The Big Showdown, At Last: Martin vs Gary V!

FUNFARE By Ricardo F. Lo (The Philippine Star)
Updated August 07, 2009

As they would say, mag-kakaalaman na.

Isn’t it high time we knew who really rules the concert scene, who performs better, who can shake the crowd to boiling point, who deserves to be ranked No. 1?

Martin Nievera or Gary Valenciano?

The big showdown, titled As 1, is scheduled, rain or shine, on Sept. 19 (a Saturday), starting at 8 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Open Grounds.

No billing problems? Whose name should come first in the ads? Who gets a bigger talent fee?

The two considerable icons have guested in each other’s shows both here and abroad but it’s the first time they have agreed to do a concert together. Well and good. If not now, when? Kapag uugod-ugod na sila? You wouldn’t want your idols performing attached to, hmmmm, wheelchairs, do you?

I gathered a few comparison points between Martin and Gary V. (that kind of billing will have to suffice for now, but only in this corner) from people who have watched the two in their (solo) concerts, to wit:

• Martin is the better singer and Gary V. is the better dancer;

• Martin is an original while Gary V. is a Michael Jackson “clone” (something he has never outgrown and which he should bury...in MJ’s Neverland?);

• Martin is the total performer while Gary V. is Mr. Pure Energy; and

• Martin can entertain the audience not just with his singing but also with his gift of gab and comedic flair; while Gary V. spices up his singing with “body language” and a sprinkling of “religious” music.

Actually, I have a choice of who The One is but I’d rather keep it to myself. You, too, right?

(Note: Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano’s As 1 concert on Sept. 19 at the SM Mall of Asia Open Grounds is a production of Star Media Entertainment, Big Mouth Productions International and Management, Genesis Entertainment & Management, Inc. Avail of an early-bird promo and get 20 percent off in ticket prices. For details, check out the official concert posters or call Ticketnet at 911-5555 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.)

Here's the link to the article:
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=493784&publicationSubCategoryId=70