Fear never a factor for ‘bad boy’ winner

For Jommy Teotico, winner of the ABS-CBN reality show “Pinoy Fear Factor,” the toughest challenge came after the competition.

For five months, since his return from Argentina in September, he had to keep his victory a secret from family and friends.

“I didn’t tell my family. My friends kept pestering me, especially after I made it to the final four,” he said. But he kept mum. “I didn’t have P5 million for the fine.”

He has earmarked his P2-million cash prize for a business venture. “First, I wanted a food franchise,” he said in an exclusive interview. “Now, I’m considering a used car business.”

Meanwhile, he has to treat the other participants to a beach outing and buy Chuck Taylors for them, as they all previously agreed. “I’ll also invite them to the blessing of the house I won,” he said.

On Friday, after watching the finale show together in the “Pinoy Big Brother” house, Jommy’s fellow contestants made sure to give him their respective shoe sizes.

Ecstatic

His family was ecstatic, and neighbors on Dimasalang St. in Manila trooped to their house after the show. “It was like a New Year’s party,” Jommy related.

He reported that his family understands him better now.

As a kid, he frequently got into trouble. He recounted: “My mom often spanked me and I always got sent to the principal’s office. I had a hard time getting a certification of ‘Good Moral Character’ when I graduated from elementary.”

He wasn’t a bad boy, he insisted; he was just a little unruly and “wanted to have fun.”

That’s still true, and it proved to be his winning strategy, he said. “By teasing and trash-talking others, they got distracted from the game. But I remained focused all throughout.”

Final challenge

The 25-year-old Business Management graduate from Lyceum admitted that there were several instances during the show when he almost gave up.

The final challenge was a car stunt. “I got nervous because I learned how to drive only before leaving for Argentina.” The cockroach episode also daunted him. “I turned pale.”

But the show taught him that quitters don’t win.

For the “Bad Boy of Dimasalang,” fear was definitely not a factor.

 

- Bayani San Diego Jr., Philippine Daily Inquirer

Janna regrets not winning Pinoy Fear Factor

Actress and stand-up comedienne Janna Dominguez admitted she regrets not winning “Pinoy Fear Factor: Argentina, South America.”

In an exclusive interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com, Dominguez said that she feels sad for not getting the P2 million cash prize, the house-and-lot, and the privilege of being the first Pinoy Fear Factor’s (PFF) El Ultimo Participante.

“Hindi naman po masama pero siyempre nakakalungkot lang, kasi nakakahinayang, P2 milyon at bahay at lupa, ‘yon ang nararamdaman, hindi naman po sama ng loob,” she said. “More on panghihinayang, wala namang regret.”

Dominguez, the last woman standing in PFF revealed that during their last challenge “Car Roll Over” she really thought that she could win the game because she could get idea from Jommy’s stunt.

“Noong una malakas ang loob kasi noong una parang pumangalawa kang magta-try ng stunt. Puwede mo pang higatan yung una, kaso noong nangyari ang stunt ko, parang wala na, nanghinayang na ako,” she explained.

Dominguez, the Flawless ‘chica’ from Dagat-Dagatan said that though she failed to bring home the prizes for her family, she is really happy for her co-participante Jommy Teotico, whom she described as someone who deserved to win the reality show.

“Siyempre, everyone deserves to win, masaya na lang ako. Sana lang gamitin niya ang napanalunan niya sa nice way. Sana yung bahay niya, ingatan niya,” she said.

Dominguez, 18, joined the show so she could ask her father working in Japan to come back to the country so they could be one again as a family.

Asked if her father knows anything about what happened, the actress replied: “Actually, hindi pa niya napapanood pero nabalitaan niya. Nagkausap kami at kahit anong mangyari, ‘Proud ako sa iyo', yun ang sabi niya sa akin.

Dominguez said that she’s now busy auditioning for TV projects and will soon be busy doing a movie under Star Cinema.
 
Aside from out-of-town shows, she is also joining television game shows like “Pilipinas: Game KNB?” to help save money for her family.

Jommy wins Pinoy Fear Factor

After numerous grueling challenges, Jommy Teotico bested 11 other bets to win ABS-CBN’s “Pinoy Fear Factor: Argentina, South America” Friday, February 20.

The 24-year-old model won a cool P2 million, a house and lot and the title "El Ultimo Participante" after defeating Janna Dominguez in the show's "Car Roll Over" challenge.

In the final challenge, both contestants were required to drive a car over a ramp that would explode, flipping the car over at least once. The participante that brought his car farthest from the ramp wins the contest.

In the end, Teotico's driving expertise gave him the edge in the final challenge as his car flipped and settled more than 22 meters away from the ramp compared to Dominguez's record of 17 meters and 10 centimeters.

Teotico earned the moniker "Scorpion King" after eating 20 scorpions in one of the PFF challenges. He also earned the respect and admiration of other contestants after setting a Fear Factor world record in the Car Re-Entry stunt.

Jommy Teotico is the first El Ultimo Participante of Pinoy Fear Factor

After surpassing 33 challenges and 11 elimination rounds, Jommy Teotico is named as the first El Ultimo Participante of Pinoy Fear Factor: Argentina, South America.

In the first part of the February 20 episode of the reality show, PFF host Ryan Agoncillo announced the name of the tenth person eliminated from Pinoy Fear Factor. In the previous stunt, the Final Three—composed of Janna

Dominguez, Marion dela Cruz, and Jommy—had to put a tarantula in their mouth for two minutes before eating the arachnid in the shortest time possible.

Ryan revealed that Marion, the participante who is courting Janna, completed the task in 3 minutes and 32 seconds. Jommy finished the task in 3 minutes flat while Janna clocked in the fastest at 2:56.

Before he left, Marion told Ryan and his fellow participantes: "Nanghihinayang ako kasi isang stunt na lang pero marami akong natutunan sa show na ito."

When he and Janna had some time together before he left, Marion sincerely told Janna, "Panalo na ko kasi nakilala kita. Proud ako sa 'yo. Talunin mo si Jommy, ha," he said before hugging her tight for one last time in Argentina.

CAR ROLL OVER STUNT. For the El Ultimo Duelo, the final two participantes had to drive a car at top speed towards a ramp that triggers an explosion upon contact. The car's distance farthest from the ramp will be declared the winner of the challenge and the overall winner of Pinoy Fear Factor.

Janna, an 18-year-old standup comedienne, faced Jommy, a 24-year-old model, in a dark parking lot bathed in dramatic lighting. When the smoke cleared, Ryan indicated that their last stunt is called the Car Roll Over stunt. A stuntman then revved up the engine of a black car that hit the ramp and triggered a huge explosion.

The female participante exclaimed, "Napanood ko na ito! Ang saya!" She gave a high-five to Jommy and waited with much excitement for her turn. Jommy, pumped up with adrenalin and determination, was the first to take the challenge.

Before he rode his car, Jommy told viewers of Pinoy Fear Factor, "Si Janna, hindi naman siya threat pero ibang klase ang fighting spirit niya." He revved up his engine and cameras inside the car showed how powerful the impact was when the car flipped over and landed on its roof.

When it was Janna's turn to enter the car, she admitted, "Isa lang iniisip ko, ang lagpasan ang nagawa ni Jommy. Power!"

Jommy, known as the "Scorpion King" for being bitten by the arachnid, was asked to turn around so he won't be able to see immediately how far Janna's car will land from the ramp. After she completed the stunt, Ryan himself measured the distance from the starting line to the car.

The Pinoy Fear Factor host then revealed that Janna's attempt only took her to a distance of 17 meters and 10 cm while Jommy's car reached a distance of 22 meters and 50 cm.

Jommy Teotico is Pinoy Fear Factor's first El Ultimo Participante. He is given P2 million pesos and is now the owner of brand-new Avida house and lot from Ayala Land.

'SuperManuel' gets eliminated from Pinoy Fear Factor

Struggling businessman Manuel Chua, the erstwhile "king of stunts," plunged to a shocking elimination on Wednesday during the first stunt of the ultimate round of elimination of "Pinoy Fear Factor: Argentina, South America."

“SuperManuel's" last flight was sealed when he was slowest to get out of a makeshift grave in the "buried alive" stunt.

The struggling businessman prematurely lifted his body out the hole, which caused an avalanche of sand that trapped his lower body underground. It took him over eight minutes to finish the stunt.

Fittingly, it was "Kryptonite" Marion dela Cruz who won the challenge. Jommy Teotico followed with a time of 4:40 while Janna Dominguez clocked in 7:43.

With a time of 3:53, dela Cruz finally gained his own "Fear Factor" world record through this stunt, besting a participante from Turkey who finished it in 4:09.

Chua had been the game's most dominant player with victories in the earlier rounds, which made him the target of his co-participantes. He also broke two "Fear Factor" world records via the "Slippery Car" and "Net under Helicopter" stunts.

Teotico, the lone Pump Squad member left, said he is proud to have outlasted Chua but is also sad to see their "big brother" leave El Campo Miedo. Dominguez and dela Cruz, meanwhile, were left to tears. 

"I made a wrong move. I could have done better," Chua said.

With “SuperManuel's" early departure, the competition among the three remaining participantes heats up. The "Ultimo Participante" will receive P2-million prize  and a house and lot.

Who among Dominguez, Teotico, and dela Cruz will meet in "El Ultimo Duelo" to become the first "Ultimo Participante"? Find out this week on "Pinoy Fear Factor" after "SNN: Showbiz News Ngayon" on ABS-CBN.

Who’ll be El Ultimo Participante?

Who among the Fearless Four will lord it over in the most shocking and heart-thumping elimination round to be able to grab the prizepot of P2 million, house and lot, and the title El Ultimo Participante in "Pinoy Fear Factor: Argentina, South America?” The final contenders: Manuel tagged as "Supermanuel,” Jommy as "Scorpion King," Janna as "Bonana" and Marion as "Kryptonite."

Manuel has dominated the competition his co-participantes wanted him out of El Campo Miedo (Camp Fear as their living quarter is called) badly. The owner of two "Fear Factor" world records, he is the only participante to stop the horse while being dragged in mud. He has two recent stints in the danger zone. He fought with Marion after getting jealous when got too chummy with Janna. He has to re-focus to reclaim his dominance.

Jommy has graduated from being a joker to a legit contender after convincingly beating Manuel in challenges like the "Car Re-entry" stunt. He's also showed no fear for pain when he cut his lip while eating 20 scorpions and when he risked his body in the "Drag by a Horse in Mud" stunt. Though bruised and wounded, Jommy is dead set to win.

Janna, the only female in the group, always brings a lucky charm with her during stunts. However, she has proven her worth by braving through stunts while risking her safety. One time she had her foot got stuck on a net under a helicopter. Upside down and ankle twisted, she still tried to get up and complete the stunt. With this kind of will, she can claim the top spot.

Marion is the group’s softie turned toughie. The winner of the "Tarzan Swing" and "Water Coffin" stunts, he was baptized "Kryptonite" and gave up the gay act. He is now performing like a beast. His attraction to Janna has given him additional motivation to win and to beat Manuel who has emerged as his competitor for her love.

Fear Factor's Marion denies he's gay, says Janna is 'special'

Pinoy Fear Factor participante Marion Angelo dela Cruz on Monday downplayed rumors that he is gay and revealed that he has special feelings for his co-participante, actress-comedienne Janna Dominguez.

Dubbed as the PFF's "Kryptonite," dela Cruz said that though he has special feelings for the actress he and Dominguez are now just good friends and not taking their relationship seriously.

"Magaan ang loob ko sa kanya. Ngayon ano lang kami friends kami. Ayos sa amin yung friends kami. Magkasama kami madalas para sa Pinoy Fear  Factor. Madalas kaming tinatawag para sa mga mall shows, ganoon kaya lagi kaming nagkakasama at yung kulitan namin ay ganoon pa din parang sa Argentina," dela Cruz told abs-cbnNEWS.com.

Dela Cruz said his overtures to Dominguez during the show, including giving sweets, chocolates and flowers, was not a gimmick. "I think naman na napasaya ko siya. Sana naman," he stressed.

He also said that both of them are too busy with their respective careers to pursue a possible deeper relationship.

‘Not gay’

Aside from clearing the real status of his relationship with Dominguez, dela Cruz also downplayed speculations that he is a gay.

Dela Cruz told abs-cbnNEWS.com, that his acts were just part of his jokes. It will be recalled that dela Cruz made his co-contestants laugh with his gay-comedy antics especially when he wore a two-piece swimsuit.

“Hindi po. Wala po. Nag-enjoy lang ako gusto ko lang magpatawa ng mga kasamahan ko kaya  ginawa ko yon. Kasi noong una napansin ko na nakakatuwa yung reaction nila kapag nag-ganoon ako kasi isang beses nagawa ko hindi ko alam kung ano ang rason nakita ko ang reaksyon nila na nakakatawa ganoon din yung ibang tao. Ako mas masaya ako kapag nakikita kong masaya ang ibang tao,” he explained.

The former soccer player said that he regrets nothing since he really enjoyed what he did while he was in Argentina with the other participantes.

“Wala pong pagsisisi kasi ginusto ko pong gawin yon. Para sa akin alam kong lalaki ako at okay lang po kung isipin ng ibang tao kung bakla ako kasi hindi lahat naman ng tao ay makakasundo ko pero mayroon naming mga tao na nakakaintindi na joke lang yon,” he added.

Final 4

The cast is complete for "Pinoy Fear Factor: Argentina, South America's" most shocking and heart-thumping round of elimination, as the "Fearless Four" enters the last stretch of competition this week on ABS-CBN.

Starting Monday night, Feb 16, Manuel "Supermanuel" Chua, Jommy "Scorpion King" Teotico, Janna "Bonana" Dominguez, and Marion "Kryptonite" Dela Cruz will be holding nothing back as they fight tooth and nail for the P2 million prize, house and lot, and the title "El Ultimo Participante," while showing the world again the courage and heart of Filipinos.

Manuel or "Supermanuel" has dominated the competition so much that his co-participantes have been one in wanting him off El Campo Miedo. Although the owner of two "Fear Factor" world records, and the only participante ever in Argentina to halt the horse while being dragged in mud, is not invincible as proven by his two recent stints in the danger zone during the sixth and seventh round of eliminations. Moreover, the struggling businessman also had a near meltdown recently after getting jealous when Marion and Janna got too close for comfort. Manuel has to regain his focus to reclaim his dominance in "Pinoy Fear Factor."

Jommy a.k.a. the "Scorpion King" has graduated from being a joker to a legit contender after convincingly beating Manuel in challenges like the "Car Re-entry" stunt, where he made his own "Fear Factor" world record. He's also shown no fear for pain when he cut his lip while eating 20 scorpions and when he risked his body in the "Drag by a Horse in Mud" stunt. Though bruised and wounded, the 24 year-old model is dead set to win to be able to help his family, and RJ his closest friend in the pump squad.

Janna earned the "Janna Bonana" monicker because she always brings a lucky charm with her during stunts. The youngest participante has proven her worth by braving through stunts even at the expense of her safety like when her foot got stuck on a net under a helicopter.

Marion is the softie turned toughie of the group. The winner of the "Tarzan Swing" and "Water Coffin" stunts, who was baptized "Kryptonite" by host Ryan Agoncillo, has given the gay act a rest and is now performing like a beast in the stunts. His attraction to Janna has given him additional motivation to win and to beat Supermanuel, who has also developed a liking for the stand-up comedienne.

Savannah Lamsen fails to enter the Fearless Four of Pinoy Fear Factor

Savannah Lamsen, a 23-year-old ledge dancer from Quezon City, didn't make it to the Fearless Four of Pinoy Fear Factor: Argentina, South America. She was eliminated in the Octava Ronda de Eliminaciόn (Elimination Round 8) of the ABS-CBN reality show last night, February 12.

"Ayoko pang umuwi...hindi ko ine-expect na mangyayari yun! It's time for me to go," said Savannah after she failed in the third stunt of Octava Ronda de Eliminaciόn.

In the first challenge of Elimination Round 8, the participantes were required to hold on to a stick at the end of the rope that would be dragged by a horse trotting in circles on a muddy field. Whoever could hold on to the rope the longest in this stunt, called Atrasado Por Un Caballo (Slowed Down by a Horse), would be safe from elimination and would automatically compete in the final round.

Manuel Chua gripped the tow rope the longest with a record time of 1:01. He also holds the record for being the only participante in the history of Fear Factor who tired a horse out with his strength.

On the other hand, Jommy Teotico stayed on the tow line for 54 seconds while Marion dela Cruz hung on for 39 seconds. The women did not perform well in the stunt. Janna Dominguez's time was just five seconds while Savannah's was only three seconds.

The next stunt was called Cinta Transportada de Fruticias (Strawberry Conveyor Belt). Forty strawberries are transported on a tilted conveyor belt. Each participante must catch them one by one with his mouth and place them in the box opposite his spot.

This second challenge seemed easy for the participantes. But since this is Pinoy Fear Factor, a chosen fellow participante could put distractions on the conveyor belt along with the strawberries to make the challenge more difficult. The one who placed the most strawberries in the box would be exempted from competing in the final stunt of Octava Ronda de Eliminaciόn.

Savannah got one strawberry, Marion got six, and Jommy and Janna both had eight strawberries. Manuel, who was present to observe his potential contenders in the final round, was assigned to choose between Jommy and Janna on who would compete in the third stunt of Elimination Round 8. Manuel chose Jommy based on his assessment that Janna caught more strawberries but, unfortunately, these did not reach the box, reducing the total count of her strawberries.

The third stunt was the Pared Giratoria (Rotating Wall). In this stunt, the participantes must scale both sides of a rotating wall in as many revolutions as they can in ten minutes without falling off. The one who performs the least revolutions will go home to the Philippines.

Jommy was the only one able to last the entire ten minutes, pulling off 12 revolutions and thus securing a place in the final round. Both Marion and Savannah fell off the wall. However, Marion was able to complete three revolutions before falling off while Savannah slid off the wall at the onset, making her the 8th eliminado of Pinoy Fear Factor: Argentina, South America.

Savannah was truly sad when she did not make the stunt. "Sad ako...hindi ko akalaing maaalala ako ng mga tao dahil nahulog ako ng mabilis. Ayoko ng ganun ako maalala," she tearfully told host Ryan Agoncillo.

What lessons did she learn in Pinoy Fear Factor?

"Na, yun nga, magkaroon ka ng bilib sa sarili mo, saka yung feeling na makikisama sa lahat ng klase ng tao, kahit ano pa sila."

Was she able to conquer most of her fears?

"Oo, marami saka yung pagri-reach ko ng goal ko, hindi ako hihinto."

Next week, the remaining participantes—Manuel Chua, Jommy Teotico, Marion dela Cruz, and Janna Dominguez—will be facing the ultimate challenge of Pinoy Fear Factor. Find out who will be tagged as El Ultimo Participante and who will win P2 million and a house and lot in Pinoy Fear Factor: Argentina South America.

Watch the last few episodes of Pinoy Fear Factor every night on ABS-CBN's Primetime Bida and every Saturday at 7 p.m. on Studio 23.

Elimination doesn’t mean they’re totally out

Six of the Pinoy Fear Factor (Argentina, South America) participants are back after being eliminated from the Filipinized version of the popular reality TV show.

They may be out but they’re definitely not down.

Eliminados, as they are referred to in Argentine Spanish, Gail Nicolas, Ram Sagad, Phoemela Baranda, Jose Sarasola, Elmer Felix, and LJ Moreno, continue to make waves even after being sent home after their elimination.

Armed with renewed confidence and killer instinct which they developed in Argentina, the eliminated participantes (participants) are dead set to conquer their new goals in their post-Pinoy Fear Factor lives.

Bikini Summit ’07 winner Gail may have left very early in the competition but she never faded into oblivion. With God-given physical attributes, her image has been all over men’s magazines like FHM and Maxim. Just like in Pinoy Fear Factor, the Viva talent is willing to dip into the untested waters, which in her case is now show business.

Ram, on the other hand, is busy undergoing workshops under ABS-CBN. He’s working double time with auditions for TV and movie projects. With his eye on the prize, this former basketball player promises never to give up and let go of his dreams this time. He got eliminated in the second round of elimination, when he was quickest to let go from a wayward helicopter.

Third eliminado Phem is as busy as ever on The Buzz and TV Patrol World. Her Fear Factor experience also gave birth to magazine and newspaper features about her. After proving she can battle it out with the boys, Phem is no longer a mere celebrity. Her passion and determination is now recognized more than ever.

Among all the eliminados, it’s Jose who had a movie-like experience. Even before the show started, he was rumored to have a sex video, which was later proven a hoax. While in the show he was bitten by a snake, had a love team with Savanah, as well as a rivalry with Manuel whom he claimed had a different and meaner personality off camera. Now the aspiring chef is back focusing on his cooking but he’s game to taste a little bit of show business.

Although veterinarian Elmer was often sick, he still went on with every stunt and challenge, ready to be the first Filipino veterinarian to conquer the world’s greatest fears. Swallowing a cockroach didn’t stop him but LJ did, when she outdid him in the last stunt of the fifth round of elimination. Back to saving animals, Elmer is determined to never ever again choke.

LJ’s early departure after the sixth round was a shock, being the strongest and most athletic of all chicas. However, her loss can also be her gain, as she can focus now on her brewing romance with Argentine crew Maxi. Still, the erstwhile heartbroken LJ must figure out what weighs more, her newfound love or a revived career?

While the eliminados chase their dreams, the SAISTIG (Sais na Astig) continue their fight in Argentina. Now serious and hungrier more than ever, SuperManuel, “Scorpion King” Jommy, “El Gato de Parola” RJ, Janna “Bonana,” Marion and Savanah are bound to face greater danger in the next rounds for the P2-million prize, house and lot and the title El Ultimo Participante.

Pinoy Fear Factor with host Ryan Agoncillo airs Monday to Friday after Eva Fonda on ABS-CBN. Catch the weekly highlights every Saturday at 7 p.m. on Studio 23, Kabarkada Mo!

 

- by Isah V. Red

RJ Calipus eliminated in septima ronda de eliminacion of Pinoy Fear Factor

Wharf porter Bernabe "RJ" Calipus from Tondo was the 7th participante eliminated in Pinoy Fear Factor: Argentina, South America. The culmination of the séptima Ronda de eliminación (Elimination Round 7) was aired last Friday, January 30. 

In this round, six participantes labeled as the Saistig (Sais na Astig) vied to survive the challenges in the seventh round to determine who will take home the cash prize, a house and lot, and the title of El Ultimo Participante. 

THE FIRST CHALLENGE. The participantes had to lie down inside a transparent glass coffin being submerged underwater in a stunt called Cofre en el Agua (Coffin in Water). At the signal of a pilot light, the participante must open the lock of the glass coffin using one of three keys tied to their hands to release themselves from the glass coffin and swim toward the edge of the pool marked with the logo. The fastest participante to finish the stunt will be exempted from the next round.

Marion Cruz and Jommy Teotico were exempted from the succeeding rounds of séptima ronda de eliminación, finishing the stunt at 19 and 20 seconds, respectively. Marion was shocked after hearing the result because he didn't even expect to finish the stunt himself. Even though Marion has always done a great job at the stunts, he panicked this time and he felt tense in frightful stunts, so PFF host Ryan Agoncillo branded him "Quintin Tarantahin."

Manuel Chua and Savannah Lamsen clocked in identical times of 26 seconds each, but Savannah was penalized with five additional seconds for holding the lock and keys before the pilot light's signal was given.

Janna Dominguez finished the challenge in 42 seconds while RJ was the only one unable to finish the stunt since he quit after 24 seconds.

Four of them had to move to the second challenge of séptima ronda de eliminación.

THE SECOND CHALLENGE. Caja del Terror (Box of Terror) was the name of the challenge that the four participantes had to face. They had to lie inside a box that is divided into three sections, one at the head, one surrounding the feet and the middle section, each to be filled with either rats, snakes, or frogs. The challenge was to transfer a number of animals placed in the middle section into a fish tank next to the box in a span of three minutes. The fastest person to accomplish the stunt would be exempted from competing in the third stunt.

All of them were tasked to transfer 15 frogs. Savannah was able to transfer 12 frogs in three minutes. RJ was able to transfer 15 frogs in 39 seconds, but one frog landed out of the fish tank and another ended up in another compartment of the box, thus putting the official count at 13.

Both Manuel and Janna were able to completely transfer 15 frogs, but Janna did it two seconds faster than Manuel having 1 minute and 45 seconds versus 1 minute and 47 seconds, thus saving her from the third round.

THE THIRD CHALLENGE. In preparation of the third stunt, a test explosion triggered by the PFF staff caught the attention of the local police. So as to avoid troubles with the police force, all production was suspended until the next day in a different location.

For the third stunt, Manuel, Savannah and RJ tried out a giant wire loop game in Circuito con Explosiones (Circuit with Explosions). The stunt was a real heart-stopping feat because if the wire touches the giant electrical hoop, it will trigger a fiery explosion behind the participante.

Manuel was the first one to try the stunt after being chosen by his co-participante, Savannah. He initially felt unwanted by the group but it turned that he was the only to complete the stunt with a time of 1:28.

Since both RJ and Savannah set off explosions, the distance achieved became the basis for the decision of the judges. Savannah managed to loop 2.97 meters of the wire, while RJ crossed only 2.6 meters, making him the seventh person to fly back home to the Philippines.

As Pinoy Fear Factor nears its conclusion, the challenges are also getting more intense. Next week, the remaining five participantes would be competing in Octava Ronda de Eliminación (Elimination Round 8) where they will be facing other extreme stunts.

 

by Ilene May Buitizon

Pinoy Fear Factor 'eliminados' wish to join showbiz

Eliminated contestants from "Pinoy Fear Factor: Argentina, South America"- Gail Nicolas, Ram Sagad, Jose Sarasola and Elmer Felix are one in saying that they want to join the world of showbusiness.

The "eliminados" who failed to win the P2 million prize, the house and lot and be named as the show’s “Ultimo Participante” are now back in the country.

“Before I joined Fear Factor, medyo nag-start na din ako, so napakagandang opportunity ang dumating at napasama ako sa Pinoy Fear Factor na alam kong magiging malaking daan na makapasok ako sa showbiz,” Nicolas said.

Nicolas, the Bikini Summit ’07 winner, is now more than willing to join showbiz as her image has been all over men’s magazines. She also had a part in ABS-CBN’s popular show ‘Dyosa.’

For Ram Sagad, who is an ex-cager and now undergoing workshops under ABS-CBN, he said that if the opportunity comes, he is open to doing showbiz projects. Sagad is also into modeling.

Jose Sarasola, the aspiring chef, is now busy finishing his studies and dreams of having his own business.

But when it comes to entertainment, he said, “I joined Pinoy Fear Factor kasi I want to try something new. So parang if every showbiz opportunity comes up it’s something new again. So why won’t I try it as well?”

Sarasola, a Filipino-Spanish eliminado is afraid of deep water.

Dr. Elmer Felix is ready to embark on a different life if showbiz calls his name.

“Patuloy pa din ang panggagamot ko sa mga hayop pero kung may opportunity sa showbiz why not po? Para ibang kind work po naman,” the veterinary doctor from Pampanga said.

Dr. Felix has a fear of deep water, drowning and unusual edibles.

Now, while the eliminados are out facing new fears and weaving their dreams, the “Saistig (Sais Na Astig)” continue their journey in Argentina.

Participantes Manuel, Jommy, RJ, Janna, Marion and Savanna are about to face greater danger in the next rounds of Fear Factor for them to take home the P2 million prize, house and lot and the title “El Ultimo Participante.”

See who among the six ‘participantes’ gains momentum through winning this week’s thriller non-elimination round.

by Reyma Buan-Deveza, abs-cbnNEWS.com

LJ Moreno is sixth person eliminated from "Pinoy Fear Factor"

Pinoy Fear Factor: Argentina, South America lost another contender when LJ Moreno was eliminated during the sexta ronda de eliminacion.

In the first stunt, the participantes had to climb up one log and then balance themselves on top of five other logs before they could grab the yellow flag from each log. The fastest to do the stunt will get iwas-peligro (immunity) from the elimination, while the biggest loser will suffer a serious consequence. Savanah Lamsen was unable to climb up the first log so she was automatically placed in the bottom three contestants.

The second stunt had a PFF candy store but instead of serving chocolate or candy, there were insects, rodents and various creatures served to the participantes. Manuel Chua had to eat one mouse, two cockroaches, five maggots, five scorpions, as well as earthworms. Jommy Teotico of the Pump Squad suffered from a swollen lip when a scorpion stung him.  Still, he was able to consume 20 scorpions. LJ Moreno could barely swallow the 20 cockroaches that she was assigned to eat. Meanwhile, Janna Dominguez was tasked to eat 20 worms.

In the final stunt, they had to complete the inverted bungee stunt, which involved holding one's breath underwater while hanging upside down and holding a weight. Former actress LJ had to face her fear of depths twice in this stunt because of miscommunication problems.

LJ insisted that she wasn't offered a nose clip on her first try, when she had a time of 12 seconds. The stunt team, however, said they offered her but she refused. The nose clip proved beneficial to the other contenders.

After reviewing the video and seeing no offer was made, Pinoy Fear Factor host Ryan Agoncillo allowed her to do it again to be fair. A teary-eyed Savanah was initially against giving friend LJ another crack at the stunt, knowing she would be eliminated if LJ did better. However, Ryan assured Savanah that she can also repeat the stunt if she wanted to. She didn't have to. LJ could only go breathless for 11 seconds on her second try.

Her co-participantes Manuel clocked in 1:18, Janna stayed for 39 seconds, and Savanah was submerged for 19 seconds before she let go of the huge weight.

The actress turned preschool teacher is the sixth eliminado after veterinarian Elmer, aspiring chef Jose Sarasola, model-TV host Phoemela Baranda, basketball hunk Ram Sagad, and sexy model Gail Nicolas.

"I can go home able to say that I gave my all in every stunt. I was able to face all my fears, and that alone is a big achievement for me," said LJ.

With her physical strength, confidence and competitive spirit, LJ was one of the participantes favored to be the first El Ultimo Participante who will take home P2 million and a house and lot. However, the former "pump squad killer" couldn't pull off another breathtaking performance in a stunt that left her gasping for breath.

Moving on in the competition are the "SAISTIG" (Sais na Astig) composed of struggling businessman Manuel Chua, balikbayan Marion Cruz, model Jommy Teotico, kargador RJ Lapus, stand-up comedienne Janna Dominguez, and ledge dancer Savanah.

One of them will break a "Fear Factor" world record this week, while another will undergo an accident that will change the tone of the contest.

Watch the remaining six participantes take on more terrifying and gut wrenching stunts in the name of pride and for the sake of their loved ones on Pinoy Fear Factor with host Ryan Agoncillo from Monday to Friday after Eva Fonda. Highlights of the competition are aired on PFF: Special Edition every Saturday, 7 p.m. on Studio 23.

 

by Jocelyn Dimaculangan

Who will be the 4th Pinoy Fear Factor eliminado?

Who among Jommy, Jose and LJ will be the 4th Eliminado in 'Pinoy Fear Factor'?

Wounded and worn-out, participantes Jommy, Jose and LJ will have to give all that they've got, as they face elimination in the cuarta ronda de eliminacion of "Pinoy Fear Factor: Argentina, South America" tonight, December 8, only on ABS-CBN.

Straight from the cockroach stunt, the endangered participantes prepare for what could be their last stunt in the contest. Wearing an iron man-like armor, Jommy, Jose and LJ will be dragged by a zooming vehicle to pass through several explosions and then let go from the vehicle to land on the bullseye--the "Fear Factor" logo.

The participante who stops farthest from the target will be the fourth eliminado of "Pinoy Fear Factor," following model-TV host Phoemela Baranda, basketball hunk Ram Sagad, and sexy model Gail Nicolas.

With the dawn breaking and the weather reaching 2 degrees, the three mull their chances in their most heart-thumping challenge to date.

"Pump squad" members Jommy and Jose are third stunt veterans, having been in the brink of losing three times already. However, their crunch time experience also means lack of rest as they have been competing almost non-stop in their twenty-something days in Argentina.

Jose, who was nicknamed "Tuklaw" (bite) by host Ryan Agoncillo, is also still nursing the snake bite he sustained last week.

LJ, meanwhile, will try to do what friend Phem failed to do and that is to send one "Pump Squad" member home.

Who among the three is the most determined to conquer their fears and join co-participantes Marion, Savanah, Janna, Manuel, Elmer and RJ in the fifth round of elimination?

Pride and the chance to win P2 million cash, a house and lot, and the title of El Ultimo Participante are at stake tonight on "Pinoy Fear Factor." Follow the action and the drama every Monday to Friday on ABS-CBN, after "Eva Fonda" and the "PFF Special Edition" on Studio 23 every Saturday on 7:30 p.m.

Phem Baranda eliminated from Pinoy Fear Factor

Participante Phoemela Baranda's first time in the danger zone turned out to be her last as well after faring worst during the third elimination round of "Pinoy Fear Factor (PFF): Argentina, South America" on Monday.

The television host-model is the third eliminado following basketball hunk Ram Sagad and sexy model Gail Nicolas.

Baranda failed to survive a challenge dubbed “Atravesando De Vidrios” or the “bicycle stunt.” In the said elimination round, she and two other “pump squad” members had to ram into sheets of glasses while riding a bicycle.

Baranda failed to even get past one glass while Jommy Teotico and Jose Sarasola managed to break one and five glasses, respectively. The model instantly lost her balance and fell when she hit the first glass.

Visibly disappointed, she lamented that another female participante was booted out of the competition. The model, however, said joining PFF was “worth it.”

Meanwhile, the competition is getting tougher.

Teotico, Sarasola and RJ Calipus vowed to destroy Manuel Chua, who is considered to be the biggest threat. Janna Dominguez, LJ Moreno and Savanah Lamsen are also plotting against the men.

This week expect even more challenging stunts that will test more than their courage, strength and mental tenacity and even bring an unlikely participante to tears. Catch the cuarta ronda de eliminacion of "Pinoy Fear Factor" with host Ryan Agoncillo from Monday to Friday on ABS-CBN before "Eva Fonda." Also, catch the show's highlights on Studio 23's "PFF: Special Edition" every Saturday at 7 p.m.

Janna Dominguez faces her acting fears in 'Eva Fonda'

After getting the boot from ABS-CBN reality show Pinoy Fear Factor (PFF), comedienne Janna Dominguez is now facing a more daunting but less dangerous challenge as a regular cast member of the new television series “Eva Fonda.”

Dominguez said she will play the role of the antagonist Paris opposite Eva Fonda's Cristine Reyes.

"I'm really happy because this is my first real acting job because I only used to do cameo roles. They really focused on the cast so that the acting would come out naturally," she said.
 
Dominguez said she had to audition for the role and won the part even before she went to Argentina for the Pinoy Fear Factor shoot. She said the role of Paris challenged her to do more than just comedy and drama but also some fight scenes.

"It's really very different because it's a reflection of real life. I was really challenged by the fight scene," she said.

Dominguez said bagging a plum part in Eva Fonda could give her the exposure and publicity she needs to stay in showbiz.

“Pangarap ko kasi talaga ito noon pa yung mga kapasok ako sa showbiz. Dati nga po lahat talaga sinalihan ko nag-audition ako yung SCQ 1, SCQ 2 yung PBB kasi gusto ko talaga sa showbiz,”  the comedienne said.

Dominguez is a former guest co-host of ABS-CBN’s popular noontime show “Wowowee.” She is also working as a stand-up comedienne at Punchline Comedy Bar.

 

- Reyma Buan-Deveza, abs-cbnNEWS

Ram Sagad says adios on "Pinoy Fear Factor"

Ram Sagad is the second participante to be eliminated from ABS-CBN’s reality show Pinoy Fear Factor (PFF): Argentina, South America.

The former basketball player failed miserably in the final stunt where the participantes had to hold on to the trapeze for as long as they could while being violently whirled by a helicopter. The participante to lose his grip at the shortest time would be eliminated. 

Sagad fell into the water after 30 seconds, saving other participantes from being eliminated. Elmer Felix’s time was 38 seconds; Jose Sarasola, 49; and Jommy Teotico, 39.

“Hindi ako makapaniwala na ganoon kabilis.  Aalis na ako, babalik na ako ng Pilipinas?  Kung mauulit gagawin ko talaga ‘to (PFF).  Ngayong natanggal ako, na-overcome ko ‘yong fear of heights ko.  Na-enjoy ko na ‘yong stunt (helicopter).  Ang sarap ng feeling na naging part ako ng Pinoy Fear Factor.  Nakakalungkot, pero siguro may iba pang gusto si God para sa akin.  Baka gusto niya akong makatapos ng pag-aaral,” Sagad said.

Sagad’s elimination came as a surprise to other participantes given that he was considered to be the most athletic among the group.

Savanah Lamsen admitted that she was expecting Felix to lose in the elimination round because he complained of feeling sick a day before the challenge.

On the other hand, Manuel Chua said he felt relieved because he considered Sagad as the biggest threat in the competition.

With Sagad’s elimination, the number is now down to 10 participantes who would endure daunting challenges in order to grab the grand prize of P2 million and a house and lot worth P2.5 million. 

 

- Napoleon Quintos

Gail Nicolas is first participante eliminated from "Pinoy Fear Factor"

Bikini Summit winner Gail Nicolas is the first participante eliminated from Pinoy Fear Factor: Argentina, South America. She was sent home in last Friday's episode after performing dismally during the "Una Ronda De Eliminacion" or first round of elimination.

"Medyo kinakabahan pero nilalabanan ko yun, ibibigay ko talaga ang best ko para hindi ako maalis," she said moments before subjecting herself to the freezing waters of Argentina. Host Ryan Agoncillo wished her good luck by saying, "Buenas suerte, mi amiga."

The balikbayan from Austria, Marion dela Cruz, and the veterinarian from Pampanga, Elmer Felix, joined her in the bottom three. They were tasked to free a baby dummy from a car submerged underwater. Marion had completed the stunt earlier with a time of 30 seconds.

However, the 25 year-old model failed to finish the stunt. She could not pull out the baby dummy and she went back to the surface without freeing the doll.

"Malungkot ako, siyempre, parang ayokong sumuko...gusto ko pang lumaban pero siguro may magandang kapalit ito," she said.

The gutsy Nicolas, who identified heights and dark places as her fears, left El Campo Miedo (the participantes' camp) with tears and shattered hopes. She is out of contention for the P2 million prize money, house and lot, and the title of El Ultimo Participante of ABS-CBN's franchise reality show.

This week, the participantes will have to face their fears again with stunts involving great heights, exotic edibles and a thrilling helicopter ride with a twist.

The remaining participantes of Pinoy Fear Factor are Jommy, Marion, Ram, Phoemela, LJ, Savanah, RJ, Jose, Elmer, Janna, and Manuel.

'Pinoy Fear Factor' gracefully kicks off Monday

As expected, "Pinoy Fear Factor: Argentina, South America" (PFF) had its successful debut episode last Monday.

The 12 fit and strong-willed "participantes" finally faced their first-ever challenging stunt dubbed Caminando Sobre Barriles Giratorios as part of PFF's una ronda eliminacion (first round elimination).

They have to traverse a long rolling beam while grabbing every flags stick to it, in a consecutive manner. This stunt will test the participantes' agility and poise for them to grab a safe spot to proceed to the next challenge.

The first one who performed the stunt was Promdi Veterinarian Elmer Felix. Carrying the pressure of being first, he only got one flag before he fell into the freezing river.

A preview of Tuesday's episode meanwhile showed that Ms. Body beautiful Gail Nicolas seemed to get hurt as her face hit the beam when she falls.

Before the challenge, all the 12 participantes had their own individual stretches showing their personal background.

They may have different sad stories and sentiments but one thing common to all of them is their gorgeous and hunky bodies.

First stunt proved to be breath taking and totally challenging - even more difficult than from the US Fear Factor as per PFF host Ryan Agoncillo. But this is just the tip of the iceberg.

"Pinoy Fear Factor" promises at least 60 stunts that the participantes have to hurdle.

Unlike the original Fear Factor, which only has three stunts and a winner per episode, PFF will have three stunts and three weakest participantes in every elimination round. The bottom three will face the elimination challenge and whoever loses bids goodbye.

The last person standing will be proclaimed the first El Ultimo Participante or "Pinoy Fear Factor Champion," bringing home the grand prize of P2 million and a house and lot from Avida.

Here are their brief identities of the 12 participantes:

Phoemela Barranda "The Glam Goddess" - Popularly known as "Phem" in the entertainment industry. She is a model and widely-recognized as TV Patrol's entertainment news anchor. She is the oldest among the 12 participantes. She joined PFF to prove that she is more than just a pretty face and glam. Greatest fears: snakes, insects.

Bernabe 'RJ' Calipus Jr. "Ang Kargador Tondo Dad" - A young father of two from Parola Tondo. He married at the age of 17 and already has two daughters. He is a son of Filipino woman and a French man but sadly he never met his biological parents. He has not finished his schooling and works as a wharf porter to provide for his family. Greatest fear: heights.

Manuel Chua Jr. "The Struggling Businessman" - Runs an appliance store business, which he inherited from his father. They used to have 36 stores but when his father died, only three stores were left. He is an unwed father of a four-year-old girl. His focus now is to revive his family business and help the mother (lawyer) of her child in providing a better future for their daughter. Greatest fears: crocodile, failure.

Marion dela Cruz "The Austrian Balikbayan" - Born and raised in Vienna, Austria but kept his Filipino values. He was a victim of racism back in Austria, which usually caused him to get into fights. He was then sent here in the Philippines by his parents and now stays with his lola and adjusting to his new environment. Greatest fear: heights.

Janna Domiguez "Ang Flawless Girl ng Dagat-Dagatan" - A loving daughter who dreams to provide the best for her family especially her father who is a construction worker in Japan. He appears in some television shows like Wowowee and Banana Split and willing to take any opportunity to earn and prepare for his father's retirement. Greatest fears: spiders, closed spaces.

Elmer Felix "Ang Promdi Veterinarian" - A two-time professional board exam flanker. Determined to get what he wants in his life as he passed the board exam in his third take. This Kapampangan hunk has a competitive and persistent spirit. He is a man who does everything just to get what he wants. Greatest fears: drowning, deep water, unusual and exotic edibles.

Savanah Lamsen "The Ledge Dancer" - A ledge dancer cum model who hopes to have a name in showbiz. She used to have a wealthy lifestyle but was forced to adjust to a simple life when their business collapsed. Describing herself as clumsy and super funny, Savanah is ready to face every challenge and take home the million no matter how hard it takes. Greatest fear: cats

LJ Moreno "The Daredevil Chick" -- Former actress turned preschool teacher. LJ was known for gracing several TV commercials, magazine, and TV shows. She decided to stay away from the limelight and continue her studies. She finished a degree in early childhood education and now teaching kids. She is an extreme sports enthusiast and fond of car racing and wakeboarding. Greatest fears: deep water, cockroach.

Gail Nicolas "Ms. Body Beautiful" - She was hailed as Bikini Summit '07 winner. She is a model and also graces some TV shows and commercials. Since her father died, she became the provider of her family. Greatest fears: dark places, heights

Ram Sagad "The Basketball Hunk" - A former NCAA player. He quit basketball thinking he is not getting enough recognition he deserves. Fond of hanging out with friends in bars and playing video games, he decided to try a different kind of adventure by joining PFF. Greatest fears: Heights, unusual and exotic edibles.

Jose Sarasola "The Aspiring Chef" - Only child of a Spaniard father and a Filipina mother, Jose was used to an all exclusive kind of living. He lives in an exclusive subdivision and studied in an exclusive all boys' school. He is an aspiring chef working as an intern in one of the most luxurious hotels in Manila. He is obviously a rich kid, but entering PFF is a platform for Jose to prove that he is definitely not a "conio." Greatest fear: deep water

Jommy Teotico "Ang Alaskador Model" - A certified playboy, but changed after being beaten up by the family of a married woman he slept with. He is a happy-go-lucky person and loves making people laugh. Greatest fears: cockroaches, feeding insects

Pinoy Fear Factor: Argentina, South America, airs weeknights after "I Love Betty La Fea" on ABS-CBN Channel 2.

“Pinoy Fear Factor” contestant Jose Sarasola says he has no nude photos and sex video

Bago pa man mapanood ang bagong ABS-CBN reality show na Pinoy Fear Factor, na nagsimula kagabi, November 10, kumalat sa Internet ang nude photos at sex video diumano ng isa sa participantes nito na si Jose Sarasola. Ang naturang mga larawan at video ay nagpapakita sa isang lalake na nasa aktong nagpapasaya ng kanyang sarili sa harap ng computer.
Pero sa isang statement na ipinalabas ng direktor ng Pinoy Fear Factor na si Laurenti Dyogi, itinanggi niya na si Jose ang lalaking nasa mga larawan at video.

Nagkaroon ng pagkakataon ang PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) na makausap nang personal si Jose upang kunin ang kanyang panig. Mariin ding pinabulaanan ng 22-year-old aspiring chef at Culinary Arts student sa La Salle College of St. Benilde na siya ang nasa larawan at video na kumakalat sa Internet.

“Definitely that’s not me,” deklara niya. “Sa buhok pa lang sa katawan, mabuhok ako. Siya [the guy in the picture], hindi siya mabuhok. Pango yung ilong niya, saka he’s more Chinese, e. He doesn’t even look Filipino or Spanish, so malayo talaga.

Dagdag niya, “I was shocked talaga na it came out like that. Pero obvious naman na hindi talaga ako yung guy na nasa pictures o scanner, o kung sinuman yun kasi talagang malayo. Especially for people I’ve been with, friends ko or people who really know what I look like, talagang malayo yung difference.”

Siniguro rin ni Jose na hindi niya gagawin ang ganitong mga bagay.

“I’ll never do that, baka palayasin ako ng Daddy ko sa bahay namin!” tawa niya. “I’m assuring all the fans of Fear Factor and ABS, and fans ko na hindi talaga ako yung nasa nude photos.”
Wala ring ideya si Jose kung sino ang nagpasimula at nagkalat ng mga naturang mga larawan at video sa Internet, na pinapalabas na siya. May balak ba siyang hanapin o idemanda ang nagkalat ng mga naturang nude photos at sex video?

“Hindi ako gagawa ng anumang action,” sagot ni Jose. “If I’ll look for the guy or sue any Internet [website], wala because hindi naman talaga ako yun. Not a big deal talaga sa akin.”
Noong una raw ay binalewala ni Jose ang nasabing mga balita. Pero ang nakaalarma sa kanya ay nang makita na niyang naapektuhan ang kanyang mga magulang, lalo na’t ang mommy pa niya ang nagsabi sa kanya tungkol dito.

“At first I didn’t mind it kasi I just thought lang na because Fear Factor is coming out, all these things popping out. So, parang balewala lang. But then, more people are texting me and letting me know na I have pictures daw on the ‘Net. So I checked it and malayo naman.
“I’m not making it a big deal kasi hindi ko naman talaga kamukha yung guy. Medyo nag-worry ako and nainis na rin because it’s affecting my parents. Our family is very religious. My parents taught me good morals in life. When it starts affecting my parents, and being the only child in the family, you don’t want your parents to be sad.

“Actually, it’s my mom who saw it sa ‘Net, na parang may nude photos nga raw ako. My mom knows me naman very well, so hindi naman siya naniwala,” lahad ng 22-anyos na si Jose.
Maging ang mga taga-Pinoy Fear Factor ay pinagtawanan lang daw ang isyu dahil alam ng mga ito na hindi talaga siya ang nasa hubad na larawan at sex video.

“They were laughing about it, kasi I’ve been with them for a long time. And being in the show, they know what I really look like talaga,” sabi ng Pinoy Fear Factor contestant.

Sa sinasabi naman ng iba na karamihan sa mga mayayaman ay nabu-bore na sa buhay kung kaya’t gumagawa ng mga kakaibang bagay na magbibigay sa kanila ng kakaibang excitement, inisa-isa ni Jose sa PEP ang activities na kanyang pinagkakaabalahan. Imposible raw ang espekulasyon na ito sa kanya ng iba.

“Exag lang ‘yan because I’m still doing my OJT [on-the-job training], I’m going to graduate na February next year. I want to be a chef so I’m preparing to open a business next year. I’m doing a lot of planning with my parents with what kind of restaurant, at saka kung saan ko bubuksan yung resto. I’m pretty busy in gym. I play basketball almost every day and Fear Factor came out. I have a busy life, hindi ako bored sa buhay ko and I’m enjoying it,” pagtatapos ni Jose.

Pinoy fear factor 'participantes' goodlooking

We were invited to the press preview of the first three episodes of "Pinoy Fear Factor" and it's really very exciting to watch the "12 participantes" as they try to outdo each other in the various stunts and challenges assigned to them.

There will be an introduction to the show on Sunday after “Rated K” showing how it was shot on location in Buenos Aires, Argentina, along with the crew members who filmed the stunts (both Pinoys and Argentinians) and the 12 contestants who were transported there from Manila in a gruelling flight across the globe that took them a total of 26 hours via Kuala Lumpur and Johannesburg in South Africa.

The first episode that you’ll see on Monday introduces all the contestants and the first thing you’d notice is they’re all goodlooking. The women all have sexy whistlebait figures while the guys all have hunky physiques. Two of them are already in showbiz: LJ Moreno and Phoemela Baranda, both 27 years old. The other girls are younger. Gail Nicolas, who’s so shapely as she won in a bikini contest, is 25. Savannah Lamsen, the most voluptuous among them, is 23. The youngest one is Janna Dominguez, 18, and she also looks so luscious in a bikini.

Among the guys, the eldest is the appliance store owner from Cabanatuan, Manny Chua, who’s 27 and is an unwed father. Next is the veterinarian from Pampanga, Elmer Felix, 25, followed by Jommy Teotico, a professional model who’s an admitted ladies man, 24. The tallest one is Ram Sagad, 23, a former NCAA cager who’s 6 feet tall. The cutest one with the looks of a heartthrob is Jose Sarasola, 22, a Fil-Spanish chef. This early, he’s already controversial as someone posted his nude photos on the internet. Next is Marion de la Cruz, a soccer player who grew up in Austria, 21.

The youngest is RJ Calipus, 20, but he already has two daughters as he got married at 17. This early, we’re rooting for him as his life is a sob story and we want him to be able to give a better future for his kids. He’s the love son of his mom with a Frenchman.

His mom went abroad and had him adopted by someone in Tondo where he grew up. Being a cargador in Divisoria, he’s got the hard body of a working man, but the good looks of a Eurasian.

We’re sure he’ll quickly gain a lot of sympathizers who’ll cheer him on. If the winner would be determined by text votes, we’re sure he’ll have a good chance of winning, so we wish that he’d successfully hurdle all the challenges thrown his way. But in the very first task given to them, he ended up as the “kulelat.” As punishment, he was told to just walk back from the site of their games to their boot camp. We asked executive producer Alou Almaden how far was that and she said it’s something like from Quezon City to Sta. Rosa, Laguna since it took him three hours to get home.

All the press people invited to the preview were screaming as they watched the participants go through their assigned task. The first one required them to walk through a series of rolling barrels hoisted high up in the air and get some flags posted on it. If they lose their balance, they fall into the river below. They came to the site in thick jackets since it’s the middle of winter in Argentina. When they perform the stunt, they peel off their clothes and have to be in skimpy swimsuits showing a lot of skin.

They find it so hard to combat the very cold weather, especially when they fall into the freezing water. It’s all very thrilling and a woman won this bout. We won’t say who. You have to find out for yourself. In the next game, they were told to transfer the eyes of a cow (matang baka) from one container to another, using their mouth. But what they didn’t know is that the container will be filled up with live crabs (talangka) and as they dip their faces inside the container, the crabs claw at them bruising their faces.

MUCH awarded screenwriter Ricky Lee has now just written his very first novel entitled “Para K B (O Kung Paano Dinevastate ng Pag-ibig ang 4 Out of 5 sa Atin)”. This is now available in National Bookstore, but there will be an official launching at the UP Bahay ng Alumni, UP Diliman on November 30, Sunday, at 4 p.m. so I want to celebrate it with the people I have worked with and hold dear through the years,” he says. “Since this book is self-published, you can help me keep the price low at oly P200 by spreading the word and encouraging friends to buy it even before the launch.”

 

- PNS