More than just dancing

MANILA, Philippines - Gab Valenciano doesn’t have to wait for Christmas to receive something special and meaningful that could fill his heart with joy. Bagging the Best New Male Artist award at the recent 22nd Aliw Awards only proved he is treading the same path his dad Gary Valenciano took when he was just starting in the local entertainment scene. It was the same award Gary won 24 years ago.

But is it a guarantee that Gab will enjoy the same popularity his dad has been savoring for 25 years now? Sure, both move swiftly to the beat with an impressive footwork that makes the audience wanting to see more. They, too, possess the same energy level in their every performance on stage. However, there is more to Gab most people are not aware of. He is a record producer, musical arranger, choreographer and musician. He is also set to show more of his acting and singing in the coming year. Get to know more of him as he talks about career plans, his take on being the son of Gary V., and things that he enjoys off screen.

Does it pressure you more that you have won an award aside from being the son of Gary V.?

Yes and no. Yes because you hear things like, “Can he step up to the challenge to be the next Gary V.?“ For me, it’s not a challenge but more of collaboration with my dad. We perform together but still the direction of career is different. And no because he is my father and he always advises never to be affected with comments that I hear and it works.

Most people know you just dance well, how would you let them know about your other talents?

I’m planning to release an album which will I fully produced and arranged. I’ll also do a solo album not just in dance. I’d like to collaborate with Billy Crawford, Jed Madela and my dad for my album. So when 2010 hits, they will be seeing more from me.

Where do you want to start — in acting or singing?

With music because I want to put my studio to work. I like reggae, pop, hip-hop, R&B, rock, techno and even orchestra. I had an indie (Rebound) four years ago and my dad told me it was good but I could have done better sana if I took acting workshop. Acting will come into the picture maybe in the third quarter.

When did you discover your passion for music?

I love music ever since but to actually make music was when I’m already 14. My dad got me a keyboard and with my laptop, I started composing na. I was 17 when I invested my money in musical instruments. I play drums, keyboards and guitar.

What’s your first musical piece? What inspires you to write songs?

The remix of Shout for Joy. It’s a dance version which was nominated for Best Dance Recording at Awit Awards. Then I arranged and produced Naaalala Ka, a Rey Valera original, in Jericho (Rosales)’s album Change. I won’t lie Rachelle’s (Ann Go) an inspiration when I did that.

What makes you want to sing? What song do you like most?

I’m exposed to singers so napapakanta din ako especially when I play the piano. My and Rachelle’s being together for almost a year also gained my desire to sing. That’s why I’m thankful that even if we’re not together now she’s able to instill something in me. I love R&B but lately I’ve been singing ballads. I’ll probably start taking voice lessons in January.

Are there some other things you’re busy with off-screen?

I choreograph some dance moves; I also play DJ when out of town.

What do you do during downtime?

I play basketball. I go to the beach and surf with Jericho, I practice playing the piano and sometimes I hang out with friends or my dad.

Attitude-wise, how much of you is Gary V and mom Angeli Pangilinan?

I think I got my dad’s genes, physically you can say that and gesture-wise because when I go out with friends, I’m all over the place greeting everybody. When it comes to being firm, I’m more of my mom — she’s firm and gentle. Me? I’m firm and rough (laughs).