Gary Valenciano facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gary Valenciano
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![]() Valenciano performing in Toronto in 2014
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Born |
Edgardo Jose Santiago Valenciano
August 6, 1964 Santa Mesa, Manila, Philippines
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Occupation |
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Agent | Star Magic (2024–present) |
Spouse(s) |
Angeli Pangilinan
(m. 1984) |
Children | 3, including Gabriel and Kiana |
Relatives | Francis Pangilinan (brother-in-law) Leo Martinez (brother-in-law) Sharon Cuneta (co-sister-in-law) Maricel Laxa (co-sister-in-law) Chito Miranda (nephew-in-law) Neri Naig (niece-in-law) |
Musical career | |
Genres |
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Instruments |
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Years active | 1982–present |
Labels |
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Edgardo Jose "Gary" Santiago Valenciano (born August 6, 1964) is a famous Filipino singer and actor. He is known for his amazing musical talent and energetic performances. People often call him "Mr. Pure Energy" because of his lively dance moves on stage!
Gary has won many awards, including 12 Awit Awards and 3 FAMAS Awards. He started his career in 1984 with his first album. Over the years, he has also acted in many films and TV shows.
He has performed with big international artists like Brian McKnight and Ricky Martin. Besides music, Gary Valenciano is also known for his charity work. He was the first UNICEF National Ambassador for the Philippines, a role he has held for 25 years. This means he helps children in need.
Gary was chosen to sing the anthem "Heart of the Games" at the 15th Asian Games in Qatar. He also performed at the 23rd Asian Television Awards in Malaysia. Today, he is a main host on the TV show ASAP on ABS-CBN.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Gary Valenciano was born in Santa Mesa, Manila, on August 6, 1964. He is the sixth of seven children. His father, Vicente, was from Camalig, Albay, Philippines. His mother, Grimilda, was from Arecibo, Puerto Rico.
His parents met in New York City and later moved to Manila. Gary's mother was an opera singer in the 1960s. Gary went to primary and secondary school at La Salle Green Hills. He was also part of a singing group called Kundirana.
Gary's Amazing Career
Gary Valenciano first appeared on television in 1978 when he was 14. It was for a soft drink advertisement. He started his singing career officially on May 13, 1983. Before that, he was a choir singer.
He first performed as a solo artist in 1982 on TV shows like The Pilita and Jackie Show. His first big solo concert was in April 1984 at the Araneta Coliseum. He has released many albums since then. Three of his albums were even released internationally, including a Christian-inspired album called Out of the Dark.
Gary has won the Awit Award twelve times for "Best Male Recording." He is famous for his high-energy dance performances, which earned him the nickname "Mr. Pure Energy."
Acting and Inspirational Work
As an actor, Gary won an award for "Best Single Performance by an Actor" for a TV drama in the 1990s. He has starred in 14 movies with famous actresses like Vilma Santos and Sharon Cuneta.
Gary has also recorded many Christian albums. In 1994, he co-wrote a song called "Could You Be Messiah" for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. He performed for over 10,500 evangelists in Amsterdam in 2000. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees for Christian Broadcasting Network.
Global Performances and UNICEF Role
Gary Valenciano has performed all over the world, including North America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. In the 1980s and 1990s, he was called "the Michael Jackson of the Philippines." He continues to hold concerts in major venues worldwide.
In 1998, he became the first National Ambassador for UNICEF Philippines. This means he helps raise awareness and funds for children's rights and well-being. In 2006, he sang the theme song "Side By Side" for the 2006 Asian Games. In 2008, he visited a former war zone to mark his tenth year as a UNICEF Ambassador.
Gary returned to acting in 2008 in the drama show Maalaala Mo Kaya. He played a prisoner who found faith. In 2009, he released an album called As 1 with fellow singer Martin Nievera. For his 25th anniversary in 2008, STAR RECORDS released GV 25, an album of his songs sung by other Filipino stars. His 30th-anniversary concert, ARISE, won "Best Concert of the Year" in 2013.
Helping Others: Philanthropy
In 1989, Gary Valenciano started the Shining Light Foundation. This foundation helps people with diabetes and provides scholarships for students. Many of these students have won awards for their achievements.
Gary's Personal Life
Gary Valenciano married Maria Anna Elizabeth "Angeli" Pangilinan on August 6, 1984. Angeli is the sister of former senator Francis Pangilinan. They have three children: Paolo, who is a director and singer; Gabriel Valenciano, a singer, dancer, and director; and Kiana Valenciano, a model and singer-songwriter. The family lives in Antipolo.
Gary has been living with type 1 diabetes for a long time. He also supports wellness products related to this condition. In May 2018, after a performance, Gary had to have open heart surgery because of a blockage in his heart, which was related to his diabetes. The surgery was successful, and he recovered well.
On April 17, 2019, Gary's mother passed away in Florida after being ill.
Music and Film Works
Film Appearances
Year | Film | Role | Notes | Source |
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1984 | Hotshots | Mike Morales | Gary's first movie | |
1986 | Horsey-horsey: Tigidig-tigidig | Tommy | ||
Payaso | Short appearance | |||
1987 | Di bale na lang | Nelson | Main role | |
Maria Went to Town | Fernando | |||
1988 | Ibulong mo sa Diyos | Gilbert Tabuena | Main role | |
Rock-a-Bye Baby | Mike Montemayor | Main role | ||
Natutulog Pa Ang Diyos | Mark Vilchez | |||
1990 | Kung Tapos na ang Kailanman | Jeric Israel | Main role | |
Papa's Girl | Raffy Moreno | Main role | ||
Pangako ng Puso | Jerry Cortez | |||
1991 | Kaputol Ng Isang Awit | Johnny Abrigo | Main role | |
1995 | Hataw na | Robbie Mohica | Main role | |
1996 | SPO1 Don Juan: Da Dancing Policeman | Bicycle Cop | Short appearance | |
2005 | Gary V: Music Video Collection | Himself | Collection of his music videos | |
2007 | The Bicycle (Gulong) | Tito Lito | ||
2011 | Subject: I Love You | Choy | Based on the "I Love You" computer virus of 2000 | |
2012 | I Do Bidoo Bidoo: Heto nAPO Sila! | Nick Fuentebella |
Television Shows
Year | TV program | Role | Notes |
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1988, 1990, 1992 | Ryan Ryan Musikahan | Himself | Guest Performer |
1994 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Sendong | "Sandcastle" Season 3 episode 33 |
1995 | CBN Asia Holy Week Special | ||
1996 | Ikaw, Ako at Ang Awit | Adrian | GMA Telesine Specials |
1997–2003 | SOP | Himself | Main host/performer |
2001–2002 | Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin | Ricky Lopez | Short appearance |
2003–present | ASAP | Himself | Main host/performer |
2006 | Sa Ngalan Ng Anak: A CBN Asia Holy Week Special | ||
2009 | May Bukas Pa | Guest | |
2010 | The X Factor Philippines | Judge | |
2010–present | It's Showtime | Himself | Magpasikat 2010 Head Judge
TNT 1-6 Head Judge Magpasikat 2021 Head Judge |
2010 | Gulong: A CBN Asia Holy Week Special | ||
Twist and Shout | Himself | Host | |
2011 | Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin | Guest / Wedding singer | |
2012 | Walang Hanggan | ||
2013 | The Voice of the Philippines | Trust adviser of Sarah Geronimo | |
2015 | Your Face Sounds Familiar Season 1 | Jury | |
Your Face Sounds Familiar Season 2 | |||
2017 | Your Face Sounds Familiar: Kids Season 1 | ||
FPJ's Ang Probinsyano | Guest / Wedding Singer | ||
2018 | Your Face Sounds Familiar: Kids Season 2 | Jury | |
2019 | World of Dance Philippines | Judge | |
2021 | Your Face Sounds Familiar Season 3 | Jury | |
2022 | Idol Philippines (season 2) | Judge | |
2025 | Idol Kids Philippines | ||
Eat Bulaga! | Guest/Performer |
Awards and Recognitions
Gary Valenciano has received many awards for his music, films, and television work.
Music Awards
Year | Award giving body | Category | Nominated work | Results |
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1996 | GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards | Total Entertainer of the Year | N/A | Won |
1998 | GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards | Best Male Singer | N/A | Won |
2002 | MTV Pilipinas Music Award | Favorite Male Video | "Can We Just Stop and Talk Awhile" | Won |
2003 | Aliw Awards | Best Male Concert Performer | "XXTREME" | Won |
2004 | 17th Awit Awards | Best Performance by a Duet | "Sana Maulit Muli"(with Kyla) | Won |
2006 | 19th Aliw Awards | Best Male Performer in a Major Concert | "Thankful" | Won |
Entertainer of the Year | N/A | Won | ||
Hall of Fame | N/A | Won | ||
2007 | 20th Awit Awards | Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist | "In Another Lifetime" | Won |
MYX Music Awards | Favorite Male Artist | N/A | Nominated | |
Favorite Mellow Video | "You Give Me Reason" | Nominated | ||
2008 | 21st Awit Awards | Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist (Performance Award) | "Sana Maulit Muli" | Won |
Best Performance by a Duet | "Hard Habit To Break" with Jed Madela | Won | ||
Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist (People's Choice Award) | "Sana Maulit Muli" | Nominated | ||
2009 | 22nd Awit Awards | Best Ballad Recording | "When I Hear You Call" | Won |
Best Collaboration | "Letting Go" with Powerplay feat. Mon Faustino | Won | ||
Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist | "When I Hear You Call" | Nominated | ||
Best Dance Recording | "Shout For Joy Gabriel Valenciano Mix)" | Nominated | ||
Best Inspirational/Religious Recording | "When I Hear You Call" | Nominated | ||
Best Musical Arrangement | "When I Hear You Call" | Nominated | ||
Music Video of the Year | "When I Hear You Call" | Nominated | ||
GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards | Male Concert Performer of the Year | "Gary Live@25" | Won | |
2010 | 23rd Awit Awards | Best Ballad Recording | "Tayong Dalawa" | Won |
Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist | "How Can I" | Nominated | ||
Best Collaboration | "As 1" with Martin Nievera | Nominated | ||
Album of the Year | "As 1" with Martin Nievera | Nominated | ||
Best Rock/Alternative Recording | "AYT" with Sponge Cola | Nominated | ||
GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards | Male Recording Artist of the Year | N/A | Won | |
2011 | 24th Awit Awards | Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist | "Did It Ever" & "Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo" | Nominated |
Best Ballad Recording Artist | "Kung Tayo' Magkakalayo" | Nominated | ||
Best Christmas Recording | "Ngayong Pasko Magniningning ang Pilipino" with Toni Gonzaga & University of Santo Tomas Singers | Nominated | ||
2012 | 25th Awit Awards | Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist | "Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin" | Nominated |
2013 | 26th Awit Awards | Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist | "Hanggang sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan" | Won |
Best Ballad Recording | "Hanggang sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan" | Won | ||
Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist | "In Your Eyes" | Nominated | ||
2014 | 6th PMPC Star Awards for Music | Male Recording Artist of the Year | N/A | Won |
Concert of the Year | Arise 3.0 | Won | ||
2015 | 46th GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards | Male Concert Performer of the Year | Arise 3.0 | Won |
28th Awit Awards | Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist | "Saytay," "Kapalaran" | Nominated | |
Album of the Year | "With You" | Nominated | ||
Best Inspirational/Religious Recording | "Ipagpatuloy Mo, Galing ng Pilipino" | Won | ||
Best Dance Recording, Best Inspirational/Religious Recording | "Saytay" | Nominated | ||
Best Song Written For Movie/TV/Stage Play | "Ipagpatuloy Mo, Galing ng Pilipino" | Won | ||
2016 | 8th PMPC Star Awards for Music | Concert of the Year | "Gary V. Presents" | Nominated |
Compilation Album of the Year | "GOLD" | Won | ||
2017 | 8th Eduk Circle Awards | Most Influential Concert Performer | "Love in Motion" | Won |
Best Male Music Artist | "Wag Ka Nang Umiyak" | Nominated | ||
2018 | 9th PMPC Star Awards for Music | Levi Celerio Lifetime Achievement Award | (His overall contribution to OPM) | Won |
Best Album Design Cover of the Year | "Gary V. @ Primetime" | Won | ||
Compilation Album of the Year | "Gary V. @ Primetime" | Nominated | ||
Concert of the Year | "Love in Motion" | Nominated | ||
2019 | 10th PMPC Star Awards for Music | Male Recording Artist of the Year | "Ililigtas Ka Niya" | Nominated |
Film and Television Awards
FAMAS Awards
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
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1988 | Ibulong mo sa Diyos | Best Theme Song | Won |
1995 | Sana Maulit Muli | Best Theme Song | Won |
2000 | Dr. Ciriaco Santiago Memorial Award | Won | |
2006 | "Ikaw Lamang" for the movie Dubai | Best Theme Song | Won |
Golden Screen TV Awards
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
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2006 | Ikaw Lamang | Best Theme Song | Won |
2011 | ASAP Rocks | Outstanding Male Host in a Musical or Variety Program | Nominated |
2013 | I Do Bidoo Bidoo: Heto nAPO Sila! | Best Performance by an Actor in a Lead Role-Musical or Comedy | Nominated |
Other Special Awards
- First artist in the world to have a Sennheiser Special Edition microphone named after him – Sennheiser Evolution Series 2001
- First and current UNICEF National Ambassador of Goodwill in the Philippines, 1998–present
- Stargate People Asia 2024 Men Who Matter - Legacy Awardee
See also
In Spanish: Gary Valenciano para niños