Meet the castaways of "Survivor Philippines: Palau"

CEBU, Philippines - Filmed in the majestic islands of Palau and hosted by Paolo Bediones, Survivor Philippines: Palau will feature 16 Castaways who will outwit, outplay and outlast each other to win the title, Pinoy Sole Survivor.

Don’t miss the pilot episode of the bigger and better Survivor Philippines tonight, with its new challenges, twists and intrigues sure to keep you on the edge of your seats. Here are the brief profiles of the first eight castaways of the second edition of the reality-adventure series on GMA 7. The remaining eight contenders will be featured in tomorrow’s issue.

SUZUKI SADATSUGU, 22 (Tondo)

Student-model Suzuki Sadatsugu lived in Japan for 18 years, but has always been in touch with his Pinoy roots. He knows how to speak Filipino and is currently here in the home country of her mother, taking up BS Criminology at Emilio Aguinaldo College in Manila. Towering at 6 feet, Suzuki started modeling when he was 19. His would-be strategy on Survivor? “Friendly talaga ako at lagi akong nagpapatawa. Sana matawa sila sa jokes ko para hindi nila ako sipain sa island.”

AMANDA VAN COOLL, 25 (Mindoro)

Amanda Coolley Van Cooll works as a general labor construction worker—from driving trucks to mixing cement—in Alaska, after getting bored working in a bank, doing the same things everyday. Her being raised as a probinsyana who is accustomed to island life could get her far in the reality TV series.

CAROL GEMENTIZA, 45 (Iloilo)

A public school teacher for 20 years, Carol is the oldest among the Castaway. It was her children that encouraged and motivated her to audition for Survivor Philippines. Her experience as a teacher taught her patience and perseverance, which seem enough to make her fit to be a Castaway.

CHARLES FERNANDEZ, 21 (Dagupan)

At the age of 18, Charles decided to live on his own without asking support from his parents. He has probably sold everything direct-selling business could offer – from shoes and clothes to cosmetics. And because of his perseverance and persuasiveness, Charles was able to finish studying at the University of Luzon in Dagupan City. Charles said that he is a chameleon, always being able to adapt to his environment.

JEF GAITAN, 22 (Laguna)

At 18, this print ad and commercial model decided to become truly independent and stopped studying to focus on her modeling career. “I took the risk to be independent at a very young age. I survived growing up in the city alone.” When faced with tough challenges, Jef has always resorted to prayers.

JUSTINE FERRER, 29 (Calookan)

Businesswoman Justine Ferrer worked in Japan as a singer at the age of 19 and since then has become a breadwinner of the family. Justine helped her father in a buy-and-sell business and managed a baby ultrasound company. To physically prepare for Survivor Philippines Palau, Justine enrolled in a swim school and is making herself healthy by getting lots of rest and vitamins.

CRIS BOLADO, 39 (Quezon)

Cris Bolado retired from professional basketball in 2003 because of injury. Since then, he has kept himself busy coaching in basketball clinics all over the country. Towering at 6 feet and 6 inches, Cris is the biggest among the second batch of Castaways. Cris also aspires to bring back everything he has lost after his professional basketball career through Survivor.

MAYA SEGOVIA, 32 (Batangas)

Captain Maya Segovia, a military officer and a pilot of the Philippine Air Force has always thought of herself as a man trapped in a woman’s body.  Maya has been a pilot for seven years, a mountaineer for 16 years, a taekwondo black-belter and tri-athlete. Maya prepared herself for Survivor Philippines: Palau by studying people politics through reading psychology books. “Doon ako mahina, eh. Hindi ako marunong makisama sa mga tao. Dahil sa military ako, sanay ako na magbigay at kumuha ng mga utos. Gawin ang dapat gawin, no emotions dapat, no questions asked.”