The Biggest Loser Asia finale on Diva Universal

MANILA, Philippines -  What started with 16 contestants was narrowed down recently to the final three contestants on Diva Universal’s inspirational reality series, The Biggest Loser Asia (TBLA).

The final three contestants, Raj from Singapore, Nai from Thailand and Genghis from Philippines, endured tough training and challenges over three months and have been rewarded for their discipline when Lori from Hong Kong was eliminated last night’s episode.

In a week’s time, the three will fight it out for the $100,000 cash prize and the title of the second winner of The Biggest Loser Asia 2. The finale, to be filmed in Singapore tomorrow, Dec. 14 and aired the same night, will see culmination of the three contestants’ hard work and discipline over the past months, where lasting friendships and in some cases, animosities, were forged.

“It has been an emotionally, physically and mentally challenging time for me. This is by far the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my entire life,” says Nai, 26, an insurance agent trainee who has lost 41 kg and is the strongest competitor among the three finalists.

Representing Philippines is Internet café owner Genghis Khan, 34, who weighed 162 kg at the beginning of the competition and was considered a “walking time bomb” by his doctors. He says, “I’ve got a new lease of life with The Biggest Loser. For the past 30 years, I was living day by day not knowing when I would collapse from all my illnesses. At first, I joined the competition for myself, but now, I am beginning to realize I have become a beacon for everyone to see that the impossible can be possible.”

Also making the cut is the leader of the Blue Team this season Singaporean Raj, 24. Competitive by nature, the 3D modeller is thrilled to have come this far in the competition. He says, “I’ve regained my life through The Biggest Loser Asia and it is impossible to put a price tag on it. But of course, being Asia’s next Biggest Loser will be awesome and I’m doing my best to try to win!”

The remaining three would not have made it this far had it not been for the inspiration and guidance given by the professional trainers, Dave Nuku and Kristy Curtis of Fitness First. Nuku and Curtis were instrumental in pushing their respective teams through the tough and arduous training regimen and diet programs for the past 12 episodes.

Diva Universal’s Biggest Loser Asia, based on the highly rated US weight loss reality TV series The Biggest Loser, is a pan-regional production hosted by Asian celebrity Marion Caunter (E! News Asia).

Karen Johnston, programming and acquisitions director, Asia Pacific, Universal Networks International says, “The Biggest Loser Asia has become an inspirational go-to series on DIVA Universal for our viewers in Asia. It is heartening to see the far-reaching positive impact TBLA has brought not only to the contestants but also to our viewers. I’m encouraged to see the dedication and relentless pursuit for change by TBLA contestants and I’m certain they will surprise and wow their loved ones and audiences across Asia with life-transforming results come Dec. 14.”

The Biggest Loser Asia finale is a two-hour special and will air at 9 p.m. (SG, MY, PH, HK), and 8 p.m. (JKT, TH).