Filipina Soul

Before leaving the island of Koh Tarutao on Survivor Philippines, the 8 members of the Jury cast their votes about who they thought deserved the title of Pinoy Sole Survivor.

Jace voted first. Vern was next, and she voted for Rob. She congratulated him, and said that regardless of what the others said about him, she agreed with Marlon that there was something in him that the others haven’t seen. Zita was next to vote, followed by Charisse. Kiko then voted for JC, addin an exclamation point to his vote. Kiko told JC that he made him proud and that he did his best. Though Kiko didn’t agree with JC’s bringing Rob, who was full of illusions and thought that he deserved to win, it wasn’t about Rob but JC. Kaye cast her vote next, then Cris and Marlon.

Paolo said that the Jury had cast their votes, but it was not enough. In 39 days, 15 Tribal Councils and 26 challenges, the Filipino nation had been witnesses to what had happened in the island. Paolo said that the viewers were the 9th member of the Jury. He bid JC, Rob and the Jury goodbye, saying he’ll see them in the Philippines.

Paolo was shown in a helicopter and carrying the urn full of votes. He welcomed the viewers and fans to the studio to watch the live counting of votes. He then presented the Final Two: the hardcourt heart throb JC and the loverboy Rob.

Highlights of the previous episode with the Jury’s statements and questions were shown.

Final Reactions

Paolo asked if Rob and JC if they were not affected by the Jury’s reactions. Rob said that those who are easily affected will be affected, but he understood. Paolo asked for his reaction about the long-standing perception that Rob was soft. Rob asked if it was a soft person who had chosen who would go to the Final Two.

Paolo asked JC about him crying during the last Tribal Council. JC said that he felt that he had no allies in the Jury, and then he was touched by what Kiko had said, that there was someone who believed he had done everything. JC also said that every time Kiko made a decision, he had been consulted.

Paolo then turned to the Jury. Kiko said that the stormy weather, the first during a Tribal Council, only aligned with what was happening in the Council. He said that he stood by his decisions and everything that he said.

Cris explained his comment about Rob kissing both girls and guys, that he was wondering if Rob was gay or not. Rob asked them what they thought. Cris thought that there was a slight chance, pero it’s up to Rob.

Zita was asked why she had shown the mood she did on the Tribal Council. Paolo had only found out what she was saying the night before the live finale. Zita got emotional, saying that despite everything she had done for Naak, she could not imagine that they would vote her off. Paolo asked her if she was now OK, and she said yes.

In the highlights, Rob was portrayed as having a strategy right from the start, to relate well with his fellow castaways to go far in the game. JC was shown as being young, and a follower of his Kuya Kiko. But after experiencing loss and hardship, JC the schoolboy had graduated to become a man with a clear strategy and the ability and luck to win several challenges in a row.

Back in the studio, Paolo asked JC what he would do with the prize money if he won. JC said that he will use most of it to help his parents with their business, because he was still in school and he wanted to give back to them. If Rob won, he said that the money will be a big help toward securing his future.

Win or lose, JC said that there have been a lot of changes in his life because of Survivor Philippines. One of these is being satisfied with whatever is available. Rob said that he had gained direction in his life.

Paolo talked about the Nation’s Vote, a first in the history of the Survivor franchise. The vote of the Filipino viewers would be counted as one and serve to break a tie, should one happen.

The Votes Counted

Paolo brought the urn containing 9 votes out on stage. If anyone received 5 votes, that person would be the winner of Survivor Philippines. The first vote that was counted was the Nation’s Vote… and the results: 93% for JC, 7% for Rob.

The second vote was for Rob (Vern’s vote, with the heart as the letter ‘O’).

The third vote was for JC.

The fourth vote was for Rob. 2 for JC, 2 for Rob.

Before the count continued, Rob’s supporters in Mandaluyong, including their councilman, was shown onscreen. Then JC’s supporters in San Sebastian College, including one of his high school teachers. Rob and JC thanked GMA7 and their supporters.

The counting of the votes was resumed, with officers from GMA up on the stage with Paolo.

The Winner!

The fifth vote was for JC (Kiko’s vote, with the exclamation point!). 3 for JC, 2 for Rob.

The sixth vote was for JC. 4 for JC, 2 for Rob. Only one more for JC to win!

The seventh vote was for JC! JC wins as the first Pinoy Sole Survivor!

Pandemonium reigned onstage as the members of the Jury went to congratulate him, and JC’s fans celebrated.

JC was awarded the P3 million check and a golden pearl, which represented his win as the first Pinoy Sole Survivor. JC’s family and girlfriend were called up on stage.

Paolo also congratulated the runner-up, Rob Sy. He then called all the 18 remaining castaways on stage.

The audience chanted “Season 2! Season 2!”, which made Paolo smile. He encouraged the audience to shout louder because the president of GMA was present.

“Sa muling pagkikita! Malalim na ang gabi!”

Congratulations, JC Tiuseco, the winner of Survivor Philippines and the first Pinoy Sole Survivor!

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