Vlad Bunoan

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An emotional Gary V mounts the Big Dome stage again

Leah C. Salterio

<p>Performing at the Big Dome anew on Thursday, July 31, was a bit emotional for “Mr. Pure Energy” Gary Valenciano.</p><p>Last December, Valenciano left the Araneta Coliseum stage after only a few songs as he was rushed to the hospital after suffering from food poisoning. It was the first time he ended his concert prematurely.</p><p>He had to cut short his performance for the first night of “Gary V: Pure Energy, One More Time,” and announced it himself.</p><p>But that wasb then. On Thursday, Valenciano proudly wowed the crowd with his energetic opening number, “Shout 4 Joy”, for Alagang Suki Fest 2025, the joint celebration to mark the milestone 80th anniversaries of two iconic and household brands – Unilab and Mercury Drug.</p><p>Valenciano was huffing and puffing when he finished his number.</p><p>“This is real,” said Valenciano about his health. “I really get this after a high energy number. It’s hard to live up to the expectations of the people.”</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1754029096471IMG_0777.jpeg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Gary V headlines the joint 80th anniversaries of Unilab and Mercury Drug. Leah Salterio " style="width:950px"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Gary V headlines the joint 80th anniversaries of Unilab and Mercury Drug. <em>Leah Salterio</em><em></em><em></em> </span></span></span></div><p>Valenciano is turning 61 on August 6,  yet he cannot be any happier that he got to join the Alagang Suki Fest 2025. “Congratulations on 80 strong years of Unilab and Mercury Drug,” he said.</p><p>He then crooned “Huwag Mo Na Sanang Isipin,” one of his early hits it the &#x27;80s. He was joined by RJ de la Fuente in “Blessings,” a beautiful, inspirational tune.</p><p>Valenciano delivered a powerhouse performance that had the audience singing along to his timeless hits – “Di Bale na Lang,” “Hataw Na” (backed up by Manoevres Ignite and A-Team) and a medley of his popular ballads in “Each Passing Night,” “Reaching Out,” “Sana Maulit Muli” and “Narito.” </p><p>It was a historic night of surprises, music and celebration. The Smart Araneta Coliseum was energized with good music, positive energy and heartfelt gratitude as a fun-filled and emotional tribute to the generations of Filipinos they have served through decades.</p><p>The night kicked off with an opening number by the international award-winning Filipino dance crew, Legit Status, who set the tone for a high-energy celebration.</p><p>Mayonnaise brought their signature rock anthems and rendered their version of the hit ballad, “Ipagpatawad Mo.”</p><p>Young artists Maki and Darren Espanto serenaded the crowd with their soulful voices and undeniable charm.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/music/2025/8/1/-dilaw-hitmaker-maki-announces-debut-album-at-alagang-suki-fest-2025-0923">‘Dilaw’ hitmaker Maki announces debut album at Alagang Suki Fest 2025</a></div><p>Espanto dished out “Di Makaramdam,” “In Love Ako sa ‘Yo” from his debut album after he joined “The Voice Kids” and also gave a sample of his latest single, the “Pinoy Big Brother” eviction theme song, “Paalam Muna Sandali,”</p><p>The nation&#x27;s girl group, BINI, lit up the stage with their vibrant energy and colorful visuals that started with their hit, “Pantropiko.” They proved anew why they are one of the hottest OPM acts in the country today.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEOS:</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EB7jD7LjVfI?autoplay=1&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></strong><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EboTWBmT9oA?autoplay=1&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5pkpfaYBD3w?autoplay=1&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>