After more than four decades on stage and television, OPM icon Gary Valenciano is stepping into long-form digital storytelling with the launch of his new podcast, ‘Unshaken’ with Gary V: Stories of Grit and Grace. But before saying yes to the project, the “Mr. Pure Energy” admitted he had reservations.
“When I was offered to do a podcast, I thought, can I actually do it? Because to be a host of a talk show is something you really have to be made for. And I felt, I’m not sure if I have that. But then, it’s a podcast,” Valenciano shared during a press conference attended by executives from iHeart and Mammoth Media.
Rather than positioning it as a traditional talk show, Valenciano described the podcast as an intimate exchange.
“So it’s not really a show as much as it is a moment between you and someone you really look up to, or someone you really want people to know about,” he explained.
Beyond format, ‘Unshaken’ also reflects Valenciano’s personal evolution — particularly in how he speaks about faith.
“Dati, parang honeymoon pa ako sa Panginoon. Ganito ang iniisip ko—‘mapupunta ka sa impyerno!’” he recalled, reflecting on his early approach to sharing the gospel.
Over time, however, he said he learned to communicate truth with compassion.
“Natutunan ko na kahit masakit ang katotohanan, hindi mo kailangang dagdagan pa ang sakit. Sapat na ang kirot.”
Valenciano emphasized that he does not go on stage to preach but to share lived experiences rooted in faith. Despite occasional criticism for openly discussing the gospel, he remains steadfast.
“I don’t think I can please everybody,” he said, adding that even when he avoids religious topics, criticism still comes.
Set to premiere weekly in April on major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube, the podcast will feature one-on-one conversations with personalities from entertainment, politics and other fields. Among his slated guests are James Reid, Coco Martin, Julia Montes, Martin Nievera, Ice Seguerra and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan.
Episodes are recorded in Valenciano’s home studio — a deliberate choice meant to create a safe and welcoming environment.
“One of the things I’m looking for is non-showbiz topics, even if you’re from showbiz. What’s nice is that we’re shooting it at home… It’s Gary Valenciano’s home. It’s not Gary Valenciano’s house. It’s his home,” he said.
He added that he avoids controversial questioning, preferring authenticity over sensationalism.
“I’m there to ask questions like, ‘Hey, nobody’s asked you this before — what can you tell me about this?’… I want it to be as real and authentic as possible. Otherwise, it might end up being a typical showbiz talk show.”
The podcast launch coincides with the 40th anniversary of Manila Genesis Entertainment and Management, the agency Valenciano founded with his wife, Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano. The project also marks one of iHeart and Mammoth Media’s first original podcast productions in Asia.
Jay Faires, co-founder and co-CEO of Mammoth Media, described Valenciano as a fitting partner for the expansion.
“He’s an icon in the Philippines, and who better to start with than an icon? … We hope to help him build an even larger audience in the rest of the world,” Faires said.
For Valenciano, the move into podcasting signals not a slowdown, but a new chapter.
“It’s not as grand, but it is certainly fulfilling to do,” he said.
