Since my kids can’t take cold medicines yet, I’m trying the Filipino approach to cold remedies that I remember my mom doing when I got sick as a child. Vicks vapor rub always soothes at night, and a gurgle of salt and warm water does wonder for the sore throat. Chicken arroz caldo (rice soup recipe) is loved as much as the chicken sopas (noodle soup). Now if only I can find a hilot (masseuse; Filipino healing spa massage) I think we’ll be on our way to wellness.

So, pardon the inconsistent posting while I attend to my family and get us back in better health. Meantime, maybe you want to share your family’s secrets to better health, the comments are waiting.

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Have you recovered from last week’s surprise of Marlon’s continued survival on the island of Koh Tarutao? I kept wondering why he as allowed to remain, in spite of his scheming ways. This is the week we’ll find out on Survivor Philippines .

We’re now on Episode 46, which aired on November 17, 2008.

The end of Day 26 in the Chalam camp came with Charisse pondering why Vern gave her the black pearl. Kaye said that she preferred Marlon to have received the pearl. JC also said that Charisse did not deserve it.

Around their meal that night, the topic of conversation was how Charisse would keep the pearl safe. Marlon laughingly asked Charisse if she thought he would steal it. Charisse simply said that he’s a bad person.

Charisse said that, though she was confused by Vern’s choice, she realized that she was never close to Vern, so she wasn’t hurt. Marlon was once again nervous about his survival, and wondered what his strategy was going to be.

Cris got the tribe’s treemail, which instructed them to practice throwing a spear so that it would stick upright on the ground. Charisse and Zita took turns practicing, before gathering snails for their meal. They talked about Marlon’s scheming so that the others would fight among themselves.

Marlon woke up to see that the others were already awake and the meal had been prepared. He tried out the spear and said that he has a good chance at it.

Good Food for Some

The reward challenge involved hitting a bullseye drawn in the sand. The rewards ranged from food that was really good to not so good:

1. steak and rice plus ‘bottomless’ Mountain Dew
2. pork teriyaki burger and fries, plus 1 glass of Mountain Dew,
3. pasta and pizza, plus 1 glass of Pepsi
4. fried fish and tomato, plus 1 glass of Pepsi Max
5. 1 sweetpotato, plus 1 glass of 7-Up
6. 1 tamarind, plus 1 glass of Pepsi Lite
7. 1 small plate of salt, plus 1 glass of water

Each castaway tried his best to hit the bullseye. For the first try, Cris was the closest to the bullseye. His reward was the power to choose who would eat what food. Cris chose the steak and rice for himself. Then it was #2 for Zita, #3 Kaye, #4 JC, #5 Rob. Before Cris chose who would get the salt or tamarind, Marlon said, “OK lang, bro, alam ko naman mangyayari yan, eh. May bago pa ba don?” (That’s OK, brother, I knew this was going to happen. Is there anything new?).

Marlon got the tamarind, and Charisse got the salt. According to Cris, Charisse was OK with getting the salt because she had tasted the other food before. They all sat down together to enjoy their prizes.

Karma

Upon their arrival at the camp, Cris worked to prepare their food, because Marlon and Charisse had not yet eaten. Marlon admitted that he felt angry at what happened at the reward challenge. Charisse said that Marlon had found out how hard it was not to have any friends in the tribe. She also observed that it was Marlon who played the game that way, for people to hate him. She said that it was karma.

Kaye said that, if ever she won a reward challenge, she would not pick Marlon, because she did not like his attitude. 

Survivor Philippines Fan Question: Is this the week that Charisse would vote against Marlon?

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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We all like to talk about the latest adventures of the castaways on the island of Koh Tarutao. Whether it’s the difficulty of the reward and immunity challenges, the voting process, and even Marlon’s latest scheme, there’s always something to discuss with fellow fans.

So, I wrote this post to give us all a place here on Filipina Soul to express ourselves as fans of the show.

This is all about Survivor Philippines! I would love to know your thoughts about your favorite castaway (and yes, even host Paolo Bediones!).

If you have any questions, please email me (maricar at b5media dot com).

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We found out the answer on Episode 45, which aired on November 14, 2008.

While JC was the target of Marlon’s scheming, he didn’t forget that Rob was vulnerable too. He told Charisse that Rob would be in trouble if Marlon ever got hold of the black pearl that Kiko had given to Rob.

Memory Challenge for Immunity

JC, Rob, Kaye and Cris joined the others at the site of the immunity challenge. The challenge was a combination of a memory game and a race. Each castaway was given a color. They had to find and gather 7 blocks with the Thai symbols for the days of the week. The blocks were scattered all over a large field, under bushes and even in treetops. The castaways were given 20 seconds to memorize the order that the blocks had to be in. If they forgot the sequence of blocks, a “cheat table” was provided 200 yards away.

Finding the blocks proved to be quite a challenge, especially the blocks that were hidden in the branches of a tree. Vern was first to get all seven blocks, but she didn’t get the sequence right. Marlon finally found his 6th block in the trees. Vern went over to the cheat table. Zita got her 7th block but the sequence was wrong also. And so…. the castaway who won immunity was Charisse!

Back at the Chalam camp, Vern told the others about the piece of chicken that Rob had hidden in the rice before they left for the resort.

JC explained on-camera why he chose Kaye, Cris and Rob. Marlon confided to Cris that Mommy Zita was angry at JC because she was left behind, and that JC was the one they will vote off. Kaye explained JC’s choice to Zita, but Zita still seemed angry. Kaye and Vern told JC about Zita’s hurt feelings. JC said that Vern was the one they will vote off. Marlon teased Rob about stealing his black pearl.

JC and Cris approached Zita to talk about what happened. Zita said that her feelings were hurt but she wasn’t angry. They called Marlon over and called him out about saying that Zita was very angry. Cris felt that Marlon was just saying these things to make the others fight among themselves. On-camera, Marlon said those who are mean will be found out; he just pushed the other castaways to do certain things, but he was never a traitor.

Confessions at Tribal Council

At Tribal Council, Paolo called the members of the Jury, Jace and Kiko, to join them. Paolo recalled that at the last Tribal Council, trust was a big issue. First, there was the surprise that Kiko was voted out. Then, it was Kiko giving the black pearl to Rob. Rob admitted that he got really upset over it, and that he and Kiko had a gentleman’s agreement that Rob had honored to the end. Rob felt that he was betrayed.

Rob said that he wasn’t the one who voted for Kiko, but knew who did. He was first saddened that Naak’s agreement was not honored, but also admired those who voted who did according to what they believed. Rob finished his tirade with a “Traydor, Pao!”.

Kaye said that she was not surprised at the results of the last tribal council, because she was one of those who voted for Kiko. Kaye explained that she wanted everyone to have a chance at winning, and that others were getting too confident that they would not be voted out. She chose Kiko because he was the one who made the decisions.

Cris said that there was still a chance for Naak to be solid. Rob said that someone from the former Jarakay should have had possession of the black pearl. He no longer wanted to think about why it had been given to him, because it gave him a headache.

JC explained his choices for those who will accompany him to the resort: Kaye and Cris because they did not get the chance to go the first time, and Rob to make him feel better after getting the black pearl, though he knew that it would hurt Zita’s feelings.

Paolo asked Marlon if, every time a group left the camp, he thought about taking advantage of the situation to try and turn those remaining over to his side and against the others. Marlon said that he didn’t think of it, because he had been resigned to the fact that Jarakay had simply been lined up to be voted off. But now, he didn’t fear so much because the other castaways (Naak) were thinking for themselves this time around. Rob sort of agreed with Marlon, admitting that, because of the pearl that “his friend” had given him, it could be his last night on the island.

Charisse expressed how much winning at least one challenge and possessing the immunity necklace meant to her.

The Return of the Black Pearl

Marlon voted for Rob. Rob voted for Vern, because he had already given his word to the guys about doing so. Zita also voted for Vern. Vern voted for Rob.

Paolo asked Rob to give back the black pearl before the votes were counted. Because of the pearl, Rob started off with one vote. Vern was the other name that came up, so that it was four for Vern and four for Rob.

And the 11th castaway to leave the island was Vern! Vern now joins Jace and Kiko on the jury. Rob was almost teary-eyed at being spared.

Paolo asked Vern to give the black pearl to anyone she wanted. And Vern chose to give it to Charisse, who seemed just as confused as Kaye.

Vern said on camera that she was disappointed about leaving, because she had played fair and well from the start. She thought the others were afraid of the strong competition they would face from her.

Survivor Philippines Fan Question: There are a couple of points to ponder about this tribal council:

• Naak seemed solid once again, with everyone voting for Vern. But why did Vern gave the black pearl to Charisse?
• Marlon didn’t get a single vote. Why did Naak choose to keep him on the island?

Poll: Before Vern left the island, she had garnered 25 (9%) of our readers’ 278 votes. Unfortunately for Vern, the title of Pinoy Sole Survivor was not to be hers. From the remaining 7 castaways, vote for who you think will win Survivor Philippines. The poll is on our sidebar and is updated after each week’s Tribal Council.

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Pinoy Fear Factor premiered November 10 with twelve participants competing in the initial stunt. The weakest three competitors squared it off in the last stunt to determine who goes home to the Philippines. The last participant standing will be declared El Ultimo Participante of “Pinoy Fear Factor,” to win the grand prize of P2 million and a house and lot from Avida.

Pinoy Fear Factor host Ryan Agoncillo narrated this primer about the show, and showcased the twelve competitors. I just have one beef about their feature - why do they have to dress undress the participants into provocative swimsuits and poses? Totally unnecessary. That being said, similar controversies already followed the participants even before the show aired on Monday.

Follow the show at the ABS-CBN-hosted Multiply account of Pinoy Fear Factor. Global viewers of ABS-CBN can follow the show in the all-Filipino channel, TFC.

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Survivor Philippines has so many surprises, both for the castaways and the viewers! Imagine preparing a feast and not being able to even taste a morsel of it? That’s what happened in the previous episode.

Four castaways - JC, Kaye, Cris and Rob - get to spend the night at a resort and enjoy the feast that the other helped prepare. The others were shocked at this development. Marlon had no chance of being in the group, obviously.

At the resort (and a very nice resort it was too!), Cris was overjoyed and very thankful to JC at having been chosen. Meanwhile, JC murmured to himself, “Patay na naman ako! Patay na naman ako!” (I’m in trouble again! I’m in trouble again!). Kaye went over to give him a hug.

Before their meal, the four castaways took baths and changed into clothes provided for them. JC expressed surprise at how good the meal was, even though it was cooked without a single taste.

Back at Chalam camp, one of the girls (Vern or Charisse) screamed, “They are playing with our minds!!!!”. They just imagined that they were still enjoying the feast. Vern discovered a piece of meat that Rob had hidden under the rice on his plate.

Marlon once again showed his scheming side, telling Charisse and Vern that he would work on Zita.

At the resort, Cris confessed to the others that Zita was next on Jarakay’s list to be voted out. Kaye apologized to JC about her vote against Kiko. JC said that he understood their reasons, and asked them to do the explaining to Mommy Zita.

Meanwhile, Zita confessed to Marlon that JC had promised her, just three hours prior, that he would chose her. Marlon took advantage of the situation, telling her that the four who had left were now planning their own survival. Marlon didn’t offer her an alliance, but asked her for her vote against JC, which she promised. Marlon went to sleep happy that night.

At the resort, Day 26, the four sat down to a wonderful breakfast, by the beach. JC said that he chose Rob because of the black pearl that Kiko had given him. If Rob were to be voted off, it would have been his last reward. The four of them were taken snorkeling. Cris enjoyed it, being his first time. JC said that he had been re-energized by the reward challenge to continue the game.

Back at Chalam, Zita showed pictures of her children to the others. She became emotional as talked about her loved ones. Zita told Vern how she was surprised at Kiko’s departure, but thankful that Kiko was no longer around . She had observed a pattern in the voting at Tribal Council. Jace and Kiko’s names came up once, and Jace was voted off. Kiko and Marlon, Kiko got voted off. Then next time, who would join Marlon?

Marlon told Charisse that JC would be the one they, including Zita, would vote off. Marlon said not to push Kaye and Cris, and just observe what they would do, to know whether the two were still voting with them. Marlon said that Rob should take care of his black pearl or he would take it from him.

Marlon asked Zita who they would vote, if JC won the immunity necklace. He told her that the four who left would band together to vote them off one by one. He also warned her that they would try to ask her what had happened in the island. Marlon said that she was being used by the others. Zita expressed how at Naak, she was the one who cooked and did the work. She said that she no longer trusted anyone but herself.

Survivor Philippines Fan Question: Who do you think Mommy Zita will vote for?

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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In the previous episode of Survivor Philippines, Marlon and Zita got into a loud argument that was heard by the rest of the Chalam tribe. Was it just because of tension between former members of the Naak and Jarakay tribes? Or was something else brewing?

Episode 43, which aired on November 12, 2008, opened with a reward challenge. The challenge tested how well the castaways knew one another. It consisted of two parts: a survey about the castaways , and a question-and-answer portion about the results of the survey. Each castaway must try to give the most popular answer. For each correct answer, they could cut one of three ropes which held up paper replicas of their tribemates. The castaway whose replica remained undamaged by fire won the challenge. The reward was a secret scroll.

Burning Effigies

First question: Who among the castaways do you have hard feelings about? Answers: Marlon and JC. Cris, Kaye and Zita cut down the ropes for Marlon, dropping his effigy into the fire. Charisse cut Rob’s rope, and Rob and JC cut hers.

Second question: Who was the castaway who harbored hidden emotions? Answer: Rob. Charisse got cut down and off. Vern chose Rob.

Third question: Which castaway pretended not to know anything about the game of Survivor? Answer: Zita and Cris (which everyone got right). Vern got eliminated. Rob cut off Kaye’s rope. JC chose Cris.

Fourth question: Which castaway was useless at camp? Answer: Kaye. Kaye got eliminated at this round.

Fifth question: Which castaway smelled worst? Answers: Marlon and Vern. Cris got eliminated, then Rob, leaving JC and Zita.

Sixth question: Which castaway didn’t have a chance of winning Survivor Philippines? Answer: Marlon.

Seventh question: Which castaway do you trust most? Answer: Zita.

In the end, JC won the reward challenge. The scroll was to be opened only upon Paolo’s instructions. But there was still another part to the reward challenge. The castaways were given raw ingredients (fish, chicken, pork), with additional items to make a delicious meal. The only rule was that they could not taste the meal while cooking it.

A Feast for the Chosen

The whole tribe became busy with preparing their meal. Vern got irritated with Marlon wanting to be in charge of everything. Marlon prepared adobo. JC and Kaye did the barbecued pork. Rob and Vern took charge of grilling the fish. There was fresh salad and rice to complete their meal. The tribe was ready to dive into their yummy feast, and were waiting for the signal to start.

Paolo arrived, called JC to his side, and told him to open his scroll and read it out loud. It was a tense moment as the castaways waited to find out what the mystery scroll contained.

The scroll gave JC the power to choose three tribe mates to enjoy the feast with him, and go off to a resort for an overnight stay. Paolo instructed him to choose wisely. JC chose Cris, Kaye and Rob. They had to take everything with them, all the food, all the utensils, everything! All that scrumptious food and those who were not chosen could only enjoy their aroma and the rice.

Zita felt disappointed and hurt at not being chosen, because JC had promised her that she would be with him. JC acknowledged his promise, and that he knew how Mommy Zita would feel.

Survivor Philippines Fan Question: Why do you think JC picked Rob over Mommy Zita?

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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I’m trying to remember what this film was all about, and why it generated such a buzz. “Himala” was a 1982 film by Ishmael Bernal and starred Nora Aunor as a faith healer who gave hope to everyone in her town when people started getting healed. At the end of the movie, she admitted that there was no such miracle.

The Inquirer calls this win “a spellbinding victory for Philippine cinema” but I have my doubts. It’s not the movie, but the process of online voting that I’m skeptical about. It’s just too bias, I think. You know us, Filipinos have been winning American Idol, and the Ms. Photogenic award at the Miss Universe by the sheer number of Filipinos who vote online. Maybe “Himala” IS the best movie in all of Asia but I want it judged by film critics and not by number of votes.

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The two singers are doing a back-to-back concert at the Bonifacio Global City Open Field, Taguig Metro Manila this Sunday November 16.

Rihanna is a Grammy-award winning singer, who came to fame with her debut album “Music of the Sun”. Since then, she has had eleven 40 hit singles in the US. Magic 89.9 radio hosts Mo Twister and Mojo Jojo interviewed Rihanna about her rise to fame and her upcoming Manila concert.

Chris Brown is pop singer-songwriter and performer, with a Grammy nomination. The 19-year old musician topped charts with his single “Run It!”.

Tickets are available via TicketWorld outlets. Call 891-9999 for inquiries and reservations; hopefully there are still some available.

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Image credit: Flickr

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