What to expect from the upcoming documentary on Gary Valenciano

MANILA — Gary Valenciano’s upcoming documentary will focus on the five concerts that made up his final “Pure Energy” shows, rather than chronicle his more than four decades in the entertainment industry, the singer said.

In an interview on “KC After Hours,” hosted by Karmina Constantino, Valenciano said he wants to be closely involved in the documentary’s creative process, including its music, to ensure that it reflects his vision.

“The documentary that’s coming up is not a documentary on the entire 40-year span or 42,” he said. “ung gumawa ako ng documentary, I’m not just a person who will leave it in the hands of others, and then kayo na ang bahala. No, it’s a documentary on me.”

He added that he wants to avoid making the film sound self-congratulatory.

“I don’t want it to sound self-glorifying because I’m going to be on top of that. I want to make sure the music is right. I want to make sure, and I’d be watching all of these,” he said.

Instead of covering his entire career, the documentary will focus on the five performances that made up his “Pure Energy: One Last Time” and “Pure Energy: One More Time” concerts.

The first concert had three shows, followed by two repeat performances at the Araneta Coliseum after fans asked for more.

“So I decided, let’s make the documentary just on the final four, five pages of Pure Energy: One Last Time,” Valenciano said. “This one was just on the concert. And why it was called ‘One Last Time.’”

In the interview, Valenciano stressed that he is not retiring but is just opening a new chapter.

“I’m putting a close to the chapter of the big solo stadium concerts. Meaning, if I step out on a stage like that again, it must be in collaboration with somebody else. That I can still do,” Valenciano explained.

Valenciano is currently completing his intimate 10-show concert series “Gary V: Back at the Museum” at the Music Museum in San Juan City.

Asked if there’s anything more that he is willing to give, Valenciano said: “I don’t know if there’s anything more that I can give, except to maintain the idea of giving nothing less than 100% of myself to the people who want to see me at that level. I  will always have a difficult time forgiving myself if I know that I did a concert where I didn’t give 100% and people are still ‘ahhh’ no. To give? I will just continue, and I think it will be like that until my final heartbeat,” Valenciano said.

Valenciano said he continues to give his all in performances because he believes his music can offer hope to people facing difficult times.

“There are people who come to concerts that don’t come to be entertained. They’re hoping to hear even just one song that could somehow bring a little hope into their lives,” he said, adding that touching people’s lives matters more to him than awards.

The singer also reflected on how he has survived health challenges, including diabetes and cancer, and said he hopes his experience can inspire others to find hope in their own lives.

“If God has been good to me, and I know I don’t deserve any of it, then what disqualifies others from feeling the goodness of God?” he said.