Iconic singer Martin Nievera was considered by seasoned singer-songwriter Gary Valenciano on August 30 as his “forever competitor” despite the difference in genres that they perform.
Nievera is considered a balladeer, while Valenciano is more on upbeat music. However, it did not stop their fans from comparing them.
In a virtual interview during Di Ka Akin, a song he collaborated with GMA Network’s Julie Anne San Jose, Valenciano pointed out that that comparison made him better, if not best, as a performer.
“He was forever my competitor. Now the thing is—I mean he’s a balladeer and I do a lot of upbeat songs, eh people would compare us all the time. And even if we were different, it was a kind of competition that brought out the best in us.”
He said that having a healthy competition, especially on noontime shows, was good. The singer argued that rivalry “keeps them on their toes.”
“I think that’s the same with AOS and ASAP. We’re not looking over our shoulders para makita namin kung anong ginagawa nila. And I think they are also doing the same thing,” explained Valenciano.
He added, “I don’t care what anybody says, but at least in my book, in my heart, I’m not in ASAP to show who is better. I’m in ASAP to be at my best.”
Competition is essential among shows, the singer pointed out. Without it, the quality of a TV show will be affected.
“It’s important that there is healthy competition. Otherwise, we get laxed, we get overconfident, we can sit back and settle with, ‘okay na iyon.’ Ay! Hindi p’wede sa ASAP iyon. Why? Kasi nga may AOS. You have to be on your toes all the time!”
