Gary V. at 40: Ever faithful, ever thankful!

Milestones mark Gary Valenciano’s life these days. He is turning 40 on Aug. 6 and is proud of it. On the same day, he marks his 20th wedding anniversary with Angeli Pangilinan, with whom he has three talented children – Paolo, 19, Gabriel, 16, and Kiana 11.

This year also marks Angeli’s 25th anniversary in show business and Gary’s 26th victorious year in his battle against juvenile diabetes. Because of all these wonderful reasons, Gary and his management team from Manila Genesis Entertainment and Management, Inc., his production companies, GV Productions, Inc. and Manna Entertainment, decided to celebrate on that day, not just with his friends and family, but with all those who have been part of his amazing life and career in a concert, Gary V…Thankful.

He says,"Apart from my friends and family, I have so much to thank God for," Gary states. "There are the sponsors, the press, the radio stations, the fans, the networks, the managers, the producers and promoters, the film and recording companies, the composers, the artists, the musicians, the prayer warriors, my doctors, my pastors…so many wonderful people. I want to celebrate with all of them."

Gary decided to mount a thanksgiving concert that would entertain, revitalize and inspire his fans and the public. A huge chunk of the proceeds of the concert will go to the Shining Light Foundation, a ministry of Gary V. and some colleagues in the industry.

Throughout a 21-year career that covers 21 albums and countless concerts, specials and interviews, Gary has continued to be an inspiration and a role model to many new faces in the entertainment industry. Late last year, he joined the ASAP Mania family in ABS-CBN as one of the main artists and hosts. Just recently in the show, he received a sextuple-platinum award from Universal Records for his inspirational album Revive, which has sold 180,000 units, and a platinum award for Gary V. at the Movies, which has sold 30,000 units.

Viva Records has confirmed that Gary’s One to One album is hitting platinum as well, while his latest hit single, How Did You Know, from the Star Cinema movie All My Life, has been certified gold. He has had many hit US concerts this year and is set to conquer Europe in August and September.

Apart from a career that is hot and exciting, Gary is also celebrating a 20-year marriage that has survived intrigues, attacks and trials any showbiz marriage is prone to. His marriage to former Music and Magic singer and Camay model Angeli Pangilinan has produced a formidable creative partnership that has been the force behind his albums and his concerts as well as his biggest hit, Sana Maulit Muli. With lyrics written by Angeli to the music Gary composed, the song has been recorded by the likes of Regine Velasquez, Lea Salonga, Kyla, Eddie Katindig, among many others and has been the theme song of not one, but two movies.

Take Me Out of the Dark, Kailangan Kita, Natutulog Ba ang Diyos, Gaya ng Dati, Sa Yahweh ang Sayaw, Shout for Joy, How did You Know, Could You Be Messiah, Letting Go, Warrior is a Child, That’s Why. These are just some of the songs fans can expect in this once-in-a-lifetime celebration of life and love.

With fresh new arrangements and complementing videos for his Big Dome concert, Gary V. promises a show that will revive spirits. With his musical director of 15 years, Mon Faustino, Gary has planned arrangements of songs that will strengthen tired souls and messages that will uplift weary lives. Expected to excite kids and teenagers are the numbers he is preparing with his three children apart from special shots with The Manoeuvres.

The concert is presented by media partners ABS-CBN, Studio 23, Zoe TV, Philippine STAR, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Monster Radio RX93.1, WRR 101.9, Crossover 105.1, Yes FM 101.1, Love Radio 90.7, 98.7 DZFE, 702 DZAS, and sponsors Alaska Milk, Sennheiser, Goldilock’s, Essensuals Toni and Guy, Njork, Universal Records, Videosonic and Soundcheck.

Tickets are priced at P1200, P800, P600, P500, P250 and P75 and are available at Ticketnet or at the Genesis office. Call 725-1937.