MANILA, Philippines - ?Believe it or not, I used to be shy,? said ?Celebrity Duets? contestant and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chair Bayani "BF" Fernando.

Fernando said his shyness was the result of a trauma experienced when he was in the fourth grade.

?I sang in front of the class," he recalled. Pumiyok ako. The worst part was, my long-time crush was there. After that, I never sang in public for a long time.?

Karaoke star

Fernando said it was only during his last year in college, while out on drinking sprees with friends, that he started singing with an audience again. ?We did the rounds of karaoke bars,? he told a group of entertainment writers over lunch.

As a public official, BF became one of the ?Three Tenors,? along with Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes and former Interior Secretary Joey Lina. Their most recent gig was at the Manila Hotel performance of international singer Petula Clark where they each performed two spot numbers, plus several production numbers with the visiting artist.

Second season

?I turned down the first offer to appear on ?Celebrity Duets?," he said. "I couldn?t refuse this one."

He jested, "I know it?s a popular show, but I?m honestly not sure if it would do my political career any good.?

At stake in the reality singing contest, now in its second season on GMA 7, is P1 million, half or all of which may be donated to the winner?s favorite charity.

It is hosted by singers Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez.

Vocal coach

To prepare for the show, BF said he asked composer Dero Pedero to be his vocal coach. ?I also practice my numbers with my partners and the band as often as my schedule permits,? said Fernando.

He has performed with Renz Verano (?Macho Guwapito?), Andrew E (?Hahabol-habol?), Janno Gibbs (?Beyond the Sea?) and John Lapus (?Copacabana?) on the show.

But his dream duet is with Gary Valenciano. "I hope it happens in the coming episodes,? said BF.

He admitted that, because of his commitment to the show, he has had to limit his provincial engagements as MMDA chair. ?I?m very devoted to this undertaking. Nakakahiya kasi sumalto dito,? he said.

Fernando has consistently been leading in the text voting results. He is competing with beauty queen Carlene Aguilar, chef JL Cang, comedian and politician Joey Marquez, fashion designer JC Buendia and footballer Phil Younghusband.

So far, two contenders have been eliminated?model and actress Melanie Marquez and beauty expert Cory Quirino.

?I hope the show brings me close to the people,? Fernando said.

?Celebrity Duets? airs Saturday night after ?Pinoy Records.?

Email mcruz@inquirer.com.ph