AS a prelude to the major celebration of his 40 years in the industry next year, OPM icon Gary Valenciano marked his career milestone with a series of sold-out shows in Music Museum while concluding a successful North American tour and receiving a prestigious award – all of which underscore his talent and cement his legacy as one of the Philippines’ premier musical legends.
As part of his 40th anniversary, Gary returned to Music Museum in the much talked about series Gary V: Back At The Museum.
The series’ initial sold-out run which kicked off last August was a resounding triumph, with audiences dancing in the aisles and every seat occupied, the buzz around these shows was undeniable, with celebrities, fans, and various industries’ bigwigs flocking to experience Mr. Pure Energy setting the stage on fire and receiving multiple standing ovations throughout the shows.
Spotted to celebrate Gary’s dazzling musical spectacle were Regine Velasquez, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Coco Martin, Karen Davila, Rico Hizon, KC Concepcion, Erik Santos, Darren Espanto, Jolina Magdangal, Bianca Gonzalez, Julia Barretto, Julia Montes, Khimo Gumatay, Moira Dela Torre, Nikki Valdez, Morissette and Dave Lamar, Maricris Bermont-Garcia, Louie Ocampo, Odette Quesada, Christine Bendebel, Tats Faustino, Juan Miguel Salvador, Ria Atayde, Ricky Davao, RJ Dela Fuente, Robi Domingo, Sam Concepcion, Sam Libao, Gab Pangilinan and Angie Salomon, Josh Buizon of Over October, Sylvia Sanchez, Kata Inocencio, Felichi Pangilinan-Buizon, Pia Arcangel, Kim Molina, Jerald Napoles, MJ Felipe, Riki Kwek-Mathay, Ali Sotto, Butch and Tricia Amper-Jimenez, Pam G, Carla Guevara, Neo Rivera, Carlos Canlas, Bullet Dumas, and Gretchen Fullido as well as P-pop groups BINI and BGYO.
Actor Aga Muhlach arrived with his wife, Charlene Gonzales, and their twin kids, Andres and Atasha while OPM icon Jose Mari Chan was joined by his wife, Mary Ann, and their daughter Lisa. Anthony Pangilinan brought his children Benj and Hannah. Dingdong Avanzado came with daughter Jayda.
The basketball community came full force too with Coach Chot Reyes who came with wife Cherry of Toni and Guy, LA Tenorio, JC Intal, Prince and Ricci Rivero, Joseph Teo, Jeff Cariaso and Mike Cortez, with their entire team, among others.
As a testament to the industry’s strong bond with Gary, ABS-CBN’s top brass led by Mark Lopez, Carlo Katigbak, Cory Vidanes, Ruel Bayani, Ernie Lopez, and Lauren Dyogi turned up to support him with other Kapamilya executives Aldrin Cerrado, Roxy Liquigan, Jonathan Manalo, and Lui Andrada. Also seen partying at Music Museum all night long were CEOs and COOs like Universal Records’ Kathleen Dy-Go, Piki Lopez and wife Monina of First Holdings Philippines, Rhiza Pascua, of Live Nation PH, Renen and Cel de Guia of Ovation Productions, Darling de Jesus of GMA-7, Dino Laurena of TV5 as well as fashion icons like Jeannie Goulbourn, Rajo Laurel, and PAL president Captain Stanley Ng.
Gary V: Back At The Museum also featured amazing performances from Kai Buizon who pumped up the crowd as the series’ front act; international artist Kiana V lit up the stage with a stellar performance; and Paolo Valenciano delivered an excellent job in executing the spectacular musical event as the show’s director while giving a rare live performance with Gary V that blew audiences away.
After the success of the Music Museum series, Gary V embarked on the Reenergized 2023 North American tour. The tour began in Suquamish, Washington, passing through renowned venues like Cache Creek Casino Resort in Brooks, California, and Portland, Oregon. The Canadian leg was equally captivating, kicking off on Sept. 24 at the Rajveer Banquet Hall in Calgary, Alberta. This was followed by a performance in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Sept. 28 and another at the John Bassett Theatre in Toronto, Ontario, on Oct. 1. The U.S. leg concluded with two sold-out shows at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California, on Oct. 6 and 7.
Despite facing health challenges while on tour, including a bout of pneumonia, Gary’s commitment to his fans and his craft was evident. His performances showcased his four-decade-long dedication to the music industry, a legacy that has earned him over 200 industry awards.
Gary was also recently lauded with the Gawad Sa Sining At Kultura ng Paglilingkod sa Bayan award by the prestigious Gawad Tanglaw Awards, organized by the Tagapuring Mga Akademik Ng Aninong Gumagalaw. Gary thanked the organization in a recorded message. “It means a lot to me. Maraming salamat. Rest assured we will continue to give the best for the people who only deserve the best from us.”
And due to insistent public demand, Gary V: Back At The Museum recently had a repeat that consisted of four sold-out shows, with his November 3 performance marking his 100th solo concert at Music Museum, making him the first and only artist to accomplish this feat. Gary’s son Gab flew in to celebrate the iconic night and jumped in to dance with his father and the Manoeuvres Ignite to the delight of the audience.
With the success of the repeat’s shows, Gary and his Manila Genesis team are adding add two more dates to formally close the series on November 30 and December 1. For more details, reservations, and other inquiries, enthusiasts are encouraged to reach out via [email protected] or visit garyv.com/tour as well as Ticketworld for tickets.
And if this is not enough, Gary is gearing up to cap his 40th with his biggest concert yet that is set to happen at the MOA ARENA in April 2024.
In this season of triumphs, Gary’s accomplishments is a reflection of his relentless dedication and the unwavering love from his fans. Both he, his family, and the entire Manila Genesis team extend their heartfelt appreciation for everyone’s continued support. The project has generated a significant donation for his family’s advocacy, the Shining Light Foundation.