ASAP is here to stay

MANILA, Philippines - If there is anything that Gary Valenciano has learned through his years in the musical variety show ASAP, it’s the fact that the showbiz industry is full of ups and downs.

“There are times when we are great, there are times when we could have done better. And it’s because of these times that keep us on our toes and it keeps us striving for the best,” describes Gary V of ASAP’s journey through the years, during a press conference for ASAP’s new segment ASAPinoy last Friday afternoon.

And indeed, last year saw ASAP, the longest running weekend variety show, undergoing several segment changes and a shortened airtime.

“With regards to the other side, what they did was a huge wave. It was a huge, huge wave that took place, and everybody rode that wave,” admits Gary V. But despite ASAP experiencing some setbacks, Gary V is anything but defeated. Talking further in metaphors, Gary V says that the wave “crashed on the beach, then it subsided.”

“Is it still creating waves? Yes. But you see, ASAP is not a wave, it’s the beach. So it never disappears,” says Gary V.

“The waves can try and get all the white sands out but it’s not going to happen because it’s not the nature of things. With ASAP, ASAP was never a trend, it’s always been a habit. So you don’t sacrifice a habit because of a trend,” he says.

Hence, Gary V is now focused on moving forward and to continue bringing world-class performances in ASAP. One such aspect that he’s looking forward to is leading ASAP’s newest

segment, ASAPinoy, premiering today live at the Resorts World Manila with a tribute for Ryan Cayabyab. Joining Gary V as Tribute Master is Martin Nieverra. ASAPinoy will pay tribute to music icons via special themes per month. For this month, it will have the Maestro Series, which will feature OPM greats Ryan Cayabyab, Louie Ocampo, Willy Cruz and George Canseco.

Asked what makes the new segment different from previous ASAP segments, Gary V told The STAR in a separate interview that “This one makes it legit. It’s a legit vehicle for music from all companies to be exposed,” he says.

Unlike before where only a few recording companies wanted to take part in ASAP productions, Gary V is proud that more recording companies have taken interest. “Now it’s open to all, and everybody seems to have responded because they’re all here, lahat ng recording companies andito ngayon,” he exclaims, referring to the presense of recording company executives at the presscon.

And Gary V has nothing but a positive outlook on the state of OPM, saying that OPM is “growing with regards to knowledge.” He explains, “Kasi maraming manunulat, which means they have not given up writing music with a Filipino heart.”

Aside from the premiere of ASAPinoy, the Kapamilya show will also feature Melai Cantiveros and Pokwang of We Will Survive; Dominic Ochoa and Marco Masa of My Super D; and Maja Salvador of FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano. Additionally, the show will be filled with kilig from the loveteams of Elmo Magalona and Janella Salvador, Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano, and Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo.

(ASAP airs every Sunday at 12:15 p.m. on ABS-CBN or ABS-CBN HD. Catch-up episodes are available on iwantv.com.ph or skyondemand.com.ph for SKY subscribers. Also catch Gary V on the third installment of his Gary V Presents...concert series at the Kia Theater in Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City on July 15 and 16.) Photos by Phoebe Marquez

Gary V: ASAP was never a trend, it’s always been a habit