NEWSFLASH

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MARTIN WARNS POPS MAY LOSE HIM IF SHE WAITS

Manila, July 15, 1998 - Martin Nievera wants estranged wife Pops Fernandez to know how hurt he was by the emotionally-charged interview the actress-singer gave on ABS-CBN's Balitang K, which Martin watched in the US on the Filipino Channel.

In the interview, Pops cried as she told Korinna Sanchez how she is coping with life after Martin's departure for the US "to find himself."

Quoting Martin, the Philippine Daily Inquirer's Leah Gatdula wrote: "How come nobody is asking how Martin is without Pops? Everyone is just concerned about how Pops is without Martin."

Martin also denied that he had abandoned his family. "I have not intention of leaving my family. I just want to prove to Pops that I want to change. but she refused and she said she just wants us to be friends, so what can I do? I offered counselling. I cried on her lap. I said I will change, but she did not want to give me a chance."

He also says a good part of their 12-year marriage was solid. "In those 12 years, nine were beautiful and 3 were shaky. How can Pops easily give up those nine wonderful years?"

Although he says he is trying to salvage their marriage, he warned of the dire possibilities of prolonged separation.

"I'm trying so hard to behave here. One month is probably not enough for Pops to forgive. But she should realize that time is so important. This is not a game. By the time she is ready, I may no longer be ready or I may be spoken for."

The Inquirer did not say how Martin's statements were relayed to the writer.

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