Gary Valenciano joins Star Magic
Begins a new chapter in his legacy of excellence
AFTER an illustrious 40-year journey in the entertainment industry, OPM’s iconic Mr. Pure Energy, Gary Valenciano, is stepping into an exciting new chapter by joining the prominent stable of artists at Star Magic Philippines.
ABS-CBN’s premiere talent management arm held a grand welcome for the beloved performer with no less than company president Mark Lopez, COO Cory Vidanes, Star Magic head Laurenti Dyogi, and Gary V.’s assigned Star Magic manager Alan Real surprising him with a memorabilia exhibit at the lobby of The Dolphy Theater in Quezon City, before proceeding to the formal contract signing.
Accompanying the man of the moment, of course, was his ever-present and supportive wife and now co-manager Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano and their talented children, top concert director Paolo Valenciano and singer Kiana.
While an unexpected move by Gary V. — who has reached the pinnacle of his career under his own company, Genesis Entertainment for decades — the ultimate performer animatedly shared how his entry into Star Magic came to be.
“To be accepted into a family like Star Magic [is a surprise for me] because I thought their focus was mainly on the youth,” he began.
He said he even asked at one point during the talks, “What’s my role in this?” and when told of the many possibilities was extremely excited.
The first is the opportunity for mentorship, of which Gary V. expressed is a role he is eager “to play for everyone.”
“Watch out for the projects that we are going to be working on. Maybe some of the projects may not be performing but still they will be projects that are meant to move and to make an impact in the hearts of young people, seasoned people, and I like that role. If that’s the role I’m supposed to play, I’ll play it,” he affirmed.
The revered artist’s dedication to mentoring is apparently part of a broader plan to use his music to reach and inspire people in new ways.
He assured fans though, “I do plan to continue [with my music] but I plan to do something else with [it]. Maybe that’s the one that people will really see, the reinvention. The sound people are used to, that might change a bit in the months and maybe years to come, but it’s all exciting.”
In response, Direk Lauren told the OPM icon, “It’s such an honor that in your 40th year in the industry, 20 [of those] were with ABSCBN and you allowed us to be part of your journey. It’s so humbling for us. But truly, you being with Star Magic now — you are setting a high standard for all the artists, [because] you’re not only an icon, you’re not only a legend but you are such an inspiration, and you embody all the values that we want every artist, especially the new ones [to have].
“Your quest for excellence — you do not compromise — , your perfectionism, your hard work and everything that you want is just the best and something that we really admire.”
This latest development in Gary V.’s storied career is truly very special for the artist, his family, his supporters and the industry as a whole.
As many know, the 59-yearold has had to hurdle many challenges to his health, among them, his life long condition of Type-1 diabetes, his recent bypass surgery and even kidney cancer at one point.
This new beginning with Star Magic, however, is a testament that Mr. Pure Energy has no intention of slowing down, even if his upcoming sold out concert, “Pure Energy One Last Time,” at the end of the month suggests otherwise.
The “One Last Time,” as explained earlier only means his last concert set of a massive scale, but definitely — and with Star Magic solidly behind him — there will be more — and more — to come from the irreplaceable Gary Valenciano.