Unbowed by a health challenge that forced him to cut short the opening night of his concert “Pure Energy: One More Time” on Friday, Gary Valenciano delivered a powerhouse performance on Sunday, proving why he remains one of the Philippines’ most enduring icons. 

On Saturday night at the hospital where Gary was being treated for dehydration, his wife, Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano, updated media friends: The family would decide by 9 a.m. on Sunday if the second concert scheduled that night would push through. Making the decision was far from easy.

Hours before the concert, Angeli posted a heartfelt message on Facebook: “On the way to the Smart Araneta Coliseum … Here we go Lord Jesus. We focus on you, not the wind and the waves, so we will walk on the water tonight holding your hand.”

A post on Gary’s official FB page by Team Genesis assured his fans that the show would go on: “No weapon formed against me will prosper. – Gary”

The message continued: “Thank you everyone for your prayers, especially our Dec. 22 ticket buyers for your patience and understanding. The decision of Gary came with much prayer. We will see you later tonight 8 p.m. …”

Dynamic entrance

Opening the concert with “Shout for Joy,” Gary made a dynamic entrance, jumping from a pit in the stage. He slipped slightly upon his arrival, but he quickly recovered and powered through the number. The audience erupted in cheers, captivated by his boundless energy.

Media personality Kata Inocencio marvelled at Gary’s 

resilience in an FB post: “He is Mr. Pure Energy indeed! No trace of illness and emergency hospitalization the other day… Yahoo! Yahweh!”

Gary told his audience about the challenge he had to overcome, how close he came to cancelling. “At 8:15 a.m., my wife Angeli came up to me and said, ‘You’re going to be great, Gary.’ I told her, ‘I cannot do this concert, I cannot.’ But she believed that while I couldn’t do it, God could,” he said.

The concert featured a stellar lineup of collaborators. SB19 joined Gary for a heartfelt rendition of “Babalik Ka Rin.” Gloc-9, Jay Durias, and Gary’s daughter, Kiana Valenciano-Tolentino, added their unique artistry to the show. The Maneuvers, A-Team, AC Bonifacio, Darren Espanto, and Gary’s son Gabriel added energy to upbeat hits like “Hataw Na” and “Sa Yahweh.”

The night was also highlighted by Gary’s eldest son, Paolo, who directed the concert. In an emotional tribute, Gary told Paolo: “To say that I am proud of you is too much of an understatement, son. I love you so dearly. You are such an example to your brother and your sister.”

The concert lasted over two hours, with Gary pausing periodically to rest, hydrate, and monitor his condition.

Near the end, he delivered a moving 10-minute speech, emphasizing that the concert is not a farewell but a step toward a new chapter. Fans were treated to a teaser of his upcoming documentary, “Pure Energy.” 

“I know that God said, ‘You’re gonna step on that stage tonight, Gary, and you’re gonna shine for me,’” he said, his voice filled with gratitude.

Unforgettable show 

The Friday-night concert may have been shortened, but it was still an unforgettable show, earning standing ovations from Gary’s fans and friends.

In posts to a group chat with media friends, Angeli and close family friend Bobby Quitain narrated the dramatic events leading up to and during the abbreviated concert.

According to Angeli, Gary’s condition was critical hours before the show. “My cousin, nephrologist Dr. Chad Hizon, was already scheduled to attend the concert, but I asked him to come earlier for a pre-concert consultation,” she said. 

“Together with endocrinologist Dr. Michael Villa and cardiologists Dr. Rod Castro and Dr. Enrique Posas, they monitored Gary’s health closely. Dr. Villa even warned, ‘He cannot do this concert unless he has a drip that would balance his electrolytes. He could go into diabetic ketoacidosis.’”

Hizon found it difficult to find a vein for the IV drip due to Gary’s dehydration, but after a prayer from Pastor Ed de Guzman, the situation turned around.

“Five minutes after the prayer, Dr. Chad found the vein, and Gary was stabilized. Thirty minutes later, he was on stage performing,” Angeli recounted.

8 songs

Gary managed to sing eight songs, including such crowd favorites as “Shout for Joy,” “Di na Natuto,” “Take Me Out of the Dark,” and “The Warrior Is a Child.”

“Imagine that,” Angeli said. “Eight songs. I’m awake in the hospital thanking God.”

Quitain, a lawyer and longtime admirer of Gary, posted in awe: “Yes, Gary V. cut short a two-hour concert into an hour, but this was perhaps his most moving and awe-inspiring concert ever. Drenched in sweat and with an IV [drip] attached to his hand, Gary gave his best with every song he sang. He occasionally caught his breath, but his passion and faith shone through.”

The emotional highlight of the night was Gary’s testimony of God’s grace and his performance of “The Warrior Is a Child” and “Take Me Out of the Dark.” The crowd was moved to tears, many raising their hands in prayer and gratitude for the artist.

“He wears his faith on his sleeve,” Quitain said. “Tonight, we saw not just Gary Valenciano, the artist, but Gary Valenciano, the man. Lord, of all the nights we could have attended, thank you for bringing us to this one.”

Gary was immediately taken to hospital after the show. Support poured in, with family and friends such as Cory Vidanes, Gina Tabuena Godinez, and Gary’s sister Gina Martinez rushing to check on him.

His perseverance and unwavering faith left a lasting impact on the audience, reinforcing his status as an artist of not only immense talent but also deep spirituality.

For the thousands who witnessed the unforgettable evening, Gary Valenciano’s performance was a testament to grace under pressure, the power of faith, and the indomitable spirit of a true warrior.

Read more: A little night of music