The biggest winner, biggest loser

MANILA, Philippines - The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Doubles, the second season of the popular reality show that featured participants in pairs, successfully ended last Saturday, April 26, after nearly three months on late-night TV.

Bryan Castillo, the contestant from Pembo, Makati who sailed in the finals by his lonesome minus his sister Ikya (eliminated on Week 13), was proclaimed winner. As the finalist with the biggest weight loss (he lost 154 pounds), he took home a bounty of P1M, home appliance showcase, a lifetime gym membership and other exciting prizes.

First runner-up was Kayen Lazaro, who bagged P500,000, while the BigaTeam pair of Francis Asis and Mommy Osie Nebrida placed second and third runners-up, respectively.

Francis won P300,000 and Mommy Osie took home P200,000. However, since they were the only pair who made it to the finals, their cash prize would be doubled as earlier announced in the competition.

Past contestants displayed their new, enviable figure in the finale hosted by Iza Calzado, with challenge masters Matteo Guidicelli and Robi Domingo. Couple Jim and Toni Saret were the designated trainers and fitness coaches this season.

The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Doubles started last Feb. 3. Fourteen pairs came from the initial, 30-day pre-camp challenge before 10 doubles officially checked in at the house for live-in contestants. In the house, they did challenges and exercises to shed off excess pounds.

First pair eliminated were sisters Dianne and Tin Obsina, followed by sweethearts Biggie Estrella and Valerie Obena, cousins Lovely Si and Carol Labilidas, Cebu-based officemates and best friends Bien Ybanez and Mai Letigo and friends from Cavite Jepoy Arcilla and Tristan Nueva.

Carl Lazaro, the better-half of Kayen, was eliminated on the 10th week of the competition, followed by Francis Asis, part of the BigaTeam pair who exited on the 11th week.

However, when the Showbiz Royalties (Patricia Martinez and Cathy Bautista) and Du Brothers (Ralph and Christian) prematurely quit the camp on Week 12, Carl and Francis were asked to return and re-team with their partners.

The voluntary exit of the Showbiz Royalties and Du Brothers was revealed because they violated rules inside the camp. They brought in cigarettes, junk food and even slimming tea to help them lose weight.

Ikya was the 15th person eliminated from the competition, followed by Carl, who left the camp for the second and final time on Week 14, leaving behind his wife Kayen for the finals.

For the first time in The Biggest Loser history, the teams did not use an air-conditioned gym but an open field where they worked out, exercised, got dirty and completed the challenges to help them lose weight.

The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Doubles host Iza couldn’t be any prouder when the Final Four was revealed on Thursday night, April 24. “You inspire me and you give me so much joy,” she told the four contestants. “This is such a special project for me.”

Taking over The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Doubles timeslot is Pinoy Big Brother All In, which airs Monday to Saturday nights on ABS-CBN.