Gary V Assembles Powerhouse Line-up For ‘Pure Energy: One Last Time’

Fans of Gary Valenciano (a.k.a. Gary V) will be a part of OPM history as it unfolds this weekend when the iconic Filipino-Puerto Rican performer and inspirational icon, affectionately known as Mr. Pure Energy gears-up for a two-night musical spectacle at SM Mall Of Asia (MOA) Arena on April 26 and 27. 

Titled “Pure Energy: One Last Time,”the concerts is a once-in-a-lifetime industry event that is not just predicated by his impressive 40-year career as it is also a testament of the amazing talents of his guest performers. 

Gary V who has just partnered with Star Magic has assembled a powerhouse line-up of artists who will join him in celebrating his historic milestone. 

First up, gifted singer-songwriter Bullet Dumas will open both nights. Bullet collaborated with Gary in the concert series Gary V Presents in 2017 and their partnership continued in album “Awit At Laro,”which Gary produced and is promoting again in partnership with Star Music. Bullet recorded “Jak En Poy,” and they earned a nomination for Best World Music Recording at the 32nd Awit Awards.

Also on hand to perform on both nights are Gary’s US-based children, Gabriel and Kiana. This concert will see all three of Gary’s children under one roof for the first time in a while, as his eldest, Paolo Valenciano, is in charge of creatives and stage direction.

In addition to Gabriel and Kiana, his talented nephew and niece, Former LSDC’s star dancers Gio and Lianna Martinez, have also flown in from abroad to hit the SM MOA Arena stage. Fast-rising P-pop group BGYO and singer-songwriter Ebe Dancel will also be there. Rapper Gloc-9, who dropped the inspiring song “Walang Pumapalakpak” with Gary earlier this year under Universal Records, will also perform with him on both nights.                          

A Gary V concert of this massive breadth and magnitude wouldn’t be the same if he wasn’t backed by the original and new generation Manoeuvres — dancers who have been with him since day one. That’s precisely why brothers Canada-based Jason Zamora and brother Joshua, as well as the group’s founder and original choreographer Uriel Policarpio, are on board for this two-night extravaganza. Uriel, who flew in from overseas, choreographed some of Gary’s biggest hits, like “‘Di Bale Na Lang,” “Hataw Na,” “Huwag Mo Na Sanang Isipin,” “Look in Her Eyes,” “Sa Yahweh Ang Sayaw,” and “Shout For Joy.” The signature dance moves Uriel developed became a hallmark of Gary’s performances. This partnership helped propel both Gary and the Manoeuvres to greater fame. Uriel and the Zamora brothers will be joined by this generation’s top street dance group The A-Team. Gary and Paolo tapped MJ Arda of A-Team to choreograph 40 dancers and an ensemble of 30 musical  theater actors and performing artists like RJ de la Fuente and Pam G.

The concert will also shine a light on one of Gary’s most enduring friendships: his bond with Concert King, Martin Nievera. When they debuted in the 1980s, they were often pitted against each other. In a previous interview, Gary admitted that back then, they both did their very best to outdo each other, especially on the concert stage. Fans loved that “rivalry” but behind the scenes, Gary and Martin are actually very close.

For the April 26 show, Gary’s special guests include the chart-topping band Ben and Ben, former Supahdance group’s lead star Rayver Cruz, the multi-talented Julie Anne San Jose, Prince of Pop Erik Santos, and “It’s Showtime”host and singer-actress Karylle. On April 27, the special guests are Ice Seguerra, AC Bonifacio, Darren Espanto, and vocalist Jona.

Gary’s fellow OPM icon Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla is also scheduled to perform with him on the April 27 show. It should be noted that this marks the first mainstream live concert collaboration for a very long time between Gary and Zsa Zsa.

With musical direction by Mon Faustino, “Pure Energy: One Last Time” is set to be a musical event of epic proportions. However, the title of the show initially led the public to assume the unthinkable: that he would officially retire from performing. However, he has clarified that while he’s stepping back from headlining solo shows in large venues like arenas and domes, his passion for music and performing is as strong as ever and does not mind collaborating and doing back-to-back projects and solo concerts in relatively smaller but intimate venues but doing them as a series, perhaps inspired by his phenomenal sold-out 10-night night series “Back At The [Music] Museum” last year. In some earlier interviews, he clarifies that he’s not retiring. He simply wants to spend more time giving back and doing more intimate shows.

All proceeds from Pure Energy: One Last Time will support the Shining Light Foundation, a NGO formed by the Valenciano couple with some friends in the late 80s.

For more information and exclusive updates, you can follow Gary on all his social media accounts: Instagram and TikTok (@garyvalenciano), X (@GaryValenciano1), Facebook (Gary Valenciano), YouTube (GaryValencianoOfficial), and Threads (@garyvalenciano).