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.
