Golf met glitz, music, and profound purpose.
At the Forest Hills Golf & Country Club, Gary Valenciano successfully held the inaugural "Hataw Na! Gary V Invitational Golf Tournament," a star-studded charity athletic event that benefited the Shining Light Foundation.
The tournament, held as part of Valenciano’s ever-changing 2026 calendar, brought together celebrities, golf enthusiasts, and supporters for a day of swings, stories, and heart.
Among the familiar faces spotted on the greens were fellow singers Martin Nievera, Randy Santiago, and Dingdong Avanzado, Andi Manzano, Miss Earth 2017 Karen Ibasco, Hannah Pangilinan, Nueva Ecija Governor Oyie Umali, and ABS-CBN president Carlo Katigbak, transforming the fairway into a small celebrity reunion.
More than just a sporting event with celebrity appearances, the event raised funds for the Shining Light Foundation, which gives medical and financial assistance to underprivileged students.
“For years, people tried convincing me to seriously play golf,” Valenciano shared with a laugh. “Pastor Gus Lising and Jojo Lastimosa encouraged me as early as 1993, but I focused more on biking then. It was Martin Nievera and Ogie Alcasid who reignited my love for golf in 2023.”
Since rediscovering the sport, the OPM icon has impressively scored two elusive hole-in-ones in 2024 and 2026, which even seasoned golfers dream of obtaining.
“I never imagined golf would become this meaningful to me,” he said. “Now, I hope this tournament becomes an annual tradition that brings people together for a great cause.”
The tournament also serves as a precursor to Mr. Pure Energy's even busier season ahead, which includes the release of his much-anticipated podcast "Unshaken: Stories Of Grit And Grace," which will be available on iHeart platforms on May 25, an upcoming US tour in June, and TV appearances on the new concert experience "ASAP XP" on Sundays at 5:30 p.m.
It is also part of the grand 40th anniversary celebration of Manila Genesis Entertainment and Management, with Valenciano and the Genesis family planning even more amazing activations throughout 2026.