There was a time when Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievera were both on top of the OPM landscape.
Although carrying contrasting genres and image—with Martin as the balladeer and Gary as the total dance-and-sing package—the two were touted by the media as "rivals."
Gary said that the supposed competition stemmed from their ability to sell records and to fill concert venues consistently.
"We always try to outdo each other especially during concerts," recalled Mr. Pure Energy. "Remember that this was during the '80s and concert technology at the time here in our country was not yet advanced."
Nearly three decades since the rivalry and with both artists achieving iconic status in the local music industry, Martin and Gary are working as a legitimate tandem rather than separately. They still have their respective careers to think about, of course. But seeing them share one stage since last year's successful AS1 concert has become a welcome move to everyone familiar with their story.
MUTUAL RESPECT. "We've always had appreciation for each other ever since and the competition before was very healthy," Gary remarked in a conversation with PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) held recently at ABS-CBN's Dolphy Theater.
"It was actually needed because it kept us on our toes. But of course you have the fans who took it to a different level and the media also. But through it all the people behind him and the people behind me, we were always guided correctly. Tama si Martin, we were always cautious of listening to the people or management so it really helped us to look at each other as true artists and not get caught up with the so-called rivalry."
Martin confirmed Gary's statement saying that the competition was "never personal" and that it was beneficial for their respective burgeoning careers.
"Rivalries fascinate the public and it helped us to be better and appreciate what we have even during those days," the Concert King continued.
INTERNATIONAL BID. The similarities in Gary and Martin's career path include an attempt to make it big even in the international arena.
While it's not accurate to brand their respective efforts abroad as "failure," both performers never concealed harboring mixed feelings with the turnout of their dreams.
Several years ago Gary was on the verge of breaking out internationally as a recording artist when he was confronted by a serious personal dilemma: should he pursue his dream or let it go to spend more time with his growing family?
Gary chose his family.
"When I looked back siyempre meron ding regrets. But when I look at my children and see them now mas sayang siguro kung binalewala ko 'yong oras with them and mas binigyan ko ng importansya 'yong career. But on a personal standpoint parang feeling ko kung kailan pa dumating 'yong pagkakataon na pati ang pamilya ko masusuportahan ko that's when I felt I didn't grab it," Gary said seriously.
Martin's own attempt to make it overseas also ended in disappointment. The Concert King's series of concerts in Las Vegas was initially full of promise before collapsing when the promoter pulled the plug unceremoniously. Martin tried to carry on by financing the remaining dates but the burden proved too much in the end.
