GARY Valenciano starts the new year with a huge bang, the same way he ended the year via a most remarkable concert called "Gary V: Live at 25" at Araneta Coliseum. The acclaimed musical event will hold a much-requested repeat on Feb. 20 also at the same venue.

Because everyone can’t stop raving about the excellence of this production, it has got those who failed to catch this particular outing vowing they are not going to miss it the second time around. And the more exciting part is that even those who have seen the show last November are still as excited to watch the show again.

Some dub it "as the greatest Gary V. performance they have ever witnessed." Truth to tell, "Gary V. Live at 25" has actually eclipsed all other shows mounted in the same venue last year, earning raves from critics and audience alike.

There was a shower of superlatives about the magnificence of the show. It drew many celebrity-fans like German Moreno, Sharon Cuneta and Senator Kiko Pangilinan, Sam Milby, KC Concepcion, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Anthony Pangilinan and Maricel Laxa, Ryan Eigenmann, Iza Calzado, Christian Bautista, Toni Gonzaga, Paul Soriano, Mark Bautista, Freddie Santos, Donita Rose and husband Eric Villarama, Pinky Webb, Rica Peralejos, Maricris Bermont-Garcia, Ricco and Tinna Ocampo, Rajo Laurel, Tim Yap, Tessa Prieto-Valdez (who came both nights!), Phoemela Barranda, Louie and Jojo Ocampo, the Penthouse Gang, Tats Faustino, Ely Buendia, Maja Salvador, among many others.

To begin with, the stage was astounding. The play of the videos and their outstanding synchronicity, the special guests and their production numbers, the repertoire, the stage direction by Rowell Santiago, the over-all genius of Gary V. who was the artistic director of the entire show. "Gary V. Live at 25" proved to be a congruence of excellence from all directions. You shall bear witness (again) to the repeat of this magnificent production on Feb. 20.

His guests are Jericho Rosales, Rachelle Ann Go, Laarni Lozada, Sugarfree, Itchyworms, Gloc 9, Brigada, Manoeuvres, G-Force, Philippine All Stars, Paolo, Gabriel and Kiana Valenciano, Powerplay and Karylle. Mico Aytona will be the opening act.

"Gary V Live at 25" is directed by Rowell Santiago with musical director Mon Faustino, and concept and artistic direction by Gary Valenciano. It is a production of GV Productions, Inc. and Manila Genesis Entertainment for the benefit of the Shining Light Foundation, which has 36 scholars, supports diabetics and medical cases, as well as churches, ministries and various NGOs. Special thanks to Globe, Nokia, ABS-CBN, "ASAP ‘09," MYX, Businessworld, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, Magic 89.9, RX 93.1, 99.5 RT, Yes FM, 101.9 For Life, 105.1 Crossover, DZMM, Edge Radio, Alaska, Goldilocks, Sunsilk, Universal Records, Bacchus, Star Records, Regal Entertainment, E-aji, Soundcheck, Studio V, Fideosonic, Essentuals Toni & Guy, Refill and Araneta Center.