Once on this island

Clint Holton P. Potestas interviews the host of Survivor Philippines.

On a savage island, the test of the mightiest begins. For most of them, it is competing with their undiscovered self-adeptness to man’s ultimate challenge: survival. But they can never deny that it is also a game of the so-called one versus one hundred: one versus all.

And there’s no turning back.

The contenders of Survivor Philippines, or “the castaways,” are divided into two tribes on a secret island. Both tribes would compete in every round of challenges assigned per episode.

“Here in Survivor, there is no ‘going home.’ We stay on that island ‘till we are down to two castaways. And then, we clean up. The challenges will be much grander in scale, and will be up to international standards. The prize here is three million to one individual, tax free,” Paolo Bediones, the show’s host, reveals the mechanics.

For 39 days, each will follow a three-day cycle. On the first day, the winning team, as a reward, would have the chance to garner “benefits” that could assist them in the future.

Second day has an immunity reward. It means the winning tribe receives a full immunity to all consequences. Third day is the elimination round. One of the castaways is eliminated from the island based on the number of votes from colleagues.

The Tribal Council, a group of official jurors, declares the coverage of the incentive, longevity of the punishment, and the rules of the assignment.

This TV program, soon to be aired on GMA, aims to feature the unique characteristics of ordinary Filipinos during unguarded moments: a strategic process that measures how real ordinary people can be.

Personal feuds may rise on the set, but Paolo confirms that every action in each episode is not under anyone’s direction. Participants may take their flights of fancies, but they’re far from the hype of the entertainment industry.

“Up until now many are still wondering if the Filipino is capable of the backstabbing and the conniving that may be necessary to survive on the show. Definitely, the Filipino is very emotional as well, and it’s not far fetched to think that the castaways will be using this to their advantage,” says Paolo.

“The castaways are very relatable in their nature, coming from various backgrounds that will surely spark interest in the show. We will definitely do our best to keep it real. There are rules that will be strictly adhered to, as well as certain measures that will be taken to make sure that the castaways feel as isolated as possible,” he continues.

The most difficult part is the composition. From the castaways to the production team, they are not spared from the unseen weather change and food supply.

“The biggest risk, I think, is being in unfamiliar territory for a long period, plus the fact that there are about 100 personalities of the staff and crew that have to be dealt with on a daily basis. Food isn’t certain even for the staff and crew as well, and the weather can be unpredictable. The island itself is dangerous; it is filled with snakes, wild animals, and caves.”

Survivor Philippines may be a battle of wits and whims, but it could also unravel a hidden beauty that is often disregarded: the beauty of diversity.

And for sure, when the survivors depart from that savage island, they would wake up again to the familiar bustle and then, smell the breath of the insomniac city.

There’s no place like home, all right.

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