After a string of tributes accorded to the man dubbed as Mr. Pure Energy, all roads finally lead to the Araneta Coliseum this coming November 14 and 15 as Gary Valenciano celebrates his 25th year in the entertainment industry.

The special anniversary concert titled Live at 25 will cap a busy 2008. This year alone, Gary V took his music to places as far as Vienna, Belfast, Singapore, Indonesia, and London where he reportedly mesmerized foreign audiences.

In an interview with PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) last August 6 at the Conway's Bar of the Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City, Gary excitedly shared the warm reception he received at the Jindo C+ Music Festival held in Korea.

"Nakakatuwa ‘yong mga Koreano kasi ‘yong mga kasayaw ko ‘pag bumababa ako sa entablado at pumupunta ako sa audience, mga lalaki. As in ‘yong talagang mga matatanda na nagsasayaw na todo hataw talaga. Nagulat nga ako kasi ang receptive talaga nila hindi lang sa mga awitin na ginawa namin pero sa mga sinasabi namin na may translator, makikita mo ‘yong mga reaction nila," said Gary amidst the loud band music booming from the bar's speakers.

Locally, one of Gary's most notable shows includes the gala night of the 50th Annual Conference of the Worldwide Airlines Customer Relations Association in Cebu.

MOMENTOUS EVENT. In a press conference prepared by ABS-CBN last October 16 at the network's Dolphy Theater, Gary personally admitted that he lost count already of his shows and concerts staged throughout the years.

"I have to check, look back and count them again," said Gary. Various mementos documenting Gary's past concerts plus other memorabilia were on display at the press conference.

In hindsight, though, that's exactly the essence of Live at 25: reminiscing Gary's inspiring rise to the top and opening a new chapter as he embarks on a new journey from here on.

"It's facing the unknown that makes things exciting to me. It's not about new things to do but new things to give back," said Gary in his official statement in line with the concert.

Gary's special guests are Jericho Rosales, Sugarfree, Rivermaya, Rachel Anne Go, Bloomfields, Salamin, Powerplay, Pinoy Dream Academy winners Yeng Constantino and Laarni Lozada, Manoeuvres, Philippine All Stars, and the G-Force. Gary's children Paolo, Gabriel and Kiana Valenciano will also be there to perform aside from other surprise guests. Directing the two-night show will be Rowell Santiago while musical direction will be handled by Mon Faustino.

Preparations for the concert started quite early. But according to Gary's son, Paolo, the events that transpired in the past months provided more ideas to the production team until the event grew bigger and more exciting. Paolo cited the tribute given out by rock bands to his dad a few months back as the inspiration behind the decision to include bands in the program.

AN ICON OF INSPIRATION. The energetic performer has repeatedly made known his plans to be more active in helping other artists and to use his vast influence to touch more lives. Incidentally, the date of Gary's concert coincides with World Diabetes Day—Gary has successfully countered the disease for 30 years and is regarded as a symbol of hope and strength for those battling the same malady.

Transcending beyond more than just merely a pop star, Gary bravely reinvented himself and his music to keep things fresh. After gaining popularity through pop and danceable tunes, Gary shifted to inspiring Christian music and introduced it to mainstream audience. Throughout the years, Gary infused his music with other genres and various styles to keep the public guessing.

Gary's lasting influence on fellow artists was further cemented with the release of GV25, a tribute album produced by Star Records featuring 25 of the most respected artists in the industry all doing their own interpretation of songs popularized by Gary V.

Longtime label Universal Records is also gearing up to release a Gary V platinum ballad collection after dishing out the inspiring Rebirth album earlier this year.

For ticket inquiries, please call Ticketnet at 911-5555 and Manila Genesis at 721-4405 local 201.