After more than four decades in the entertainment industry, Pops Fernandez is still not ready to take her final bow, saying she continues to find joy in performing.
The singer, who began her career at 13, said she occasionally considers stepping away from show business but eventually misses the stage.
“There have been many times when I told myself, ‘I don’t want it anymore. I’m tired. There’s a lot of stress.’ But it’s just in my mind. Somehow, I miss it. A few months later, I’ll say, ‘Oh, I want to work again,’” Fernandez said at a press conference for her upcoming concert “Pops.”
Although she no longer accepts as many engagements as she did in the past, the “Concert Queen” remains open to performing for special occasions and projects that interest her.
“I can say that I’m already semi-retired. But if I say goodbye, I might regret it. I’ll miss it because this is where I grew up. I experienced a lot, not just in my career but also in life because of this job,” she said.
Fernandez said she remains grateful that audiences continue to welcome her whenever she returns to the stage.
“Every time I decide to do a show, a concert or TV appearance, my followers still accept me. They and the rest of the industry are still very supportive. How can I not feel blessed and grateful?” she said.
Fernandez recalled initially entering show business without expecting it to become a lifelong career. She had always dreamed of singing and seeing herself on TV, but she thought the stint would last a year or two before she returned to her studies. As opportunities continued to come, she learned to navigate the demands of the industry despite moments of doubt.
“There were things that made me think, ‘Can I do it? Am I ready for that?’ But I kept trying. I had to study, practice and rehearse,” she said.
Her outlook changed as she took on greater responsibilities, particularly when she had to provide for her family.
She also recalled the financial difficulties her family experienced, which strengthened her determination to work hard and become financially independent. Becoming single again pushed her to take on responsibilities she had not previously imagined handling on her own.
“I was so dependent on my mom and my ex-husband, Martin, back then. When I became single, I never imagined I could do some of the things I eventually did,” she said.
Her children and family motivated her to confront her fears and develop confidence in managing her personal and professional life.
“The fear turned into courage because I had no choice. And later, that courage turned into confidence because I realized I could do it,” she said.
The experience also taught her to approach setbacks differently. Rather than becoming overwhelmed when things did not go as planned, Fernandez said she learned to be more patient.
“When I get disappointed, I’m not as sad or affected as before. The things that don’t happen the way I want them to, whether in my career or my goals in life, I don’t forget them. But I tell myself, maybe not this time because it’s not the right time,” she said.
Meanwhile, Fernandez said her continued presence in the industry comes with the responsibility of preparing thoroughly for every performance. Her concerts often feature surprise entrances, staging and other elements designed to give audiences a memorable experience.
“I don’t just show up at rehearsals or turn up at the show. There’s always so much that happens behind the scenes,” she said.
She also prioritizes vocal training after experiencing acid reflux that affected her voice. Fernandez continues to take voice lessons and practice regularly to maintain proper vocal technique.
“When you’re young, you just go onstage. Now, I really make it a point to vocalize, even if I don’t have a performance that day but especially before I sing,” she said.
The singer said she does not consider continued training a weakness but a necessary part of her commitment to her craft.
“I’m not ashamed to say that because that means I put a lot of effort into whatever I do,” she said.
Fernandez also shared that performers should recognize their individual strengths instead of measuring themselves against others, particularly as social media makes public criticism more accessible.
“We all have our own style, strengths and weaknesses,” she said.
Her concert is on Nov. 26 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City.