One chapter closes, another one begins in Gary V’s 40-year career

MANILA, Philippines — Gary Valenciano was pure energy personified at his three-hour “Pure Energy: One Last Time” concert, never leaving the stage from start to finish of what he described as the “season finale” of his 40th year as a performer.

The two-night concert (April 26 and 27) was pegged to be the OPM icon’s last time at such a big venue like the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena. But make no mistake about it. It wasn’t his retirement or farewell concert. However, it did signal his transition to other things.

Some 80 dancers and performers are assembled for the show.

The concert was divided into five parts — Energy, Hope, Revival, Legacy and One Last Time — as he performed his hits through the years, with friends, family and frequent collaborators.

Yours truly watched Day 1 and here are my highlights and favorite moments from the show, which by the way is getting a third staging on May 10 at MOA Arena due to public demand.

Wow factor. Gary made jaws drop from the get-go by assembling at least 80 dancers-performers to be his ensemble, including his longtime dance group Maneouvres (and their children), to open the show with Shout for Joy. He emerged at the center of the massive stage to pull off his iconic jump shot. That level of energy would set the tone of “One Last Time” all the way to the encore where he sang Hataw Na and Di Bale Na Lang.

With guest performer Martin Nievera.

“The last time I did something like this was 10 years ago for my 30th anniversary. I’ve never lost the gratitude for having been given the gift of music. Because music is the kind of energy that you cannot put in a box. It’s the kind of energy that moves the body from the outside and yet manages to move people from deep within,” he said.

Mix of guests. His roster of special performers spanned generations, genres and even home networks, from Ebe Dancel Karylle, Gloc-9, to Julie Anne San Jose, Ben&Ben, BGYO and so on!

Even the ensemble of artists who volunteered, many of whom came from theater. When they did Favor of the Lord, it felt like a full-on musical that when you come to think of it, Gary’s sheer number of hits can be worth a full-length musical.

With concert director, son Paolo Valenciano.

One favorite would be Martin’s duet with Gary in his debut song Hang On. How amazing to think that they used to be considered rivals on the concert scene.

“All this talk about Pure Energy, it started ironically with a ballad written by my good friend Tats Faustino and I thought wouldn’t it be great for me to sing that single of mine with one of the very first people I met in the industry, without whom my journey would never be the same. He’s not my friend, he’s one of my very best friends, Martin Nievera,” Gary said.

Another highlight was when his children — Kiana and Gab – joined him in the Michael Jackson medley. “My legacy wouldn’t be complete without my family,” the proud dad said.

His wife, Angeli Pangilinan, and grandchildren in the audience.

Loads of nostalgia. His performance of the 1994 Babalilk Ka Rin brought so much nostalgia to the audience, reminding again how the song has been credited for helping bring awareness and attention to our OFWs, the modern-day heroes.

He further revisited the past with Growing Up, the theme of the ‘80s youth-oriented comedy “Bagets.” And when he sang Wag Mo Na Sanang Isipin, he went to the audience and danced with fans while a visual of his old cassette tape flashed in the background.

The OPM icon revisits his '80s and '90s hits during the three-hour show.

Seamless storytelling. The concert moved along through old videos and interviews of why Gary V is a talking, walking, and dancing “miracle.” But props would have to go to the expansive stage with the giant and immersive LED screen at the center. For example, when Gary V performed Warrior is a Child, the emotionally charged song even got more emotional and anthemic as the LED screen made it appear he was standing on flowing water with rainfall sound effects.

Quiet moments. While Gary was pure energy all throughout, he made sure the concert had its ample share of quieter moments, from I Will Be Here with Ben&Ben to Lead Me Lord, which had Gospel choir feels.

Then the entire arena hushed as Gary shared the vision that started it all for “Pure Energy: One Last Time” in 2008. But so as not to spoil the experience for those watching on May 10, let me just say that it was so personal and touching that I don’t think there was a dry eye in the audience.

A grateful Gary V kisses the stage in the end part of the sold-out concert.

Photos courtesy of Marvin Chua/Manila Genesis Entertainment

“Doing things like this is never easy. What more so now in this season of my 59th or 60th year of life, nakakapagod din. But there’s a calling, a leading that is energizing me to go deeper into the spirit of uplifting and inspiring many more than ever before. And for as long as this heart beats, that’s what I’m going to be doing. I’ve given you my all… in the past 40 years, it was meant to move you right here (pointing to the heart),” he said in his final message at the concert

“This is how I wished to be remembered. I know it sounds like a drama. But it’s only a season finale, a new chapter is being written with you. But it’s not the final page of the book.

“I’m going to walk into that empty horizon and each step I’m going to take will be with energy, hope and wholeheartedly trusting Him, the source of all pure energy,” Gary promised.

He capped the night with Take Me Out of the Dark, walking into a visual of a horizon, a symbolic imagery that Gary is closing a chapter, but he’s also starting a new one.