Inspiration icon and the country’s Mr. Pure Energy, Gary Valenciano, remains a Kapamilya after signing a new exclusive network contract with ABS-CBN last July 25 (Tuesday)—in time for the celebration of his 40th year in showbiz.

During the event, Gary emphasized what it means to be a Kapamilya as an act of inclusivity and service to Filipinos and his unwavering commitment to ABS-CBN.“When you say Kapamilya, it’s not just a tagline we add to ourselves. It is how we treat each other, and it resonates with how we are with everybody watching. We have to be a Kapamilya to every person, whether Kapatid, Kapuso, or Ka-A2Z. It gave me encouragement to know that after 40 years, there are still many years to look forward to being that exactly—in the service of the Filipino worldwide,” Gary shared.

Throughout his 40-year career, Gary V. has been a mainstay with ABS-CBN for 20 years as a host and performer for the country’s longest-running musical variety show, “ASAP Natin ‘To.” 

Apart from his electrifying performances on the ASAP stage, he helped hone the next generation of Kapamilya performers—serving as a celebrity judge and mentor in various talent shows, such as “X Factor Philippines,” “World of Dance Philippines,” “Your Face Sounds Familiar,” and most recently with “Idol Philippines” and “Tawag ng Tanghalan.”

Gary is also known as the immaculate voice behind the theme songs of ABS-CBN’s hit teleseryes, including “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” “Tayong Dalawa,” “Walang Hanggan,” “Sana Maulit Muli,” “Ikaw Lamang,” and “Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo.” 

“We’re still here after everything. To some people watching around the world, it’s like ‘Oh, he’s done this before,’ but not in this kind of season where you know what we’ve gone through. Look where we are today, we’re literally everywhere. To me, the contract is just a symbol. But even if there was none, I’d think I’ll still be here continuing what I believed I’m called to do in this time of my life,” he added.

As for what to expect in his future with ABS-CBN, apart from continuing to bring his music to more audiences, Gary looks forward to channeling his advocacy of inspiring the youth through Kapamilya initiatives.

And in celebration of his newest feat in the industry, Gary V. also excitedly announced his upcoming shows, with his return at the Music Museum with “Gary V: Back at the Museum” this August and the “Reenergized” US-Canada tour from September to October.

Accompanied by his wife Angeli Pangilinan Valenciano, Kapamilya executives were also present at the signing event, including ABS-CBN chairman Mark Lopez, president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, COO for broadcast Cory Vidanes, and OIC for finance Vincent Paul Piedad.

Meanwhile, ASAP performers Darren Espanto, Sheena Belarmino, Jeremy Glinoga, Joao Constancia, and Jameson Blake also paid tribute with a rendition of his iconic dance hit “Hataw Na” during the event hosted by Robi Domingo and Edward Barber.