Pops Fernandez

Concert Queen Pops Fernandez is feeling particularly romantic, even though Valentine's Day is still a while away. She has a lot going on right now.

On July 29, TV5 will be introducing its captivating new romance, drama anthology, hosted by Pops. Brace yourself for heartwarming tales of love and heartbreak, brought to life by the extraordinary talents of today's most promising artists.

Titled “For The Love," the exciting new weekly series, brings relatable stories and heartwarming moments to life. Get ready to be transported down memory lane with a mix of classic and modern hits from the renowned home of OPM songs: Viva Records.

“For the Love” presents 13 episodes directed by some of the industry’s up-and-coming directors, including JP Laxamana, Rod Marmol, Joel Ferrer, and Dustin Celestino. 

Every episode features a unique and captivating pair of leading actors, showcasing the talents of today's up-and-coming artists. Among them are Heaven Peralejo and Marco Gallo, Krissha Viaje, and Wilbert Ross, as well as the Bea Binene and Gab Lagman, just to name a few.

Aside from being the show’s host and the story's narrator, Pops will serenade viewers with a beautiful OPM love song in each episode. Her talent has earned her the well-deserved title of the Philippines' Concert Queen, adding an extra touch of emotion to the already captivating stories being told.

"The team has chosen the title, the story, and the song. Medyo challenging ito for me because the songs of today, they have different phrasing, iba yung attack nila. So medyo challenging for me. Naririnig mo na sila dahil popular sila and very commercial. Sa akin lang naman ito. Pero yung mga bagets, mae-enjoy nila yung songs with the episodes," she said.

(It's a bit challenging for me because the songs of today, they have different phrasing, their attack is different. So it's quite challenging for me. You already hear them because they are popular and very commercial. It's just mine. But the teenagers, they can enjoy the songs with the episodes.)

During a media conference at Viva Cafe in Araneta City last July 19, Pops shared the story of how the project came to fruition.

"Nag-guest po ako sa show ni Louie Ocampo sa Solaire. And I think Boss Vic (Del Rosario) happened to watch in the audience on the last night when we performed. Pumunta po siya backstage. Akala ko mako-congratulate lang siya sa amin. And then sabi niya, 'Pops, I have a project for you. I think it's bagay for you. And when he made kwento, ay sabi ko gusto ko yan," she said.

(I was a guest at Louie Ocampo's show at Solaire. And I think Boss Vic (Del Rosario) happened to watch in the audience on the last night when we performed. He went backstage. I thought he would only congratulate us. And then he said, 'Pops, I have a project for you. I think it's something for you. And when he discussed the project, I said 'I like it.)

Pops added: "Ang galing ko kasing mag-advice sa love eh. Ang galing ko kasi dyan feeling ko. And it's nice kasi this show has a different twist. I'm not only hosting, but I get to sing. Ang dami nilang artists and ang dami nilang songs. And it's an honor to be with this new breed of artists."

Asked about the soundtrack of her life, Pops answered: "Medyo naiba na ang ihip ng hangin. Yung bagong soundtrack ko will be launched on ASAP this Sunday. Yun ang bagong soundtrack ng buhay ko."

(The wind is blowing a little differently. My new soundtrack will be launched on ASAP this Sunday. That's the new soundtrack of my life.)

'Love life'

Pops revealed that she is currently single. However, she hasn't completely shut the door on the possibility of having a meaningful connection with another person.

"Madaling sagutin yan. Wala. Wala talaga," said Pops when asked if she's in a relationship these days. (That's easy to answer. Nothing. Absolutely nothing.)

She added: "There was a time, siyempre sad ka. I guess pag younger ka, mas needy ka. Tama ba yung word ko? Hindi ka sure sa sarili mo. You feel you need someone. I'm not saying I don't need anyone. It would be nice to have an understanding and loving partner na you can watch movies with, travel with."

"But right now, I'm enjoying doing my own thing. I'm taking advantage of that kasi I get to spend a lot of time with my grown-ups, I get to make my own decisions, make my own schedules. I can see my boys anytime. Hopefully, in the near future, hindi naman ako nagsasarado ng doors ko. Hopefully, I can meet somebody who I can watch movies with, or travel with."

Pops was married to balladeer Martin Nievera in 1986. Their marriage was annulled in 2000. They have two children, Ram and Robin.

Pops, 56, has also observed how courtship has changed compared to when she was younger.

"Iba noong araw pagdating sa panliligaw. Dati bibisitahin ka ng nanliligaw sa'yo naabutan ko pa yung may mga regalo. Siyempre pakitang gilas. Nowadays texting na lang di ba? Or sending of emoticons. Ibang iba na s'ya di ba?

(Courtship was quite different in the past. Before, suitors would come to visit you. There were gifts. Of course, they need to impress people. Nowadays, it's just texting, right? Or sending emoticons. It's different, isn't it?)

"When it comes to experiences naman, kung ano man yung beginning kung paano ka na in-love, you feeling whatever it is, pareho lang. Kung masakit, masakit. Kung happy ka, happy ka. The best part is, kung in love ka, in love ka," she added.

(No matter how love starts, the experience and the feeling are always the same. If it hurts, it hurts. If you're happy, you're happy. The best part is that when you're in love, you're truly in love.)

Pops graciously offered her invaluable advice to those who have been deceived, helping them navigate the difficult journey from heartbreak and pain.

"Medyo mahirap i-advice 'yan. Everyone is different. Whatever your feeling is, it's masakit. It depends on how strong you are. People have to work it out di ba? At the end of the day, when everything is done, and somehow you will be over it eh, you have to be strong and get over it. Obviously, you will be stronger as a person. And hopefully, you won't allow it to happen again," she said.

(It's a bit hard to give advice. Everyone is different. Whatever your feeling is, it's painful. It depends on how strong you are. People have to work it out, right? At the end of the day, when everything is done, and somehow you will be over it, you have to be strong and get over it. Obviously, you will be stronger as a person. And hopefully, you won't allow it to happen again.)

Get ready to rekindle your love as Pops invites viewers into a breathtaking and enchanting journey filled with the magic of music and love. Catch the premiere of "For the Love" this Saturday, July 29, at 3:20 PM on TV5.