When the historical concert, AS1, was announced bringing together Concert King Martin Nievera and Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano, there was a mad scramble for tickets in Manila, the US and in Canada. Martin said that the whole point of doing the concert together is to show people that everything is possible and that everybody can live as one. Love for craft prevails even for the fiercest "rivals." Gary V said that the concert tour is proof that they are not rivals and they could work together as one. But the events of the past couple of weeks have shown that God has a higher purpose for the concert.
During the Oct 13 AS1 press conference in Hollywood, the phenomenal performers talked about the "divine timing and purpose" for the concert tour, which will now benefit the typhoon victims. "Our efforts have now changed," explained Gary V. "AS1 now refers to Filipinos joining together as one, in the midst of the devastation that has come upon our country. Trials make people look up and pray and ask God for help. And I believe God will take care of His own people. Just watch how He will take us out of this. Our worst tragedy can be our greatest triumph."Martin echoed the same sentiment when he said, "We are now ambassadors of hope. We want to encourage Filipinos everywhere and give them hope. Better days are coming. We’ve been through the worst. Good will surely come out of this trial."
The sold-out concert on Oct 17 will be held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium at 7:30pm. The previous concerts in Manila, San Diego, San Francisco and Texas were all SRO. No doubt, the much-awaited concert in Chicago, New Jersey and Canada will also be filled to the rafters.Aside from the concert, Nievera and Valenciano also came out with their commemorative "As One" album. According to Martin, he and Gary have always wanted to put their songs together and with their first album, he will be singing the songs of Gary and Gary will be singing his songs. The album also contains two duets that are originals and then two songs each for Gary and Martin. The CDs will be available for sale during the concert.AS1 is being produced by Star Media, headed by Ana Puno.
( Published October 17, 2009 in Asian Journal Los Angeles p. B1 )
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