Excitement in a minute

MANILA, Philippines - Luis Manzano is perhaps the busiest star of the Kapamilya network, with several TV shows to his credit. Every day, he is seen regularly in two daytime programs — the game show Minute To Win It and the teleserye Be Careful With My Heart (which stars Jodi Sta. Maria and Richard Yap). Luis plays the rich son of an airline company magnate in the series.

On weekends, Luis hosts another game show, Deal or No Deal. Taking over from original host Kris Aquino, Luis has successfully made his own mark as host of the said program. Very soon, his talent show, Pilipinas Got Talent, which he hosts with Billy Crawford, will return to primetime TV with a brand-new season.

The daily game show, Minute To Win It, proves to be a challenge to every celebrity who attempts to win a million pesos. Contestants take part in the 60-second challenge using objects that are commonly available around the house.

The rule is to beat the clock, so the contestant takes home cash for every successful level of the game. There are 10 challenges that escalate in level of difficulty. Each game has a one-minute time limit and failure to finish the task on time may result to elimination.

So far, the show featured Ai-Ai de las Alas for its pilot telecast. Other stars who played included Zanjoe Marudo, Christine Reyes, Sam Concepcion, Rico J. Puno, Maja Salvador, K Brosas, Andrew E, beauty queens Shamcey Supsup and Janine Tugonon, Kian Cipriano, Melai Cantiveros, Keanna Reeves, Andrew Wolff, Julia Montes and Martin Nievera.

Although the game is fast-paced, challenging and exciting, no one has brought home the million pesos yet.

The US edition of Minute To Win It is hosted by Guy Fieri. The game show also airs in other countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, Poland, Brazil, Greece, Denmark, Belgium, Russia, Finland and Spain.

During the one holiday season, the American edition raised the cash prize at stake to $3M, with all-new challenges also tailored for Christmas. There were two contestants who alternated in completing the challenges and winning cash.

There was even a holiday bonus if the player gets to win a particular level of challenge. You get an extra life so that gave the contestant four lives for the entire game. The other holiday bonus was extra 10 seconds to be added to the player for any particular challenge.

Meanwhile, in the local edition, after the celebrities played, ordinary viewers will be given a chance to become contestants and win cash prizes in Minute To Win It.

Tea Party uses tea bags to be swayed into the top of a baseball cap worn by the contestant. Raisin’ the Bar uses raisin boxes and bottles. Magic Carpet Ride needs a mat and things seen at home which will serve as obstacles. Shoe Fly Shoe uses shoes and a table.

Back Flip uses hand and pencils. Human Unicorn needs a pile of cookies stacked in the contestant’s forehead. Whack Job requires eggs, paper plates and glass with water. CD Dominoes needs CD cases to be stacked on the table and a wastebasket. Flip Your Lid uses plastic cups and a bottle.

There are many other challenges within the game that contestants can play. They only need to be precise to complete every challenge within a minute or they can be eliminated after their three “lives” expire.

From the makers of The Biggest Loser and Masterchef, which both have local franchises also on ABS-CBN, Minute To Win It airs Mondays to Fridays before Be Careful With My Heart.