Cash in a flash

MANILA, Philippines - Instant Cash is exactly what it says. Except that it’s a fast-paced game show that gives outright money for its prize. The show doesn’t happen inside a studio and no tedious preparation is needed for the production. There are also no host/s or guest/s required.

There is usually one contestant needed to play (although sometimes, there are two players) Instant Cash. The money comes from an ATM conveniently stationed in malls. Usually, the ATM grabs the attention of unsuspecting mall-goers or mere passers-by. A talent provides the voice for the ATM.

The immediate question thrown to anyone who approaches the ATM apparently to withdraw money is, “Do you like to win instant cash?” Of course, the answer is always on the affirmative, so the game show commences in no time.

The game starts with a multiple-choice question worth $50 and goes high to as much as $15,000. Four possible answers are given. The questions range from movies, actors, music to places, science, sports and general knowledge. If the player cannot answer the question, he is allowed to ask the people around him so he can answer correctly.

However, the game is not just to test the knowledge of the players but also their endurance. Hence, there is a dare every after two questions. The dare, which is always timed, should be done inside the mall. Players are offered a bigger pay-out if they complete the dare.

For instance, the players are asked to get 10 packets of hot sauce and eat them in front of the machine. Or take the bump car ride and hit four cars. Or find a girl in the mall named Mary and present her ID. Or go to a specific store and bring a particular item to the ATM.

There is a safe located near the ATM and at times, players are asked to get items inside the safe and complete the dare prompted by the voice in the ATM. The dare gets harder and more complicated the bigger the cash at stake.

Sometimes, two players are allowed to play Instant Cash, so both of them also have to complete the dare as a pair. Like dance the tango for one minute or throw popcorn in each other’s mouth 10 times or bring the cookie from your eye to your mouth or get a feather inside the safe and blow it to stay afloat for a minute.

At any point, if the players are satisfied with their cash winnings, they can take the money and forego the next dare. Those who do not wish to risk their money leave the game with their sure cash. However, those who want a bigger pay-out take the risk so they can win more money.

The cash winnings are immediately dispensed by the ATM once the players decide to quit the game. The players can bring home the instant $15,000 once the game successfully ends.

Instant Cash is very educational and at the same time really entertaining. The game show airs in Canada and is seen locally on cable on the Fox Channel. The program runs for only 30 minutes and can be easily franchised by our local networks since it obviously has very little production cost.