Hosts Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid

Another season of the very successful “Celebrity Duets” on GMA-7 begins Friday night and it promises to be more exciting, what with the diverse celebrities chosen as participants.

To watch out for are the performances of actor/producer Jomari Yllana, former beauty queen Janina San Miguel, costume and fashion designer to the stars Max Cinco, beauty maven Mikaela Bilbao, “lord of scents” Joel Cruz, award-winning actress and director Gina Alajar, top Brazilian-Japanese model Akihiro Sato, topnotch fashion photographer Niccolo Cosme, and WBA Interim Super Flyweight World Champion Nonito Donaire, Jr. One of them will take over the championship title held by “Celebrity Duets 2” winner MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando.

Of course, every one of them wants to win. Every one of them believes he has what it takes to be the Season 3 winner. But every one of them admitted during the press conference held at Annabel’s that they are not singers. That is our common denominator, “we are not really singers,” Jomari said. Asked who he would like to do duets with, the actor/producer said “sana sina Aiko (Melendez), Ara (Mina) and Pops (Fernandez) pero di ko masabi sa kanila, nahihiya ako eh.” Of course we all know that these were the three women in Jomari’s past love life.

Actress-director Gina Alajar, like Jomari, is in the contest because she couldn’t say no to Ms. Redjie A. Magno. “I asked myself, tama ba ito? But I couldn’t say no to Redgie.” She will do her best, she said although singing is not her forte. She enjoyed their taping and she also said she realized that singers undergo much pressure, have to work hard – “I don’t know how they do it.” But she has an edge over her competitors. “I am a Best Actress,” she laughed. Who she wants to do duets with? “Sana sina Andrea Boccelli, Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand pero busy daw sila,” she said in jest. If she wins though, part of her winning will be given to animal societies because her children love animals.

Janina San Miguel said she would like to sing with Michael V., Jamie Rivera (she likes her Christian songs) and Jay-R. If she wins, she’ll share her prize with special children because “charity begins at home. I have a brother who is a special child.”

Mikaela Bilbao said being in the contest is a big challenge “because I don’t sing at all. But all of us know that singing takes away the stress, so it’s a refreshing stint for me. Everything happens with a reason or purpose so if I win, every cent will go to charity…” She’d like to sing with Janno Gibbs, Jaya and Rhada.

Nonito Donaire, Jr. who said he could have been a singer if he did not become a boxer, likes to duet with Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievera and his winning will be used for the completion of a church.

Joel Cruz of Aficionado Germany Perfumes said he’s happy to be part of “Celebrity Duets Season 3” although he’s not a singer like the rest. But he is successful in business and he’s dreaming now to be successful also in this contest “that’s why I’ve already texted my friends to support me,” he laughed. When asked why he joined “Celebrity Duets Season 3,” Joel said “walang dahilan na hindi ko tanggapin ang offer. Because if I win, I will donate my prize money to the 10 charitable organizations that I’ve been supporting all these years: Hospicio de San Jose, Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Asilo de San Vicente de Paul, Pediatrics No. 9 and 11 of PGH, Missionaries of Charity, Kids Foundation, Jesus Loves the Little Children, Mother Theresa-Sisters of Charities Foundation in Tayuman, “Wish Ko Lang” of GMA-7, and a sampaguita girl vendor in Quiapo.

“Celebrity Duets Season 3” is hosted anew by singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid and Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez. Back in the judges’ table are veteran concert and theatre director Freddie Santos, renowned composer and arranger Danny Tan and socialite and “Celebrity Duets Season 1” winner Tessa Prieto-Valdes.

The much-awaited premiere of “Celebrity Duets Season 3” airs Friday night, after “Wish Ko Lang,” GMA-7.

*  *  *
The ‘Power Boys’ at Metrobar

Sam Milby and Richard Poon get to share the stage via a concert billed as “Power Boys,” slated at the Metrobar (West Ave., Quezon City) Friday night (Aug. 29).

Produced by Front Desk Entertainment Production, “Power Boys” has for special guests two young ladies – stars in their own right – Danita Paner and Ynna Asistio, plus the very special participation of wacky comedian Chokoleit. It also features belter Camille Bangoy.

“It’s fun to be with Richard in a show. We would only see each other during ‘ASAP 09’ but we don’t get the chance to be on the same stage during concerts. We have the same business manager but we don’t get to perform together. This time, it would be more fun because magkaiba kami ng style of singing ni Richard though I have to admit that I am also a big fan of Richard’s music,” said Sam who is super-busy with so many shows, teleseryes and movies.

“Sam is a good friend. Undoubtedly, he has so many fans. He’s a very big star. He’s been very supportive of me since the day I started singing professionally. Now, I can’t imagine singing on the same stage with him. Well, I guess I’ve prepared enough para mapansin din naman ako (laughs). We have different types of music kaya for sure, walang sapawang mangyayari sa aming dalawa,” Richard humbly said.

“Power Boys” is presented by People’s General Insurance Corp. and Madam Vicky Cu of Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Major sponsors also include Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, Neal Gonzales, Caloocan Rep. Mitch Cajayon, former Gov. Chavit Singson, Bing Tecson, Pan de Pidro, Quadro Frames, Charms & Crystals by Joy Lim, Calayan Surgi-Centre, Belo Essentials, Hair Asia, Club Vito (Noveleta, Cavite), Calcium Cee, Pioir Ganoderma Chocolate Drink and 3 in 1 coffee, GRAIA Construction Corp., Slimzone Banawe, Dermablend, Rural Bank of Norzagaray and Myrna’s Bulalo Haus.

*  *  *
Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings Friday, Aug. 29, go to Jamie Rivera, Atty. Augusto T. Africa, Dr. Nellie Yu, Prof. Candida C. Agcaoili, Oskar Atendido, Jeric Mariano, Nita Rivas Trofeo, Teresa Arnaiz, Sharon Edingh, Romena Zuniga, Dading Gonzalez, Caren Silva, Aldrin Espiritu, Philip Neri, Shelby Payne and GMA talent Iwa Moto… Happy golden wedding anniversary to our dear friends Frankie and Rosemary Ferrer of Bais City…