Gary V proves 50 is the new 30

The long, boring 14-hour flight back to Manila from London turned exciting when singer Gary Valenciano started chatting with me and my British seatmate.

GARY VALENCIANO

He talked about many things, including how his son, Gab, has earned the title “International #Superselfie King” on strength of the number of YouTube hits the latter’s creative videos have earned.

Here’s the thing with Gary: when he talks, he actually moves and grooves, too. This is why I could not help but ask how old he is because he doesn’t seem to have aged from the time I worked with him. And that was 10 years ago!

“I’ll be turning 50 this Aug. 6 and I’m celebrating it with a concert in MOA on Aug. 2,” Gary said.

My seatmate and I could not believe our ears. The man in front of us looked more like he was just 35 years old!

My seatmate asked how he manages to look so young and Mr. Pure Energy replied, “I guess my problem turned into an advantage. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 14. When I got married, my doctor told my wife I only had a good 10 years if I don’t watch what I eat and exercise. By the grace of God, I’m still here.”

Born Edgardo Jose Martin Santiago Valenciano, Gary is half-Filipino, half-Puerto Rican. He grew up surrounded by music, his mother having been an opera singer famous in the ’60s.

Gary showed a great deal of musical talent at a young age. He began exploring and honing this by joining a choir, then going solo in 1982.

In 1984, Valenciano staged a successful concert. It signaled, in a major way, the start of a career that resulted in more than 20 best-selling albums.

Because of his diabetes, Gary struggled with hypoglycemia and often experienced complications due to low blood sugar.

“I would have knee abrasions from dancing and sliding on my knees but by some miracle of God, these would heal, which is very unlikely of a diabetic,” Gary shared.

“ARISE: Gary V 3.0 The Repeat” will be held at SM MOA Arena. Songbird Regine Velasquez will share the stage with Gary for the very first time in over 20 years. Also appearing as special guests are Gab and Kiana Valenciano, Iya Villania, The Maneuvers, A.K.A. JAM, LSDC Street, Tom Taus, DJ Papi and Sam Concepcion.

“ARISE” will again be a vehicle to raise funds for UNICEF, the Shining Light Foundation, Philippine Red Cross, and Operation Blessing Foundation for the benefit of the victims of typhoon “Yolanda.”

Gary V proves 50 is the new 30

Source: Mb.com.ph (July 29, 2014 at 10:00PM)

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