My Thoughts on Survivor Philippines Palau

Tomorrow, we will know who between Justine Ferrer and Cris Bolado will land the final slot in the much-awaited merge of the Survivor Philippines Palau. That is after the build-a-new-shelter-for-the-castaways challenge for the two of them. Well, I really hope it would be Justine. While I do not have anything against Cris, I think Justine deserves it because he/she has been proven his/her strength after beating the five other castaways in Isla Purgatoryo. (Apologies for the dual pronoun, you probably know as well how difficult it is to categorize Justine).

And since in the first season I had my prediction list, it is but fitting that I make one as well on the current castaways. Now while we are still waiting for the Top 10 to be announced, I already have my winners’ list. And here it goes…

My Top Ten is Tara. I guess you would all agree with me on this. Hello, who would be betting for this freak? Wait till tomorrow night comes. You’ll see how demonic this bitch could be. And if you’ll still stake for her to land either the Top 9 or Top 8 slots, then you too is out of your mind!

Ninth slot belongs to Charles. I am liking Charles the last few episodes of the game yet this is not enough for me to put him on a higher notch. He’s not that strong physically and more so, he does not have a strong alliance knowing that the merge will happen soon. He may have Mika now on his side, but I doubt if he still has his ex-Koror mates as allies.

Eighth slot is for Jeff. I know that her blossoming romance with fellow castaway Marvin will boost the show’s ratings, but her physical strength will weaken her chance in the game since the coming challenges will be played individually. And Jeff might be a burden to the tribe if she will stay longer.

Seventh slot is Amanda’s. She plays well. She has strength. She may have alliances. But I don’t see her lasting long in the competition. I feel like she’s on the verge of losing her focus and strength anytime soon, especially that the next challenges would require more stamina. I think there’s inconsistency in her performance.

Shaun will get the sixth slot. I like him as he reminds me of Season 1’s Kiko Rustia ~ righteous, kind, affectionate, protective, leader. But those traits are also his downfalls for these are making him play the game safely. He’s strong, I agree; but compared to the other castaways, Shaun’s vigor falls short of the others.

Mika is my Number 5. I like this girl’s very strong personality. She is a break-away from the typical girl castaway ~ she’s a real fighter, incomparably brave and enormously ferocious. But while she’s the strongest amongst the girls, I think a Top 5 finish is the best she could reach.

The Top 4 is Suzuki. He is the most likeable among the castaways. His joker personality, his friendly aura and his strength would be sufficient to advance him through the competition. I just think though that Zuki has a very weak alliance. He did not connect much to Amanda, Jeff and Shaun when these three joined the Koror tribe, and at this point I am seeing no improvement to this. And his coalition with Echo and Marvin isn’t glued firmly as well.

Justine deserves the Third Spot. Well, having beaten the first four cast-offs are sure proof that this transsexual possesses something in him/her worth our belief. (I didn’t include Vlad in the count since technically they did not really face each other in a challenge). I feel confident that Justine will win some individual challenges which will earn him/her the right to the immunity bracelet. He/She will surely show his/her friendly personality which could be a sure ticket to gain comrades to make him/her stay in the game. But knowing he/she won over the first five cast-offs can also be a make-or-break for him/her ~ he/she may be seen as a strong competitor who can also smell as a threat to the others.

Marvin is my First Runner-Up. This seventeen year old is the strongest amongst all the castaways. Marvin will surely win many immunities, the very same fate JC Tiuseco had in the tail end of the Season 1. I just hope though that Marvin tries to make stronger alliances coz as it is, he does not have much to cement his status as a real contender. He also smells like a threat to the other castaways, so he should learn how to make a little dirty tactics. I can blame it to the age as to how he’s not as manipulative as a real castaway should be, but I hope that he re-evaluates his strategies so he could stay longer.

Echo is my Sole Survivor. She has what it takes to be one ~ strong, friendly, smart, tactical and focused. She could last long as far as physicality is concerned. She could play fair but could sometimes be a little dirty. Part of her tactics is her nice and friendly personality ~ she’s really industrious and very responsible in doing her chores in the tribe. She’s much focused to win the game and no allergies can dampen her spirit. She has a Cinderella story to tell, enough to gain the affection of her fellow castaways. If she’ll be in the Top 2, Echo will win the votes of the other castaways primarily out of compassion and secondarily, out of her ability. If she’ll win, it will definitely change her and her family’s course of life; but if lady luck will not be on her side, I hope there could be some other fairy godmother who’ll grant her wish. GMA 7 and Sponsors, help this lady please!

I can’t say that I am a real Survivor fan for I am not fond of the original and foreign editions. But since I am a Kapuso by heart, I embraced the Survivor Philippines with much gusto and fascination. I may end up not guessing the right sequence of winners but no regrets coz I also wouldn’t win any reward or immunity if I do. But much better, my betting here will not make me lose even a single cent. Fair enough!

Thanks for reading!