Pops Fernandez would rather date younger men

POPS Fernandez and Martin Nievera

Singer Pops Fernandez says she sees nothing wrong with dating younger men because they “are more sure of themselves, more aggressive and most importantly, they’re single.”

Pops, 46, admits to have dated “several” guys younger than her, including former ramp model and actor Brad Turvey. She dated Turvey in 2004, shortly after the annulment of her marriage to singer-TV host Martin Nievera.

“I recently asked my sons’ opinion on this and they said it’s OK with them, as long as I’m happy,” the singer tells the Inquirer.

Pops and Martin have two sons—Robin, 26, and Ram, 23.

“Of course, they (her children) ask questions, especially if they want to know more about a particular guy I’m with,” she related. “Unlike other kids, they’re not too strict when it comes to how I dress. They’re used to it. It’s normal to them. Sometimes they would even ask me tips on what they should wear on their own dates.”

She added that her sons even like wearing outfits that match hers during their own dinner dates.

Pops and Regine Velasquez joined entertainment writers for lunch on Friday to promote the repeat of “Foursome,” their Valentine concert with Martin and Ogie Alcasid, to be held on March 16 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Great to be single

Pops says what’s great about being single is that “you get to meet a lot of people and you get to choose (who to hang out with).”

She adds: “I never got to experience that when I was younger, having been raised by my mom (Dulce Lucban), who was then so strict, and then getting married so young. I might as well do it now.”

The singer clarifies that while she enjoys going out, she is not ready to fall in love again just yet.

“I know it will just happen. If I finally meet somebody who I’m sure could take care of me, then I could probably take our relationship to the next level. Right now, I’m not officially with anybody. I just like meeting different people.”

Dream guy

Asked for the qualities she looks for in a man, Pops replies: “He has to understand my situation—I take care of two boys—and of what I’ve been through in my marriage. The guy also has to accept that I’m already set in my ways and that I’m independent. Of course, he has to be kind-hearted just like me.”

Pops also says she prefers dating Filipino men, “although people say Pinoys are big babies.”

She adds: “I have nothing against foreigners. Maybe I just haven’t met someone I found interesting enough. It’s just that their culture is very different from ours. It’s hard enough to adjust to the quirks of a Filipino guy, more so to the culture of a foreigner.”

Pops, whose daring and sexy cover photo on the men’s magazine FHM in 2006 became highly controversial, says she is still unprepared to be a grandmother.

“Kuya (Robin) has a girlfriend, but we don’t joke about my being a lola because I don’t find it funny,” she declares. “However, we discuss marriage sometimes. I told him it’s easy to get married, but you first have to figure out whether or not you’re ready to give up being single. I said, ‘Enjoy your life first. If your special someone really loves you, she will wait until you’re ready.’”

“Foursome the Repeat” will also feature Gary Valenciano as special guest performer.

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