Daily Tribune'Take Me Out of the Dark' was the finale before Gary V bowed on each side of the concert stage, knelt and kissed the center part of stage, lights slowly fading.
Gary Valenciano.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEFFERSON FERNANDO FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE
Gary Valenciano with son Gabriel.
SB19
Darren Espanto
GLOC 9
Opening his “Pure Energy: One More Time” concert last 22 December with the 1991 hit “Shout 4 Joy” a la Michael Jackson, Gary Valenciano gave a big spectacle for loyal and new fans at the Big Dome.
This stunt was nerve-wracking for a moment when Gary didn’t land on his feet and lost his balance, but he managed to regain everything when he performed.
The first special guest was seasoned rapper Gloc9, singing with him their collaborative single “Walang Pumapalakpak,” a song whose positive message is that one must keep giving one’s best even if no one applauds.
One of the most favorite parts of the concert was SB19’s special number with Mr. Pure Energy, as they gave a fresh take on the classic OFW song “Babalik Ka Rin.The P-pop group also performed “Gento.”
Gary’s only daughter Keanna Valenciano-Tolentino and Darren Espanto performed timeless Gary V love songs such as “Sana Maulit Muli” and “Each Passing Night.”
In the middle of the show, Gary V admitted that they didn’t follow the original sequencing of the concert due to his present condition.
“Hindi namin sinunod ang (We did not follow with the plan for the) original show. Kung ano yung kaya ko yun ang ginagawa namin (What I am able to do, that’s what we are doing). I was at the hospital because of dehydration,” Gary said.
The seasoned performed also admits that they had to take out parts of the show to consider his health condition.
“May part na inalis kami for tonight’s show — yung movie theme songs medley. Sa portion na yun manggagaling kasi ako sa audience area at iikot ako dyan sa inyo (There was a part we had to take out of the show — the one with the movie theme songs medley. For that portion, I would be coming from the audience area and would go around),” he added.
One special part of the concert was when Gary V acknowledged his first-born son Paolo, who was also directing the show.
“Paolo, you don’t know how much I love you; you are today’s best concert director and I’m so proud! You’re a shining example to Gabriel and Keanna, and a good father to your children,” he said.
The concert was at its peak with the medley of dance hits where all of the audience stood up and danced with Gary V to the timeless “Hataw Na” and “Sa Yahweh.”
The multi-awarded performer also clarified that he is not retiring, but just closing the chapter where he has solo concerts in big venues, and he is excited for new things coming his way.
“Take Me Out of the Dark” was the finale before Gary V bowed on each side of the concert stage, knelt and kissed the center part of stage, lights slowly fading.
