Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievera

Showbiz veterans that they are, Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano refute any form of worry concerning the upcoming installment of their concert “As 1.”

According to the duo, they are more “excited” than anxious about the July 16 gig, which will happen at the Araneta Coliseum, as they will be performing for the first time with their kids – Paolo and Gab Valenciano as well as Robin and Ram Nievera.

“The last time, we just performed with Gab and Robin. Now, we have included Ram and Paolo via special number. And I’m just really excited about it,” explained Valenciano during a recent press conference.

Nievera feels that the inclusion of their other kids in the latest installment of the hit concert, which also had a successful 15-city run across the USA, makes it even more special.

“I feel it is just timely that we make them part of it, as they are also fast coming out on their own. I mean, I would have wanted to have this kind of experience with my dad [crooner Bert Nievera],” he opined.

And the kids, it seems, are as excited as their parents.

“I love the idea [of performing with my dad],” said Robin, who also plays guitar for a rock band. “It’s great. I mean, I could only wish I could sing like him, but the idea that I’d be standing on the same stage as him is just…huge. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Though it would have been as exciting to be standing with the audience just watching them do their thing, this is a welcome respite for me,” said Paolo, who, like Robin, also performs in a rock band.

Valenciano and Nievera are mum on the number that they are doing with their kids (“We wouldn’t want to spoil it,” they chorused); nonetheless, both acknowledge that it would be “very special.”

Nievera and Valenciano revealed that they tweaked the numbers so that the concert wouldn’t be an exact copy of last year’s, which was held at the SM Mall of Asia concert grounds.

“We added some segments. We wouldn’t want to duplicate ourselves. That would be too boring,” Nievera offered.

How long will the two keep the partnership? Nievera, ever the jester, had a ready answer.

“As long as the tickets are selling,” said he half-jokingly.

“Or as long as our lungs and legs still work,” Valenciano added with a smile.

"AS 1” is produced by Starmedia Entertainment and Manila Genesis Entertainment and Management, Inc. with ABS-CBN in cooperation with Lee and Globe Telecom, and for the benefit of the Shining Light Foundation and the Louie Tabuena Liver Foundation.

Concert sponsors include ASAP XV, Twist & Shout, Myx, Studio 23, Cinema One, Lifestyle Network, Business World, Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, People’s Journal, People’s Tonight, Tambayan 101.9, DZMM, Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, Magic 89.9, RT 99.5, Monster RX 93.1, Easy Rock 96.3, YES FM 101.1, MAX FM 103.5, and Crossover 105.1, with the support of Soundcheck, Videosonic, Essensuals Toni & Guy, Salon de Manila, Studio V, Joel Cruz Signatures, Aficionado, McDonald’s, Fila Vantaggio, Real Leaf, Mang Inasal, Regal Entertainment Inc., Camaya Coast, St. Francis Square Development, Corp., Universal Records, PolyEast Records, and the Araneta Center.

Tickets are available at all Ticketnet outlets, SM Department Store Customer Service Area, and at the Araneta Coliseum ticket booths. For ticket reservations, call 911-5555 or 706-2170 to 72 local 914 or 0915-4975225.