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).

Justine, Jef, and Amanda - The Final Three

Part 2 of the Tribal Council had been full of anger. The desperation among each of the four remaining ones were so evident. There was this side of Charles that came out - that angry and palaban side of him. He had always been calm, with moderate voice, even during the heat of Justine's freak-out moment back at the camp. But it was different at the Tribal Council. He was even commanding Jef to tell the truth in a not so subtle manner.

Jef told Paolo that she's going to go with the original plan. At first it could be thought of as the plan she had agreed on with Justine and Charles, but which was later to be revealed that original meant her first alliance.

Charles chose to have the 2-million-peso condo unit, and eventually gave the Immunity Necklace to Justine. But unluckily, Charles was the one who got voted out.

There was a tie at first - with Jef and Amanda going against Charles, and Charles and Justine going against Amanda. Jef and Justine were made to vote again but same thing happened. Jef voted against Charles and Justine also still voted against Amanda.

In that case, Charles and Amanda were made to battle it out in a challenge of making fire. Amanda was able to keep her fire burning long enough to make her string break and likewise, break Charles desire to be among the Top 3.

The castaways will face the jury tomorrow. The preview showed Tara bashing Jef, Echo bashing Amanda, and Mika bashing Justine.

The Friday finale is already so near. Don't fail to catch the last 2 episodes of Survivor Philippines: Palau on GMA-7, right after Rosalinda.

SP: Palau - The Desperation Arises

Why is Mika prettier when she was still a castaway? In the photo above, she even looks more like a transexual than Justine.

Anyway, Justine's anger all burst out at the recent episode. She was furious. She kept on insisting that Amanda shouldn't have told them that she's already accepted defeat and ready to go home. What caused Justine's anger? She overheard Jef and Amanda talking about voting her (Justine) out.

Just one thing: Jef's words couldn't be trusted.

Jef's so gullible. She believed almost anything she heard and her decisions could be sweet-talked and bended. Her trust was on the last person that she had talked with.

Amanda talked to Charles in going against Justine. She pointed out to Charles that he had no chance in winning the top prize if he's going to compete at the finals with Justine. Charles somehow believed Amanda that's why he promised to give her the Immunity Necklace.

Justine was so angry that she broke the pot they use in cooking. Charles decided that they should already be honest to one another. And amid the shouts and angry outbursts, Charles started telling Amanda of his decision. Justine was the one who broke it, though - that she was the one Charles decided to give the Immunity Necklace to at the Tribal Council.

At the Tribal Council, Paolo asked Charles if he'd take the condo unit or the Immunity Necklace. Charles took the condo, and Paolo took the Immunity Necklace from him.

If last season's castaways were made to voice out what they feel one by one, it was different tonight. One of the four remaining castaways would have to go out of earshot, while Paolo talked to the other 3 castaways about the one outside.

Amanda was asked to go out first. When Paolo asked Justine of her opinion if Amanda was deserving to be the winner, Justine said that Amanda was deserving if for her strength, but not as a person.

Part 2 of the Tribal Council will be aired tomorrow, the 3rd to the last episode of the season.

Would Charles really hand over the Immunity Necklace to Justine? Would Jef let her emotions take over her decision?

Condo or Necklace?

Amanda was so disappointed with what happened to Mika and after the Tribal Council, she kept her distance from the other 3 castaways. She slept on the other side of the shelter and she didn't speak at all.

Charles got the tree mail that told them of the last Immunity Challenge. It's another test of endurance as whoever could hold the string to keep a 50-pound crate high above the ground and without going beyond the designated point, wins.

Amanda's tears fell when Paolo told them they could also win a 2-million-peso condo unit if they won in the challenge. Perhaps she's thinking that Mika could have been there with her, and could have fought the challenge with her.

Jef was the first to give up. Judging from their physical forms it's not surprising that she wouldn't carry on a task that hard. Second was Justine. I'm guessing she didn't persevere enough. Perhaps because she thought she's already so safe? Amanda was crying before she gave up. It had been too hard for her at that time when she had shown great endurance skills in the previous challenges. Mika's eviction really took a great part of Amanda's spirit. She felt alone. She even said in a confessional that she was afraid to go back to camp after the last Tribal Council because her only one ally left is already gone. She even described Justine, Jef, and Charles as devils.

Charles, the last Immunity Challenge winner, couldn't have the best of both worlds. He could only have one of the rewards, that is, either immunity or the 2-million condo. If he chose the condo, the Immunity Necklace wouldn't go to waste. He had to pass it on to a fellow remaining castaway.

The problem arose when Jef told Justine and Charles that she couldn't vote against Amanda. She thought, anyway, that it wouldn't matter anymore because Justine and Charles were voting for Amanda at the next Tribal Council. But of course Justine saw the downside of it. What if Amanda also voted against the the person that Jef voted against? They would have a tie.

More problem would arise if Amanda would learn that Jef couldn't (for the sake of friendship) vote against her.

Would the next Tribal Council have another tie just like what happened to Suzuki and Justine?

Catch the 4 remaining episodes of Survivor Philippines: Palau right after Rosalinda on GMA.

Mika's Fight Ends

Amanda and Mika turned to Charles when they were quite sure Jef's not with them anymore. But despite the pinky promise Charles made with Mika, he remained true to Justine and Jef. The three voted for Mika, while Amanda and Mika voted for Jef.

Tara and Echo made a high-five when Mika was announced eliminated. Tara even kept fanning herself with her hand. Such victory for them to have Mika out and join them in the jury panel.

Anyway, the tree mail bore a twist. It said that a 7-member jury will choose the winner among the three remaining castaways. So it's gonna be a Top 3 for this season. And we were wrong in predicting that they're gonna eliminate 2 castaways next week before the Live Finale.

Just one more castaway out and they're off to the Finals! Would it be Amanda? Or Charles? It would actually depend on who would win the last Immunity Necklace for the season.

Is the supposed leakage about the 2nd Sole Survivor true? It had been circulating in the blogosphere recently that Jef is the winner. How about that?

Not bad at all. But if we were to choose, we'd definitely pick Justine.

Amanda Wins Immunity Again

Amanda won immunity again for the second time in a row. During the challenge, Jef perhaps had cramps because she asked for help. Mika helped her and after not winning, Mika was like bullying Jef to side with them again cuz she saved her. Ek! She even told Jef that ifever she wouldn't side with them anymore, things would really be bad between them even after the competition. Geez!

But of course our little girl felt so much pain in her heart because she's so honest and naive and all that.

And yeah, Amanda and Mika pointed it out to Jef that they're the ones who brought Jef along with them that far.

Anyway Amanda and Mika were fools to let Jef know that top 3 is the farthest she can go. Very wrong, indeed! They could have at least kept it to themselves!

Langit-Lupa

If Amanda and Mika felt like 7-year-olds with the dolphins, the other 3 castaways also had so much fun playing Langit-Lupa at the camp. Jef was so happy she wished Amanda and Mika wouldn't go back just yet so they won't be stressed.

The three made a plan of telling Amanda and Mika that they had already told Charles about his fate, so Charles should act sad like he already knew he'd be voted off. They had to make Mika and Amanda feel that they still had the girls' alliance.

The Immunity Challenge had been explained and the episode showed some teasers for tomorrow. Something happened to Jef, though, while in the water-part of the challenge like she called for help and Mika narrated how Jef, panicking, asked her for help.

I really just hope that Justine's plans would work out. That smirk on her face when Paolo reminded them about Amanda's refusal to accept the Immunity Bracelet in exchange for the reward was priceless. But had Amanda been wiser, she could easily have accepted the bracelet. She could have been safe and a sure part of the top 4. But would she win tomorrow's immunity? We'll soon find out =)

SP: Palau Finale Sched

From Survivor Philippines' Facebook page:

The Live Finale and Reunion special of SP2 will be on November 13, Friday. We have alloted 300 limited slots for Survivor fans to witness this historic event. Please come at the GMA Studio 7 Entrance gate, on Nov. 13, at 6pm. It will be on a first come, first served basis. We are encouraging you to wear your favorite Survivor Philippines T-shirt. See you at the Finale! = )

Then a correction:

The Survivor Finale is moved to GMA Studio 5 on November 13, 6pm = )

Taong Grasa

Amanda won the Reward Challenge last night, and she picked Mika to go with her to the most popular hotel in Palau. It's the part of Survivor where a loved one will help in the challenge. Amanda's cousin went to Palau for her while Mika had her dad. Jef had her chica friend named Jolly, Charles had his bestfriend, and Justine, her aunt (also a transexual).

Winning the reward came with a scroll, and it's an Immunity Bracelet in exchange for the real reward. But Amanda gave up the bracelet to have the time of her life with her cousin, Mika, and Mika's dad.

I really hope top 3 would be Justine, Jef, and Charles (JJC), and top 2 would be Justine and Jef. Oh, well, just hoping.

PS:
Look at how dark Jef had turned! Jolly even said Jef already looked like a Taong Grasa. The only thing missing was the curly hair to complete the look.

Bye Shaun!

Shaun Rodriguez had been eliminated! Oh my. They wasted Mika's Red Pearl. Sayang.

Anyway Paolo Bediones stripped the Top 6 of their strategies, especially with the question of who they wanna share the top 2 with. Justine almost didn't answer. She's the one with the most effective strategy (I guess). But she answered Jef. Mika wanted Amanda with her if ever she'd be part of the top 2, and vise versa for Amanda. Jef, Shaun, Charles, and Jef all wanted Justine to be with them at the top 2 slots.

Shaun's exit interview was a little calm. What got me was that he really wanted Justine to win; that it would be a fairy tale ending if Justine would win. I remember him telling Justine over ice cream before that the best ending would be Justine winning the top prize - the first one voted off hailed as the winner. And then SP: Palau would be subtitled The Justine Ferrer show. Heh! Just kidding.

Shaun is no more, though. And the big question is: will Justine's strategy still be effective next week?

Anyway, Shaun should have been given a chance if only for this:


Lurvett!

Watch: Marvin and Suzuki's Funny Video

I found this small video of Marvin and Suzuki of Survivor Palau. Wacky! And I didn't realize until I saw this that Marvin really is so young.

Via Facebook, Echo Caceres Exclusive

SP: Palau - Amanda Wins Immunity

Immunity Challenge.
The winner will also get the chance to talk to his/her loved ones here in the Philippines for 15 minutes. Shaun was very emotional when he got to see a video message from his wife. It also made him so determined to win the challenge.

The castaways will stand on a raft with a pail of water on top of their heads. They could use both hands in holding the pail but after 30 minutes, only 1 hand would be allowed.

Jef's pail fell off first. Justine was next to give up because she couldn't bear the pain on her head anymore. Third was Charles because his hand holding the pail became numb.

In the end, Amanda and Shaun battled it out. But Shaun's knees wobbled, causing some water to spill out.

Amanda was so happy with her first immunity win. She also immediately called her aunt, even requesting for a Graham when she returned.

Amanda picked Mika to bring with her in calling her other loved ones using the Smart Pug & Talk. That meant Mika could also call her loved ones!

Jef was hurt, and she realized that Charles was right in saying that it's really just Mika and Amanda. No Jef included.

The castaways had a visitor - a castaway from Season 1 most famous for his kontrabida image. Used to be tagged as the Bad Boy of Primetime, Marlon would sleep at the Sorsorol camp.

Will he bring inspiration to the Top 6? Or is he going to play with their tactics?

Flattery Over Ice Cream

Justine was both shocked and overwhelmed that Shaun chose her to share the reward with. It’s her first time to be on a helicopter, much more, a helicopter ride that would give her a tour of all of Palau.

The two of them were taken to an island where they were treated to an ice cream feast. And of course, Shaun made the move to get Justine’s confidence. He even said that the nicest way to end the show is to have the first cast-off become the sole survivor. Flattery went a long way, too, because Justine seemed to become more convinced when Shaun said that if ever she won, she’d be the most beautiful sole survivor so far.

It seemed though that Justine was just very good in putting up a front, because she’s still true to her alliances Jef and Charles. They wanted either Mika or Shaun out. If one of the two got the immunity, then they’d vote the other out, and vice versa.

Jef and Charles, perceived to be two of the weakest from the very start, look like on top of the game now. Charles got the Immunity once, and Jef was almost always among the front runners during challenges.

Immunity Challenge tomorrow is another endurance test. Something that involves a bucket and a raft. Will Mika win so that her Red Pearl won’t have any effect in the next Tribal Council?

Shaun Wins Php100,000.00

Everyone missed Suzuki. Shaun even cried because his plans to bring Zuki up to the final two has failed. He even blamed Charles, although I don't see where that came from. Charles kept on telling him before they went to the Tribal Council that the girls were voting for Suzuki. But Shaun insisted on using the Hidden Immunity Bracelet.

Jef and Charles were talking about who to vote out next. They're focusing on Shaun or Mika, but it would all depend on who would win the immunity. Jef said, though, that she thinks she wouldn't pass on the chance of Mika having the Red Pearl.

And anyway, Shaun won Php100,000.00 in the Reward Challenge, and an adventure of his lifetime aboard a helicopter with no less than, our very own, Justine.

Lovett!

Bye Suzuki...

I really want Mika out cuz she's one manipulating bitch. Yea, she's strong but her bitching doesn't amuse me. She's so dominant she doesn't know how to play it. She needs a lesson from our girl Blair.

And Shaun is a puppet. Sheesh.

When the first 3 members of the jury joined the Tribal Council, Amanda was made to stay in her seat while the rest of the castaways went out. It's an activity where the one on the hotseat will have to answer Paolo's questions while the others are out of earshot. Everyone went through it but the most haunting part for me was Suzuki's turn. I felt for the Jap. He knew he's going. If only he didn't give the effing bracelet to Shaun.

Suzuki was so gullible. Nice policeman he'd make, don't you think?

So Shaun decided to use the immunity bracelet and Charles had his immunity necklace (can I ask for an immunity belt or anklet?). Since Justine thought Shaun wouldn't use the bracelet, her group (Jef and Charles) voted for Shaun. Obviously, Shaun and Suzuki voted for Justine, Amanda and Mika voted for Suzuki. Shaun got 3 votes but those were not counted because he's immune. Both Suzuki and Justine had 2 votes each so a tie breaker was made. The castaways, aside from the two nominated, had to vote again.

I like Justine and Suzuki so I couldn't cheer for any of them. But in the end, Suzuki lost. And he hugged each and every single one of the remaining castaways to say goodbye. He hugged Shaun the last and the two tightly embraced, crying.

Suzuki got three votes from Mika, Amanda, and Jef. Shaun and Charles went for Justine, despite the fact that the former was Justine's alliance. It's quite understandable, though, because Charles wouldn't really vote Suzuki out. The two trusted each other.

Suzuki took time in deciding about the Red Pearl. But I guess he also knows a bitch when he sees one. He gave it to Mika. Red Pearl gives the bearer 2 automatic votes in the next Tribal Council. And if it's not with Mika on the next TC? 3 votes will automatically added to her.

I hope they steal the pearl. I hope Justine steals it. But it would be so fun if Jef would.

Well, anyhoo, Suzuki was full of tears during the exit interview. I really wanted to comfort him. Huhu...

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I just had to comment on Tara's entrance. Duh! Feeling nasa catwalk. And Echo's too! Oh Lord I have to say she's so O.A. even if I like her. Marvin naman is still so cool about the whole thing. So quiet, so mysterious.

Basta let's just cross our fingers that Mika wouldn't win next Immunity Challenge. She can have the rewards. Just not the immunity. Heh!

I Can Hear You

It's funny how the girls talked about their plans when Shaun was just outside their little hut and could hear everything they say. Busted! Mika's plans seemed to have vanished but she still seemed to convince Shaun that she only said they should vote him out just so Justine wouldn't feel that she's really the one who they would vote out. Hmm... okay. I just hope that what happened would have a positive effect on Justine's standing in the game. It's quite obvious that the boys wanted to vote the transsexual castaway out and we know that Mika also wanted Justine out (just not at the moment) so our girl should really work it. Look at this pic (via survivor's facebook page) Yeah Justine is pretty. But what caught my attention was Charles's contacts. Color coordination much?