An 'A' for effort

How much higher can one fly?

Gary Valenciano posed this question at the start of his silver anniversary concert, Gary V – Live @ 25, last Nov. 14 and 15 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Indeed, where does a highly successful music artist go and what does he do after 25 years in the business, charting an illustrious career and achieving almost everything?

Gary need not grope for any answers. With the success of his two-night anniversary concert, it was evident that he remains to have a clear course ahead as far as his stellar entertainment career is concerned. He continues to be patronized by loyal fans, who have followed every step of his career, from the time he scored with his hit recording debut, the saccharine ballad, Hang On.

In his anniversary show, Gary proved what pure energy was like. Beyond the dancing and the music, he was a living testament onstage of how a diabetic can be used as an instrument of God to spread His message.

A juvenile diabetic at 14, Gary disclosed that the life span of such is only 30 years. “You do the math,” he told his audience. “I’m supposed to die this year. But I’ve not had any major complications. God is the source of (my) pure energy... He’s the reason I’m alive today.”

From the opening number to his closing song, Gary delighted and wowed the crowd in ways he only knew how. After 25 years, he still dances amazingly with such boundless energy that will put to shame even younger artists.

“When I perform a dance number in A.S.A.P. every Sunday, it’s an effort to make the size of my nostrils smaller after the number,” Gary smilingly shared. “I didn’t want to make it obvious that I was gasping for my breath.”

Yet, dancing appears second nature to him. He still perfectly displays his trademark dance moves which never fail to thrill the crowd every time he performs. Shout for Joy, which was the opening salvo, was a grand production number complete with indoor pyrotechnics and an ensemble of close to three dozen dancers onstage.

“This (concert) is to share how I can reach you the best way I know, which is through my music,” a thankful Gary told his audience after the adrenalin-pumping opening number.

The massive stage alone was an awesome spectacle, with its hydraulic trap doors, machine-controlled platforms and huge video walls on both ends. The coliseum seemingly shook with the surround sound system.

Did Gary make sure he would top all other anniversary concerts staged this year? The likes of Martin Nievera and Ogie Alcasid also had their respective shows in the same venue this year. Gary certainly deserves an “A” for effort.

Expectedly, Gary’s repertoire were his hits that intensified his singing career for a quarter of a century. There were the ballads, dance ditties and inspirational tunes. Yet, the numbers were given brand new arrangements by his musical director of 19 years, Mon Faustino.

Rivermaya, whose new, good-looking members drew loud screams from the audience, sang a medley with him of Wait Forever, Hang On, Babalik Ka Rin, What Can I Say and Natutulog Ba ang Diyos.

Recording 17 movie themes in his entire career, Gary dished out the most popular ones — Kailangan Kita, Ikaw Lamang (Dubai) and the bouncy Growing Up, where he was joined by singer-rapper Gloc 9. He ended the show with another movie theme, How Did You Know (from the Aga Muhlach-Kristine Hermosa starrer).

Jericho Rosales drew shrieks and screams from the full-house crowd when he came out onstage and performed Di Bale na Lang with Gary. Thanks to Echo’s current hit teleserye, Kahit Isang Saglit, he’s back on track.

Karylle, who camouflaged any trace of heartbreak after her recent split with actor Dingdong Dantes, was a stunner when she rendered Muli/Could We, with Gary. Interestingly, the single was originally recorded by Karylle’s mom, Zsa Zsa Padilla, with Gary, more than a decade ago. Joining Rachel Anne Go and Yeng Constantino in Each Passing Night, Karylle was a vocal standout in the said number, also with Gary.

The concert was veritably a family affair, as Gary allowed his children to share the limelight with him. Eldest son Paolo performed Look in Her Eyes, with his band Salamin. The song, Gary informed, is a 20-year-old hit.

Youngest and only girl Kiana did a duet with Gary in ‘Wag Mo na Sanang Isipin, while at the same time displaying her innate terpsichorean skills. Gabriel and his Shall We Dance champion partner Jasmin Nabelgas did a beautiful interpretative dance number as Gary crooned Sana Maulit Muli.

A memorable highlight of the night was Gary’s duet with his Puerto Rican mom, Grimilda Ortiz, in Historia de Un Amor, as his childhood videos and photos taken by his dad, Vic Valenciano, flashed on the giant screens.

What brought the house down, however, was the appearance of Martin Nievera, emerging from the same spot where Gary sauntered onstage. Together, they rendered much-applauded duets of their hits — Be My Lady, Ikaw ang Lahat sa Akin, Reaching Out and Gaya ng Dati.

“It has been a challenge for me the past two nights,” said Gary, whose voice sounded raspy in his spiels. “But He saw me through and I know He’s here with me.”