Gary Valenciano: Philippines' Mr. Pure Energy

Filipino musician, a singer, a composer, an actor, a producer and a dancer - this is Gary Valenciano. Edgardo Jose Martin Santiago Valenciano is his real name. He was born on August 6, 1964 in Santa Mesa. He was the sixth among the seven children of Vicente Valenciano, a native of Bicol, Philippines and Grimilda Santiago Ortiz who is a Puerto Rican of Italian descent and a popular opera singer in the 60s.

This very talented man had his primary and secondary studies in La Salle Greenhills where he discovered his love for music. It was in May 1983 when he was launched as a singer and as an actor. He was more appreciated after his performance in Germspesyal and Penhouse Live TV shows.

Maria Anna Elizabeth Pangilinan or Angeli to her friends and family was the lucky girl who won the heart of Mr. Pure Energy. They are blessed with three lovely kids: Juan Paolo Martin who is now the vocalist of a local band Salamin, Gabriel who is blessed with his dad's dancing prowess and a music arranger and the lovely Kristina Maria Mikaela who also loves to sing.

In April 1984, Gary Valenciano ever first solo concert was realized resulting into a jam-packed Araneta Coliseum. 21 albums that became all hits followed the concert and these include three internationally released albums and a Christian inspired one.

The Soul of His Music

To date, Mr. Pure Energy had 26 albums. Not all artists, singers or performers get to have the same record as that of Gary V. It is great to know especially for his avid followers that their idol whom they look up to had made it this far. His albums include some self title album such as Gary in 1984, Gary Next in 1985, Gary Inside Out in 1986, From Gary, Merry Christmas in 1986. In 1987, Mr. Pure Energy launched his fifth album, Moving Thoughts. Albums with the title Heart and Soul and Faces of Love are released in 1988 and 1989 respectively.

The album Shout for Joy was released in 1991. An internationally released album by Toshiba-EMI Dancing in the Moonlight was released in 1992 in Japan. Shout Live and Hataw Na are both released in 1993. Move Live, Out of the Dark which was released in the United States and Outside Looking In which was also released internationally by Polygram happened in 1995. In 1997, Gary V.'s Greatest Hits Vol. 1 and 2 are released in 1997. This is followed by the released to Interactive in 1998, Revive in 2001, one 2 one in 2002, I Will Be Here in 2002 also, Beyond Words in 2003, At the Movies also in 2003, Pure Heart, Soul Full in 2005, Relevance in 2006, Rebirth and Platinum Ballad Collection both in 2008.

Gary V., apart from his own album was able to have sung with other singers in some collaboration albums that were also instant hits.

The Songs That Leaves A Thousand Words

Some of Gary Valenciano songs that leave marks in the heart of his millions of followers are You Got Me Working, Hang On, Love of Mine, Reaching Out, Move Your Body, Once Upon a Life, Paano, Pasko Na Sinta Ko, 'Di Bale Na Lang, 'Wag Mo Na Sanang Isipin, 'Di Na Natuto, Take Me Out Of The Dark, Eto Na Naman, Laughter All The Time, Each Passing Night, Narito, Letting Go, Mahal Na Mahal Ko Siya, Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos?, Look In Her Eyes. Who would ever forget the phenomenal Shout For Joy? Some of the songs are inspirational which he never forgets to sing praises and thank the Creator for all the blessings he received.

Two of Gary Valenciano songs The Warrior is a Child and Sana Maulit Muli became connected with the death of young and promising stars then. These songs were sung by Mr. Pure Energy himself in the funerals of the late celebrities Rico Yan and Julie Vega.

In his 25 years in show business, Mr. Pure Energy doesn't stop entertaining his fans with his soulful songs and energetic dance moves. Gary Valenciano remains to be the Philippines' only Mr. Pure Energy.