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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider Gary Valenciano opens up on his son Gab's mental health journey

Gary Valenciano opens up on his son Gab's mental health journey

Published Aug 20, 2026 11:57 am  |  Updated Aug 20, 2026 01:39 pm
Gab Valenciano with parents Angeline and Gary Valenciano (Instagram)
Gab Valenciano with parents Angeline and Gary Valenciano (Instagram)
(Trigger warning: Suicide/Self-harm)
Gary Valenciano shared that his son, Gab Valenciano, is doing “extremely well” while continuing to work on his mental health.
In a recent interview, the singer-songwriter looked back on the difficult experiences Gab faced and how he overcame them with the support of those around him.
"We encountered problems with Gabriel. We noticed that he had that middle child syndrome that most people talk about, but it was not just that,” Gary said
He then shared how Gab called him early one morning to apologize for doing something he never expected he could do to himself.
Gary recalled the moment as an adrenaline rush, as he and his wife, Angeli, immediately rushed to Gab’s house.
"We were in bed, and we rushed to his place. To make the long story short, we were able to enter his place.  It was messy, he didn’t look good, and I ended up carrying him on my back from his room to the elevator," Gary said.
After rushing his son to the hospital, Gary disclosed that Gab was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.
But things didn't end there.
Gary also recalled how something similar happened while he and his wife were in the US. Thankfully, that time Gab's then-girlfriend stayed by his side and helped get him to safety.
"His ex-girlfriend, who I’m thankful for, was holding on to him as he was latching on to the railing of his 27-storey condominium. He stepped out of the ledge and was hanging on to the rail with one finger. He was looking at her and said ‘look I just have to let go of this finger and it’s gonna be quick," Gary recalled.
That was then. Today, Gab is doing really well.
"He’s become a spokesperson, actually, for people who are going through a mental health issue,” related Gary.
****
If you or a loved one is in need of help, the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) has trained respondents to properly deal with those in need. Contact the hotline at 0917-899-USAP (8727) / 0917-989-8727.

Related Tags

Gary Valenciano Gab Valenciano Depression SUICIDE
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