Fans keen to see Gary V in ‘miracle’ concert after heart surgery

Maricel Salubayba, who was president of his fans club in the 1990s, with Gary Valenciano.

Maricel Salubayba, who was president of his fans club in the 1990s, with Gary Valenciano.

By Cristina DC Pastor

After a very long time, Gary Valenciano – once known as the Michael Jackson of the Philippines – will be returning to New York for a solo concert at The Town Hall on April 14.

“It’s been a while,” according to Robert Mendoza and his wife Melissa of Mountaintop Productions who are co-producers of the concert “He’s Back: Gary V Live in New York.”

It will be the first time Gary is returning to do a major concert following an open-heart surgery and after doctors had declared he had no kidney cancer.

“This is a miracle for Gary,” said Robert. “He wanted to make this tour, to thank everyone for their support, thank everyone that he survived.”

Maricel Salubayba, who was president of the Gary V fans club in NYC in 1990, does not recall the last time Gary had a solo concert in New York and moonwalked his way back to his fans’ affections. Although her recollection is a rich one that goes way back 1988 when a concert for Gary was organized by a group of businessmen led by Jose Ojeda. That concert was held at Madison Square Garden. Since then Gary has been coming back every two or three years. She thinks Gary has had anywhere from 10 to 15 concerts in New York alone, 25 to 30 counting all his performances across the U.S. Maricel was in all of them, helping out as a production assistant. That’s how she came to know Gary and his family, sealing a friendship that has endured to this day. “I will be a PA again for this concert.”

Fans, like NaFFAA New York State Treasurer Jan Andrada, have remained steadfast in their admiration. They spoke of a man of tremendous talent, devoted to his family, and unshakeable in his Christian faith.

Whether dancing or singing a romantic ballad, Gary is known to exude ‘pure energy.’

Whether dancing or singing a romantic ballad, Gary is known to exude ‘pure energy.’

“Gary V is the real Mr. Pure Energy,” said Jan. “Every time he is on stage, he brings the house down. He sings, he dances, he communicates his energy to everyone.”

Real estate professional Edwin Josue, who was part of the group that originally set the stage for the first concert in 1988, said Gary is a kind and prayerful person.

“Mabait siya and very spiritual,” he recalled. “Every time there’s a meeting he would always invoke the Holy Spirit. He’s a Born-Again Christian.” He gave Gary and wife Angeli a tour around the city, and became a friend over the years.

Cherry Marmes Smyth, founder of KIDS Philippines, is another Gary adorer.

“I love Gary V!” she said. “We saw his concerts in Boston and New Jersey. His songs are inspirational and motivational. One thing I love about him is he never forgets to praise the Lord during his concert.”

Je Olaguera of Infinity Entertainment will be watching Gary for the first time.

“I’ve always wanted to watch his concerts when I was still in the Philippines, but never got the chance. So when I heard he’s going to be here, I secured tickets as close to the stage as possible. I have two VIP tickets,” she said. “I wish he’ll perform ‘Heto na Naman’ and ‘Each Passing Night.’ That’ll be awesome!”

Down-to-earth and very close to his family, was how Maricel remembered the remarkable performer who has charmed audiences since the 1980s with his ballads and spiritual songs, and vigorous dance moves. “He’s very interactive with his fans,” she said.

For her, the whole meaning of Gary’s upcoming concert is to see whether he is truly back “100 percent” as the livewire entertainer whose popularity has never waned through more than three decades.

“That’s what I want to see, his positive energy, that he can still do what he used to,” Maricel said.

And if not? “It will not disappoint me because I know he will do the best he can.”

© The FilAm 2019

Clockwise from top left: Je Olaguera, Jan Andrada, Edwin Josue, and Cherry Marmes Smyth with son.

Clockwise from top left: Je Olaguera, Jan Andrada, Edwin Josue, and Cherry Marmes Smyth with son.

Mountaintop Productions' Robert Mendoza and Melissa Rubio Mendoza. Photo by Miles dela Cruz

Mountaintop Productions’ Robert Mendoza and Melissa Rubio Mendoza. Photo by Miles dela Cruz



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