The Philippine edition of Celebrity Duets is a interactive reality-based singing competition airing on GMA Network jointly hosted by singer-comedian Ogie Alcasid and singer-actress, Asia’s Songbird, Regine Velasquez. The show is produced by Fremantle Media and Simon Cowell through Syco Television which also produced the original version in the United States.

Season 3 of Celebrity Duets Philippines begins on August 29, 2009.

VIDEO LINK: Celebrity Duets Season 2 – Teaser

Celebrity Duets Season 3 on GMA originally appeared on Starmometer on August 16, 2009.

Chairman Bayani vied with comedian-TV host Joey Marquez and presidential fashion designer JC Buendia in the final round and ended up getting the most number of text votes as expected. But talent-wise, it’s a well-deserved win because Chairman Bayani has the strongest vocals among the celebrity contestants.

Chairman Bayani Fernando sang “Ay, Ay, Ay, O Pagibig” with Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales and “Corner of the Sky” with Basil Valdez.

Joey Marquez, on the other hand, chose Keempee de Leon as his partner in the first round singing “What Matters Most” by Kenny Rankin’s. His second song was “Friends” by Amii Stewarts together with the concert queen Pops Fernandez.

Fashion Designer JC Buendia sang “Build Me Up Buttercup” with Allan K on the first round. He rendered the sentimental “Just the Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra together with Jonalyn Viray in the second round.

The five eliminated celebrities are Cory Quirino (beauty and wellness guru), JL Cang (chef), Phil Younghusband (soccer player and model), Melanie Marquez (former Miss International) and Carlene Aguilar (beauty queen). They joined (except for Melanie Marquez) Chairman Fernando, Joey Marquez and JC Buendia in the opening number.

Celebrity Duets hosts Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid also performed with the three finalists to the tune of Neil Sedaka’s “Laughter in the Rain.”

Chairman Bayani won the one-million cash prize, half of which will go to his chosen beneficiarie like Caritas Manila and Child House.

The judges this season are the first Celebrity Duets winner Tessa Prieto-Valdes, composer Danny Tan and stage director Freddie Santos.

Bayani Fernando Wins Celebrity Duets Season 2 originally appeared on Starmometer on November 9, 2008.

Phil Younghusband and Aicelle Santos – Celebrity Duets originally appeared on Starmometer on August 24, 2008.

The secretary performed “Macho Gwapito” together with Renz Verano, his celebrity duet. The song choice can easily ring a bell because it’s in line with the chairman’s program called “Metro Gwapo.”

Among the eight contestants, Chairman Fernando received the loudest cheers from the audience and rave reviews from the judges (or else).

Bayani Fernando and Renz Verano – Celebrity Duets
Video sent by starmometerdotcom

Bayani Fernando is a Revelation on Celebrity Duets 2 originally appeared on Starmometer on August 24, 2008.

“Let’s duet again,” announced the ever-affable Ogie Alcasid as he kicked off the press launch last August 20 at the GMA Network Center.

The veritable singer-songwriter then introduced the new celebrity contenders. They were asked to give each of their takes on entering this one-of-a-kind competition, and they gamely provided members of the press an amusing prelude on what to expect from the second season.

“Nabigla ata ako ng pagsagot [ng 'oo' sa pagsali]! Nakaka-nerbyos din pala rito. Anyway, I will try my best to entertain and, most of all, try my best to win the prize. Please give me your vote!” declared Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando.

The oft quotable supermodel-turned-actress Melanie Marquez declared, “It’s about time to give you one of my hidden talents. Talent pala! Bibigyan ko kayo ng magandang show. Magandang-magandang show!”

Her brother, actor-comedian and former mayor Joey Marquez is also vying for the top prize. “Actually I was [kind of] late. I was supposed to join Pinoy Idol kaya lang medyo na-late. It’s about time for me to prove to you that I can also sing. My motto will be: ‘Every text you make. Every breath you take. I’ll be watching you!”

Meanwhile, SiS chef-demonstrator and celebrity cook JL Cang, in his edgy manner, asserted, “Para sa akin parang hindi talaga contest ito. Ang importante sa akin maging masaya yung mga nanonood!”

Fashion designer JC Buendia, for his part, pronounced that he is destined to compete, “Bago po ako nag-’yes’ pumunta ho ako sa manghuhula. Sabi ng manghuhula kasi sa akin [my past life was that of a] theatrical geisha. [So, the manghuhula said]: ‘In order to go full circle you have to unleash the geisha in you!’ So ngayon pagbigyan nyo ako to go full circle.”

Another contender for this season’s Celebrity Duets is Filipino-Englishman professional football player named Phil Younghusband. He jokingly explained his situation, “Firstly do not be confused by the name. I’m not actually a husband; I’m still young but I’m not a husband yet. Who knows, maybe in the future?”

He added, “[Honestly], the only time I actually got to sing is in the shower. But I want to do this for enjoyment and I’m sure I’m gonna have fun with all of you.”

However, beauty and wellness guru Cory Quirino is determined to do well in the contest.

“May pangako ang mga babae dito sa competition — we will outlast the men!” She then added gushing, “Alam nyo? Meron akong pangarap. Kasi sabi nila pinapadala nila yung kopya ng kompetisyon kay Simon Cowell. I want to meet Simon, you know?”

Although she admitted to having stage fright right that moment, she stressed that she is “happy to be here!”

Capping the list of contestants is beauty queen Carlene Aguilar who also readily took part in the repartee.

“Basta maipa-pangako ko lang na hindi ako mangaaway dito!

“Mabait talaga ako and kakanta lang ako ng kakanta and sana ma-enjoy nyo yung show. I’m so thankful na part ako ng Celebrity Duets kasi dream ko talaga yung kumanta hindi [lang] po pagiging beauty queen, so fulfillment din ng dream ko,” affirmed the former Bb. Pilipinas World title holder.

This season, comprising the panel of judges are distinguished composer and musical director Danny Tan, renowned stage director Freddie Santos and Celebrity Duets season one Grand Champion Tessa Prieto-Valdes.

Asia’s Songbird, Ms. Regine Velasquez will also return as well to co-host this new season with Ogie. She was not present during the press conference because she was in Tagaytay to shoot Ako si Kim Samsoon. — Text by Erick Mataverde. Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio.

Catch Celebrity Duets every Saturday starting August 23, right after Pinoy Records.

(GMA Press Release)

Celebrity Duets Season 2 originally appeared on Starmometer on August 22, 2008.