By ROBERT R. REQUINTINA
Veteran OPM singer Gary Valenciano is recovering from an open-heart surgery following a successful operation last Sunday.
In a statement posted by his management company Manila Genesis Entertainment and Management Inc., Valenciano, 53, also apologized to all the companies and shows which he might have missed because of his condition.
The full statement:
“Two weeks ago, I celebrated my 35th anniversary in entertainment with a dance performance with my son, Gabriel, and a beloved team that’s second family to me. To some, it may have looked like routine movements for my songs from yesteryear, but that performance is one I won’t ever forget. My life from that point would never be the same;
“After that dance, I felt a sensation I’d never felt before – not even during the times I would push myself, riding my mountain bike on the trails for extended periods of time – I felt tightness and pain in my chest. Upon consulting my doctor, he advised me to go through tests immediately. I want to share the results of my tests with you;”
“Friends – the good news? I have a good, strong heart. The doctors are amazed. My heart and all its blood vessels, with the exception of one, are miraculously in excellent condition. Surprising after 39 years of Type 1 Diabetes.
The tough news? The one exception – the main valve, my left anterior descending artery (LAD) is 95% blocked and now has very thin walls, because of diabetes;
“I now lie here on a hospital bed because I need a bypass immediately. I apologize to my ‘ASAP,’ ‘Your Face Sounds Familiar,’ and ‘Showtime’ families and fans, the companies and organizations I am scheduled to do shows for; the students from various universities I am so excited to meet… I was especially looking forward to ‘Unstoppable,’ Darren Espanto’s concert. I need to excuse myself from all these commitments until I fully recover from the bypass surgery;
“Do not worry please, only pray – I have an expert team of gifted doctors, some of them have taken great care of me for many, many years now. I believe in my God who restores; my God who heals, and rescues, my God who is my strength… and my God who gives each of us a thousand 2nd chances;
“I know one day soon i will give my all on that stage again, perhaps in my spirit, even stronger than ever before. I believe this will be a story to tell people, and yes, it will be another one of God’s amazing faithful, merciful, gracious, and good ways,” said Valenciano.
