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Friday, September 23, 2005
Serna: Life-changing
By Roger Serna
Sounds and Images
Gary Valenciano was with his wife Angeli and only daughter Kianna when he met the Cebu press a day before the scheduled concert dubbed Soul Full last Friday. Pastor Joe Alfafara was also there to represent the new church which presented the show, Citichurch.
Although this columnist already read something about that near-death incident Gary went through during the ASAP ’05 show in the US, it was only until Angeli narrated the experience that yours truly realized the extent of that tragic experience which was brought about by Gary’s juvenile diabetes attack and which was not noticed immediately because both husband and wife were downed by jetlag.
The story was shared to emphasize how good the Lord is if only one has that much faith and belief. Gary also shared how life has changed since the day he discovered he has the sickness and how he considered this his personal cross to carry, among other things.
The following day, the concert started a little past 9 p.m. As expected, the show featured inspirational songs. However, as Gary promised it was presented in a different way, not the usual rigid manner associated with activities related to faith.
In his spiels, Gary also avoided sounding preachy but just limited himself to sharing his personal relationship with God.
Having heard of the diabetic attack Gary had and watching him onstage makes me wonder how he was able to muster such energy, enthusiasm, stamina and endurance. At the same time, it also made me realize that, indeed, God is good all the time.
Kianna, for the first time in Cebu, shared her musical gift with her dad onstage.
Same with Paolo who used to feel insecure because he did not possess the dancing prowess like his younger brod Gabriel, who inherited their dad’s terpsichorean genes.
Paolo, however, shone in his own right as a singer, having honed by his being a member of a youth rock band called Salamin.
It could have been what some friends refer to in jest as a ‘wholesome family affair’ had Angeli also shared her musical talent.
She used to be a member of the then-popular group Music and Magic which also used to have Kuh Ledesma as a member (though perhaps not at the same time).
It was supposed to be just a two-hour show but the performer and the audience failed to notice that it had already stretched to three hours. In fairness, the show did not, in any way, promote Citichurch nor was there any ‘recruitment’ made. Citichurch was mentioned only as a presenter.
One segment which stood out in my recollection was when Gary encouraged those who felt sad, empty, wanting and everything negative for any reason at all to first raise their hands and then later to stand (he discouraged the switching on of the house lights) and then Gary himself led them (actually, us) in a prayer that touched and moved me in more ways than one.
Yes, a tear managed to trickle down my cheek. Afterwards, there was a certain degree of lightness and relief that I felt. That could be part of what Gary had said earlier during the presscon that the show is ‘life-changing.’
Hopefully, the audience went home had their souls filled with inspiration and enlightenment.
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For those who find the ‘in’ thing called acoustic sound their cup of tea, here’s something for you. Nina, Paolo Santos and Nyoy Volante are coming over for a concert at the Pacific ballroom of the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel come Oct. 8.
The show is dubbed Voices and Strings. Showtime is at 8 p.m. Mark the date.
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Aga Muhlach, John Lloyd Cruz and Pokwang are expected to be here in Cebu today, that is, if no last minute changes occur, to promote the movie Dubai.
Unfortunately, the leading lady, Claudine Barretto has not confirmed her presence as of this writing, for one reason or another. Anyway, if you want to see the stars up close and personal, they’ll be at the SM City Cebu Entertainment Plaza at 4 p.m. Cross your fingers.
(September 23, 2005 issue)
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