Gary Valenciano facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gary Valenciano
Valenciano performing in Toronto in 2014
Born	Edgardo Jose Santiago Valenciano (1964-08-06) August 6, 1964 (age 60) Santa Mesa, Manila, Philippines
Occupation	Singer musician dancer record producer actor television host reality show judge
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) Maine Mendoza (distant relative)
Musical career
Genres	OPM pop inspirational
Instruments	Vocals piano drums percussion
Years active	1982–present
Labels	Star Music Vicor Music Universal Records

Edgardo Jose "Gary" Santiago Valenciano (born August 6, 1964) is a famous Filipino singer and actor. People know him for his amazing singing, dancing, and acting skills. He has won many awards, like 12 Awit Awards and 3 FAMAS Awards. He is also known as "Mr. Pure Energy" because of his lively performances!

Gary Valenciano started his career in 1984 with his first album. Since then, he has appeared in many movies and TV shows. He has performed with big international artists like Brian McKnight and Ricky Martin. Besides music, Gary is also a kind person who helps others. He was the first UNICEF National Ambassador for the Philippines for 25 years, helping children in need.

He was chosen to sing the anthem "Heart of the Games" at the Asian Games in Qatar. He also performed at the Asian Television Awards in Malaysia. Today, he is still a main host on the TV show ASAP on ABS-CBN.

Early Life and School

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 a talented opera singer in the 1960s. Gary went to primary and secondary school at La Salle Green Hills.

Gary's Amazing Career

Gary Valenciano first appeared on TV in 1978. He was just 14 years old and starred in a commercial for a soft drink. He started as a choir singer. Then, he officially began his singing and show business career on May 13, 1983.

Becoming "Mr. Pure Energy"

Gary first performed as a solo artist in 1982 on TV shows like The Pilita and Jackie Show. In April 1984, he had his first big concert at the Araneta Coliseum. He released many albums, and three of them were even released internationally. One of these was a Christian-inspired album called Out of the Dark.

He has won the Awit Award twelve times for "Best Male Recording." People call him "Mr. Pure Energy" because of his super energetic dance moves during his concerts!

Acting and Inspirational Music

Gary is also a talented actor. He won an award for "Best Single Performance by an Actor" for a TV drama movie in the 1990s. He has been the main actor in 14 full-length films. He starred alongside famous actresses like Vilma Santos and Sharon Cuneta.

As an inspirational artist, Gary has recorded many Christian albums. He even made a music video for a song he co-wrote called "Could You Be Messiah" in 1994. He performed for over 10,500 evangelists at an event in Amsterdam in 2000. He is also a member of the board for Christian Broadcasting Network.

Performing Around the World

Gary Valenciano has performed all over the world! He has sung in North America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. In the 1980s and 1990s, some people called him "the Michael Jackson of the Philippines." He still holds concerts globally in big venues.

In 1998, he became the first National Ambassador for UNICEF Philippines. This means he helps UNICEF raise awareness and money for children. In 2006, he sang the theme song "Side By Side" for the 2006 Asian Games. In 2008, he visited a former war zone to celebrate his tenth year as a UNICEF Ambassador.

Gary returned to acting in 2008. He appeared in the TV drama Maalaala Mo Kaya, playing a prisoner who finds faith. He was nominated for an acting award for this role. In 2009, he released an album called As 1 with Martin Nievera.

For his 25th anniversary in 2008, a special album called GV 25 was released. It featured famous Filipino singers performing songs Gary wrote. For his 30th anniversary in 2013, his concert "ARISE" won "Best Concert of the Year." His album With You also won "Best Inspirational Album."

Helping Others: Philanthropy

In 1989, Gary Valenciano started the Shining Light Foundation. This foundation helps people with diabetes. It also has a scholarship program that has helped many students achieve their dreams.

Gary's Family Life

Gary Valenciano married Maria Anna Elizabeth "Angeli" Pangilinan on August 6, 1984. Angeli is the sister of former senator Francis Pangilinan. Gary and Angeli have three children:

• Paolo Valenciano: He is a director and the singer for the band Salamin.
• Gabriel Valenciano: He is also a singer, keyboard player, dancer, and director.
• Kiana Valenciano: She is a model and a singer-songwriter.

The family lives in Antipolo, Philippines.

Gary has type 1 diabetes. He has been an endorser for products related to this condition. In May 2018, 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.

In April 2019, Gary's mother passed away in Florida after being ill.

Music Awards and Nominations

Gary Valenciano has won many awards for his music. Here are some of them:

Film and Television Awards

Gary has also won awards for his work in movies and TV shows.

FAMAS Awards

Golden Screen TV Awards

Other Special Awards

• He is the first artist in the world to have a special Sennheiser microphone named after him (Sennheiser Evolution Series 2001).
• He is the first and current UNICEF National Ambassador of Goodwill in the Philippines (1998–present).
• Stargate People Asia 2024 Men Who Matter - Legacy Awardee.

Images for kids

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  Gary Valenciano performing in Toronto in 2014

See also

In Spanish: Gary Valenciano para niños