Tuesday, September 16, 2008 Survivor Philippines premieres
THE long wait is over. Survivor Philippines, the biggest reality show on Philippine television, premiered Monday night on GMA Telebabad with a power-packed episode.
The premiere telecast introduced the 18 castaways.
Jace, the hunky fitness instructor; Kaye, the sexy lingerie model; Gigit, the 49-year-old mountain bike instructor; Veronica, the determined Taekwondo Champion; JC, the cute basketball player of San Sebastian Stags; Patani, the nanny who dreams of becoming a star; Marlon, the wily waiter; Charisse, the smart telecom officer.
Kiko, the free-spirited businessman; Chev, the sassy visayan lass and ex-GRO; J-John, the auto-mechanic/model; Vevherly, the demure farmer's daughter; Rob, the sweet but vain sales executive.
Zita, the motherly laundry woman; Emerson, the crafty sewing machine technician; Niña, the sporty mom; Cris, the funny driver; And Nikki, the pretty call center agent.
Armed only with one machete for each tribe, the 18 castaways have to live in the island for 39 days. To survive, they need to build their own shelter, scavenge for their own food and protect themselves from nature's elements.
They will also use their wits and strengths while competing for the prized rewards and immunity during the many challenges.
Every week, one castaway is voted out until one remains to win the P3 million cash prize and the honor to be called the First Pinoy Sole Survivor.
After more than a year of planning and production, the Survivor Philippines team has produced a word-class reality series that lives up to the high standards of Castaway Television Productions, the owners of Survivor.
The making of a world-class reality series
After countless meetings, consultations and brainstorming sessions, Survivor Philippines held nationwide auditions attended by more than 43,000 Survivor fans and aspiring castaways.
To give more Filipinos a chance to be part of this groundbreaking reality series, GMA chose 18 instead of 16 contenders to be part of Survivor. The contestants underwent a rigorous screening process to make sure that each one is up to the life-changing challenge that awaits them.
As for the Filipino counterpart of Jeff Probst, there was only one choice on who will host Survivor Philippines: reality TV guru Paolo Bediones.
With 18 castaways and 120 production staff in tow, the Survivor Philippines team flew to Koh Tarutao island in Thailand to embark on their biggest challenge yet.
The perils of island life
Staying for more than 39 days in a place called the Devil's Island cannot be easy.
Both the castaways and the production team had to deal with elements both seen and unseen whether on land or at sea.
Whenever there was a challenge at sea, everyone had to beware of lurking manta rays, sharks and sea urchins.
Everyday there would be stories of wild animal encounters that can send even the bravest man running.
Snakes, crocodiles, scorpions, tarantulas and wild boars were just some of the few animals that lurk in the island ready to strike at the unguarded tribe member at the most opportune time.
Then there were the ghost sightings, spirits of the ancient island inhabitants who visit the tribes at night.
Despite the daily threats, the show goes on in the island.
The real test of human nature
Living in an island deprived of basic necessities while competing for the chance to win three million pesos can really bring out the best and the worst of human nature.
Some castaways proved to be ruthless villains who would do anything and everything to beat opponents.
Still others proved to be remarkable heroes who cared more about saving people's lives than winning the game.
There were numerous faces of deceit, hate and defeat as well as truth, love and triumph.
This promises to make Survivor Philippines a must-see with various twists and turns that will keep audiences at the edge of their seats long after the closing credits.
Get ready for the biggest and best reality show to ever hit primetime television, the first breathtaking episode of Survivor Philippines, which started airng on September 15 on GMA Telebabad.
