Gary Valenciano hosts golf tournament benefiting foundation

MANILA, Philippines — Gary Valenciano successfully hosted the very first “Hataw Na! Gary V Invitational Golf Tournament”, a star-studded charity sporting event at the Forest Hills Golf & Country Club benefiting the Shining Light Foundation.

Held as part of Gary V’s ever-evolving 2026 calendar, the tournament gathered celebrities, golf enthusiasts and supporters for a day filled with swings, stories and heart.

Among the familiar faces spotted on the greens were singers Martin Nievera, Randy Santiago, Dingdong Avanzado, Andi Manzano, Miss Earth 2017 Karen Ibasco, Hannah Pangilinan, ABS-CBN President Carlo Katigbak and Nueva Ecija Governor Oyie Umali.

More than just a sporting affair, the event raised support for Shining Light Foundation, which provides medical aid as well as financial assistance to deserving students.

“For years, people tried convincing me to seriously play golf,” Gary said. “Pastor Gus Lising and Jojo Lastimosa encouraged me as early as 1993, but I focused more on biking then. It was Martin Nievera and Ogie Alcasid who reignited my love for golf in 2023.”

Since rediscovering the sport, Gary has impressively scored two elusive hole-in-ones in 2024 and then in this year 2026 — something even seasoned golfers dream of achieving.

“I never imagined golf would become this meaningful to me,” he said. “Now, I hope this tournament becomes an annual tradition that brings people together for a great cause.”

The tournament also serves as a precursor to an even busier season ahead for Mr. Pure Energy, including the launch of his much-awaited podcast “Unshaken: Stories Of Grit And Grace”, launching on May 25 on the iHeart platforms, an upcoming US Tour in June, and his television appearances on the new concert experience “ASAP XP” on a new time slot on Sundays at 5:30 p.m.

It also forms part of the grand 40th anniversary celebration of Manila Genesis Entertainment and Management, with Gary V and the Genesis family preparing even more exciting activations throughout 2026.

RELATED: 'People are listening': Gary V on fellow Christian Alvin Aragon's remarks