The women of Survivor Philippines: Palau

MANILA, Philippines - GMA 7’s Survivor Philippines: Palau is filled with physical challenges that may be construed as designed for men or individuals with strong, muscular physique. But among this season’s castaways are women, who have proven to be capable of outwitting, outplaying, and outlasting their male counterparts.

In the island, the women have been breaking stereotypes and gender roles to become the next sole survivor. The past episodes have been them employing deceiving tactics through alliances and teamwork. Here’s a rundown of Survivor Philippines Palau’s women.

Amanda Colley van Cooll, 25, works as a general labor construction worker in Alaska. Name a work in construction and she’s done it all — from driving trucks to mixing cement. “I love building things and working with my hands,” Amanda said when asked why she chose a career considered for men.

As the elder of seven siblings, 20-year-old Echo Caceres of Sto. Domingo, Albay had to become a breadwinner at a young age. One of the major challenges her family faced was when their house was destroyed by Typhoon Milenyo, while she was on s training in Singapore. Despite the challenges, Echo keeps a positive attitude by living her life to the fullest. She tags herself as a “feisty call center agent.”

At 16, when their father passed away and their family business had to be closed down, Tara Macias became self-supporting to help her family. She has been working as an English language tutor to Koreans as and as call center representative.

Jef Gaitan, 22, may be sweet, friendly and approachable but her charming demeanor and stunning looks should not be construed as signs of weakness. “Palaban ako at matapang kapag kinakailangan,” the petite model said.

Justine Ferrer, 29, worked in Japan as a singer at 19 and since then has become a breadwinner of the family. As a businesswoman, Justine helped her father in a buy-and-sell business and managed a baby ultrasound company.

Mika Batchelor is a 25-year-old chef and restaurateur from Palawan. Representing the beautiful islands of Coron, Mika also grew up in the vast and white beaches of Boracay. The beauty of these beautiful Philippine beaches made her fall in love with the ocean and the outdoors.

Survivor Philippines: Palau airs weeknights in GMA Telebabad.