Hataw Na! Gary Valenciano wants to try acting anew


At a glance

  • Gary V debuted in the movie "Hotshots" in 1984. He also appeared in popular films such as "Maria Went To Town," "Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos," "Papa's Girl," "Rock-a-bye Baby," and more.


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Gary Valenciano (Images courtesy of ABS-CBN)

Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano has revealed his deep longing to return to acting. He has left an indelible mark on the music industry, and his fans have missed his onscreen presence. With his remarkable talent and versatility, it's no surprise he is willing to take on a challenging role. 

"I don't mind acting again," said Gary V during a recent interview for ABS-CBN's online program "On Cue." My doors are open for other artistic ventures. I don’t mind going back into acting a bit more. If the right opportunity comes, I will keep myself open to that."

Gary V, 59, said his last on-screen appearance was for the movie 'I Doo Bee Doo Bee Do', which he did with Ogie Alcasid, Sam Concepcion, and Tippy Dos Santos in 2012. 

"I missed doing that. Many young people today may recognize me from my performance in 'Joseph The Dreamer' at the theater. But that's a very small market compared to what people might see in the movies.

He added, "If we had part two of 'Hataw Na' now, the way dance has become so much a part of young people's lives, I think something can be done.

“My doors are open for other artistic ventures. Like, I don’t mind going back into acting a bit more. If the right opportunity comes, I will keep myself open to that.

"There was a movie with Dayanara Torres ahead of its time. But it was my first movie with Star Cinema. So, who knows? We will see," said Gary V when he recalled the musical "Hataw Na" in 1995.

Gary V debuted in the movie "Hotshots" in 1984. He also appeared in popular films such as "Maria Went To Town," "Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos," "Papa's Girl," "Rock-a-bye Baby," and more.

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On April 16, Gary V marked another milestone in his 40-year showbiz career. He signed a contract with ABS-CBN’s premier talent agency, Star Magic, to become one of its official artists.

During the signing event, Gary V recounted his showbiz journey through decades and thanked ABS-CBN for its continued trust. He then shared his excitement about becoming the latest addition to the Star Magic family, noting that becoming part of its roster of stars is a reinvention in his 40-year career. He is looking forward to embracing an extended role in inspiring the youth.

“I am into mentoring and spending time with younger people, especially students. I went to various schools, colleges, and universities where I shared my life, and I will continue doing that. I have seen the impact on the hearts of these people, and that’s another thing I wanted to do,” he said.

With a career spanning four decades, Gary V has been a mainstay with ABS-CBN for 20 years—most notably as a multi-awarded host and performer for the country’s longest-running musical variety show, “ASAP Natin ‘To,” and serving as the voice to the theme songs of hit Kapamilya teleseryes.

After four decades in the entertainment industry, Gary V stated that he currently has a full plate in terms of career plans.

"I still want to do many things, so this is just a part. And the other things I want to do are exciting!" he said.

"I don't think slowing down is the right term because I'm still going on tour. I will be in 'ASAP US' in August and then go on tour. We might do a repeat of Back at the Museum. 

"Then, I plan to do an online show featuring songwriters. These are not singers. They are singer-songwriters. When I did Idol Philippines last year, most people who auditioned were songwriters.

Gary V with wife Angeli, COO for broadcast Cory Vidanes, Star Magic head Laurenti Dyogi, and manager Alan Real.jpg
Gary V with wife Angeli, COO for broadcast Cory Vidanes, Star Magic head Laurenti Dyogi, and manager Alan Real

"I don't think I will be dancing less, but the venue should be smaller. Paolo (Valenciano) even told me that, considering my age, only some people can do what I do," the multi-awarded musician said.

Alongside his electrifying acts on and off stage, Gary V has also been hands-on in honing the next generation of Kapamilya artists—serving as a celebrity judge and mentor in various talent shows, such as “X Factor Philippines,” “World of Dance Philippines,” “Your Face Sounds Familiar,” and most recently with “Idol Philippines” and “Tawag ng Tanghalan.”

Coinciding with his latest feat as a Kapamilya, Gary is gearing up for his major solo concert, “Pure Energy: One Last Time,” happening on April 26 and 27, 8 PM, with an additional show on May 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena. For tickets, visit smtickets.com or e-mail [email protected] for other inquiries.

Accompanying him during the signing event were his wife, Angeli Pangilinan Valenciano; children Paolo and Kiana; ABS-CBN’s COO for broadcast, Cory Vidanes; Star Magic head Laurenti Dyogi; and manager Alan Real. Also, ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak and chairman Mark Lopez warmly welcomed Gary V at the start of the event.

The event also saw ASAP performers Angela Ken, Khimo Gumatay, JM Yosures, Sheena Belarmino, and Jed Madela pay tribute to the country’s Mr. Pure Energy with their renditions of his timeless OPM classics. Forty Star Magic artists congratulated Gary V. through a heartwarming video message for his latest Kapamilya feat.

When asked how he feels about his success in the industry, Gary said, "I'll put it in one word. Kayo na ang bahala mag research what the word really means. It's called blessed. I don't deserve it, but that's what's been happening. I think it's going to continue for the years to come. I will be on the stage with thousands of people I have touched in their lives."