Martin and Pops have reached ‘a calm and neutral’ place in their relationship.

Concert King Martin Nievera was smiling from ear to ear when he showed the media recently the birthday gift that his ex-wife Pops Fernandez gave him: a picture book titled “Three Men and a Baby.”

“It’s a labor of love,” Martin said proudly. “This is the best gift she has given me by far.”

The picture book has pictures of Martin together with his children Robin, Ram and Santino that were taken both in the studio and as candid shots from their various bonding times. The book came with a note from Pops in which she reminds Martin that “the best reward we’ll have is the perfection we’ve created,” meaning, their kids.

“Here are the most wonderful moments… time can’t bring back those times… I still cry when I see them, when I realize how grown up they’ve become…” read part of the letter which was signed “From one of the mothers, Pipay.”

It is recalled that Santino is Martin’s child with Katrina Ojeda.

“It’s such a revelation to see Pops and I in this area in our lives where we didn’t even dreamed we’ll reach. It’s like that long drive with the annoying kid on the backseat who keep asking, ‘Are we there yet… are we there yet… are we…’

“Well, yes, Pops and I are finally there --- a completely calm and neutral place,” said Martin.

Asked how Pops gave the gift to him, Martin joked “completely naked.”

Does Martin still make birthday wishes?

“Everyday. My birthday wish this year is for time to stand still or go backwards so I don’t have to grow older than today.”

Because Martin celebrated his birthday last February 5 aboard a cruise ship, he recalled what he describes as “a cute ship story.”

“As a separated couple, Pops and I once brought our kids on a cruise in the Mediterranean. My brother and his wife, who were with us, kept introducing us as ‘my brother and his ex-wife” which, of course, had people saying, ‘Er, come again? Ex-wife?’ I had to tell them, ‘Relax, we stay in different rooms.’

“Anyway, because the ship had 400 Filipino employees, and we were on it during Philippine Independent’s Day, Pops and I decided to throw an impromptu concert for them using our minus one CD’s,’” he said.

Martin’s birthday party on 7017 Cruise Ship was tendered by Mae Vinluan-Dolonius, the producer of his and Pops’ Valentine’s Day concert, “One Amore Time,” to be held at the SMX Convention Center in SM Mall of Asia on Feb. 14.

According to the press release, Martin considers “One Amore Time” special because he and Pops will once again get to celebrate love in a way only they can.

“When Pops and I do a show together, it’s more real compared to others because we had a past even as we have a present because of our kids,” Martin was quoted as saying.

Producers promise that “One Amore Time” will be the couple’s hottest, sexiest and most passionate concert to date with a fiery repertoire and dance numbers inspired by Latin/Mexican teleseryes.

“One Amore Time” is produced by Mauve Management and Entertainment and directed by Rowell Santiago. Special guest is comedian Jon Santos.

The show is supported by ABS-CBN, Calayan Surgi Center, PLDT Watchpad, Golds Gym, Manila Bulletin, Magic 89.9, Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, 99.5 RT, 103.5 Max, Killer Bee, Mang Inasal, 7101 Cruise Ship, Discovery Country Suites, Tagaytay Highlands and Fernando’s Bakery.

For tickets, call 0918-8859335, 0922-2630183, 0906-3718174, 0917-7499860, 0922-8132119, 4257598 and 4018002.

VIP ticket holders are entitled to free cocktails at the VIP cocktail area in Hall 2 between 6-7:30 p.m. Concertgoers of any ticket price who want to enjoy dinner before the concert, can call 4108695, 4257598 and 4018002 for reservations.