Touched by pure energy

Friday before the Chris Brown-Rihanna coup, another coup happened. A coup de grace of a concert, Gary V’s 25th year anniversary. Let me just say that this was a musical journey like no other. From start to end, it was a pyrotechnics of pure energy as only Gary V can provide.

The Rowell Santiago-directed show, partnered with Nokia gave me an emotional roller coaster, starting with a countdown of 1 to 24. At 25, Gary V emerged. And the crowd stood and danced in worship. Gary Valenciano, at 44, amazes me to no end.  “I was diagnosed with diabetes at 14 and I was not supposed to live, but here I am, 25 years in the industry, still performing in front of you,” he said, as he bowed down in prayer.  It felt more than a Christian fellowship — it also felt like a complete surrender of a true artist to The One who gave him the talent to perform in front of the whole Coliseum and relay a message. I felt humbled, I was touched, I laughed, I danced, I cried.

Yes, I cried. Buckets. At the video where Eddie Mercado’s son spoke about his dad’s death, the emotions were so raw and so on the verge of breaking down that all of a sudden tears began to stream down my cheeks. And I couldn’t stop, I was already getting embarrassed by my nonstop crying. “Siguro makasalanan ka,” Direk Rowell joked about it the night after. Indeed, the warrior is a child.

When Gary sang Growing Up, Getting Down earlier in the show, all the ’80s kids stood up and danced. He sang it his standard way, with much aplomb and with the carefreeness of an ’80s teenager. And then his son Pao joined him. “Here’s to the old times and to the best of new ones,” the song could not have fit better. Pao head banged to the song and gave the ’80s anthem its much-needed angst. It was so now. I think Pao should record this song because the song resonates now more than ever, with Pao’s rendition. Or a duet, perhaps?

Next-Generation Talents

There were also standout performances by Karylle, Rachelle Ann Go, and Laarni Losala of Pinoy Dream Academy. Karylle had a breakthrough performance that night, her presence and newfound sexiness eliciting oohs and aahhs from the audience. I guess pain makes you a better performer. Another touching moment was when Gary’s mom sang with him onstage, accompanied by footage taken by Gary’s father, photographer Vic Valenciano. Daughter Kiana, who is now a standout beauty with a crystal-clear voice, is a new artist to watch out for, and her brother Gab danced with his Shall We Dance champion partner. The only one missing was better-half Angeli Valenciano, who chose to silently and spiritually support her husband while sitting beside Kuya Germs.

Encore was a Gary V-Martin Nievera exchange showdown, which was such a joy to watch. Two great entertainers, each one more explosive than the other; two pillars of Pinoy musical entertainment — together on one stage. The overall energy felt like an Ateneo-La Salle game. The crowd was ecstatic.

Gary V is as selfless as selfless an artist can be. I’ve witnessed other artists doing their nth anniversary which were all marked by endless tributes to their lives and and whatever cheese fest to juice out emotions from the fans. Here, Gary V at 25, he does the most generous deed. He shared the stage with the next-generation artists, and in doing so, shared the flames of the torch of his God-given talents. Now, that is an iconoclast.

Gary put it best when, before he ended, he thanked his God for allowing him to do what he does best. “That you are able to touch hearts and touch them for eternity — that is the true mark of an artist.”

Glory to Gary V, glory to God. — Tim Yap