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Gary Valenciano on son Paolo directing SB19’s ‘Wakas at Simula’ concert: ‘I’m very proud of my son’

Article (news)

Alyana De Guzman

Push Team

<p>Gary Valenciano could not hide his pride as he paid tribute to his son, Paolo, for directing SB19’s <em>Wakas at Simula: The Trilogy Concert Finale</em> held on April 18 at the SMDC Festival Grounds. </p><p>In a video posted on May 1, Gary shared a compilation of behind-the-scenes moments showing Paolo at work during SB19’s biggest concert to date. As the clips played, the OPM icon narrated his sentiments, offering a deeply personal look into how it felt to witness both the spectacle of the concert and his son’s leadership behind it. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2026/4/18/exclusive-paolo-valenciano-on-working-with-sb19-they-are-so-passionate-1613"><strong><u>READ: EXCLUSIVE: Paolo Valenciano on working with SB19: ‘They are so passionate’</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>Gary began by expressing admiration for SB19, while also noting how meaningful it is for him to see Paolo’s children, Leia and Luch, present while their father does what he loves. </p><p>“Alam niyo grabe talaga ang SB19, I was so proud of them and I always will be... This is one concert I think stands to be one of the very best ever staged. And I love it when he has his kids around.” </p><p>He also took a moment to commend the concert’s live voiceover by Inka Magnaye, admitting he is a fan of her voice even without having met her personally. As the video showed Paolo before the show started, Gary highlighted his son’s focus and instinct as a director, particularly in setting up the tone even before the concert officially began. </p><p>“Hindi pa nga nag-uumpisa ‘yong concert nagbibigay na siya ng mga cue kasi importante talaga sa kanya ‘yong mga opening ng shows... Itong si Paolo kasi, through the years, he&#x27;s learned how to... alam niya, basta alam niya kung kailan at kung paano kiligin ang mga fans. In this case A’TIN.” </p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=315&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F27103641059227903%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=560&amp;t=0" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>“You know, you milk the moment na wala pa sila sa stage, naririnig mo na ‘yong hiyawan ng tao. Galing, galing talaga ng concert na ‘to,&quot; he added.  </p><p>The OPM icon also shared a candid moment when a minor timing issue occurred before the show but emphasized the responsibility a director carries in ensuring everything pushes through seamlessly. </p><p>“But you are the captain of the ship, you’re the director of the show, you call the shots and you make sure that the show must go on... What’s important is that you enjoy the show yourself.” </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/events/2026/4/20/sb19-delivers-grandest-concert-yet-with-wakas-at-simula-the-trilogy-concert-finale-1928"><strong><u>READ: SB19 delivers grandest concert yet with ‘Wakas at Simula: The Trilogy Concert Finale’</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>Watching his son in action, Gary admitted it felt like witnessing two performances at once. </p><p>“Siyempre enjoy din si Paolo. It feels good to see my son working like this. Parang I was watching two shows in one. Tapos ‘pag nakita niyo ‘yong A’TIN na sumabay sa kanilang iniidolo, nakakataba talaga ng puso.” </p><p>He also pointed out the unseen demands of directing, even recalling a moment when Paolo had to quickly change his shirt due to sweat while continuing to give cues. </p><p>As highlights of the concert flashed, including performances of “Dunka” and “Mapa,” Gary reflected on the emotional impact of the show, comparing it with previous productions but noting something uniquely special about this finale. </p><p>&quot;Alam niyo sa concert na ‘to, parang there was something really special about this. Parang feel na feel ko ang bawat kanta. Alam niyo napanood ko ‘yong <em>Simula at Wakas</em> eh na grabe din. Pero itong <em>Wakas at Simula</em>, parang mula sa umpisa hanggang sa dulo ng concert na ‘to, it was undeniably something that had so much heart and so much soul.” </p><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXTa77gkzlQ/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A1229817.2000000477%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="889" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>He went on to commend Paolo’s commitment, especially as the concert reached its closing moments with SB19 performing “Shooting for the Stars.” </p><p>“And to see my son calling the shots, making sure na kung ano ang ipre-present sa A’TIN ay ang pinakamagaling na performances ng SB19. And what fascinated me was ito ‘yong isa sa mga last songs na ‘to eh, pero committed pa rin si Paolo to direct it until the very last song,&quot; he said. </p><p>&quot;There&#x27;s nothing else to direct when a concert is flowing the way it did that night. Kaya super proud talaga ako,” he maintained.  </p><p>Gary ended his message with a sincere note, congratulating both the group and his son. </p><p>“Congratulations to SB19 for all the concerts that they’ve done, especially this one. And I’m very proud of my son Paolo. This was Wakas at Simula, SB19’s biggest concert directed by my son Paolo Valenciano. Congrats son, I love you.&quot; </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2026/3/24/sb19-marks-new-era-with-wakas-at-simula-highlighting-growth-and-global-reach-0838"><strong><u>READ: SB19 marks new era with ‘Wakas at Simula’, highlighting growth and global reach</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>Fans and followers echoed Gary’s sentiments in the comment section, many touched not only by the concert but by the father’s perspective behind the tribute. </p><p>“Everyone was looking at SB19, but you were looking at your son 🥹🤧,” one wrote. </p><p>“You&#x27;re so heartwarming in narrating, Sir Gary. I don&#x27;t know if I&#x27;m crying as a fan or as a parent who&#x27;s super proud of your child 💙. It&#x27;s really something,” another added. </p><p>“I can feel the pride of a father to his son. You were like a father watching his son in a recital that no matter how he looks all i can imagine from your voice is a loving proud father! Thank you sir Gary V! Direk Pao you did awesome as always!” another fan shared. </p><p>The <em>Wakas at Simula: The Trilogy Concert Finale</em> marked SB19’s fourth major collaboration with Paolo, a partnership that continues to grow stronger. In 2025, the group and Paolo were recognized with the Concert of the Year Award for the <em>Simula at Wakas World Tour </em>kickoff at the Philippine Arena during the first-ever Filipino Music Awards.</p><div> </div>

<p>Gary Valenciano shares how proud he is of his son Paolo following the successful staging of SB19’s 'Wakas at Simula: The Trilogy Concert Finale.'</p>

Gary Valenciano shares how proud he is of his son Paolo following the successful staging of SB19’s 'Wakas at Simula: The Trilogy Concert Finale.'