Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano regale an appreciative crowd at the Al Ahli stadium

Thousands of Filipinos turned out at the Al Ahli stadium on Thursday night to see two of their country’s superstars. Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano performed ‘As 1’ on stage.
The concert was sold out and a large number of Qatar’s OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) got a chance to sing along.

Having been rivals for the majority of their careers, the two singers have been at the top of the charts in the Phillipines for years, but last night’s concert was part of the duo’s tour as partners and best friends.

With ‘Pure Energy’, Gary Valenciano being known as the Philippines’ Michael Jackson, and the ‘Concert King’, and crooner Martin Nievera drawing comparisons with the likes of Frank Sinatra and Michael Buble, the difference between the twp stars could not be more obvious. However, it is the fact that both occupy opposite ends of the spectrum that made Thursday’s concert such a success.

As Gary V body-popped across the stage whilst churning out some of his more upbeat numbers, he was joined by the presence and the powerful voice of his partner Martin, making the concert a truly complete and memorable event.

Musical arrangements such as Martin’s showtune medley, Gary’s retrospective dance number and a particularly impressive swing arrangement of some of Michael Jackson’s most famous songs showed off why the pair have reached the heights they have during their careers.
The audience were completely enthralled by the pair’s biggest hit songs. Particularly poignant was Gary’s song about OFWs - the audience sang along  with added gusto.

“It was amazing to see them both on stage at the same time,” said one member of the audience, adding “hearing all their most famous songs made me think of home and all my friends and family”.

“This was one of the best nights I have spent in Doha,” she added.