PEP.ph: The Number One Site for Philippine Showbiz | Television | "Celebrity Duets" says good-bye to contender Dr. Manny Calayan

Dr. Manny Calayan (in photo) was eliminated last October 13 from the GMA-7 reality singing competition Celebrity Duets. The grand finals will take place next Saturday, October 20.

Courtesy of GMA-7

"Celebrity Duets" says good-bye to contender Dr. Manny Calayan

Shelley Jo Saracin

Sunday, October 14, 2007
07:56 PM

Rating

Hosted by Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez, the October 13 edition of Celebrity Duets featured the Final Four contenders vying for three spots in the finals: Dr. Hayden Kho Jr, with his muscular build and kilabot smile; Tessa Prieto-Valdes, fashion-icon and peacock performer; actress-turned-entrepreneur Jessica Rodriguez-Bunevacz; and Dr. Manny Calayan, renowned cosmetic surgeon.

Loyalties and tensions were building up during this last round before the finals. While most competitors had something nice to say about their fellow celebrity contenders, Dr. Manny was outspoken about his "no-voice" perception of Tessa, the noted socialite.

Dr. Manny Calayan opened the night by serenading the audience with Jeffrey Hidalgo with their duet "The Music Never Ends." Although well-prepared, the doctor tripped on a few flats and sang some lyrics incorrectly. Blending with Jeffrey, however, allowed his voice to stand out.

Next to perform was Tessa Prieto-Valdes, eye-catching in her gold ensemble with accessories, flowers, and feathers galore. Matching her flamboyant style was comedian Michael V in their rendition of "You Don't Have to be Beautiful." The energetic duo obviously put in a lot of work to entertain the crowd and the viewers. But judge Mitch Valdez commented, "Fun is not always it..."

Dr. Hayden Kho Jr. performed his somber rendition of the classic "Phantom of the Opera." The piece is difficult, but he was able to pull off the Broadway piece with the help of Ayan Munji-Laurel. Hayden's face looked too sweet to play the role of the menacing Phantom, but the dramatic lines fitted the two singers.

Performing Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" was Jessica Rodriguez-Bunevacz, strutting onstage in a metallic blue jumpsuit. This was the night's most difficult piece. She was joined by Bo Cerrudo, whose acting skills were also put to the test. But for one who can sing various genres—ballads, pop music, and rock music—Jessica was a perfect fit for this performance.

Only three of the four contenders made it to next week's finals. Dr. Manny Calayan was voted out by the audience. He was a great sport, though, and who wouldn't be? Win or lose, he did enjoy a lot of exposure while competing on GMA-7's Celebrity Duets.

The grand finals of Celebrity Duets will air on GMA-7 next Saturday, October 20.

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