Thousands join audition for Survivor Philippines' second season

MANILA, Philippines - Thousands of castaway-wannabes lined up as GMA Network’s Survivor Philippines (SP) kicked off its nationwide auditions for its second season at the CSI, City Mall Lucao in Dagupan last February 26 to 27, SM City in Baguio last March 3 to 4, and LCC Mall in Naga last March 9 to 10. Aspirants of all ages patiently waited to showcase themselves, hoping to become part of the next batch of castaways who will vie for the whopping prize of P3 million, tax free and the title, Pinoy Sole Survivor. SP host Paolo Bediones and Season 1 castaway Marlon Carmen joined the screening committee in Dagupan led by program manager Neil Gumban, executive producer Donna Medina, and segment producer Alex Dionisio. In Baguio City, Season 1 runner-up Rob Sy joined the screening committee while in Naga, “ang pambansang labandera" Zita Ortiga, participated in the selection of potential Bicolano castaways. Gumban defined the "it" factor as a quality that impresses the screeners to include an aspirant in the shortlist of potential castaways. "Pag nasa TV ka, mag-eenjoy kang panoorin sila, may personality... [You would enjoy watching them on TV, those with standout personality]," said Gumban. "If he is able to capture the interest of his fellow applicants and the screeners as well at kapag nag-uunahan na kaming magtanong [when the jury throws him/her continuous questions], he/she may possibly make it to the final cut," he added. At the Dagupan, Baguio, and Naga auditions, the supposed battle of brains and brawn turned into a showcase of real-life dramas, each spawned from the personal background of the applicants. Next: Snake charmer, university professor participates in auditions Snake charmer, university professor participates in auditions There was a 65-year-old snake handler, who outshone competition with his eccentric appeal. The cobra he brought during the auditions proved a charmer as he qualified for the next round of screening. At his age, he believes he can still team up with the younger ones given his muscled physique. There was also a 24-year-old content researcher in a UK-based company, who came all the way from Manila to make it to the first day of the SP national screening. "I watched the news last year, sobrang maraming tao in the Manila auditions. Actually, even before the dates were aired, I surfed. And I thought it best to audition in Dagupan," he said. The young aspirant has been a Survivor-fanatic during the entire run of 18 seasons on international TV and an avid member of a Survivor Philippines fan site. "I really want it this bad. God knows how I really want to be in. I think I have the personality to be in this game, to win this game," he continued. Another hopeful was the 31-year-old university professor who sidelines as a martial arts instructor. An MBA-degree-holder who is now on his dissertation writing for doctorate, this aspirant already tried his luck in the first season, but let his guard down during the psychological test. "Sa national screening, I let my guard down talaga. Typhoon Cosme hit our town on May 20. Our house tore down. Wala akong pera to stay in Manila kaya pabalik balik ako. So 'yon 'pag dating sa psychological test, I was mental blocked, I let my guard down," he shared. The auditions staged true-to-life antics as the applicants who passed the initial round of screening participated in a "mini tribal council," and mouthed words against fellow contenders positioned next to them. In Baguio, the screeners faced two controversial semi-celebrities who queued the long lines along thousands of other applicants. One is an ex-beauty queen known for her candor and a hunky model who once was linked to an ex-TV host. Next: Environmentalist rides bike for half an hour to join auditions Environmentalist rides bike for half an hour to join auditions In Naga, a 40-year-old environment advocate took a 30-minute bicycle ride to the venue. Coming from a series of rejections during his first trials in the SP auditions, he said he was even more determined to make it this time. He brought a six-page composition that details his goal of helping advance the state of Naga's agriculture and mobilizing an Aeta community, if he wins the cash prize. “Gusto ko pong mapasali sa progama para mapagbigyan ang mga objective kong pang-counter-crisis," he said. There was also a 21-year-old college student, whose volition to make it to SP leaned on the desire to try challenges beyond the norm. “Naging ex-PMA candidate po ako, pero pinili ko pong mag-aral ng accountancy kasi mahirap daw po na course ito. Gusto ko pong makasama sa SP dahil gusto ko ng challenges," he said. With the SP auditions continuously taking the country by storm, can the Dagupan, Baguio, and Naga bets stand the ultimate test of survival and make it to national TV to showcase their survival instincts as part of the elite Season 2 castaways? Can anyone equal or surpass the scheming tactics of Marlon Carmen? Will anyone play the counterpart of the motherly Zita Ortiga? Who will join JC Tiuseco and enjoy the prime of being Season 2's Pinoy Sole Survivor? Auditions are open to many others who want a spot in SP Season 2. Prepare that distinct persona to flaunt in SP auditions at SM Iloilo on March 12 to 13; SM City Cebu on March 15 to 16; SM Davao on March 18 to 19; SM Lipa in Batangas on March 23 to 24; SM North EDSA in Manila on March 27 to 28; and SM San Lazaro on March 29 to 30. - GMANews.TV