guilty for not being the father they deserve.

Tell us the latest about your youngest son Santino.

Santino is my hero, just like Robin and Ram. He is tall for an 8-year-old kid. He sings and dances and does well in math and reading. He likes charming the girls. He is loved by everyone in his class. I too could have been a better father to Santino, but I can’t be in two places at once.

What questions do your sons ask that you find hard to answer?

The toughest would be: “Why?”

What state is your heart in right now?

In the state of Hawaii, I wish, but no … I am still in love with life and with Filipinos!

What do you see in Pops now that you didn’t notice before?

Her business sense, her drive and passion to produce shows, but most importantly, the happiness in her spirit. I am proud of her.

After all the controversies, what made it possible for you and Pops to rekindle your friendship?

Apart from being parents to Robin and Ram, the foundation of our relationship has always been friendship.

When you are in a pensive mood, what do you think about?

I constantly think about the challenges we encounter, trying to stay in the game. What we took for granted in the past, we are longing for now. In show business, it’s almost impossible to have the happy endings we sing about. So we take whatever happiness and success we can get and call them victories. The fact that you were interested enough to interview me is a victory in itself. Today is a happy day.

Dance departure

Erika Jayne’s new single “You Make Me Wanna Dance” is a slight departure from her usual songs.

Known for having the most No. 1 singles on the Billboard club dance chart, Erika takes a new direction with her pop crossover, “You Make Me Wanna Dance.” Erika’s voice captures the song’s mood, and when she passionately declares “I come alive” in the intro of the chorus, her feminine allure makes you want to join her on the dance floor as well.

The music video promises a visual treat that will make us want to dance. (Follow Erika Jayne on FB/erikajayne, IG @theprettymess, twitter @erikajayne, visit www.youmakemewannadance.com)