CinemaBravo

Meeting Nick Vera Perez for the first time feels like encountering an old friend rather than a distant celebrity. With his friendly demeanor and warm presence, he effortlessly puts everyone at ease, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and humbleness. During a recent media conference at a restaurant in a mall in Quezon City, we delve into his recent endeavors and accomplishments. It’s evident that the charm of NVP, as how his long-term media friends call him, extends far beyond his music career, encompassing his academic achievements and advocacy work.

NVP, as a distinguished Mr. United Nations International (Mr. United Nations Illinois 2023, Mr. United Nations 2023) and acclaimed recording artist from Chicago, has returned to the Philippines in May, driven by a fervent desire to showcase his latest musical creation — the album ‘Laging Ikaw.’

On returning to the Philippines and his new album

Reflecting on his return, Nick candidly shared, “I came back here to promote the album that was not promoted because of the pandemic… I did mall shows and I enjoyed it!

“Parang vacation na may kasamang work. Actually, pag pumupunta ako rito at walang mall shows o events, most people would love it kasi vacation, pero para sa akin, parang nasasayangan ako sa oras. Kaya ini-incorporate ko ang mga bagay-bagay, isa-isa. Kung kaya, gagawin ko.”

(“It’s like a vacation with work. Actually, when I come here and there are no mall shows or events, most people would love it for the vacation, but for me, I feel like I’m wasting time. So I incorporate the little things, one at a time. If I can, I’ll do it.”)

Apart from “Laging Ikaw,” his other albums are entitled “I Am Ready,” “Our Christmas,” “Parte Ng Buhay Ko,” and “UnAfraid.

He seamlessly blended leisure with work, maximizing his time in the country by engaging in both promotion and relaxation.

Describing the essence of his title track, Nick mused, “May pagka-ballad and R&B. Mixed siya e! ‘Laging Ikaw’ is about yung akala mo 25 years old ako, ‘no? When you’re in love, and you keep thinking about them… you can’t sleep, every time you think about them… and then your life changes.”

(“It’s partly a ballad and R&B. It’s mixed! ‘Laging Ikaw’ is about you thinking I’m 25 years old, right?”)

When pressed about the inspiration behind ‘Laging Ikaw,’ Nick’s playful retort, “Basta yun yon!” (“It’s just that!”) hinted at the personal significance intertwined with his melodies, inviting listeners to unravel the layers of emotion embedded in his songs.

With a proud smile, Nick reflected on the success of his album. His words conveyed a sense of accomplishment, underscored by the dedication poured into each track.

“Actually, maganda yung 12 songs, in fairness. Makita mo, pag-release namin noong September 2021, ang pumangalawa is ‘Nahuhumaling’ e.”

(“Actually, the 12 songs are good, in fairness. You see, when we released it in September 2021, the second one was ‘Nahuhumaling’.”)

‘Laging Ikaw’ is now available on all music streaming platforms.

Balancing academic career and passion for music

For Nick, time management isn’t just important—it’s the cornerstone of his ability to gracefully balance his multitude of passions and pursuits. It’s the secret sauce that allows him to seamlessly juggle all the things close to his heart.

Beyond his musical pursuits, Nick recently attained his Doctorate degree in Nursing, a remarkable feat that highlighted his commitment to academic excellence and service to others. “I’ve just graduated my doctorate degree. Natapos ko, January. Doctor of Nursing Practice. With the United Nations, there’s a lot going on, many charity events,” he shared, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of his endeavors.

(“I’ve just graduated my doctorate degree. I finished in January. Doctor of Nursing Practice. With the United Nations, there’s a lot going on, many charity events.”)

He finished at the Walden University, where he also did his Masters of Nursing with a Nurse Executive concentration. His current academy goal is to complete his fourth degree as a nurse practitioner to be a DNP (Doctorate Nurse Practitioner) – NP (Nurse Practitioner).

Navigating the delicate balance between his burgeoning music career, flourishing nursing profession, and personal aspirations, Nick asserted:

“Ayoko kasi ng mga taong mababa ang tingin sa [iba]. So, halimbawa, ang mga tao sa Nursing, not Nursing lang—yung buong educated people, ang tingin sa mga pageant, iba, di ba? They look down on them. Ang tingin naman ng mga talented sa mga educated, you don’t have the talent. So ako, I’m pushing buttons. I’m telling people, look, you can do both. May mga naririnig ako na ‘Akala mo [kung] sino.’ Pinapatunayan ko, look, at my age, kaya ko [ang pageantry]. And then sa music, kaya ko din. So alin [man] sa dalawa, kayo na ang humusga.”

(“I don’t like people who look down on others. So, for example, in Nursing, not just in Nursing—educated people as a whole, they have a different view of pageants, right? They look down on them. And talented individuals, on the other hand, they might think that educated people lack talent. So, I’m pushing buttons. I’m telling people, look, you can do both. I’ve heard people say, ‘You think you’re someone.’ I’m proving, look, at my age, I can do pageantry. And then in music, I can too. Either of the two, you be the judge.”)

Nationwide album tour

Amidst his packed schedule, Nick’s tour kicks off in Zamboanga City at KCC Mall de Zamboanga on May 9 from 3-6 PM, before enchanting audiences in General Santos at SM City Gen San on Mother’s Day, May 12, 2024, from 3-6 PM, and in Davao City at Gaisano City Gate on May 14, 2024, also from 3-6 PM.

He flies back to Manila with his beloved mother Visitacion Tan, his aunt Carmelita Ico, and the talented Ms. Evelyn Francia, who joins him as a very special guest on all his tours this time around. Ms. Francia, known for her angelic yet powerful vocals in Chicago, promises to elevate each performance to new heights.

Local talents are invited to perform with him in all of his mall shows combined.

From Farmer’s Plaza in Cubao on May 18 (Saturday) to Star Mall EDSA-Shaw on May 19 (Sunday), Isetann Recto on May 23 (Thursday), and Sta. Lucia on May 24 (Friday), Nick Vera Perez invites everyone to join him on this musical journey, a testament to his unwavering dedication to both his craft and his fans.

Mr. NVP invites audiences to join him on a musical odyssey, where local talents merged with his own artistry to create unforgettable experiences. From Zamboanga City to Davao City, his performances promised to captivate hearts and minds alike.

From intimate mall shows from the metro to the provinces, his album tour serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft and his equally unwavering connection to his fans. Welcome back, Nick Vera Perez!