Celeb runners share how strategy and luck work in ‘Running Man Philippines’

MANILA, Philippines — The celebrity competition has just begun in “Running Man Philippines” Season 2, with Angel Guardian, Buboy Villar, Glaiza de Castro, Kokoy de Santos, Lexi Gonzales, and Mikael Daez as returning runners, with Miguel Tanfelix as the neophyte.

All are up for the new challenges and missions that will test their emotional, mental, and physical strength.

“I think we had the same thinking that we just wanted to enjoy,” said Lexi about her strategy in playing for the Kapuso reality-game show in a recent press call.

“Kasi kumbaga nung Season 1, dun na po namin nailabas yung lahat ng gigil (Because in Season 1, that’s when we let out all our eagerness to compete). This time, we were more open to enjoying ourselves and experiencing the places. We never engaged in overthinking.

“Last season, kasi nag-o-overthink kami. Kumbaga bahala na. Last season, we would overthink. It was more like ‘come what may’ attitude. That’s our mindset, the Bahala na mindset.”

If Lexi re-entered the show with the attitude to enjoy it, Miguel had a different game plan.

“Ako ang iniisip ko dapat taker ako dito, dapat magaling ako. (I was thinking that I should be a ‘taker’ here, someone who excels),” shared he.

“Pero ang lahat ng yun ay hindi ko nagawa dahil sobrang unexpected nung mga nangyari. Kaya walang planong masusunod sa ‘Running Man.’ (But I wasn’t able to do all of that because events were really unexpected. So there’s no plan that can be followed in ‘Running Man).”

Since an element of surprise is inherent in this kind of program, Mikael said, “Lagi akong may strategy, lagi akong may target (I always had a strategy and a target). Yun nga lang minsan hindi natutupad yung strategy (Though sometimes, I would fail to execute the strategy).”

For Buboy, he had to be physically and mentally fit.

“I would take vitamins and say my prayers. The most important, kasi hindi po natin masabi na baka ma-overwhelm po ang katawan (because we didn’t know that our body might get overwhelmed by the challenges),” he said.

Asked about their two cents’ worth on the role of luck in any competition, Mikael answered, “Well, there are some games that involve luck. Actually, kailangan mo talaga ng diskarte (you really need a strategy). It’s (fun to know) that I’ve seen how everyone’s strategies have evolved from Season 1.”

Neophyte runner Miguel Tanfelix shares that he never expected that his stint in ‘Running Man Philippines’ would be fun.

“I’m very happy with Miguel, whom I (and the rest of the cast members) had worked with in ‘Running Man (Philippines this season),” shared he, adding that Miguel’s strategy was evident and different as well as the approaches of every runner. Each speaks of the latter’s identity.

From listening to Glaiza’s thoughts, one could gather that the runner’s approach to each game or mission changes. Luck comes at the right time, and each strategy has a build-up. If one’s approach doesn’t work at this point of the game, one may consider another in the next segment.

Having seen fellow runners play gives them some idea of how to approach another mission. The show itself provides them with the space to experiment with new ways to stay in the games.

When luck complements the runner’s strategy or vice versa, it yields good results.

What’s clear is that runners need to work hard, adjust their strategy to different situations, enjoy the ride, and hope that Lady Luck is on their side most of the time.

“I didn’t expect that my 43 days in Korea would be this fun,” said Miguel. “At first, when I thought of staying there, I asked myself if I could handle the sadness (of being away from home). I would miss a lot of people in the Philippines, my family, and my friends.”

He continued, “Para sa akin, parang hindi bukal sa loob ko na pumunta dun for 43 days. Parang mahirap umalis sa Pilipinas. (For me, it felt like I wasn’t fully committed to going there for 43 days. It seemed challenging to leave the Philippines for that long.)”

Eventually, Miguel adjusted to the set-up that was required by participating in the show.

“We all became close,” shared he, who enjoyed his entire stay in Korea and stint in “Running Man Philippines.”

For him, time flew by, and the 43 days didn’t feel like work at all. “Before going to Korea, I thought I was just there for work. But I never felt that I worked during the 43 days that we were there.”

Follow the upcoming adventures of celebrity runners every Saturday and Sunday night at 7:15 as they continue to embark on a winter race in South Korea. Their missions are described as mind-blowing in the latest season’s premiere.