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Gary Valenciano facts for kids

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Gary Valenciano
Gary Valenciano in Toronto 2014 02.jpg
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-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

Year Film Role Notes Source
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
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
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
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
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

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Gary Valenciano para niños

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