Gary Valenciano's 40th year in showbiz, his unabated 'pure energy' at 58, and his high hopes for the youth
Gary Valenciano, who just celebrated his 40th year in showbiz, is proof that he still has the same energy on and off the stage.
In an interview with PhilSTAR L!fe at a TikTok event, the 58-year-old multihyphenate said that being in the industry for such a long time still feels like yesterday—and a new feeling at that.
“The 40 years doesn't feel like 40 years... I only feel it when my body starts to move,” he said. “It’s like I've been from millennials to Gen Z, and it's like I've seen all of these things happen and unfold before me.”
Since kicking off his career in 1983, Gary has released 39 studio albums, won 12 of the prestigious Awit Awards, and held sold-out concerts not only in the Philippines, but also in over 20 countries across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. He eventually earned the title “Mr. Pure Energy” for his swag and charisma during live performances.
Aside from singing, Gary also starred in over 10 movies, including Hotshots and Natutulog Pa ang Diyos, and appeared on television a few times, including the drama anthology Maalaala Mo Kaya. He also became a judge in singing competitions The Voice of the Philippines and Your Face Sounds Familiar.
Along the way, the singer-songwriter also found love in Angeli Pangilinan, former senator Kiko Pangilinan’s sister, who is also his manager. They have three children together: Paolo, Gab, and Kiana, who followed in his footsteps as musicians.
Upcoming projects
Gary is brimming with upcoming projects this year. In true Mr. Pure Energy fashion, he's bringing his ReEnergized 2023 tour to the US and Canada in September. He'll be playing all his greatest hits from the '80s as he busts out his signature snappy "hataw na" moves.
But before he jets off, he's got four weekly shows at the Music Museum in San Juan on August 4, 12, 19, and 26. The Music Museum is the only place where he's done over 100 shows, so it's the perfect place to commemorate his 40 years in showbiz.
“They’re like, ‘Why don't you go back to the Music Museum?' I'm like, 'Sige, let's do that,'” he said. “I'm hoping to see everyone.”
Gary—who recently starred in the biblical musical Joseph the Dreamer as the titular character's father, Jacob—said that he is interested in revisiting theater. He has already portrayed Joseph in 1999 and has expressed his desire to reprise his role in a US show that is being planned by the production company Trumpets.
"Theater is also something I might be doing a little bit more of," he said. "I'm in that stage already that it won't be right to ask for anything more. It's like, 'What else can I give back (to the community)? What legacy can I leave behind?'"
Gary V. as Jacob during the Joseph the Dreamer musical in 2022. @garyvalenciano/Instagram
With 40 years of experience in showbiz, Gary wants to mentor more aspiring performers, “helping other careers out and contributing ideas instead of executing them.”
He’s also writing a book chronicling “at least 50 stories” that have a significant impact on his professional and personal life.
“These are stories that people have never heard before. I'm thankful I had the chance to put them down (into writing) for people to read,” he said, while also intimating plans to produce multimedia content about those stories.
“Who knows what that might end up becoming?” he rhetorically asked with a grin.
Aside from that, Gary, who is a devout born-again Christian, is also reportedly working on an upcoming inspirational album that aims to “lift listeners’ spirits when they need it most.”
God ‘responsible for everything’
Asked to whom he credits his illustrious career, the singer said God has been “responsible for everything.”
Through Him, he said, he’s blessed to have certain talents, a great team to work with, wonderful friends inside the industry and out, as well as sponsorships and other collaborations.
Gary V. at the Fides at Musica 5 event at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Muntinlupa last June. @garyvalenciano/Instagram
“It's been provided for in so many different ways,” he said. “All that I need to sustain my career for the past 40 years has already been set in place.”
Gary noted that being Mr. Pure Energy isn’t only his about vim and vigor on stage but also how God uses him as a vessel of love that’s so pure and unconditional, which he then gives out “for everyone to see.”
“I'm Mr. Pure Energy not because of what I do on stage, but because of what's being done through me,” he said.
Staying in the pink of health
As he’s about to turn 60 in two years, Gary also reflected on how he tries to stay in the pink of health despite his medical conditions.
He’s living with type 1 diabetes; his pancreas makes little to no insulin, a hormone that helps blood sugar enter the body’s cells for use as energy. Lack of insulin results in high blood sugar, which is damaging to the body and can lead to complications.
In May 2018, he underwent open heart surgery due to a blockage of his left anterior-descending artery brought about by his diabetes. The following June, or just a month while healing from surgery, he was diagnosed with kidney cancer. He became cancer-free in 2019.
Whether he’s turning 60, 65, or 70, Gary said he would have to deal with his health conditions no matter what, and he’s “actually excited” for those ages.
“I realized that if I do take care of myself, I will reach certain heights I never thought I could reach,” he said. “Hitting 60 shouldn't be as difficult [as] when I turned 30.”
“I don't know what my body is going to be feeling, but this heart is certainly going to do what it wants to do,” he added as he pounded his chest.
Support for and advice to the youth
Gary said he’s also trying to keep up with today’s generation of performers and has high hopes for the youth. Whenever he shares the stage with them, it’s as if they’re giving Mr. Pure Energy a run for his money.
“It's kind of hard to be Mr. Pure Energy, but I enjoy it,” he said, adding he doesn’t have anything to do to prove himself on stage and is just trying to feel “the rhythm.”
“I see so much promise in the young people. There are many things I never had (that they have), and they're meant to shine,” he added. “Go for it!”
As the interview draws to a close, Gary said though his generation underwent several things that today’s generation may not experience—especially his health conditions—he acknowledged that many young adults are going through a lot, especially when it comes to mental health concerns.
He also reminded them that change is inevitable—for better or for worse—whether it’s government leaders, interpersonal relationships, health conditions, or employment situations.
Gary V. and Darren Espanto during an episode of the noontime show ASAP Natin 'To last April. @garyvalenciano/Instagram
He advised young people to brace themselves because in life, there are dreams that may be dashed and there are ambitions that may not be reached.
“If your dreams are meant to fly like kites, kites never fly with the wind. They only fly against it,” he said. “Wind has to come in order for you to fly higher and farther.”
Proceeding with the metaphor, he also said that between one’s hand and the kite itself is the line from the “one who created you to fulfill that purpose.”
“Once you're connected to that line, it doesn't matter how hard it has been,” Gary said. “(The wind) may even tear up some of the material of that kite, but that kite will not crash but will continue to fly. Even soar.”