More exciting challenges this time around

DAVAO CITY , Philippines  — Pinoys always rise to a challenge, be it physical or mental. Many young and young-at-heart Survivor wannabes flocked to SM City Davao’s Events Center on March 18 and 19 — despite a transport strike here on the second day — for their chance to be one of the castaways to stay in an island for 39 days, surpass the battery of challenges and be proclaimed the next Pinoy Survivor with a prize of P3-M in cash tax-free as GMA 7 prepares for another season of Survivor Philippines.

 “I can do better than JC (Tiuseco),” an aspirant says while filling up an application form.

Would there be a tougher set of tests? Is the island as remote as can be?

With its all-original Pinoy challenges, Survivor Philippines Season 2 promises to be more exciting this time around. Program manager Neil Gumban says televiewers will see changes when the reality show airs anew starting July.

All the challenges were presented to Castaway Productions for approval. “They are strict in terms of content but we were able to explain to them well every detail and they understood why the local version is unique from other Survivors,” he adds.

“But the pressure is so great to make them work because dadaan sa butas ng karayom para ma-approve nila,” host Paolo Bediones says. “So instead of coming up with 26 challenges, we have to come up with 40 and then they will choose. And we have to base the number of challenges on the remaining castaways.”

Besides, most of the trials in Season 2 have not yet been seen on TV. That’s why, the local team initially plans on every challenge that would stir televiewers’ interest. In choosing the type of applicants, the team used to sit down for long hours during meetings.

Sob stories, for sure, won’t work. Most of the aspirants who stand before the screening committee composed of executive producer Donna Medina, segment producer Alex Dionisio and Neil shamelessly share their miseries.

A number of professionals showed up to prove that they can do more than what their job usually requires of them. A psychologist, psychic, anthropologist, reggae band vocalist, call center agents, teachers and a chef were some of the aspirants spotted during the auditions. A lady from the Manobo tribe caught everyone’s attention, too.

Former beauty queens (incognito during audition), celebrities, models and a Starstruck avenger were also seen in the different legs held in Naga, Baguio, Iloilo and Cebu.

What measures will they take to avoid the “leakage” that happened in the first season? Paolo clarifies that there was no leakage. It was just a conclusion some people made since there were only two castaways left in the island. And someone thought there were a lot of people who favored JC. So he concluded that JC was the one. Besides, there were castaways who used the Internet and logged on to a site. “Eh ang fans nagpapaka-CSI kaya nahuhuli nila and they can be spoilers, too.”

To make Season 2 leak-proof, the use of Internet will be prohibited in the island. The staff can use their cameras but there will be no posting of pictures on the Net until the show ends. The team will also stress the importance of confidentiality as soon as the new set of castaways are revealed. “We have to emphasize the importance of keeping a secret not just to them but to the production team as well,” Paolo states.

Survivor auditions in Manila will be held on March 27 and 28 at SM City North Edsa, and March 29 and 30, SM San Lazaro.