Filipina Soul

After last week’s emotional episodes on  Survivor Philippines, where JC won immunity and the castaways received video messages from their loved ones, we were left hanging on to the edge of our seats for the results of the tribal council.

Marlon, in a desperate move to prevent his departure from the island of Koh Tarutao, had hidden a note saying he had hidden the tribe’s flint. He challenged the others to vote for him and never find it again. Marlon also promised another surprise, which was revealed in Episode 51.

Marlon’s Surprise

Well, it turned out that, despite having written the note, Marlon didn’t go through with the plan. He didn’t put out the fire, nor had he hidden the flint. Though he still considered threatening the other castaways with cold nights and uncooked rice a good strategy, he said he didn’t want to end up with no friends. Marlon said that it was now time to reveal what a true traitor was and the real value of friendship. But, Marlon said that he still had something up his sleeve which was even more frightening for the other castaways if he would go through with it. “It’s for me to know, and for you to find out, guys.”

Charisse gave back her pearl to host Paolo Bediones. And the voting started, with Charisse already having her one black-pearl vote.

As the castaways voted, the members of the Jury – Jace, Kiko and Vern – were seen discussing among themselves. Charisse voted for Marlon. She thanked him for everything, and reminded him of what they’d talked about before – that, if ever she saw that their alliance would not work anymore, she would vote him off. Marlon voted for Cris, and said that he (Marlon) had talked to everyone else to ask their forgiveness. He said he knew what would happen to him that night, but only Cris seemed to be unfeeling among the castaways.

When Paolo called off the black pearl vote for Charisse, Marlon was seen behind her gathering his bag around him, as if preparing for departure. And he was right for preparing,because the 12th castaway to leave the island was Marlon.

Despite being voted off, Marlon was still smiling. Before he departed, Paolo, bearing a covered box, called Marlon to his side. Charisse seemed to be telling Marlon something. Upon reaching Paolo’s side, Marlon turned around and looked at the remaining castaways (at Cris?). He gestured with his palms up, as if indicating that he had no choice in the matter.

Paolo said, “Marlon, bago ka lumisan ng tribal council…” (before you leave tribal council)…  Marlon acted as if to take the pearl, then Paolo said, “puting perlas” (white pearl).

Marlon withdrew his hand and asked Paolo what curse the white pearl held. (In the background, someone giggled.). The white pearl was going to give protection to one of the remaining castaways. It was equivalent to minus (-) one vote. Marlon quickly picked it up and gave it to Charisse, who hugged him.

Marlon said that, for him, it didn’t matter whether his personality was sacrificed for the game. His advice to the remaining castaways was to use every opportunity they had because they might not have that chance again and not to trust the others. He also said that they should give their all, and do whatever it takes to gain the title of Pinoy Sole Survivor.

When the castaways returned to the camp, Zita immediately checked the two fires they had made, which had both gone out. It was raining then, and Charisse said the flint would have been useless anyway.

Zita wondered about Marlon’s second threat. Kaye said that they shouldn’t let themselves be affected by it, whatever it is. JC said that Marlon was simply trying to scare them. Zita said that Marlon had shown his real bad attitude. Charisse was grateful to Marlon for giving her the white pearl.

The castaways also talked about Vern and her “OA” modeling during the tribal council. Kaye said that Vern had given them bad looks; Rob’s take was that Vern might have been bitter because of her unexpected departure.

Day 30 dawned on the camp. The castaways had managed to rebuild their fire.

Missed Opportunity

The reward challenge started with Paolo telling them once about the curse of the island of Langkawi. After that, they had to find each of five stations, read the questions there and pick an answer from one of two baskets. If they got the right answer, indicated by a particular necklace, they were to put that necklace on and find the next station. If they got the wrong answer, they would get another type of necklace, which they would also put on and take to Paolo for burning before they could return to the previous station of find another one. Only one person at a time can occupy a station. The first castaway with 5 correct necklaces will win P50,000 for their loved ones at home.

The challenge was a race to find the stations and a memory game about details from the story that Paolo had told them. The scoreboard showed that Mommy Zita already had five necklaces but she still kept running to find a station. Rob was second to get five necklaces and he went straight to Paolo. Rob won this challenge! Zita said she felt bad about finding out too late that she had all the necklaces already.

Rob had earned an additional reward: a choice of coffee, sugar and creamer for the entire tribe; or two blankets for one tribe member. Rob chose the coffee, making Charisse squeal with delight.

Survivor Philippines Fan Question: Do you feel that Marlon had redeemed himself somehow with his change of heart?

Chat Room: Feel free to discuss this episode in the comments section. We also have a Survivor Philippines Fans chat room for the show, and it’s open to all fans! You can also find the link on the sidebar.

Poll: Don’t forget to vote in our poll on who will win Survivor Philippines! The poll is on our sidebar and is updated after each week’s Tribal Council.

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