Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez could not help but be emotional as former ASAP director Johnny “Mr. M” Manahan looked back on the monumental three-decade history of the Sunday noontime musical-variety show of ABS-CBN. 

Pops and Martin once led the stage as original hosts, together with singer Ariel Rivera and Miss Universe 1993 Dayanara Torres. After leaving the show in 2003, Pops has once again graced the show—this time as an honorable luminary for the program’s 30th anniversary. 

During the program, Mr. M offered a message—reminiscing the creativity and effort it took to build ASAP from ground up. His message goes, “Hello, ASAP! Congratulations! 

“Thirty years, tagal nun, ah. Quite an achievement. It takes a lot of talent, a lot of imagination, a lot of work for a show to succeed and stay there for 30 years.”

Mr. M then recalled how Martin became a significant figure not only for him but for the entire production. 

He continues, “Ask Martin Nievera. Andun siya sa pagsibol ng ASAP. Martin, you’re a genius. I love you. I remember all the things you’ve done for me and ASAP through the years.”

In the same message, he also recognized the role of production through the years of world-class entertainment. He says, “Of course, huwag nating kalimutan yung mga behind-the-scenes people. 

“Salamat sa mga production people. Kayo po, kumbaga, yung wind beneath the wings of the artists. Kung wala po kayo, hindi po makikita yung transcendent beauty and talent of the artist. They are nothing without the people behind the scenes.”

Mr. M finished his message with a grateful recall, saying “I’m so glad that I could be part of the story of ASAP. And I am humbled to have worked with all those beautiful people and talented young men and women through the years. 

“They love what they’re doing. They love the industry. That’s what ASAP has been for 30 years—excellence. ASAP, I wish you well. 

Martin Nievera reveres Mr. M

After Mr. M’s message, Martin then took the microphone to express his gratitude to Mr. M. 

Martin begins, “Tama si Mr. M, people are the wings, beneath the wings of all these artists—yesterday, today, and until tomorrow. 

“We are nothing without the people who bring us on this stage, who brought us up, who dresses us up, who makes us look good, who makes this show what it is today. 

“And No. 1 on that list is Johnny Manahan. Johnny, you are too humble. You have brought us all to this stage and to many stages from this stage. Galing sa stage na ito dahil sa iyo.

So, from the bottom of our hearts, I speak for everybody on this stage—thirty years ago, you brought ASAP to where it is today. We will never forget all that you’ve done for this show and to every artist that has passed to your magic wand. Maraming-maraming salamat.”

Watch the clip here: