When Martin Nievera was a teen, he spent many nights at the Outrigger Waikiki’s Main Showroom, where his dad, Roberto, performed with the original Society of Seven. Nearly four decades later, he is returning to the space — now known as Blue Note Hawaii — as a headliner for two shows Sept. 4.

“It was on that very stage that I used to dream of becoming a singer, imitating every member of the SOS, especially my father,” he said. “I owe them so much for inspiring me to follow my dreams.”

Born in the Philippines, Nievera calls Hawaii “truly my first home.” He attended St. Augustine School and Kaiser High School, and returned to Manila at age 20 to launch his show business career.

“When I came back to Manila 35 years ago, that’s when I learned to love my homeland and was blessed with a singing career that soon branched out to television,” he said.

Nievera became a major star in the Philippines, where he had his own TV talk show, starred in feature films and was cheered by thousands as “the concert king of the Philippines.” He finds support from his Filipino fans, who call themselves “Martians,” all over the world.

“They make me feel so welcome wherever I go,” he said. “They lift me up and at the same time remind me to keep my feet planted in the sand. I am nothing without them.”

While his TV talk show no longer airs, Nievera hosts a Sunday musical variety program called “A.S.A.P.” (airing on The Filipino Channel here), continuing on a respectable 23-year run and filming in cities such as Toronto, San Francisco, New York, Dubai and London and in Guam, Singapore and Japan. He said he’s had offers to do soap operas, called “teleserye” in the Philippines, “but schedules won’t permit.”

His signature hits include “Be My Lady” and “Say That You Love Me,” which typify his belting ballad style. His show, in which he fronts an eight-piece band, also includes a host of Filipino tunes.

Nievera, who has three sons, Robin, 30, Ram, 26, and Santino, 10, said he is looking forward to his Honolulu homecoming.

“It has been many years since I had a show on the Kalakaua Avenue strip,” he said, “and I am honored and very excited to be able to brag that I will perform at the world famous Blue Note in my hometown Hawaii.”

Now 55, he admits “the energy I had as a younger singer is more in my heart and mind now, and not so evident in my step,” but Nievera said he still finds joy and anticipation getting on stage. Yes, he’s graying but said, “That’s why we have stylists.”

“If anything, it has increased,” he said. “I love what I do! I don’t usually get nervous, but more than anything, I get restless. The screams (from fans) are not as loud as they used to be, but I think that is a humbling experience.”

He said he’s had to adapt to the changes and challenges of the evolving music industry, but also finds “the older I get in the business, the more in demand my old hits become.”

Nievera frequents showrooms and casinos, from Las Vegas to the East Coast, and will cap his 35th year as an entertainer with a Dec. 8 performance at the Solaire Resort & Casino in the Philippines. On Sept. 2, prior to his Blue Note appearance, Nievera will perform at the M Pavilion at the M Resort Spa Casino in Las Vegas. His special guests will be his Society of Seven mentors.

“I am living the dream,” he said.