Not for popularity but for charity

2007 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Anna Theresa Licaros agreed without second thoughts to join GMA 7’s reality talent search Celebrity Duets neither for fame nor popularity, but for the opportunity to help others.

As a beauty queen, Anna Theresa commits herself to advocacies that matter, specifically those that concern the protection of children. She also extends help to the underprivileged. Thus, she takes on the challenge of performing a duet each week with a renowned singer in the hope of becoming the grand winner of P1-M — with half the price earmarked for charitable institution of her choice.

Simon Cowell conceptualized Celebrity Duets as a season breaker for American Idol. Its concept is the same as its US counterpart where contestants will sing a duet with the music industry’s famous singing stars. Celebrity jurors will judge each contestant’s performance and one competitor will be eliminated weekly through text votes. Louie Ocampo, Mitch Valdes and Buboy Garovillo are the local edition’s celebrity judges.

“You will see the real me,” Anna Theresa says referring to her type of music as each contestant is given the freedom to choose what type of song best fits him or her.

 Anna Theresa appreciates songs that tug at the heart and those that convey much emotion. That is why she loves Diana Krall, Frank Sinatra and Michael Bublé. Listening to them relieves her stress. She even relates that while competing for the Miss Universe crown recently, she and other candidates used to sing during rehearsal breaks or she just sat by herself in a corner with an iPod on.

Anna Theresa declares she may not be good in singing, but assures televiewers she will give her best to win their nod, to reach her goal of donating funds to an organization that has something to do with children.

As a junior UP Law student, Anna Theresa wants to pursue family or criminal law, focusing on the rights of children, particularly juvenile delinquents. Even cases related to the taxation system appeal to her.

Starting tonight after Bitoy’s Funniest Videos, she  will battle it out with seven other known personalities, all eager to stay in the 10-week competition. Her competitors are Tessa Prieto-Valdez,  Tim Yap, Dr. Manny Calayan, Dr. Hayden Kho, Wyngard Tracy, Jessica Rodriguez and Frederick Peralta.

The eight contestants are undergoing vocal training thrice a week under the network’s vocal coaches.

Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez host the show.