Chairman Bayani Fernando Wins "Celebrity Duets Season 2"

As expected by many, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando was declared winner in the second season of GMA-7's Celebrity Duets.

Chairman Fernando, also known as BF, won over fellow finalists comedian-TV host Joey Marquez and fashion designer JC Buendia after getting the most number of text votes.

The Finals Night was divided into two rounds.

In the first round, the three finalists sang with their favorite duet partners from their previous performances. Chairman Fernando chose Asia's Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales, and they sang the Filipino folk song "Ay, Ay, Ay, O Pag-ibig." Joey did a rendition of Kenny Rankin's "What Matters Most" with friend and Kung Ako Ikaw co-host Keempee de Leon. And lastly, JC took the stage once again with Allan K where they sang The Foundation's "Build Me Up Buttercup."

In the second round, the finalists sang with new duet partners. Joey was the first to perform with Concert Queen Pops Fernandez, and they sang Amii Stewart's "Friends." JC got sentimental while performing Frank Sinatra's "Just The Way You Look Tonight" with Jonalyn Viray. Finally, BF brought in veteran singer Basil Valdez and peformed Basil's song "Corner of the Sky."

BF, Joey, and JC, they were joined in the opening number by the eliminated contenders of Celebrity Duets—beauty and wellness guru Cory Quirino, chef JL Cang, soccer player Phil Younghusband, and former beauty queen Carlene Aguilar. Former Miss International Melanie Marquez, who was the first to be eliminated, was not able to attend the finals night.

Before the announcement of winner, Celebrity Duets hosts Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid performed with the three finalists to the tune of Neil Sedaka's "Laughter in the Rain."

The audience inside the Studio 3 pf GMA Network Center, where the Finals Night was held, was in full support for their favorite contender. Each group of supporters had a specific color-coding to distinguish them from one another: yellow for JC, violet for Joey, and pink for BF.

The loved ones of the three finalists were also there to cheer them on—JC's parents, Joey's children, and BF's wife Marikina Mayor Marides Fernando. Mayor Fernando was seated beside beauty expert Ricky Reyes and GMA-7's SVP for Entertainment TV Wilma Galvante.

As the winner of the second season of Celebrity Duets, Chairman Fernando won the one-million cash prize, half of which will go to his chosen beneficiaries—Caritas Manila and Child House.

Season 1 winner Tessa Prieto-Valdes was of the judges this season, along with composer Danny Tan and stage director Freddie Santos.