FAMED for his endless energy when performing, Gary Valenciano acknowledged that having undergone open heart surgery and his victorious fight against cancer have slowed him down a bit.
But while he may never be truly back to his old, zippy self, he said that he did find a new sense of purpose – to inspire a younger generation to believe that there’s always hope.
“Feeling ko kaya pa ng katawan ko, kaya ko pang humataw,” he told “Tonight With Boy Abunda” Friday. “Pero iyang word na hataw, it means something else to me now.”
“It means that I need to fulfill certain, very important things that have been put in my life, especially for the young people out there who might be struggling with so many different pagsubok.”
He then bared his plans to tour 35 different universities throughout the country, holding free performances to commemorate his 35th year in showbiz following the release of his new album, “Awit at Laro.”
Valenciano took a break from the limelight after he had to undergo open heart surgery. He also battled cancer – and won.
Asked if he feared death during those moments, he said that he did not. He recalled being told that he only had 30 years to live when he was still 14 due to being diagnosed with diabetes, but he triumphantly says that he’s now almost 54 – still alive and kicking.
“I have never been afraid to die,” he said, adding that he believes that God has plans for him and that he intends to continue on.
“The passion to do what I want to do, I’m still courageous enough to ask for it because I need to fulfill what I’ve been given.” (ABS-CBN News)
