The entire Araneta Coliseum erupted the minute lights dimmed at exactly 8:45 that evening,  signaling the start of Gary V: Live at 25. Gary's dramatic entrance heightened the excitement and anticipation of the audience.

Gary Valenciano opened the evening with the upbeat Christian hymn, "Shout for Joy."

Gary's full name is Edgardo Jose Martin Santiago Valenciano. He first emerged on the music scene in 1984 with the release of his self-titled debut album.

The moniker "Mr. Pure Energy" was bestowed on Gary owing to his electrifying dance moves and performances. Although now 44, Gary proved he could still groove as if he were 20 years younger.

The Bloomfields band served as Gary's first guest that evening. Gary accompanied the quintet of JJ Lozano, Louie Poco, Pepe Lozano, Lakan Hila and Rocky Collado in their rendition of "Eto Na Naman."

Gary and his team did their utmost to perform all the songs that best represent the singer-performer's enduring career. Mixing the old and the new, Gary dished out his modern hit, "Wait Forever" taken from his 2006 album, Relevance.

Rivermaya led by vocalist Jayson Fernandez accompanied Gary in performing "Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos?" The inspiring hit is considered one of Gary's biggest hits and a solid proof of his then newfound faith.

The title was used in a 1988 movie topbilled by Lorna Tolentino. ABS-CBN later on made a television series based on the movie with young stars Roxanne Guinoo, Jake Cuenca and Joross Gamboa heading the cast.

Gary was born on August 6, 1964 and grew up in Santa Mesa, Manila. In high school, he joined the musical group Kundirana where his love for music flourished.

Known for interpreting timeless ballads, Gary performed the Ogie Alcasid composition, "Kailangan Kita." Ogie and his sweetheart Regine Velasquez watched the concert while seated in the front row, along with Gary's closest friends and immediate family.

A self-confessed Gary V fan, Jericho Rosales performed "Di Bale Na Lang Kaya." Jericho, who is managed by Gary's wife Angeli Pangilinan, did a cover of the said song on GV 25: A Gary Valenciano All-Star Tribute Collection released by Star Records.

Gary paid tribute to his mother, Grimilda Santiago Ortiz, who is a Puerto Rican of Italian descent. According to Gary, his father Vicente Valenciano was fond of documenting special family occasions with a video camera. "But he would always focus on my mother," said Gary. The production team compiled the various footages taken by the Valenciano patriarch that were shown during the concert.

Gary's mother, endearingly called "Mamita" by close friends, joined him on stage. Mrs. Valenciano was a popular opera singer in Manila back in the '60s, which explains her son's passion for music.

Gary's first solo concert was also held at the Araneta Coliseum in April 1984. Prior to making an album, Gary had his taste of show business in 1982 when he joined the TV program, The Pilita and Jackie Show.

Even before the concert, Gary repeatedly said that while he is grateful for all the blessings he has received for the past 24 years, looking forward to the future excites him even more.

Gary's first son, Paolo, performed a modern version of his dad's "Look In Her Eyes." After the number, Paolo called on his Salamin band members for one rocking number.

Gary's daughter Kiana picked up where Paolo left off as she accompanied her dad in performing "Wag Mo Na Sana." The number started off slowly with Kiana's soothing voice as she and Gary exchanged lines. Then they speeded up the tempo and danced to the rhythm.

Feeling tired after a dance number, Gary took a few minutes lying prone on the stage floor. Gary lamented how age has slowed him down, particularly in delivering his electrifying dance moves. The concert goers, however, could attest that Gary still has what it takes to groove.

Pinoy Dream Academy's recent winner Laarni Lozada and Gary V performed "Narito."

Rachelle Ann Go dished out her interpretation of Gary V's well-loved breakup ditty, "Paano."

Gary V has always been fond of singer Karylle. Trivia: Karylle's mother, Zsa Zsa Padilla and  Megastar Sharon Cuneta, joined Gary in his first- ever solo concert 24 years ago in this very same venue.

Gary joined Rachelle Ann, Karylle and Laarni in a medley of some of his known ballads.

Karylle recently severed ties with GMA-7 to join ABS-CBN. The singer-actress is now living a single life after her breakup with longtime boyfriend, Dingdong Dantes.

During the concert, Gary revealed that Karylle will now be part of the growing ASAP '08 family.

Preparations for the concert started early but, according to Gary's son Paolo, a lot of sudden changes and adjustments took place. One of these was the inclusion of rock bands, like the Ebe Dancel-led pop-rock unit, Sugarfree. Gary, who has had to live with diabetes, exclaimed, "I love their name!"

One of the most applauded numbers was Gary's energetic performance of "Hataw Na" together with the percussion supergroup, Brigada. Like the band, Gary exhibited his drum-playing skills, to the crowd's delight.

Gary's team-up with Brigada elicited wild reaction from everyone inside the Big Dome. Here, celebrities Karylle, KC Concepcion, Iza Calzado, Tim Yap, Tessa Prieto-Valdez and Phoemela Barranda ham it up to the tune of "Hataw Na."

Gary commended his wife Angeli Pangilinan for always being there for him through thick and thin. He thanked Angeli for saving his life against diabetes many times.

The audience gushed in unison the moment Gary played the familiar notes of the heartbreaking ballad, "Sana Maulit Muli," on his keyboard. Gary and Angeli co-wrote the song.

Gabriel Valenciano gave his dad an affectionate hug after doing an interpretative dance number of "Sana Maulit Muli."

Gary V: Live at 25 clearly demonstrated Gary's never-fading luster as a singer-performer. The Araneta Coliseum was filled to the rafters with friends and fans who took time out to celebrate with Mr. Pure Energy.

German Moreno, popularly known as Kuya Germs, offered Gary a cup of water to soothe his already raspy voice.

Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan came with wife, Sharon Cuneta. The presence of the couple somehow disproved nagging rumors about their marriage. In a press conference weeks before the concert, Gary defended Sharon and Kiko by labeling the negative publicity against them as merely "recycled issues."

Martin Nievera engaged Gary V in a friendly showdown. Back in the ‘80s, Gary and Martin were pitted against each other in terms of popularity and ability to attract huge crowds during concerts. In hindsight, Gary downplayed the supposed rivalry as media hype intended to spice up the so-called competition.

Gary cited Martin's "Be My Lady" as one of his favorite songs of all time. Both singers showed their mutual respect by taking turns in singing a few of each others well-loved songs.

With Yuletide already in the air, Gary performed the poignant Christmas love song, "Pasko Na, Sinta Ko." Before doing the number, Gary shared that it was Angeli who prodded him to record the song, sensing its big potential and lasting appeal.

Tired but still giving his heart out, Gary closed out the first night of Gary V: Live at 25 with, "How Did You Know."