How different is 'The Clash Season 3' from all the other seasons?

Despite the pandemic, GMA-7 singing talent search "The Clash" is returning for Season 3. But how different is it compared to the previous seasons?

In a virtual interview with the press, "The Clash" masters Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz, and "The Clash" Journey Hosts Rita Daniela and Ken Chan shared some of the adjustments and changes this season.

To begin with, the team only accepted 30 clashers from thousands of applications to be able to control the number of people inside the studio. That's a huge from last season, which featured 63 Clashers. 

Meanwhile, Rayver said there will be more twists and exciting surprises during the show.

"Meron lang mga bagong pakulo, may mga bagong plot twists, which we're really really excited about," Rayver began. "Kami din, bilang Clash Masters, every time na nagbi-briefing kami, every time na may bagong pakulo na sinasabi sa kin, parang mas na-excite din kami. Nagugulat din kami." 

"We're also looking forward siyempre na makilala pa nang husto yung mga Clashers. We're happy kasi nakapag-taping na rin po kami ng 'The Clash'," he added.

But the major changes to "The Clash" are really taking place behind the scenes, in production. According to Rayver, safety protocols are in place while at work.

Julie Anne adds, they all had to undergo swab tests — and they will be doing it every month — to make sure that they are safe.

Ken piped in and said the hardest thing about shooting with Rita on "The Clash" during a pandemic is being unable to touch each other.

He narrates that they're always together, always hugging, always the subject of each other's cariño-brutal.

"Ma-touch ako sa kanya. Lagi ko siyang pinanggigilan. So nung pandemic, nung nag-All-Out Sundays kami at The Clash, hindi ko na magawa hindi ko namagwa sakanya kasi bawal kami magdikit kailangan may social distancing," he continued.

Emphasizing how strict GMA-7 with adhering to safety protocols, Ken said there was a point he got scolded because he got too close with Rita. 

"Minsan napagalitan nga ako kasi dumidikit ako sa kanya. Bawal po talaga, very strict po yung production diyan tsaka yung GMA, so dahil nasanay ako na hawak-hawak sa kanya doon, medyo nahirapan ako," Ken said.

And while it is harder to console and comfort Clashers who have left the show with the social distancing protocols in place, Rita said they were able to make it work by knowing the stories behind each of the Clashers.

"With God's Grace nakaya namin ni Ken, na kahit papano napapagaan namin yung loob nila," she said.

"Thirty clashers apektado sa COVID-19. Every time na may matanggal, iniisip lahat namin 'yun, na parang ang sakit ah. Ito yung buhay niya, tapos natanggal pa siya parang sobra yung pagkalungkot niya," she added.

"The Clash Season 3" will premiere on October 3. Rayver Cruz and Julie Anne San Jose who were also present at the interview will serve as The Clash Masters for this season.

Meanwhile, the judges for the show include Lani Misalucha, Christian Bautista, and Ai-Ai Delas Alas.

The  first grand winner of "The Clash" is Golden Canedo while for its second season Jeremiah Tiangco won. — LA, GMA News