Gary Valenciano, fondly known as Mr. Pure Energy, is set to dazzle audiences again with his two-night concert, “Pure Energy: One More Time,” at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao on December 20 and 22.
At 60, Gary remains unstoppable despite a lifetime of health battles that could have claimed his life more than a dozen times. In an intimate interview, his wife Angeli Valenciano shared some of the harrowing yet inspiring moments in Gary’s journey and gave a glimpse into their family’s vibrant artistic life.
Angeli opened up about Gary’s numerous brushes with death, starting from his infancy. “When Gary was born, the doctors weren’t sure if he would live,” Angeli recalled. “He was overdue by one month and had ingested his own waste. The doctors told his mom to get a priest to baptize him because they didn’t think he would survive. They put him in an incubator, and his sisters would whisper, ‘Breathe, baby, breathe.’ By some miracle, he made it past those crucial first 24 hours.”
The challenges didn’t stop there. From a young age, Gary faced a series of health crises, including a firecracker accident that left him scarred and a bout of chickenpox. Later, he underwent arthroscopic surgery after a basketball injury and battled tuberculosis during an international tour.
Angeli also shared how their family’s faith carried them through one of Gary’s scariest episodes. “In 2018, Gary had a 95% blockage in his main artery and underwent open-heart surgery. They had to stop his heart during the procedure,” she recounted. “It was terrifying, but by God’s grace, he pulled through. We were also blessed to have insurance and help from friends like Kris Aquino and Zsa Zsa Padilla, who extended their support without hesitation.”
Angeli believes that Gary’s purpose-driven life has been a key factor in his resilience. “It’s as if every attack on his health is a way of trying to stop him from touching lives through his music,” she said. “But Gary has always come out stronger. His song ‘Take Me Out of the Dark’ is like a testament to his journey — how he has continually placed his trust in God.”
Even during his battle with cancer, Gary remained steadfast. “In the middle of his treatments, he developed pleural effusion and had to undergo another procedure,” Angeli said. “He just kept going!”
Angeli also gave a glimpse into their family life with their three talented children — Paolo, Gab, and Kiana. “Each of them inherited Gary’s artistic genes in unique ways,” she shared. “Paolo is a brilliant director and singer, Gab is an incredible dancer and artist, and Kiana has made her mark as a singer-songwriter.”
The family shares a deep bond, rooted in their shared faith and love for one another. “We’ve gone through so much as a family, but we’ve always supported each other. Gary often says his family is his greatest blessing, and I couldn’t agree more,” Angeli said.
Gary’s upcoming concert is a celebration of his indomitable spirit and unparalleled talent. Despite all he has endured, his passion for music and performing remains as strong as ever. Angeli concluded, “Gary is a miracle man. To see him still performing with so much energy and joy at 60 is nothing short of amazing.”
Gary and Angeli’s talented kids — visionary director-singer Paolo, multi-talented Gab, and rising talent Kiana — are all bringing their A-game to the show, adding a fresh and dynamic energy to the production.
Paolo, for one, isn’t just a director — he’s a game-changer. With a track record of sold-out concerts for top acts like Eraserheads, Ben&Ben, Martin Nievera, Sarah Geronimo, and Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Paolo has mastered the art of blending live music with cutting-edge visuals. Known for pushing creative boundaries, he consistently delivers unforgettable spectacles that elevate the concert experience.
Equally unstoppable is Gab, who channels his explosive creativity into producing music, directing videos — including Kiana’s latest track “Sweet Release” — and electrifying performances, such as joining his dad on stage for “Gary V Pure Energy: One Last Time.” Beyond his artistry, Gab’s openness about mental health advocacy has inspired many, making his impact resonate both on and off the stage.
Then there’s Kiana, the perfect mix of artistry and originality. Known for her sultry vocals and magnetic stage presence, she recently dropped the dance hit “Sweet Release.” Co-directing the music video alongside Gab and choreographer MJ Arda, Kiana proved she shines just as brightly behind the scenes as she does on stage.
Together, their contributions set the tone for what promises to be two unforgettable nights.
The first evening kicks off with a soulful opening act by Kiana V, followed by an all-star lineup featuring A-Team, BGYO, Gab Valenciano, Joshua Zamora, Manoeuvres, Rayver Cruz, rising star Maymay Entrata, OPM icons Ebe Dancel, Ice Seguerra, Ogie Alcasid, and Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid.
Night two keeps the excitement alive, starting with Over October and a powerhouse roster of performers, including AC Bonifacio, A-Team, Gab Valenciano, Kiana V, Joshua Zamora, Manoeuvres, W3, Filipino rap legend Gloc-9, OPM icon Jay Durias, and PPOP global sensation SB19.
With Mon Faustino as musical director and a star-studded lineup, “Gary V Pure Energy: One More Time” is shaping up to be more than just a concert — it’s a celebration of Gary V’s legendary music career and an experience that will linger long after the final bow.
Proceeds of the show will benefit the Shining Light Foundation, underscoring Gary V’s commitment to using his platform to make a difference.
Tickets to “Pure Energy: One More Time,” at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao on December 20 and 22 are available through TicketNet Online at www.ticketnet.com.ph or by emailing tickets@garyv.com.
