How does a 60-year-old diabetic, fresh out of the hospital for severe dehydration and still sporting a Heplock and a blood sugar monitor, transform into an electrifying force of nature onstage?

The answer lies in Gary Valenciano’s own words: “I wasn’t running on empty. I was running on fumes from God.”

The second night of his two-night concert, "Pure Energy: One More Time," held Sunday, December 23, at the Araneta Coliseum, was nothing short of miraculous. Just two nights earlier, Gary had been rushed to the hospital mid-performance, leaving fans worried and expectations for a follow-up show uncertain. Yet, against all odds, he returned to the stage with an indomitable spirit powered by unwavering faith.

The show kicked off with a bang as Gary leapt onto the stage during his opener, “Shout for Joy.” A brief slip during his dramatic entrance could have fazed anyone else, but in true Gary V fashion, he laughed it off and turned it into fuel for an electrifying performance.

Despite periodic pauses to hydrate and monitor his blood sugar, Gary poured his heart out, delivering a show that inspired as much as it entertained. His candor about his health struggles added a profound layer of vulnerability, especially for fans who’ve followed him since his “Bagets” days and iconic anthem, “Growing Up.”

At one poignant moment, Gary revealed the Heplock still attached to his arm, a stark reminder of his fragile condition. But instead of letting it dampen the mood, he used it to testify about his faith: “God said, ‘You’re gonna step on that stage tonight, Gary, and you’re gonna shine for me.’”

The night was as much a celebration of collaboration and legacy as it was of his extraordinary resilience.

Gary performed “Walang Pumapalakpak” alongside rapper Gloc-9, with giant animated hands clapping on the massive LED backdrop. He followed it up with a soulful rendition of “Babalik Ka Rin,” a tribute to Overseas Filipino Workers, this time joined by the Philippines’ top P-pop group, SB19. They brought the house down with SB19’s viral hit “Gento,” as Gary matched their signature moves with his own unmistakable flair.

Adding to the familial warmth of the night, Gary’s children took the stage. Daughter Kiana and rising star Darren Espanto joined him in a tender ballad medley, while his son Gabriel brought high-energy grooves to classics like “Hataw Na” and “Growing Up,” with AC Bonifacio and the original and new Maneuvers dance crew.

But the show’s most touching moment came when Gary honored his son Paolo, who directed the concert. Known for helming major events for acts like SB19, Ben&Ben, and the Eraserheads, Paolo’s work brought Gary’s vision to life. His father’s heartfelt words of admiration revealed a side of Gary not just as a performer but as a deeply loving family man and devout believer.

As the night drew to a close, Gary left his fans teary-eyed but hopeful. Sharing a vision he had 15 years ago, he declared: “This may be the last big show I do for God. But this is not the last big act God will do for me.”

He then performed his deeply personal anthem, “Take Me Out of the Dark,” leaving the audience in awe of his unshakable faith.

"Pure Energy: One More Time" was more than just a concert—it was a worship service, glorifying the Divine Source of the purest energy that fuels Gary Valenciano. For 90 unforgettable minutes, Gary showed what it means to live fully by faith, leaning on God’s promises: “He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world.”

Through faith, family, and his unquenchable thirst to share joy and hope to his countrymen, Gary proved once again why he is—and always will be—the one and only Mr. Pure Energy.