Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
Phenomenal cannot begin to describe OPM icon Gary Valenciano’s two-night concert spectacle, “Pure Energy: One Last Time,” at the Mall of Asia Arena last weekend. Part of the massive sold-out crowd that was stunned and mesmerized over and over by the beloved 59-year-old performer’s rich and resounding voice, unbelievable dancing prowess, and enduring stamina — that even a 20-year-old would envy that Saturday night of April 27 — proved that the irreplaceable Gary V. is not only the Philippines’ “Total Performer” but inarguably its GOAT.
The phenomenal two night concert proved that OPM icon Gary Valenciano is not only the Philippines’ ‘Total Performer,’ but in talent, heart and soul, truly the ‘GOAT.’
Yes — for me and the countless fans that filled the humongous MoA to every available space in the bleachers — it was clear that Gary Valenciano is and will long be OPM’s greatest performer.
They may have been pitted against each other in the ‘80s but Mr. Pure Energy and Concert King Martin Nievera, who aptly sang ‘Hang On’ together on the second night, have always been tight friends.
And it isn’t just because Gary V.’s artistic excellence remains unchanged in his 40-year career, which the concert celebrated. Or that for the full three hours of the show, not once did he leave the stage, seamlessly shifting from breathtaking solos of his treasured hits to singing with each one of his OPM powerhouse of guests (among them Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla, Concert King Martin Nievera, Ebe Dancel, Gloc 9, Darren, Jona and Ice Seguerra — more on Ice on sidebar story). Or even all the spellbinding dance moves he led alongside his original back up, the Manouvers; the young BGYO boys; and the concert ensemble, the A-Team, that just went on and on and on, each set faster, more energetic and more intricate than before.
Defying 59 and his recent health struggles, Mr. Pure Energy was in his best form, displaying such amazing stamina in his trademark dance moves.
Indeed, Gary V delivered every spiel, song and dance step to perfection, his voice never faltering across an exquisite repertoire of 25 songs and major productions that started and ended with two of his biggest inspirational hits, with all the good stuff like “Shout for Joy” and “Take Me Out of the Dark,” with “Eto Na Naman,” “Growing Up,” “Look In Her Eyes,” “Hataw Na” and “Di Bale Nalang” in between.
Another high-powered number featured Gary V with children Gabriel and Kiana (second and third from right) and nephew and niece Gio and Lianna Martinez (extreme left and right respectively) in a Jackson 5 medley.
He, together with his production team, headed by son Paolo Valenciano as overall director, definitely mounted a first-rate music event — the audio was crystal clear, the stage-wide and changing digital backdrop carefully designed to awe.
Besides his pure excellence in his craft, it is his pure heart that ultimately moved the audience from bliss to shedding a tear.
When Gary V. smiled, it was sincere. When he spoke about his faith, he was sincere. No matter that his health suffered several blows in recent years besides his lifelong struggle with diabetes, Gary V. didn’t hold back on every song he sang and every strenuous move he made.
So when he thanked the audience at the end of a historic night in Philippine music — an audience that is just as grateful to him for 40 years worth of songs, all-out entertainment and genuine inspiration — there was no question Gary V. had surpassed greatness.
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By popular demand, “Pure Energy: One Last Time” will have a repeat on May 10, while Grab Philippines closes off MoA for its friends and partners for a special May 7 staging.
NEXT MUST-SEE CONCERT
Ice Seguerra’s ‘Videoke Hits’
Among the most breathtaking performances on the second night of “Pure Energy: One Last Time” was when Gary V. sang “I Will Be Here” with child star turned OPM luminary Ice Seguerra.
It was a touching segment from the very start, with the legend that is Mr. Pure Energy introducing the singer-songwriter as one of the most underrated artists in the industry whose talent blows him away.
During their duet at the ‘Pure Energy’ concert, Gary V. did not hide his deep admiration for Ice Seguerra’s artistry.
Gary V., of course, has known Ice since the child star days and even made a movie or two. Staying connected through the years, their bond only grew stronger when Ice became passionate about music, grateful to have a “Tito Gary” as a guide and inspiration through the journey.
It goes without saying then that their rendition of “I Will Be Here” that night was the kind that hits straight to the heart and leaves a warm lump in the throat.
It also wouldn’t be far-fetched to assume that Gary V. will gladly agree that the next must-see concert after his phenomenal two nights at the MoA is Ice’s upcoming “Video Hits,” slated at the Music Museum on May 10 and 11.
A true fan of Ice myself, I’ve witnessed foreigners brought to tears listening to “Pagdating Ng Panahon” even if they had no idea what the song was about. Like Gary V., Ice’s voice has this whole and crystal clear quality that always carries such sincere emotion.
So, while I’m no Gary V., I highly encourage everyone to come see Ice for what is sure to be another concert for the books.
Produced by Fire and Ice — the thriving multimedia production outfit the artist and life partner and The Sunday Times Magazine columnist Liza Dino established — “Videoke Hits” will see Ice in a favorite pastime, concert style.
A unique concept from Liza, the former Film Development Council of the Philippines chairman said that there is so much joy in watching Ice sing with a videoke that she felt the beloved artist needed to share the experience with fans.
“I told Ice, I’d love for the audience to see you sing without a set-up and it started there,” Liza related.
Being a videoke night, any of over 50 songs are up for the singing on Ice’s concert, complete with an interactive portion with the audience.
And having witnessed Ice’s additional gifts of humor, groundedness and authenticity too, you can bet it’s not just the music that will be fun. It’s bound to be the ultimate videoke experience.
The few remaining tickets to “Videoke Hits” are available via TicketWorld’s website.
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Credit belongs to : www.manilatimes.net
