Gary Valenciano in recovery from heart surgery

ESTIMATED 
Gary Valenciano in recovery from heart surgery

After celebrating his 35th year in the entertainment industry, Filipino icon Gary Valenciano underwent an emergency bypass surgery. The singer was confined on Sunday (05/06), following weeks of tests that revealed an artery was "95% blocked" and had "very thin walls" due to Type 1 Diabetes.

"Being active has never been my problem," Valenciano, who has lived with diabetes since he was 14-years-old, writes in a statement. "But I now often feel tired and sleepy, despite being fully rested. The chest pains were an alert and confirmed, thank God, that something was wrong. I'm thankful I didn't wait too long to take the necessary tests."

His son, Gabriel shared an update Monday morning (05/07) on Valenciano's condition, revealing that the operation was a success. "My brother [Paolo], Kiana, my mom, and I visited him at the coronary recovery room and doctors have said he is doing very well. In behalf of our family, I request for prayers for my dad’s speedy recovery."

Read Valenciano's full statement below.

BANDWAGON TV

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 yesteryears, 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.

My dearest friends, I know this may come as a surprise to a number of you. Some of you have seen me on my posts on Instagram and Twitter, looking and sounding quite active.

Being active has never been my problem. But I now often feel tired and sleepy, despite being fully rested. The chest pains were an alert and confirmed, thank God, that something was wrong. I’m thankful I didn’t wait too long to take the necessary tests.

I thought it best to give you the details of my condition to prevent gossip and speculation that may be cause for worry and concern.

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.

He has never let me down before and I truly believe, He isnt going to make this the first time He won’t come and help during this, my hour of great need.

I will do my best to keep you updated as the days go by. Should I remain silent, it’s probably only because I will be recuperating, getting better, and building up my strength.

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. Let’s not worry, ok? Let’s just be prayerful.

Allow me to share this passage. I hope this encourages you who may be undergoing the same situation with your hearts, both physically and emotionally. I love you all.

‘And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.’ Ezekiel 36:26. God bless us all.”