"Mr. Pure Energy" Gary Valenciano will perform live at 5 p.m. today at the north wing Event Centre of SM City in Bacolod, a press release from event organizers said.

Tomorrow, Gary V., or Edgardo Jose Martin Santiago Valenciano, will promote his Pure Inspirational Tour 2007, in a concert at 8 p.m. at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum.

The singer, composer, and actor completed his primary and secondary education at La Salle Greenhills and during his high school days joined the popular music group, Kundirana,

He first appeared on the Pilita and Jackie Show in 1982, but it was his performances in Germspesyal and Penthouse Live, which made people take notice and roused the interest of the mass audience, the press release said.

Gary V. has recorded more than 21 albums of which four have become gold (including the extended play of "Di Bale Na Lang"), five went double platinum, three have reached triple platinum and one even went further to hit the quadruple platinum mark.

Three of his albums have been released internationally, Dancin' in the Moonlight in 1992 under Toshiba-EMI Records in Japan; Out of the Dark in 1995, a Christian contemporary album well-received in the United States; and an Asian release called Outside Looking In for Polygram Records.

He made the first interactive CD-ROM, the first of its kind in Asia, which features the life and music of an artist. Gary: Interactive Album turned gold in just one month, the press release said.

Although he is more involved with his music, Gary has also received citations for his acting after starring in 12 movies. He had various accolades, including the 1999 Awit and Katha music awards where he managed to walk away with a host of trophies that served to affirm of his musical contribution to the times. He again took top honors in the most recent Awit Awards, bagging the "Best Male Pop Vocalist" trophy.

Meanwhile, event organizers said the first top 20 persons who will be able to present their ticket for Gary Valenciano's concert at USLS will also get the chance to meet and greet the artist with autograph signing and picture taking, the press release added.*

back to top

City to mark family week

The Bacolod City government led by Mayor Evelio Leonardia will join the National Family Week celebration on the theme "Makulay ang Buhay ng Pamilyang Matibay," on Sept. 24 to 30, a City Hall press release said.

Leonardia is the chairman and Councilor Homer Bais is the vice chairman, of the Bacolod Local Council for the Filipino Family.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development will spearhead the celebration. Proposed activities include the hanging of streamers, conduct of family banner parade, fora and conference on the family, livelihood trainings, essay writing, photo or talent contests, conduct of family day programs, setting up of photo exhibit and motorcade, the press release said.

Bais, chairman of the Committee on Social Services of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, stressed that the family is one of the pillars of society, and its participation is the key for an effective celebration, the press release added.*

back to top

Kabankalan mayor to
get Sandugo award

Mayor Pedro Zayco Jr. of Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, will again be a recipient of the 9th National Sandugo Awards for Local Executives, set on July 31 at the Clamshell 11, Intramuros in Manila, this year, a press release from the city said.

This is the fourth time that Zayco has been awarded as Hall of Famer in the City Mayor Category.

Other awardees from Kabankalan barangays, for the First Time Hall of Famer are Dionesio Calambro, Sr. -Bantayan, Jorge Largado - Carol-an, Jose Dumaguete -Tampalon, Jude Semillano -Camansi, Norberto Serra -Oringao, Samuel Daclan - Salong, and Tito Acson - Inapoy, the press release said.

In the Barangay Category, awardees are Anastacio Belarga - Binicuil, George Guadalalupe - Tapi, Moises Morales - Daan Banua, and Reymundo Melelca - Tagucon.

Awards are given to officials who have gathered the most number of blood donors during the blood-letting activities held in the different barangays of the city, the press release added.*

back to top