Ending more than two-decade rivalry As 1

MANILA, Philippines - They both started in the music business in the early ‘80s and earned their respective, eminent niche and following. For more than two decades, many thought it was unthinkable to make them share the stage in a full-length concert until last year, when they joined forces to sing As 1.

The first, full-length joint performance of Concert King Martin Nievera and Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano was staged at the SM Mall of Asia concert grounds. Following that momentous date was a highly successful and well-received 18-city tour in the US, Canada and the Middle East.

Last weekend, Martin and Gary gave in to insistent public demand to do a repeat of As 1, this time at the Araneta Coliseum, a venue that is undoubtedly familiar to both of them. Throughout their respective careers, which span more than two decades — Martin started in 1982, while Gary entered the business a year later —the two have staged successful and memorable solo concerts at the Big Dome.

There is perhaps no other rivalry in the local music business that is as intense and celebrated as Martin and Gary’s. Yet, the two have remained the best buddies despite the inevitable (friendly) competition.

Today, five presidents later, Martin and Gary are still very much on the scene, making beautiful music and being patronized by their loyal followers. In fact, a large chunk of the audience that night was thirty-something and above, obviously those who followed Martin and Gary from the time the two music icons started in the business.

As Gary pointed out, “Tonight, the rivalry ends. Friendship and brotherhood begin.”

Indeed, Martin and Gary were able to outgrow their rivalry and bring their artistry to a more professional level. They have likewise earned the respect and admiration of their peers.

The highly charged opening number was Martin’s earlier hit, On the Right Track, where the two were seen in a choreographed dance routine. For Gary fans, it was always a delight to see him strut his agile body onstage, but when Martin started moving, the crowd went wild. Dancing was something he didn’t dare do even in his previous solo concerts.

From that opening salvo, Martin and Gary segued to more danceable ditties — Don’t Throw My Love Away, ‘Di Bale na Lang and Twist and Shout, the last one being the theme of their newest weekend game show on ABS-CBN.

As 1 was an ambitious concert and it was apparent in every aspect. The show had two musical directors — Louie Ocampo and Mon Faustino — who worked with Martin and Gary, respectively, through the years.

The sophisticated stage was bathed with colorful lights and had pyrotechnics for some numbers. The giant video screens projected vivid images, so that even those on the bleachers had a clear view of the artists onstage.

Martin and Gary gave the audience a generous serving of their respective hits. Three hours wouldn’t be enough to render their countless chart-toppers all these years, so the repertoire was carefully lined up to include their memorable signature anthems.

Throughout the show, the two were mostly onstage together. Amusingly enough, Martin gets to sing Gary’s songs — and vice versa. Together, they sang I’ll Be There, I Will Be Here, Take Me Out of the Dark, plus the themes of the numerous teleseryes and movies they recorded.

While Gary was more serious, Martin provided the wit and humor. One entertainment writer commented Martin would have also made a career in stand-up comedy in case he decides to venture on it.

There were no guests except their children, who also got to render the Martin-Gary songs. Robin and Martin did ‘Di na Natuto, while Gary and Gab carried out No Way To Treat a Heart. Paolo belted out his version of Ikaw ang Lahat sa Akin. Martin, Ram and Kiana rendered Each Passing Night.

Seated on the front row were the mothers of Martin and Gary’s children. Pops Fernandez, although long estranged from Martin, graciously watched the show to lend support to her two sons, Robin and Ram, who performed with their dad.

Pops was beside Angeli Pangilinan, the mother of Gary’s three, talented grown-up kids — Paolo, Gab and Kiana — who also proved they are chips off the old block.

If Martin was in his best element singing his Broadway medley (Maria, Music of the Night, All I Ask of You, Memory, Somewhere, This Is the Moment, I Sing), Gary was every bit the total entertainer that he is in his Michael Jackson suite (Billie Jean, Beat It, Bad, The Way You Make Me Feel).

The two also did the hits of ‘80s bands like Chicago (You’re the Inspiration), Journey (Separate Ways) and Tears for Fears (Everybody Wants to Rule the World) and an Earth, Wind and Fire medley.

After As One, it’s still inevitable not to pit Martin and Gary against each other. They will remain visible and very much sought after. Yes, they will also grow old, but one thing will remain certain, they will definitely leave a lasting legacy of their beautiful music for many generations to come.