Gary Valenciano officially joins Star Magic as its newest artist

CEBU, Philippines — The country’s Mr. Pure Energy, Gary Valenciano, marks another milestone in his 40-year showbiz career as he signed a contract last April 16 with ABS-CBN’s premier talent agency, Star Magic, to become one of its official artists.

During the signing event, Gary recounted his showbiz journey through decades and thanked ABS-CBN for its continued trust. He then shared his excitement about becoming the latest addition to the Star Magic family — noting that becoming part of its roster of stars is a reinvention in his 40-year career and is looking forward to embracing an extended role in inspiring the youth.

“I am into being able to mentor and spend time with younger people, especially with students. I went to various schools, colleges, and universities where I shared my life, and I am going to continue doing that. I have seen the impact on the hearts of these people, and that’s another thing I wanted to do,” Gary said.

Aside from serving as a mentor figure, he candidly shared his willingness to make his onscreen acting comeback. “My doors are open for other artistic ventures. Like, I don’t mind going back into acting a bit more. If the right opportunity comes, I will certainly keep myself open to that,” he added.

With a career spanning four decades, Gary has been a mainstay with ABS-CBN for 20 years — most notably as a multi-awarded host and performer for the country’s longest-running musical variety show, “ASAP Natin ‘To,” and serving as the voice to the theme songs of hit Kapamilya teleseryes. Alongside his electrifying acts on and off stage, Gary has also been hands-on in honing the next generation of Kapamilya artists — serving as a celebrity judge and mentor in various talent shows, such as “X Factor Philippines,” “World of Dance Philippines,” “Your Face Sounds Familiar,” and most recently with “Idol Philippines” and “Tawag ng Tanghalan.”

Coinciding with his latest feat as a Kapamilya, Gary is gearing up for his major solo concert, “Pure Energy: One Last Time,” happening on April 26 and 27, 8 pm, with an additional show on May 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Accompanying him during the signing event were his wife, Angeli Pangilinan Valenciano; children Paolo and Kiana; ABS-CBN’s COO for broadcast, Cory Vidanes; Star Magic head Laurenti Dyogi; and manager Alan Real. ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak and chairman Mark Lopez gave a warm welcome to Gary V at the start of the event.

The event also saw ASAP performers Angela Ken, Khimo Gumatay, JM Yosures, Sheena Belarmino, and Jed Madela paying tribute to the country’s Mr. Pure Energy with their renditions of his timeless OPM classics, while 40 Star Magic artists also congratulated Gary V through a heartwarming video message. — (FREEMAN)