Congratulations Amanda!

Amanda Colley Van Cooll won in the second season of Survivor Philippines. She bested 15 other contestants won the hearts of the jury in the end.

The half-Pinay, half-American construction worker in Alaska but had lived in Mindoro prior to the contest had her chance to turn the cards when her friend Mika (who lasted in the competition for up to the Top 5) gave her the moment to speak her heart out. Her family's situation seemed to win over the jury's hearts.

Many fans of the show thought it would be Justine Ferrer, the transexual castaway from Caloocan. But in a contest like this, there's really no telling who would win.

Unlike the first season, Palau had no leakage as to who would win. There were rumors that Jef Gaitan would emerge as the winner, but it was only good for what it was – a rumor.

Perhaps it was also the reason why GMA-7 chose to have a Top 3 this season instead of the first season's Top 2 – to eliminate the speculations and leakage.

It was also said that no one really knew the winner until last night, when the live finale was held at the Studio 5 of GMA Network Studios.

Despite the harsh words and betrayal that happened to them in the game, the Top 3 seemed to have forgiven one another for what happened. Justine even apologized to Amanda and her family last night for the things that she said which was aired on the last few episodes of the show. She said she also couldn't believe what she did and she requested that they give her a chance to prove herself worthy of Amanda's friendship.

I guess everyone was forgiving as Justine and Amanda were in Eat Bulaga! this afternoon as a pair in one of the noontime show's contests. They even won, mind you.

The two, with Jef, were also in an interview with Butch Francisco in Star Talk. Justine was so pretty and sad to say, even with makeup on, Amanda still looks like a tomboy. But it's an easy fix, I guess. All she needs is… a good stylist.

Catch Amanda and Mika later on Pinoy Records, and Echo Caceres on Wish Ko Lang. And of course, don't forget the Survivor Reunion Special tomorrow night on GMA-7's Sunday Night Box Office (SNBO).