For two years in a row now, the Philippines has played host to the reality show “Koh Lanta”, the French franchise of the American show “Survivor”. El Nido, Palawan was the site of the first season in 2006, and one year later the show’s producers went to Caramoan, Camarines Sur with a new batch of competitors. With 8 million Frenchmen watching each week, that was instant publicity for our country’s tourism industry. Says Koh Lanta host Denis Brogniart –

“It’s just incredible! The rich images, the amazing sea side, the rich formations, the limestones, the clean and transparent waters. Everything about Palawan is amazing!”

Another (and bigger) reality show, this time the French version of “Great Amazon”, now wants to shoot an entire season in the Philippines.

So it was no contest that last week, the Philippines won the “Top Destination for Ecotourism” in the 2009 edition of Nature, one of France’s biggest travel fairs. The French love going to our country because they see so much culture and diversity. They’re surprised to find our Latin heritage that is totally unique in all of Asia.

“The French are always looking for culture in a country. They love visiting old churches and going to markets to experience how life is in a particular place. If you travel so far, you need to find something different yet familiar. You don’t travel for 15 hours just to see a nice beach.”

Ultimately in that sense, the Philippines has a plenty to offer.

image: flickr

Post from: Filipina Soul

Survivor Philippines takes place in an island in southern Thailand and it takes 8 hours travel, a dump truck, a boat ride and a long swim to get to Koh Tarutao Islands. Nine episodes have already aired and feedback for the show totally rocked.

So ace reporter Jessica Soho airs a special about Survivor Philippines, including why Thailand was chosen when there are so many remote and wonderful islands in the Philippines. Watch the video and behind-the-scenes look at Survivor Philippines! 

Kudos to the producers for getting this major show into Philippines television!

Post from: Filipina Soul

39 days in the wilderness. Who will be the first Pinoy Sole Survivor?

The first episode began with a boat ride to Koh Tarutao Islands, the site of the competition. Host Paolo Bediones welcomed the 18 castaways, and gave their first hurdle: the castaways had to jump off their boat and swim to the island. Only those who can reach the shore will be included in the competition.

Veronica, Jace and Zita were among the strongest swimmers. Nikki and Patani was also not bad. Rob was either a bad swimmer or just taking advantage of Kaye. Kiko was a hero to a group of struggling ladies, and one guy.

First to arrive was Jace, then Zita and JC.  Last were Kaye and Niña.

Tribe Jarakay and Tribe Naak

Two tribes were formed on the island: Jarakay (guys) and Naak (ladies). Guys vs. girls!

Jace, as the first to arrive on the island, won the bigger campsite for his tribe. The first challenge was for a reward: materials for their shelter. Each tribe started off tied together. They had to go through an obstacle course and finally solve a puzzle.

T he winner of the first challenge was the Jarakay Tribe. So the guys got materials to construct their shelter. Meanwhile, the ladies had to remain chained together for 24 hours.

Looking for Shelter

The Naak Tribe took time looking for the perfect spot for their shelter. They used found plant materials to weave their own walls, under Zita’s direction. They also dug found a makeshift well as a water source

Meanwhile, the Jarakay Tribe were unable to build their own shelter, because it was already nighttime. Kiko and JC expressed hope that the ladies were doing OK with their shelter.

Next up: the search for food.

So what do you think about the tribes? Guys vs. girls? I think the Naak Tribe is at a disadvantage when it comes to physical challenges. I hope they make it up when brains and not just brawn is required to win a challenge.

Post from: Filipina Soul

It’s now down to the final four housemates – Beauty Gonzalez, Robi Domingo, Nicole Uysiuseng, and Ejay Falcon. And on Saturday June 7, 2008 8:00 pm, we will know who the Grand winner when the show goes live at the Araneta Coliseum.

Here is a quick profile of the four finalists:

• Beauty Gonzalez: Dumaguete-born; emotionally transparent; rebellious
• Robi Domingo: true-blue Atenean; intelligent;
• Nicole Uysiuseng: Fil-Chinese; pretty and flirty; in-chick from Cebu
• Ejay Falcon: provincial; obedient and hard-working; promdie hottie

PBB Teen evictees predict that Ejay will emerge as the Teen Big Winner because he is one of the nicest people in the house.

image: PBBTeen website

Post from: Filipina Soul

Not to be left behind, ABS-CBN has acquired the rights to air “Fear Factor Live” Philippines edition. It’s too early in the game to know the title but those three words  – Fear, Factor, Philippines – will be there. Rumors for a host of the show include Derek Ramsey, Ryan Agoncillo, Edu Manzano, Cesar Montano, Willie Revillame, or some new face altogether.

So, which do you think will be better-watched?

SURVIVOR PHILIPPINES    or         FEAR FACTOR PHILIPPINES

Tell us in the comments. The war between worlds (ABS-CBN vs. GMA7) are yet alive again!

h/t sassymind

Post from: Filipina Soul