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Fans of Gary Valenciano (a.k.a. Gary V) will all be a part of OPM history as it unfolds this weekend as the iconic Filipino-Puerto Rican performer and inspirational icon, affectionately known as Mr. Pure Energy gears-up for a two-night musical spectacle at SM Mall Of Asia (MOA) Arena on April 26 and 27. Titled Pure Energy: One Last Time, this is a once-in-a-lifetime industry event that is not just predicated by his impressive 40-year career as it is also a testament of the amazing talents of his guest performers.
Gary V who has just partnered with Star Magic has assembled a powerhouse line-up of artists who will join him in celebrating his historic milestone.
First up, gifted singer-songwriter Bullet Dumas will open both nights. Bullet collaborated with Gary in the concert series Gary V Presents in 2017 and their partnership continued in album Awit At Laro, which Gary produced and is promoting again in partnership with Star Music. Bullet recorded “Jak En Poy,” and they earned a nomination for Best World Music Recording at the 32nd Awit Awards.
Also on hand to perform on both nights are Gary’s US-based children, Gabriel and Kiana, who are now charting their own careers in a California. Gary has spoken at length about how proud he is that Gab and Kiana are forging their own paths in the world, though he admits he misses them. However, they made time to be by their father’s side for what will likely be remembered as the most memorable concert of Gary’s 40-year career thus far. This concert will see all three of Gary’s children under one roof for the first time in a while, as his eldest, Paolo Valenciano, is in charge of creatives and stage direction.
And yes, Gary will be surrounded by family on both nights. In addition to Gabriel and Kiana, his talented nephew and niece, Former LSDC’s star dancers Gio and Lianna Martinez, have also flown in from abroad to hit the SM MOA Arena stage. But that’s not all. Fast-rising P-pop group BGYO and singer-songwriter Ebe Dancel will also be there. Rapper Gloc-9, who dropped the inspiring song “Walang Pumapalakpak” with Gary earlier this year under Universal Records, will also perform with him on both nights.
Speaking of dance groups, a Gary V concert of this massive breadth and magnitude wouldn’t be the same if he wasn’t backed by the original and new generation Manoeuvres — dancers who have been with him since day one. That’s precisely why brothers Canada-based Jason Zamora and brother Joshua, as well as the group’s founder and original choreographer Uriel Policarpio, are on board for this two-night extravaganza. Uriel, who flew in from overseas, choreographed some of Gary’s biggest hits, like “‘Di Bale Na Lang,” “Hataw Na,” “Huwag Mo Na Sanang Isipin,” “Look in Her Eyes,” “Sa Yahweh Ang Sayaw,” and “Shout For Joy.” The signature dance moves Uriel developed became a hallmark of Gary’s performances. This partnership helped propel both Gary and the Manoeuvres to greater fame. Uriel and the Zamora brothers will be joined by this generation’s top street dance group The A-Team. Gary and Paolo tapped MJ Arda of A-Team to choreograph 40 dancers and an ensemble of 30 musical theater actors and performing artists like RJ de la Fuente and Pam G.
Speaking of longstanding, this concert will also shine a light on one of Gary’s most enduring friendships: his bond with Concert King, Martin Nievera. When they debuted in the 1980s, they were often pitted against each other. In a previous interview, Gary admitted that back then, they both did their very best to outdo each other, especially on the concert stage. Fans loved that “rivalry” but behind the scenes, Gary and Martin are actually very close. Over the years, Martin has been there for Gary, and vice versa. He has seen Gary through the highest of highs — Paolo’s birth as well as his wedding to Martin’s niece, Samantha — and the lowest of lows, including Gary’s health battles as well as the passing of his parents. That’s why it’s only fitting that Martin will be on hand for both nights to celebrate with Gary.
For the April 26 show, Gary’s special guests include the chart-topping band Ben and Ben, former Supahdance group’s lead star Rayver Cruz, the multi-talented Julie Anne San Jose, Prince of Pop Erik Santos, and It’s Showtime host and singer-actress Karylle. On April 27, the special guests are acoustic hitmaker Ice Seguerra, dance prodigy AC Bonifacio, Total Performer Darren Espanto, and powerhouse vocalist Jona. Gary tapped them to join him because championing young talent has always been very important to him. Many of these young guns have had the opportunity to work with Gary before, and fans are eagerly anticipating what they’ll bring to the stage this time.
Gary’s fellow OPM icon Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla is also scheduled to perform with him on the April 27 show. It should be noted that this marks the first mainstream live concert collaboration for a very long time between Gary and Zsa Zsa. Not only have they shared the same management company in the early years of their careers, they were singing partners for many years and they have forged a friendship that transcended into family.
With musical direction by Mon Faustino, Pure Energy: One Last Time is set to be a musical event of epic proportions. However, the title of the show initially led the public to assume the unthinkable: that he would officially retire from performing. However, he has clarified that while he’s stepping back from headlining solo shows in large venues like arenas and domes, his passion for music and performing is as strong as ever and does not mind collaborating and doing back-to-back projects and solo concerts in relatively smaller but intimate venues but doing them as a series, perhaps inspired by his phenomenal sold-out ten-night series Back At The [Music] Museum last year. In some earlier interviews, he clarifies that he’s not retiring. He simply wants to spend more time giving back and doing more intimate shows.
When he first broke the news to the public, Gary wrote on Instagram, “I’m celebrating 40 years of doing what I’ve always loved most. And with gratitude in my heart for the One source of Pure Energy, I look forward to the new chapters, seasons, beginnings, and horizons that lie ahead. It’s time…Let’s Go Big…ONE LAST TIME!!!”
But beyond all the pomp and mania of this season in Gary V’s life and career, one thing is certain – he is here to stay for years to come as he channels his pure energy in new and exciting frontiers that he is yet to conquer.
All proceeds from Pure Energy: One Last Time will support the Shining Light Foundation, a NGO formed by the Valenciano couple with some friends in the late 80’s, continuing Gary’s legacy of giving back through his music.
Tickets have been selling like hotcakes, with premium seats being snapped up quickly so don’t miss out on what promises to be one of the most memorable musical experiences of the year! And already, an extension was announced recently for May 10 at the same venue.
For more information and exclusive updates, you can follow Gary on all his social media accounts: Instagram and TikTok (@garyvalenciano), X (@GaryValenciano1), Facebook (Gary Valenciano), YouTube (GaryValencianoOfficial), and Threads (@garyvalenciano).
