Gary V. not sensitive on jokes about his faith and spirituality

Sometimes even the upright gets pissed off when their very image is made fun of. Not Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano who claims he is far from getting sensitive about jokes borne out of his being the country’s most popular inspirational artist.

In the recent sold-out Big Dome concert of pop star Sarah Geronimo, Gary’s goody-goody image became a source of punch line for guest Ai-Ai delas Alas as she told the mostly young crowd during her time on stage, "Naku, hindi tayo pwede magbastos dito. Nandito si Gary V!"

The Comedy Concert Queen’s remark solicited immediate laughter throughout the

arena and serve as one of her most memorable adlibs of the night.

Gary V., in a presscon to promote his upcoming concert for Philippine General Hospital’s centenary, told interviewers, "I’m not sensitive about that. It wasn’t meant to offend me and it was made just to make people laugh."

He added, "Kami ni Ai-Ai okay kami. I won’t feel offended if something like that comes off her. Natutuwa lang ako kapag some people do such kind of remark."

On a positive perspective, Ai-Ai’s joke should be more of a compliment to Gary because it only affirmed how (basing on the crowd’s reaction) he is regarded by many as a straight man. Yet, not all people hearing jokes at their expense may find it right and cool all the time.

One of the country’s most successful entertainers is off to perform a fund-raising concert on August 17 at the Manila Hotel Fiesta Pavilion. Showtime is 8:30 p.m. preceeded by a dinner at 6:30 p.m.

Entitled "Handog ni Gary V sa PGH," the show’s proceeds will go to modernizing, upgrading, rehabilitating, and reinventing the PGH.

"He epitomizes the world-class, compassionate Filipino artist. It’s easy for us to choose the lead performer to the evening gala at Manila Hotel," expressed PGH Medical Foundation president Dr. Greg Alvior.

Other performers for the said event under the musical direction of Mon Faustino are Gary‘s sons Paolo and Gabrielle, Karylle, Powerplay, and guest vocalists May Ann Soriano and Tricia Amper Jimenez.

Gary V. is partly inspirational as a poster boy for diabetes management, earning him the tag ‘living miracle’ as pointed out by a doctor for his successful battle over the illness for almost three decades now.

"The worth of my upcoming show for PGH is not paying back but encouraging people which is my work as an inspirational artist," said the ever-energetic performer whose inspirational dance song "Shake It Off" won the Best Dance at the pre-20th Awit Awards wherein trophies for technical categories were given. Yesterday, he vied for other awards with his long list of nominations at the Awards night proper held at NBC Tent.

Last month, the singer-songwriter behind hit tracks "Shout For Joy," "Take Me Out of the Dark" and "Sana Maulit Muli" was honored by De La Salle Alumni Association with a La Sallian Achievement Award along with George Yang of McDonald’s and broadcast journalist Mike Enriquez. He also visited Muslim towns in North Cotabato as National Ambassador for UNICEF.

Recently, he just finished an inspirational tour of Iloilo , Dumaguete, and Bacolod , followed by a North American Tour which fans described as "life changing."

Gary V., who celebrated his birthday last Monday, is excited about his upcoming 25th year anniversary in showbiz next year. He said that 25 events in connection to the milestone will be scattered throughout the year. He is also into recording right now which he plans to finish as a sequel to his ‘revival’ album in 2001.
YUGEL LOSORATA
Manila Bulletin