Surviving the Survivor Castaways search and beyond

The quest for the Castaways saw me shuttling from one province to the next. I’ve been to Davao, hopped on to Cebu and paused by Iloilo in less than two weeks. I thought, it’s only in movies that I’d see busy bees tapping on their laptops on Wi-Fi zones, tacking notes while waiting for the boarding time, or making last minute instructions on their cellphones.

Funny, I’ve starred in those episodes myself not too long ago. Funny, because I thought it’s something cool, but then again it’s really not. Exhausting will be putting it too kindly. Draining is another.

It was like running my own version of that popular reality show Amazing Race. In this case, I’m competing with myself. No time zones to concern with though, only stubborn pimples that pop whenever stress takes the better of me, not to mention weight gain—but then again, that merits another column.

Of course, I’m talking about the auditions for castaways of Survivor Philippines which will premier at the Kapuso Network.

The auditions were held in various key cities of the country. So you could just imagine the hustle and bustle I’ve kind of entertained and the amount of air traffic I’ve experienced (of course, there’s no traffic up there, I’m referring to the number of hours I’ve spent on the plane vis-à-vis to the time I’ve dealt with in braving the EDSA traffic). Not to mention the number of times I’ve made the airport my breakfast stop-cum-mobile office, as I helped myself to a bussed table setting up my laptop to finish a report before being whisked anew to my next port of duty, so to speak.

It has seen me living my life in a suitcase—literally, only taking time to pause by our house to shake off dirty clothes and pile freshly pressed ones anew. Reports were made while waiting for the boarding call; last minute instructions were texted before the take off.

I guess being part of the media has its pleasant quirks and unexpected oddities that could either tick you off or unleash that adrenaline rush.

Some people say that I’m living the life—out of town trips, sumptuous food, engaging company and sleepovers at five-star hotels. For an outsider looking at my load, it may seem as such. Methinks we’re just being properly compensated for the kind of work that we do. I’m not complaining though. I think I’m cut-out to traipse the environs where handling pressure is the nature of the job. I cannot see myself being boxed in a routine that clips my wandering spirit and perpetual need to interact with people.

Which made me think, can I actually ‘survive’ a Survivor experience?

To be thrown in a company of strangers in a faraway island—with no provision for food, Internet, mobile phones, television, radio, my Pod? No spare clothes, save for what I’d be wearing? No toiletries, no facials, no pedicure? To be left on my own and search for what will help me tide over to another day? Hmm…tough eh? But I think, if I had the chance to be one of the castaways, I can survive. It’s the mind games that’ll probably stretch anyone’s limit and drive each castaway’s patience up to the wall.

After all, Survivor was dubbed as the greatest human experiment there is. Its following is global, its popularity unparalleled. And a Survivor experience is truly invaluable.

Beyond the rush, the auditions for Survivor Philippines’ castaways made me see how Pinoys are really up for anything that is beyond normal, above-average, and one that’s going to the extreme.

The queues in the venues were simply overwhelming!

People from all walks of life and crossing social strata trooped to the audition site. Unmindful of sore feet, cramping legs and growling tummies, these Survivor Philippines aspirants cramped every available space available just to get their chance to be screened and interviewed.

More than 40,000 applicants showed up across six audition areas in the country. Some aspirants came in as early as the day before! Can you believe that?! For what? For that chance to be chosen as one of the castaways who will vie for the title of being the First Pinoy Sole Survivor.

Being lucky enough to observe and follow the auditions, I had noticed that the auditions itself were already a test of will and fortitude. Some hopefuls traveled a three-hour distance to get to the audition areas in the province. Some packed food to keep hunger at bay. Others we’ve interviewed revealed that they slept on layers of cartons near the audition halls the night before just to secure their places in the queue. Wow! Talk about a tight race!

I remember, when I told several friends that there will be an audition for SURVIVOR PHILIPPINES, my inbox was swamped with queries from friends and acquaintances on how they could join the reality show and what are the qualifications. Is it for men only? Is there an age limit? How about height? Are there any specific skills required? Are gays allowed to join? Is having a nice, well-buffed bod a requirement? The last one had me bawling as I tried to stifle a wave of guffaw. 

While truth be told that the castaways will be living in an island and that most of the time they might be showing off some skin (just take a look at the previous seasons of Survivor), having a toned body is not a requirement nor will it merit an outright castaway slot.

Also, Survivor Philippines is not gender specific. Anybody and everybody can join as long as they pass the basic age requirement and that they’re physically fit for the challenges that are in store for them.

But what really makes an applicant a potential survivor? Program Manager Neil Gumban said that they held several levels of interviews, plus a series of psychological and physical exams to arrive at the shortlist. “We formed a screening committee to handpick the castaways. The final list was formed based on interviews and exams. We also took into consideration the group’s personality mix,” Gumban said.

The producers knew how crucial it was to determine the castaways who will become the main storytellers for SP. According to Gumban, SP’s mix promises an interesting cohort of brains and brawns, and an epithet to play the tricks of this strategy-bound TV contest.

We’re excited to take a glimpse at the personalities of the pioneering batch of the castaways cum Pinoy survivors. But Survivor Philippines has been successful in keeping everything hush-hush.

I wonder what kind of stories will the chosen ones, so to speak, have in store for the audience? Will romance unfold in the island? Will it be an all-women team versus an all-male squad? Or will there be in-betweens that will spice up the Pinoy version of the hit series? What will the challenges be? What surprises can the audience expect?

Just like you, I’m tickled to the core on what Survivor Philippines is set to unfurl this September. That’s next month already!!! Gosh…I’ve survived the search for castaways, now it’s time to see what’s beyond! Evening primetime viewing is definitely geared for an ass-kickin’ experience now that Survivor Philippines beckons.