Once again, Gary V moves me

MANILA, Philippines – For younger artists bent on making a mark in an industry already bursting at the seams, there’s nothing better than getting an endorsement not just from a bona fide legend in the field, but also one they idolize.

In Gary V Presents, the latest two shows at the Kia Theatre, Araneta Center over the weekend, Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano himself puts his stamp of approval on a handful of the most talented discoveries. Already in its fifth run, the line-up included Allan Silonga, Carla Guevara-Laforteza, Mitoy Yonting, Janice Javier, RJ dela Fuente, Timmy Pavino, Jimmy Marquez, Katrina Velarde, Lara Maigue and Bullet Dumas. Also in the roster were Gary’s daughter Kiana Valenciano, who even joked she was there because she’s related to the star, and his co-director son Paolo.

Now, don’t go waxing on about passing of torch or anything like that. See, in my heart there will never be another Gary V. What he is doing with these shows is giving props to a talented crop of singers/performers that he feels “deserve more than Gary V Presents.” Essentially, he is extending his mentoring role into a live, road show-type setting.

For a generation that latches on to disposable idols and quickie interests, an artist like Gary who is incidentally celebrating 33 years in the industry (throwing in an exhibit of a wealth of memorabilia at the Gateway Mall activity center along with the concerts) may be a little hard to get on board with.

Still, my fervent wish for the younger generation is that they fall in love and into fandom with an artist like we slightly older (ahem!) people have that we followed their careers with a passion because we believed in what they do. We ran to the TV and arm the VCRs to tape a performance; and learned the dance steps when no one was looking. We know the songs by heart for always. That, despite years of falling out because life got in the way, we picked up right where we left off and become fans again. 

Gary’s young guests may feed his own soul; I’m sure they have stirred his passion even more. And by God, the kids were more than alright. In the end, though, the one thing you can say about Gary V is, “Iba pa rin talaga.” If you doubt that you only need to see him perform Al Jarreau’s Spain — a very difficult song to do. Last time I saw him, Monique Lualhati was his awesome accomplice in the number. Last weekend, Katrina Velarde did the honors and held her own pretty darn well. And when he sings, he’s communicating with his heart and soul, and you are sitting there like you’re hearing the song for the first time, or it just makes you want to get up and dance. When music chooses you, it’s hard to shake it.

I’ve posted this on social media — I could watch Gary perform Look In Her Eyes with the Manoeuvres (this batch called Ignite) again and again the whole night and come home happy. Throw in Mahal na Mahal Ko Siya, which wasn’t in the repertoire, and my night would have been golden! Still, revisiting his older hits and hearing them sung live is like my concert version of a chocolate high — can’t resist it. I had seen this show several times, but the moments Gary took center stage will never be enough.

If this show ever makes it to a venue near you, do yourself a favor and catch it. Supporting OPM shouldn’t just be lip service or a giggly selfie taken when you run into an artist in public — your presence goes a long way. And, getting up and letting the vibe wash over you, that’s just priceless.