Finally, Martin and Gary & as one!

by Chuck Gomez

WITNESS history unfold as two of the biggest icons in Philippine entertainment come together at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds in a phenomenal musical event that took almost a quarter of a century to happen.

Be overwhelmed by a concert of epic proportions as Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano come together as one!

Through the years Martin and Gary has each pursued successful and colorful careers that have spanned more than two decades. And although they were considered rivals during their salad years, Martin and Gary were both able to outgrow their so-called rivalry by elevating their artistry to a higher level of maturity and professionalism. And it is precisely because of this high level of maturity and professionalism that they both now enjoy the respect and admiration of their peers as well as their multitude of loyal fans.

In retrospect, if Martin and Gary’s careers were placed side by side it would reveal a plethora of similarities and contrasts, of parallelisms and parabolic highs and lows. Although Martin started his music career earlier than Gary, they both took parallel career paths in music. Both started their recording careers with the same record company (Vicor). They similarly enjoyed hit records one after another receiving recognition and accolades from several award-giving bodies in the field of music and entertainment along the way. They also performed (but not together), in many sold out record-setting concerts both here and abroad. Both are also sought-after product endorsers. And they both enjoy the adulation and love of their millions of die-hard fans.

In contrast however, because of his gift of gab and comedic flare, Martin also ventured into hosting and was successful in establishing himself as a host for several variety shows on TV as well as hosting his own late night TV program. Gary on the other hand took a more active hands-on role in the making of his music, not just writing it but even arranging his songs as well as producing many of his best- selling albums. Gary also choreographs many of his dance sequences for his concerts. He even made much success in several movies and TV drama anthologies that he’s made or appeared in.

Both started out and achieved success in similar career paths and still achieved success even in separate fields of endeavor. But amidst all the intrigues and innuendos, one thing remains constant between the two: respect, an interesting blend of friendly competition and brotherly love.

And now after so many years of speculation, the stage is finally set for the much-awaited “showdown” of two show business titans, Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano, coming together in “AS 1” on Sept. 19 (Saturday 8:00 p.m.) at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. Musical direction to “AS 1” is collaboration between Louie Ocampo and Mon Faustino while stage direction is by Martin and Gary.

What to expect? Definitely you’ll hear them perform the songs that they’ve made popular through the years, a stroll down memory lane if you will. But what about something you don’t expect? Well, there’s going to be a lot of that too. But not to let the cat out of the bag, watch Martin Nievera and Gary Velenciano come together as one! It’s gonna be as rare as a shooting star so don’t fail to catch it.

Tickets to “AS 1” are now out. Avail of an early bird promo and get 20% off in ticket prices. For more details check out the official concert posters or call Ticketnet (911-5555), Ticketworld (891-9999), Manila Genesis Entertainment and Management Inc. (706-2170 to 72 and 470-1672 to 73), and Studio V (726-4614;724-9020;794-5592).

In line with this once-in-a-lifetime musical event, Universal Records will release a special commemorative CD also entitled “AS 1” featuring Martin and Gary for the very first time in a full-length studio album. This rare recording features the two iconic artists singing each other’s hit songs as well as “AS 1” – an original song written by Gina Tabuena-Godinez and Albert Chang Co and arranged by Gary Valenciano. “AS 1” is a duet featuring Martin and Gary and it is the official theme song of the concert.

AS 1 (THE ALBUM) TRACKLISTING :

1. Together As One – Martin Nievera & Gary Valenciano
2. Sana Maulit Muli – Martin Nievera
3. Be My Lady – Gary Valenciano
4. Reaching Out – Martin Nievera
5. How Can I – Gary Valenciano
6. Hang On – Martin Nievera
7. You Are My Song – Gary Valenciano
8. Take Me Out Of The Dark – Martin Nievera
9. Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin – Gary Valenciano
10. Kahit Isang Saglit – Martin Nievera
11. Tayong Dalawa (Theme from teleserye “Tayong Dalawa”) – Gary Valenciano
12. Ikaw Ang Pangarap (Theme from teleserye “Lobo”) – Martin Nievera
13. Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos – Gary Valenciano

Catch Gary and Martin in a promotional mall tour for “AS 1” in SM Megamall (August 28), Skydome SM North EDSA (September 4), and SM Clark (September 12). “AS 1” is presented by ABS-CBN and Globe and co-presented by Real Leaf with the support of “ASAP ’09,” GluControl, MYX, MTV, The Philippine Star, The Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Manila Bulletin, Philstar.com, Business World, RR For Life, Crossover, DZMM, Edge Radio, JAM 88.3, WAVE 89.1, MAGIC 89.9, 99.9 RT, MAX 103.5, YES FM, Love Radio, WROCK, Friday’s, Italliannis, Fish & Co., Flapjacks, Universal Records, Polyeast Records, Soundcheck, Videosonic, Essensuals Toni & Guy, and Studio V.

After its run here in the Philippines, “AS 1” will have a U.S./Canada tour in Pala Casino, San Diego CA (Oct. 9), Nob Hill Masonic Center, San Francisco CA (Oct. 10), Arena Theater, Houston Texas (Oct. 16), Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Los Angeles CA (Oct. 17), Gateway Theater, Chicago Illinois (Oct. 23), Mark Etess Arena, Atlantic City NJ (Oct. 25), Jubilee Edmonton, Canada (Nov. 7), and Jubilee Calgary, Canada (Nov. 8).

“AS 1” is a production of Starmedia Entertainment Inc. and Manila Genesis Entertainment and Management Inc. Official beneficiary of “AS 1” is Shinning Light Foundation.

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