MANILA — Martin Nievera, a longtime lover of Christmas, granted an early holiday wish by teaming up with Italian maestro Alessio Benvenuti to record “Christmas in Manila.”
Nievera said Benvenuti had long wanted Nievera to interpret one of his compositions. And the latter’s experience performing alongside him eventually inspired him to write a song specifically suited to Nievera’s distinctive voice.
“Alessio, bless his soul, he finds me one of his favorite singers and his dream is one of his favorite singers would sing one of the many songs he has written,” he said in a press conference held in Pasig City, Monday.
Along with Benvenuti’s experiences of spending Christmas in Manila and across the Philippines, Nievera, who co-wrote the song, also wanted to capture the warmth and distinct spirit of Filipino Christmas celebrations.
“I wanted the world to know about are early Christmas tree— September pa lang. Our early Christmas lights and songs. I wanted to capture that. So, I asked Alessio if I could put what I liked, what I want to show,” he shared. “We are all excited about Christmas. And we love to hear Christmas songs— old and new. I'm hoping it will become a classic,” he added.