Gary Valenciano, a tough act to follow

May 19, 2008

WE were at the old Tavern on the Square in Makati when Gary Valenciano had his first concert in 1983. Now, he’s celebrating his 25th year in showbiz with “His Love,” a concert series at the Music Museum on May 22, 23, 29 and 30. What are the highlights of those 25 years?

“A lot!” he says. “Winning the TOYM Award, being nominated as best actor when I’m a singer, winning the Awit album of the year award for ‘Shout for Joy,’ which is the first of its kind in being inspirational. Each major concert of mine is a highlight as I keep replaying the images of what I did in them in my mind.

Early in my career, Angeli got pregnant and the news spread just before my first concert at the Araneta Coliseum in 1984. In its presscon, I told the people helping my career that I will admit that Angeli is pregnant and I’m the father. If the concert failed, then it’s an indication that I would exit from showbiz. But the concert proved to be a hit and knowing that the people supported me is definitely a big highlight in my career.”

Now, his firstborn, Paolo, is already 24 years old and will be participating in his concert along with younger brother Gabriel. We ask his two sons if being the sons of Gary V. proved to be difficult for them as he’s one tough act to follow.

“The answer is yes and no,” says Gab. “There’s pressure as my dad has set the standard of being a total performer. But it’s not that difficult as it may seem as I’ve accepted that I cannot have all his talents. I can sing and dance like him, but I don’t feel I have to line up to be the next Gary V. I want to do other things, like I want to put up a school for musicians, I want to be a teacher and to produce music. Right now, I’m teaching dance in our studio at Doña Hemady Street.”

“When I was younger, I felt the pressure,” admits Paolo. “As a kid, I would even be teased as the son of Gary V. and somehow nakakasira ‘yun ng ego. When I was 18 or 19, I realized that I didn’t get my dad’s height or his build. Napunta lahat kay Gab. But I’m proud of my dad and my brother and as I grew older, how you feel depends on your security with the Lord. Right now, I’m very secure with the Lord and his plans for me.”

Gary says he’s very proud of his sons being a part of “His Love” concert, which is also his way of thanking the Lord for all the blessings he got in the past 25 years. He’s also thankful that for 30 years now, he’s had diabetes and is still going strong. His doctor calls him a living miracle. Gary will be singing songs from his new album, “Rebirth.”

Tickets for “His Love” range from P500 to P2,500. You may get them from Genesis as 721-4405 local 201, Music Museum at 721-6726 and Ticketworld at 891-9999.

After this concert, Gary goes to the US to do shows at Nokia Theater in L.A. on June 7, Stockton Arena on June 13, and Comcast Arena in Seattle on June 15, with Martin Nievera as his special guest.

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