Three Top Acts

Last Saturday’s Celebrity Duets was another non-elimination week. Whether or not the contenders knew that no one would be eliminated that week did not matter. All five contestants gave their best. But three performances really stood out. Text by Loretta G. Ramirez, Photos courtesy of GMA Network It was evident that Bayani Fernando, Carlene Aguilar, JC Buendia, Joey Marquez and Phil Younghusband are doing everything to get the votes and stay in the competition. They are coming up with their own gimmicks and improving their performances each week. The viewers are having a tough time considering who deserves to be the second Celebrity Duets champion. Last Saturday, though no one was eliminated, three performances made their mark with the judges and viewers. Birthday Boy Celebrating his birthday tomorrow, Joey Marquez, was given a birthday surprise last Saturday after his performance in Celebrity Duets. Singing Cat Steven's Father and Son with Aiza Seguerra, Joey showcased one of his hidden talents on national television. "Ikaw ha every week sinu-sorpresa mo kami ha! Ngayon naman gitara naman. Ang dami [mo] namang hidden talent," was Regine's comment after his performance. After this, she announced that it was the show's turn to surprise him on his birthday. After blowing the cake, the comedian received heartfelt greetings from the judges. "Joey, lumabas ang bass baritone mo," said the premier musical drector, Danny Tan. "Ang pa-birthday ko sa 'yo ay ito: this is your best performance so far." "Talagang best," Tessa concurred. "I was so touched. Parang naluluha na ako. I love the combination." Stage director, Freddie Santos punctuated the praises by giving his own positive remarks. "Alam mo sineryoso mo na 'yung music. Buti naman para sa aming lahat. Ang ganda ng pagka-awit mo nyan." Most Improved Contestant Phil Younghusband surprised everybody with a very engaging number with Eula Valdez. Singing Can't Take My Eyes Off you by Frankie Valli, the two seemed to jive on stage with ease. Even the panel noticed this and was all praises when it was their turn to comment. "I think you're the most improved performer in the competition," said Danny Tan. "The first part was mostly in tune. And it shows the effort that you put into this show. So kudos to you for giving it [your] all always." Tessa Prieto Valdez was raving as usual. "I can't take my eyes off of you!" she exclaimed. "He's not only cute, but he can sing. I wanna take you home. Please Freddie, be nice to him. Please, please," she begged her co-judge. "Phil, I had a nickname for you already," started Direk Freddie. "I was calling you Kenneth. Kenneth [cannot] sing, Kenneth dance, Kenneth do whatever. And you know, tonight you've proven me wrong," he gladly told Phil. Japanese Geisha Renowned fashion guru, JC Buendia seemed to enjoy himself in his 80’s number with Allan K. Singing Turning Japanese complete with kimonos and back-up dancers, the two brought the house down. "I enjoyed that so much," exclaimed Tessa. "This is really, really fun. That was a really nice production." Both hosts, Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez seconded that comment. "In terms of production, it was a winner!" "Production number, hanep," agreed Direk Freddie. "Sa lahat ng mga kantang napili mo before, so far this is the one that worked the best for you in terms of singing. Higit sa lahat, you're not trying to fake anything here. You're just being yourself, you're having fun, and this is the kind of song that works for you. Ito 'yung groove mo." Danny Tan gave the Japanese geisha his additional advice. "Yung pagkanta mo, 'wag masyadong mag-push. Pero performance-wise, okay lang kasi maganda ‘yung energy, and punong-puno ka ng energy. Magfo-focus ako sa performance mo and singing. Para sa akin, it was very choppy, in the sense that after you finish one line, you stop, and you're doing nothing. Kailangan fluidity sa performance. Even if you're not singing, there has to be body tension and dapat in character pa rin," he said. The two other contenders, Carlene Aguilar and MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando gave solid performances, but that was expected of them. It was these three that shone last Saturday and appealed best to the judges and the viewers. Next Saturday will surely be an elimination week, so don't forget to vote for your favorite Celebrity Duets contender by texting DUETS