Robert Jose Nievera

Robert was born on October 17, 1936 to Dr. Jose Nievera and Lunas Jose in Baguio City. In his younger years, Bert first dreamed of being a priest or a doctor. He also planned on joining the Philippine Military Academy. Bert eventually discovered his gift of singing when he joined the Dramatics Club at the University of the Philippines. He also worked as a flight attendant for Philippine Airlines.

He started his singing career at a hotel-casino in Davao City. Bert joined a noontime show contest in Manila where he was dubbed as the “Johnny Mathis of the Philippines.” He joined the Society of Seven, which was based in Hawaii, and became its lead singer for ten years, after which he ventured on his own.

Coming back to the Philippines, the “Bert Nievera Music Lounge” in Makati became a nightly destination for both the young and the old. He became a most sought after singer to do Valentines shows, Christmas shows, company conventions, as well as guesting in TV shows. In the 1990s, he was one of the three hosts in the TV show “Chairman of the Board.”

In the mid 1990s, his career flourished. He traveled to Australia, Middle East, USA, Brunei, Singapore and Malaysia for performances, the highlight of which was his performance for the coronation of the King of Malaysia. Bert became a favorite of the Prime Minister of Malaysia, performing several times for him.

Bert was an avid golfer, playing at least three times a week. If he was not on the golf course or sitting on the couch glued to the tv (watching one golf tournament after the other), you can find him buying lotto tickets at Primm, which was his other passion. He spent every single penny he had on lotto tickets.

Known to many as one of the country’s most popular balladeers, but to his family and friends, Bert is a very loving man, so full of life. The Godfather, the thread that connected us all. Always laughing, always singing. He had a heart as big as the ocean. Always heroic in his quiet strength and never looked for praise.

He is survived by his wife Carol; his children Vicki, Martin, Rachel, Cach, Jansey, Caline, and Lance; and his grandkids Alyssa, Erika, Robin, Ram, Santino, Nicole, Renee, Clay, Ceff, Maddox and Maxine.