Gary Valenciano names Ken San Jose as top choice to play him in life musical

OPM icon says Ken’s talent and personal struggles make him the perfect fit to portray his journey of faith, fame, and resilience.

If ever his life hits the stage as a musical, Gary Valenciano already has someone in mind to play him: Ken San Jose.

For Gary, it’s not just about the moves (though Ken definitely has those) or the voice. It’s also because Ken has his own dramatic story—something Gary believes would help him fully understand and portray the emotional weight of his journey.

And what a story it is.

From being diagnosed with diabetes at 14—something he once feared as a child—to experiencing life-changing moments like losing their home in a fire, Gary’s life has been marked by both heartbreak and grace.

He once recalled seeing a child crying while being chased for an insulin shot, quietly telling himself he never wanted that life. Years later, he was diagnosed himself, with sugar levels reaching a dangerous 722.

Then came another turning point: while serving at a retreat, he learned their house had burned down. But in an unexpected twist, the kindness of others helped him secure a college education he might not have had otherwise.

For Gary, it all points to something bigger at work.

And for a role that demands both rhythm and real-life depth, he believes Ken San Jose can bring that story to life in the most honest way.

Gary is also stepping into a new chapter as a storyteller with his upcoming podcast, “Unshaken With Gary V,” premiering every Monday at noon starting May 25 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and YouTube.