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 61) 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-in-law) Neri Naig (niece-in-law)
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. 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.

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

Television Shows

Awards and Recognitions

Gary Valenciano has received many awards for his music, films, and television work.

Music Awards

Film and Television Awards

FAMAS Awards

Golden Screen TV Awards

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