LEGIONS of Ilonggos troopped to the auditions of Survivor Philippines Season 2 held at SM Iloilo. I was so amused with the whole spectrum of “characters” who came up with all sorts of gimmicks to catch the judges’ attention.
“We’re making sure we don’t get the same kind of castaways as in the first season,” said Neil Gumban (program manager). “Iba dapat ang drama ng contenders in Season 2 so it won’t seem just like a replay. They must give us a compelling reason why we should choose them, aside from their willingness to tackle challenges in a remote island for 39 days.”
There was a 64-year-old snake charmer, a rape victim, a tricycle driver/model, dogwalker/receptionist, single mother, OFW and even beauty queens and celebrities who auditioned. “We were surprised to see an actor and an actress show up,” exclaimed Donna Medina (executive producer). “They were in disguise as they lined up. No special treatment for them. They don’t have an edge though because this is no popularity contest.”
GMA-7 is all geared up to make Survivor’s second season more exciting than the first one. It gives away the biggest prize in a reality show—P3 million, tax-free.
“The challenges will be more Pinoy,” noted Alex Dionisio (segment producer). “We now know which challenges work and which don’t. We will be more vigilant with safety measures.”
Will host Paolo Bediones be willing to wear trunks to spice things up in Season 2? “I’d rather not distract the castaways (laughs),” Pao quipped.  “What I’d like to do is be more of myself and add a little humor to my hosting.”
Lesson learned from Survivor Season 1? “At the end of the day, despite the tough challenge we faced, we were one team,” said Pao. “With constant prayer for strength and guidance from up above, we hurdled everything in the island.”
He is pleased with the turnout of applicants. “The volume of people wanting to take a stab at it has lessened, but then again the quality so far is quite notable,” said Pao. “People realize that it is real and it is hard and only those willing to go that extra distance will make it and deserve to be the second Pinoy sole survivor.”
If you got what it takes (you must be 18 and above), try your luck at the auditions on March 27 and 28 at SM North Edsa and on March 29 and 30 at SM San Lazaro.
Heed the call of the wild and live on the edge. What good is life if it’s half-lived? In the tradition of Survivor, don’t just survive, be fully alive!
Gay role
En route to Manila from Iloilo, I bumped into Luis Manzano at the airport. He is excited to shoot in New York with his mom Vilma Santos and John Lloyd Cruz. He and Lloydie will portray a gay couple.
Does he have no reservations about romantic scenes with Lloydie? “To make the story believable, we will definitely have a lot of emotional scenes as lovers,” said Luis. “I am ready for anything the role requires of me. There are different levels of gayness. My role isn’t the flamboyant type. A la Philadelphia and Milk. I am confident that it will all be done in good taste. It helps that Lloydie is a good actor and also a good friend.” Goodness “GAYcious!”
Lovers or friends?
Someone privy to Heart Evangelista’s love life told me that she went out with her businessman ex-boyfriend. Are they on the verge of a reconciliation or are they just trying to make the switch from lovers to friends?
Guess list
•A singer has a pattern in her love life. She always gives her full emotional and financial investment to her boyfriends who take advantage of her kindness. “Parang replay lang ang mess that’s happening now to her and her ex,” says her close friend. “In her previous relationship, she bought a property in Bora and put it in her name and her BF’s name. When they split up, di na niya alam kung saan napunta ang papeles ng lupa.” If loving those men are wrong, why does she still want to be a repeat offender?
•An actress got pissed at the audio man in her shooting so she slapped him. “Galit na galit siya kasi after her scene, she was informed na di nag sink in ang sound,” said a crew member of the show. “So kailangan take two. Agad niyang hinanap ang audio man at sinampal at minura.” If only her harsh dialogue off-cam could also be put in mute mode. She has a reputation of shouting at her show’s and movies’ staff. If she doesn’t shut up, she should be shut out from the TV/cinema scene.
Summer shows
Sta. Lucia Grand Mall in Marcos Highway welcomes summer with shows galore. Catch Dingdong Avanzado on March 21, Hale on March 22 and Iya Villana on March 29. Shop, Look and Listen!