‘Amazing’ power couple Eric and Rona Tai
Two for the show: Eric and Rona Tai are remembered by viewers of Amazing Race for their funny antics. Amid the tension of the competition, their sense of humor and jolly demeanor are never lost. “This isn’t the honeymoon I asked for,” says Rona.
You can’t miss them. With his towering height, massive build and larger-than-life personality, Eric “Eruption” Tai stands out in any crowd. The rugby player with the Philippine Volcanoes-turned-TV host for It’s Showtime met his match in Rona Samson. Rona is a spunky, outgoing and easy-go-lucky business owner and body positive warrior. Both online and in person, she exudes a refreshing air of confidence and self-love, inspiring others to do the same.
Together, Eric and Rona make a dynamic couple, to say the least. They have supported each other through their careers, fitness journeys, and their latest adventure yet — The Amazing Race Asia Season 5.
Funny Couple
On the show, the duo proves to be promising contenders finishing in second place for last week’s leg of the race and continuing on as part of the Top 4 teams. Arriving third at the pit stop this week was another Filipino team, the pair of beauty queens Maggie Wilson and Parul Shah. Apart from their skill at conquering the challenges that make The Amazing Race, Eric and Rona are remembered by viewers for their funny antics.
While every other team stresses out or has serious game faces on, Eric and Rona go through the race dancing and smiling. Amid the tension of the competition, their sense of humor and jolly demeanor are never lost. “We’re in a different country,” Eric beamed at his wife Rona. “This isn’t the honeymoon I asked for,” she shot back.
The Race was a dream come true for the couple. It gave them the chance to meet new people, travel, and strengthen their relationship — all while making memories that would last a lifetime.
Big Is Beautiful
“I love overcoming challenges and I love traveling, trying, and exploring new things,” Eric shares why he wanted to be on The Amazing Race Asia. “I want to show people that just because someone is on the heavy or bigger side, it doesn’t mean that they are just lazy,” Rona adds. “I want to prove that strength and fitness come in every shape or form. As a couple, we are eyeing the prize to help us with in vitro fertilization (IVF) so that we can start a family,” she expounds.
Eric and Rona were pushed to their limits during The Amazing Race. Both had to face their fears of prawns and rats, the latter of which Rona had to chow down to proceed in the race.
Of Mice And Fears
“This 5th leg of the race goes to my mighty wife Rona Samson-Tai. Her greatest fear in life is mice and rats. She would literally jump on a chair or table to get to safety from these little suckers or maybe even cry. Well, as you can see right here: She had to devour a rat to continue the race from this roadblock. Annnnddddd she did just that, without hesitation and in a heartbeat. She really shocked the living boots off of me. I couldn’t believe it. Much love to you, peh! You are a legend! Congrats to facing your fears! Oh, btw, she also ate a centipede, bats, lizard, and a scorpion ... not bad for a five-course meal... #TARAEricRona #TeamPhilippines #Puso #Laban” Eric shares in a Facebook post.
They had to prepare mentally, physically, and emotionally for the contest. “We prepared by watching past episodes and taking down notes and ideas of what we think past teams have done great in tasks,” Rona claims.
“Before the race, we came up with a rule of ‘No blaming and no regrets.’ Making sure that we followed our rule was not the easiest at times especially if we had made mistakes in some of the challenges or tasks,” they share.
Getting Creative
Aside from their regular exercise routines, the couple reinforced their fitness regimen with some rather creative forms of strength and cardio training. “We ran around our neighborhood with our backpacks, filling it up with books and other heavy objects while running or going up and down the stairs,” they recall.
In the end, whether Eric and Rona win the race or not, it strengthened their relationship in a way that nothing else could. “In the race, we did not have our daily distractions of social media or games on our phones so it really gave us the opportunity to get to know one another better. Talking to each other about our thoughts, strategy, and utilizing each other’s strength,” Rona shares.
“The Amazing Race can make or break any relationship… but it’s a choice,” the couple admits.
While we may not face crazy obstacles and roadblocks in real life, our relationships are constantly tested even in day-to-day challenges and decision making.
To conclude, Eric and Rona want to remind you today to “choose life experiences that strengthen you and not break you.”
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Post me a note at mylene@goldsgym.com.ph or mylenedayrit@gmail.com.
