LEGENDARY Filipino-Puerto Rican performer and inspirational icon Gary Valenciano, affectionately known as Mr. Pure Energy, officially announced his upcoming project titled Pure Energy: One Last Time on December 21, 2023, with a simple post. His announcement on social media sparked so much excitement and a touch of nostalgia among fans and industry insiders alike, as it hinted at a significant shift in Gary’s illustrious 40-year career. The concert project is set to take place at SM Mall Of Asia Arena (MOA) on April 26 and 27.
Over the last four decades, Gary has become synonymous with chart-topping hits, high-energy performances, and an unparalleled ability to connect with audiences in the Philippines and around the world. Gary’s career has seen him grace some of the biggest stages in the world, from the Luneta Grandstand with over 500,000 in attendance to the Tamar Site in Hong Kong when he performed at the Hong Kong Harbor Music Festival in 2003.
Last year, Gary marked his 100th solo show at the Music Museum in his wildly successful sold-out 10-night concert series Gary V: Back At The Museum. From an initial run of four shows in August 2023, it was extended twice, underscoring his enduring appeal and the impact of his music and performances. He also received multiple standing ovations from jam-packed audiences during his most recent North American tour.
The title of Gary’s upcoming MOA Arena concert, Pure Energy: One Last Time, initially led many to assume the unthinkable: that he would officially retire from performing. However, he has clarified that while he’s stepping back from headlining solo shows in large venues like arenas and domes, his passion for music and performing remains as strong as ever. In fact, he says that if he’s invited to perform at large venues alongside other artists, he’s all for it.
In Gary’s case, stepping back isn’t synonymous with slowing down. He just won the GEM Awards’ Best TV Host for his role as one of the major music pillars of ABS-CBN. All you need to do to see that he remains on top of his game at this point in his career is to watch ASAP Natin ‘To every Sunday on ABS-CBN. As a mentor, this man who has bagged 12 of Awit Awards’ Best Male Recording Artist trophies has been a judge and coach for The X-Factor Philippines, Your Face Sounds Familiar, It’s Showtime’s “Tawag Ng Tanghalan,” and Idol Philippines, which he is scheduled to judge for this 2024.
Which begs the question, why is he stepping back? The answer is simple. Pure Energy: One Last Time isn’t a goodbye. It’s a transition. Yes, despite resistance from his team, he made a decision. The concert series will mark the last time he’ll stage a concert of this massive breadth and magnitude, but that’s not such a bad thing. He wants to pursue giving back and doing smaller venue and fundraisers for various causes.
In a recent heartfelt post on his Instagram account, Gary shared: “I’m celebrating 40 years of doing what I’ve always loved most. And with gratitude in my heart for the One source of Pure Energy, I look forward to the new chapters, seasons, beginnings, and horizons that lie ahead. It’s time…Let’s Go Big…ONE LAST TIME!!!”
People cried. Fans protested. Some news channels said it was his farewell show. His social media sites were flooded with questions. In the wake of these shows, Gary clarified and said he will seek out new avenues and opportunities to connect with fans. Moreover, after experiencing multiple medical challenges including battling 45 years of Type 1 diabetes, a heart bypass surgery, kidney cancer, dengue fever, COVID-19, and most recently, an angioplasty that required two stents to be implanted in his heart artery on February 3, he felt he needed to do less stressful activities. However, when his cardiologist, Dr. Enrique Posas, gave him the go-ahead to proceed with his project, saying, “You have a brand new heart,” Gary was dancing and jumping with 2,500 fans at Southridge in Alabang just one week later!
Fans attending Pure Energy: One Last Time can expect a meticulously crafted show that highlights Gary’s biggest hits and some fan favorites. With stage direction by Paolo Valenciano and musical direction by Mon Faustino, the concert will be a showcase of his multi-faceted talents. Proceeds from the concert will go to the Valenciano family’s advocacy, the Shining Light Foundation.
Tickets for Pure Energy: One Last Time are in high demand, and to make tickets available for the fans, the SM MOA Arena team reconfigured the venue seat plan six times to better accommodate the requests of ticket buyers. SM Tickets sold out all the premium seats on the weekend the tickets were released online. The Manila Genesis team, Gary’s production and management group for 38 years, together with SM MOA Arena’s ticketing team, has requested the fans to be patient as they try their best to adjust the massive stage design and video screens to open up more seats for sale.