Pinoy Fear Factor: Ram Sagad Eliminated!

Ram Sagad/Multiply

Ram Sagad, the Basketball Hunk and supposedly the most athletic of the pack, is the second to go back home after getting the least amount of time in the last challenge of the second elimination. He was only able to hang on to the helicopter challenge for 30 seconds while the other three male contestants did better. Elmer, the veterinarian who was also in the brink of elimination last week, had 38 seconds beating Ram by 8 seconds. Jommy did better than Elmer by 1 second while Jose had the best time of 49 seconds.

The Pump Squad (composed of Ram, Jose, RJ and Jommy) is now incomplete. And as a sign of friendship, RJ gave a ring to Ram while the former was packing.

Would it be from the Pump Squad again next week?

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Reese Witherspoon Covers Parade

Reese Witherspoon talks about life - her divorce with actor Ryan Phillippe, her kids, tabloid fame, and love.

Read all about it in this issue of Parade magazine.

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Team Hong Kong Wins The Amazing Race Asia 3

The Hong Kong team (Sam Wu and Vince Chung) wins!

Besting 9 other pairs, the two were the first to reach the finish line in the final leg of The Amazing Race Asia 3. The two met via mutual friends and have been good buddies since then. Vince used to be a primary school teacher before becoming a comedian cum host. Sam, on the other hand, is a university lecturer who has a passion for words. He is, in fact, one of the top players of Prolific, an online word game.

The Philippines' own Geoff Rodriguez and Tisha Silang placed second in the race. They were so close to winning they just weren't so lucky with the taxi they chose. Geoff and Tisha beat the Philippine team's performance in the previous season where Marc and Rovilson placed 3rd.

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Mark Herras to Go Sexy

Mark Herras is now working-out in preparation for more daring roles. Mark reportedly thought that there should be something new in his showbiz career, and doing mature roles (read: sexy scenes) is one of them. Although he still has some limitations on going sexy. He doesn't want to go "all the way" because he's still too young for it.

And even if he can just easily go "under the knife" to enhance his body, he'd rather go to the gym and work hard to become fit.

His original loveteam Jennylyn Mercado will be his first leading lady in doing sexy. Jennylyn, who has just given birth to her child with Patrick Garcia, is currently on vacation in the US. Their "mature" projects will start when Jennylyn goes back to the country.

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GQ Men of the Year 2008

GQ has published its 2008 Men of the Year list in four covers featuring President-elect Barack Obama, Mad Men star Jon Hamm, leading man Leonardo DiCaprio and Olympic athlete Michael Phelps.

Complete list of GQ Men of the Year 2008:

Champions: The Boston Celtics
Designer of the Year: Thom Browne
Leading Man: Leonardo DiCaprio
Villain: Aaro Eckhart
The Artist: Shepard Fairey
Killer Year: Brandon Flowers
Screen Idol: James Franco
Comeback Kid: Josh Hamilton
Breakout: Jon Hamm
Legend: Ted Kennedy
The Mogul: Seth MacFarlane
Mad Genius: John Malkovich
Funnyman: Danny McBride
Radio Gods: MGMT + M.I.A.
Court King: Rafael Nadal
Game Changer: Barack Obama
Heavy Medal Hero: Chris Paul
Drama Queen: Sean Penn
Leader of the Year: General David Petraeus
Golden Boy: Michael Phelps
Prick: Gordon Ramsay
Daredevil of the Year: Alain Robert
Icon of the Year: Philip Roth
Action Hero: Jason Statham
Local Hero of the Year: Neil Willenson
Tough Guys of the Year: The Men Behind ‘The Wire’
Boy Genius of the Year: Mark Zuckerberg
Obsession: Megan Fox

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Hugh Jackman Named as the Sexiest Man Alive

Hugh Jackman/People

He's a triple threat: a star who can sing, dance and wield a weapon.

At 6 ft. 2 in., all scruff and biceps, Hugh Jackman looms large in the epic Australia, which he says kept him "dirty 95 percent of the time" and left people stammering, "Oh ... my ... God," according to costar Nicole Kidman, who adds, "Women's jaws drop when Hugh walks into a room."

Jackman's wife of 12 years, Deborra-Lee Furness, calls his perfect form "the Body of Doom – but I like what's inside": a romantic who sings ballads at home and makes pancakes for Oscar, 8, and Ava, 3. A hard body with a soft center – 2008's Sexiest Man Alive sat down with PEOPLE's Elizabeth Leonard and Julie Jordan to reveal most of his secrets.

Read the rest of the story here.

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McKey Wins America's Next Top Model 11

McKey Sullivan/ANTM

She entered the competition only knowing a boxing pose, but former tomboy Brittany "McKey" Sullivan learned enough on the 11th cycle of "America's Next Top Model" to box out the competition, winning over blonde Samantha Potter in the final runway competition in Amsterdam.

"I'm so proud of myself right now," she declared, after embracing host Tyra Banks and lifting her off the ground.

A girl who grew up as a tomboy, McKey, 19, of Lake Forest, Ill. ended up as top model after an ability to bend her body literally backwards for great pictures.

In the final runway competition, she attacked the unusual course and struck poses that rose her above Samantha, 18 of Woodland Hills, who looked a bit more worried about the course's ramps and strairs.

"She didn't just serve dress," Tyra said of McKey, "she served face".

It was a course that put new meaning into the word runway. It was all the making of Jay Manuel, who brought out for the show last cycle's winner Whitney but also Ananda, a winner from Holland's Next Top Model. (She was available locally).

The two finalists Samantha and McKey had to run of a giant hot pink hill in order not to fall backward. McKey was better at it than Samantha, who seemed (rightfully) uneasy at the impossibly treacherous runway.

Earlier, the other model in the final three, Analeigh Tipton, 19, of Sacramento, was eliminated despite her high fashion pictures, for a commercial look in person that coldn't deliver on the commercial she shot. Seemed weird that Tyra were criticizing her face.

As winner, McKey wins a contract with Elite model management, a spread and cover for Seventeen magazine, and a $100,000 contract with covergirl. -Via Roger Catlin

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Legend of the Seeker S01 Ep04

Logline
A city under siege and a shocking discovery about his past confront Richard Cypher when he returns to his birthplace.

SynopsisRichard returns to the town of Brennidon, where he was born during Darken Rahl's massacre of every eldest son to avert the prophecy of the Seeker. He finds that the townspeople have given up their freedom under Rahl's rule, and discovers a secret from his past.

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Legend of the Seeker S01 Ep03

Season 01 Episode 03 - Bounty



Logline:
When Darken Rahl offers a reward to anyone who captures the Seeker, deadly mercenaries set their sights on Richard Cypher, turning him from hunter to hunted.

Synopsis:
After Richard, Kahlan and Zedd survive an unprovoked attack by a mercenary named Denfir, they discover that Darken Rahl has placed a hefty bounty on Richard's head. Sebastian, a maker of magical maps, has sold three of them designed to track the Seeker, one each to Denfir and two other bounty hunters, Gunther and Rolf.

A woman named Lilly helps Richard and his friends escape another ambush, then asks his help to save her brother Liam from the Shadrin, a vicious mythical creature. But first, they must fight off an assault by Gunther. Zedd goes to find the mapmaker who put everyone on their trail, while Richard and Kahlan continue with Lilly. But her plea is really a trap - Lilly captures Richard to deliver to Darken Rahl's D'Haran soldiers, leaving Kahlan trapped with the Shadrin.

Lilly reveals that her brother was actually imprisoned by the D'Harans, who will execute him, and she plans to exchange Richard to gain his freedom. But Kahlan, having escaped the Shadrin, catches Lilly, only to be cornered by Denfir and Rolf. Zedd returns in time to save them all from the bounty hunters, and Richard decides to help Lilly rescue her brother, despite her lies.

Lilly tricks Rahl's soldiers into using one of the magic maps, which leads them not to Richard, but directly to the captured Denfir and Rolf, left in the deadly lair of the Shadrin. Zedd forced Sebastian to make a new map to track the bounty hunters, taking the soldiers to their doom. With Lilly and her brother reunited, the word spreads that the Seeker has returned - a hero ready to fight for anyone who needs his help.

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Legend of the Seeker S01 Ep01 and 02

Based upon the book series entitled "Sword of Truth" by Terry Goodkind comes the television series "Legend of the Seeker."

It stars Craig Horner (Richard Cypher/Seeker), Bridget Regan (Kahlan Amnell) and Bruce Spence (Zeddicus Za'l Zorander)

Here are the first two episodes entitled Prophecy (Part 1) and Destiny (Part 2). Both shown on the pilot episode last November 1.



Logline:
In a distant land, Richard Cypher discovers his true destiny as he, a mysterious young woman, a wise old wizard and a magical sword are all that stand between the evil tyrant Darken Rahl and his quest for total domination.

Synopsis:
Kahlan Amnell, pursued by soldiers of Darken Rahl, the tyrant who wants to rule the Midlands, flees that province and uses magic to cross the Boundary into Westland. Richard Cypher, a simple Westland woodsman, helps her escape them. Ranssyn Fane, commander of the soldiers, survives his confrontation with Kahlan and Richard and continues to pursue them. Returning home, Richard is sent by his father, George, to find an old man named Zedd.

Richard learns that Zedd is really a powerful wizard from the Midlands, and Kahlan is a Confessor, a woman with the power to make someone tell the truth. Zedd reveals that Richard is the Seeker, the person destined to defeat Darken Rahl. Zedd hands Richard a magical weapon, the Sword of Truth. And Kahlan gives Richard the object of Fane’s pursuit, the Book of Counted Shadows, which contains the secrets Rahl needs to capture ultimate power.

In disbelief, Richard returns to his father, only to find that Fane has mortally wounded him. With his last breath, George reveals that what Zedd says is true. Richard confronts Fane, wanting vengeance. But Fane escapes with the coveted Book. Knowing he must stop Fane, Richard accepts his destiny as the Seeker and begins his training under Zedd.

Rahl orders his forces in the Midlands to take down the Boundary into Westland and kill Richard, while Fane tries to return to Rahl with the Book. Just as Rahl’s forces come through the Boundary, Richard catches up to Fane and retrieves the Book. Surrounded, Richard calls upon the newfound power of the Seeker and defeats the attacking troops. The Boundary now open, Richard, Kahlan and Zedd head into the Midlands to begin their dangerous quest to find and defeat Darken Rahl. - Via Legend of the Seeker

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Ploning Gets Government Support for the Oscars

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) are giving Ploning, the Philippines’ entry to the Oscars, the much-needed support in its bid to make it as a nominee in the Best Foreign Language Film category.

The President and FDCP are shelling out P2.5-M to boost the critically-acclaimed film’s chances of making it to the highly-competitive, highly-politicized world of the Oscars.

The amount will go a long way in seeing to it that Ploning gets the attention it needs and deserves in the international film community.

The filmmakers are hiring a highly-recommended public relations company, Murray Weissman and Associates to make the film highly-visible. Its producer, Panoramanila Pictures Co., is also organizing red-carpet premieres and tapping Filipino communities in the US.

Ploning director Dante Nico Garcia, who came back from Los Angeles, reports that the Philippine consulate in Los Angeles, headed by Mary Jo Aragon, has been very supportive. Aragon herself has been sending electronic invites for the exclusive screening of Ploning for prominent Filipinos in California.

Filipino businessman Mike Cucueco is financing a premiere showing in California next month. Another prominent Filipino Ted Benito, on the other hand, is organizing another premiere also showing next month.

Meanwhile, Ploning has been getting good reviews among film experts in the US. Garcia reports that the Kodak theater, where the film was screened, was filled to capacity when Ploning was shown. He was told that it’s the first time in the theater’s history that this has happened.

“One comment that struck me came from a member of the audience who said that Ploning marks the first time a film from a third world country doesn’t tackle poverty or difficulties in life. That’s our edge. Ploning has a feel-good topic. It tells a story of love minus the anger,” reports Garcia.

He adds that the Filipino businessmen in the US are going all out in supporting the film, knowing that its victory will be a big triumph for the country. It will also boost their business as well.

In the Philippines, Ploning star Judy Ann Santos is also working double time. She is organizing two events: A celebrity auction at Plaza Ibarra, Quezon City on Nov. 28 and a red-carpet ball at Rockwell Tent on Dec. 3 to raise funds for Ploning.

The auction will see stars like Judy Ann, Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Boy Abunda, Kris Aquino and others donating clothes, accessories and others to be auctioned off.

The ball, on the other hand, taps renowned artists like Ramon Orlina, who will auction off their works. Price per plate is P10,000. There will also be a raffle draw.

Judy Ann will bring in her expertise as restaurateur to draw up the evening’s menu.

“I wake up early to talk to Makati businessmen and ask for their support, too,” she adds.

Meanwhile, Judy Ann has just launched her Scents and Blends signature collection. The new product line is an offhsoot of a joint venture between Scents and Blends and Rev’lation International, Inc., the direct selling company which launched Judy Ann’s Baby Line in 2006.

Judy Ann is looking at the new business as a way of keeping herself busy and productive when she gets married to Ryan Agoncillo and starts her own family.

“It’s easy to combine scenes and come up with a new one,” she explains. Judy Ann adds that her collection is eco-friendly and water-based. She goes for a light cologne scent to feel fresh the whole day.

Business is doing well so far. Fanny Serrano reports that Judy Ann’s collection has gone out of stock in the US weeks after it first hit the market.

If and when Ploning makes it to the Oscars, Judy Ann promises she will give Angelina Jolie a bottle of cologne from her (Judy Ann’s) collection.

“We can also give them out as souvenirs in the Oscars,” Judy Ann declares.

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Jennifer Aniston on US Vogue December 2008

Jennifer Aniston is red hot on the December 2008 cover of Vogue.

According to Us Weekly, Aniston asked the reporter, Jonathan Van Meter, to turn off the tape recorder when first asked about her ex-husband’s partner, Angelina Jolie. Here’s what she did say on the record:

On being bothered that Angelina recounted a detailed timeline of how she fell in love with Brad Pitt on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith: “There was stuff printed there that was definitely from a time when I was unaware that it was happening. I felt those details were a little inappropriate to discuss. That stuff about how she couldn’t wait to get to work every day? That was really uncool.

On if she ever speaks to Brad: “[We've exchanged] a few very kind hellos … and congratulations on your babies… [We] had an amicable split … The marriage didn’t work out.”

On her romance with John Mayer: “People need to mind their own business! Did you ever think Claudia Schiffer and David Copperfield made sense? Love just shows up.”

On when Mayer bragged about dumping her: “Trust me, you’ll never see that happen again from that man.”

Via Just Jared

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Amazing Race Asia 3: Will Geoff and Tish Surpass Marc and Rovilson's Achievements?

This was the penultimate leg where we'd find out who the top three teams will be. As such, I was expecting an episode filled with one physically demanding task after another wherein each team's physical endurance and mental fortitude will be tested. I was disappointed. This second to the last leg was just a series of clues that others in the forums described as "boring". Not me though. Despite the obvious absence of difficult challenges, I was a nervous wreck while watching it because my favorite team, Geoff and Tisha from the Philippines wasn't doing well. In fact, they sucked in 90% of the tasks in this leg. It's a good thing a surprising twist was added in the end, a task that jolted some excitement to this episode and, at the same time, allowed Geoff and Tish to recover.

Teams first set off to find a clue in India's Bhaja Caves. Leaving very early in the morning (Sam and Vince left at a few minutes after midnight) they found an "hours of operation" sign near the caves indicating 7 AM as the continuation of this leg. All teams then proceeded to the nearest hotel to get some rest. AD and Fuzzie, on the other hand, found a rather horrible establishment. I don't even think it's a hotel at all. The rooms were bare save for a wooden platform that served as the bed - no mattress, no sheets, no pillows, nothing else. In fact, AD said it looked more like a cell. I'd hate to see what the bathroom looked like. Despite this, the girls stayed put.

The next day, they were instructed to travel by train to Pune, taking note of a statue at the train station, and proceed to the the Standard Chartered Bank branch (another product placement). The train ride was uneventful, except for the fact that it was packed like sardines. That's the way it is in India as many of us have seen in various news ports, clips and documentaries about the country. Arriving in Pune, Ida and Tania (these girls are fast, and smart) were first to locate the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and read the inscription on the pedestal, while Sam and Vice and Geoff and Tish took some time to locate it. AD and Fuzzie, on the other hand, went straight to the bank. At the bank, the task was to enter the year of Gandhi's birthday on an ATM machine. If they are correct, a receipt will be generated with the next clue written on it. If they input the wrong pin 3 times, a ten minute penalty will ensue. Ida and Tania were successful. AD and Fuzzie, rather than going back to the statue to retrieve Gandhi's birth year, just decide to ask the locals for it. It was a smart move and they were successful too. So were Sam and Vince. Geoff and Tish, on the other hand, didn't read the instructions well and thus failed. This was when I started to panic. Fortunately, despite the ten minute penalty, they were able to catch up with the others at the airport for their flight to Oman, the next stop.

Ida and Tania were again the quickest upon arriving in Muscat. they located their vehicle at once and were off to the next destination - Al Alam Palace. Teams drove around Oman using race-provided SUVs and this made me more apprehensive as navigation is Geoff and Tisha's weak link. They all made their way to Al Alam Palace with some teams, Geoff and Tisha and AD and Fuzzie, taking a bit longer than the others. Next stop was the Nizwa Fort. Id and Tania's lead disintegrated here as they were greeted with another "hours of operation" flag. The next day, the clue directed them to Mutrah Souq.

Detour: Carpet or Count it. In 'Carpet', teams must find a design indicated on a Sony camera screen from a roomful of rolled carpets. In 'Count It', they must go to a market and correctly count the number of dried limes in a basket. Surprisingly, all teams chose 'Count It'. At this point, Sam and Vince and Geoff and Tish decided to work together. They agreed to help each other and compare counts. They didn't know, of course, that each bag contained a different number of dried lime (Nice trick, TARA3). It was a frustrating task as no team was able to get it on their first try, not even on their second, I think. But after failing once, team Philippines decided to try their luck in the 'Carpet' task, leaving the others counting. But after a few minutes of trying to locate the specific carpet design required, they gave up and returned to the market. It's a good thing the other three teams were still there, still counting. Ida and Tania were able to get it on their first try, as well as Sam and Vince, leaving the two teams still counting. Geoff's temper was starting to flare in frustration as he was expecting help from the Hong Kong boys. After another unsuccessful try, they decided to try their luck with the carpets again with the same result. Clearly frustrated now, especially upon seeing that AD and Fuzzie were successful in their third (?) attempt (it was actually a guess), Tisha tried to hold the fort and keep Geoff from imploding. Fortunately, they were successful.

My panic button was already reaching its zenith at this point. And I could sense the same in Geoff and Tish. Though they are physically strong and determined, they tend to get frustrated easily and panic when faced with a difficult task. Geoff's temper always flares up at this point. It's a good thing Tisha always manages to calm him down.

The next destination as Wadi Tanuf but getting there was a problem. All teams got lost and they ended up bunched together again - a good break for the tail enders.

It was a 'Roadblock' at Wadi Tanuf: Who's Ready for a Cliffhanger? Racers had to cross a deep gorge through a zip line to get their next clue. This is a daunting task. For one, you're suspended several hundred feet in the air. For another, it requires upper body strength and good pacing. But with an overnight leg that saw racers not having enough time to eat and sleep, not to mention being mentally drained from the previous challenges and the heat of the Arabian sun, this was one difficult task. Sam was first to try his luck. Getting to the other side was easy enough because the other ledge was lower enabling him to slide almost all the way through. But that only meant that the way back would be tough, an uphill pull that would test everyone's arms. Sam couldn't make it back. He stopped two-thirds of the way and was obviously physically drained. Despite continuous encouragement (that later turned into shouts of frustration) from Vince, he had no energy to go on. Meanwhile, Ida was able to pass him on the parallel line (this must have added to Sam's frustration). This enabled Geoff to use the same zip line right after Ida's stint and pass Sam who was till stuck on his line. Geoff just zipped through using his strong arms and upper body, to the cheers of Tish. As Fuzzie was starting on the line vacated by Ida and Geoff, Sam gave up. This meant that they would incur a four-hour penalty for not finishing the challenge. It was a good break for AD and Fuzzie, especially with a 30 minute penalty still hanging above their heads. However, Fuzzie's next move surprised me. She turned back and gave up without reaching the other ledge. First of all, it still puzzles me why it was Fuzzie who took this roadblock. For one thing, she is heavier than AD and thus would require more strenght to pull across the zip line. Second, why did she give up so easily? She knew Sam and Vince incurred a four-hour penalty so why rush it. She had more than three hours to finish the crossing! WTF was that?! Well, after that stunt she pulled, they really deserved to be eliminated. Sam and Vince practically handed them a sure pass to the final three and Fuzzie didn't take it.

Pit stop: Winners - Ida and Tania, followed by Geoff and Tisha (what a recovery!) and Sam and Vince. AD and Fuzzie finished last and were eliminated.

It's checkered flag time next week, and from a few snippets in the preview, I think the race will end in Thailand. Challenges will include camels and SUVs stck in the sand in Oman, then swimming, kayaking, a boat ride and a sprint on the beach, though not necessarily in that same order. I think it will be a race between Ida and Tania and Geoff and Tisha, as Sam and Vince will have to overhaul a four-hour penalty to at least be in the running. They'll need a miracle. One "hours of operation" stop will solve this. Will they get it? Who knows. TARA always has a way of evening out the playing field when one team gets too far ahead but with a last leg a virtual free-for-all, will they do it?

Ida and Tania have gained our respect with every leg of this race so it won't be a surprise if they end up winning it all. But my money is still with Geoff and Tish. I think they have it in them to finish strongly now that they are in the final three. They're both physically strong and determined, and these may be enough to win it all.

Via monacome.com

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Survivor Philippines Ep 45: Goodbye Vern

Veronica "Vern" Domingo got the solid five votes from the former members of the Naak tribe, ending her fight in the quest for the first Sole Survivor. On the other hand, Rob, with the additional one vote from the Black Pearl that Kiko gave him, got all the votes of the three remaining former Jarakays.

Earlier in the episode, Charisse won the Immunity Challenge where they would search for blocks of their assigned color and arrange them in the way Paolo showed them before the challenge started. Veronica was actually the first to gather all seven blocks but she had trouble arranging them in the correct way. Charisse, who seems to excel in mind-boggling stuff, was the first one to get it right, earning her the Immunity Necklace.

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Pinoy Fear Factor: Gail, The First Eliminado

After only staying at Campo Miedo for a few days, Gail Nicolas became the first eliminado of Pinoy Fear Factor: Argentina, South America. The 25-year-old Bikini Summit winner failed to finish the final and deciding stunt called Escape De Auto Sub Aquatico. Gail struggled to get baby doll Mariana from the back seat of a car submerged in a pool. The baby doll got entangled with the seat belt, and when Gail could no longer hold her breath, she had no choice but to swim up to the surface.

When Elmer and Marion saw Gail without the baby doll, they already knew the sad fate of the lady Participante. Elmer finished the stunt in 25 seconds, while Marion did it in 30 seconds. As much as they would want to celebrate being safe from elimination, the two boys sympathized with Gail, who was ordered to pack her things from Camp Miedo as she will flying back home to the Philippines. “Malungkot ako. Pero sa experience kong ito, masasabi kong masaya na ako na hindi ko ine-expect na kaya ko pa lang gawin ‘to. Sinubukan ko naman, pero siguro it’s not my luck,” Gail said while looking back on her PFF experience.

Later that evening, Elmer and Marion returned to Camp Miedo with the bad news. They narrated what happened in the final stunt, and after a few minutes, Gail arrived to personally say farewell to all her peers. Everyone, most especially the girls, were sad to see their good friend leave. Gail encouraged the other Participantes to go on with the fight to prove that the Filipinos are la raza valiente (a brave race).

How will Gail’s exit affect the mind set of the Participantes in the next round of elimination? Who will be the next to make his or her sad goodbye? Be sure to catch Pinoy Fear Factor: Argentina, South America after I Love Betty La Fea for the next phase of elimination. You can also watch episodes online by subscribing to TFCnow at www.abs-cbnnow.com. Also check out pinoyfearfactor.abs-cbn.com andhttp://pinoyfearfactor.multiply.comto find out what stunts await the remaining Participantes in the Segunda Ronda De Eliminacion.

Via abs-cbn.com

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Kiko Rustia on Chika Minute

Kiko, the 10th castaway to be voted-off in the search for the first Sole Survivor, guested live on 24 Oras's Chika Minute.

Kiko was honest enough to say that he was guilty on doubting Rob as one of those who betrayed him. But it's not the only reason why he gave the Black Pearl to Rob. According to Kiko, it's his way of telling Rob to put his act together and that no one finds him amusing anymore.

He felt betrayed on what Kaye and Cris did, and said their reasons for voting him off should better be good enough without sugar coating their words. And on Charisse? He said he understands Charisse's vote for he knows Charisse's loyalty belongs to Jarakay.

Kiko said he's willing to accept showbiz opportunities that may come his way. And on the question of what he wants to do, he said he wouldn't mind doing hosting jobs with Pia Guanio, the showbiz personality he admires most.

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Survivor Philippines Ep 41: Goodbye Kiko

Kiko got voted off in the search for the first Sole Survivor in Survivor Philippines. He got five out of nine votes while Marlon got the other four.

Meanwhile, the evicted castaway was given the chance to give the Black Pearl to anyone. The Black Pearl would mean an additional vote for the one holding it in the next Tribal Council. Kiko gave the Black Pearl to Rob.

Back in the camp Rob was furious for the Black Pearl. He said he gave all his trust to Kiko, even did anything Kiko said, and he wasn't expecting that Kiko would do that to him.

Kaye was all tears after the council. Zita was confused. Everyone was so emotional aside from Marlon who was so happy.

The Naak alliance was no more. It started when JC got the bid for the auctioned scroll entitling him to choose three other castaways to go with him on immersion. He chose Kiko, Rob and Zita. Cris was deeply hurt because JC chose Zita over him. He strongly believed in their "For the Boys" alliance in Naak but it disappointed him when JC chose Zita, which left him (Cris) behind when he was considered one of the Naak boys.

With the sudden change of Cris and Kaye's hearts and with Kiko's leaving, JC, Rob and Zita are in danger.

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Akihiro Sato on "Shall We Dance?"

Akihiro Sato was a contestant tonight on TV 5's Shall We Dance hosted by Lucy Torres Gomez with tonight's co-host Jon Avila. Akihiro was paired with dancer Victoria and they were the second pair to do the night's dance which was the salsa.

Other pairs were Baron Geisler with dancer Michelle, Joseph Bitangcol with dancer Hannah and Joyce Jimenez with dancer JC.

Joseph-Hannah and Akihiro-Victoria were the first two pairs to be announced safe. After much suspense Joyce and JC were declared as safe, followed by the announcement that it was a non-elimination round.

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Pinoy Fear Factor: The Yerba Mate

Here's a video of the 12 PFF Participantes drinking the yerba mate (pronounced sherba mah-tay), which is a bitter herb tea. In Argentina, yerba mate is a social ritual enjoyed by everyone in all walks of life.

For more info on yerba mate, click here.

Video via multiply

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Pinoy Fear Factor: LJ

LJ Moreno - "The Daredevil Chick"

Age: 27
Origin: Marikina
Occupation: Preschool teacher, actress
Greatest fear/s: Deep water, cockroach

After appearing in TV commercials and gracing magazine pages at a young age, LJ ventured into acting on TV and movies. But she decided to leave behind a stable showbiz career to focus on other things that are also important to her. When her parents got separated and her mother migrated to the US, LJ became a sister and mother to her younger siblings. While doing her responsibility to her family, she finished a degree in early childhood education

LJ tried to live a different life away from the limelight. During this time she grew fond of competitive sports like racing, wakeboarding, and the likes. Given all the physical and emotional challenges she had gone through, LJ believes that she has what it takes to be the first El Ultimo Participante of Pinoy Fear Factor: Argentina, South America.

Via multiply

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Pinoy Fear Factor: Phem

Phem Barranda - "The Glam Goddess"

Age: 27
Origin: Parañaque
Occupation: TV host, model, actress
Greatest fear/s: snakes, insects

Phem is the beautiful face that brings the latest entertainment news every night on TV Patrol World and every Sunday afternoon on The Buzz. This sexy and glamorous gal has graced the covers of various magazines and billboards. But Phem doesn’t want to be known as just a mere ‘celebrity’ because she believes she has more to offer beyond her attractive face and body.

Many don’t know that Phem never had an easy life growing up. She was born in a ‘second’ family, and in the Philippine setting, people tend to have unfair judgment to children who doesn’t belong in a ‘normal’ family.

Phem believes that Pinoy Fear Factor is her chance to break the ‘usual celebrity’ image people put on her. She is ready to get down and dirty to become the first El Ultimo Participante.

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Pinoy Fear Factor: Marion

Marion dela Cruz - "The Austrian Balikbayan"

Age: 21
Origin: Austria/Valenzuela City
Occupation: Student
Greatest fear/s: Heights

Marion’s father was a driver in an embassy while his mother was a cleaning lady in another embassy. He was born in Vienna and spent most of his life in Austria. Nevertheless, his parents managed to teach him to speak Tagalog and live the good Filipino values. Marion met a lot of women in Vienna, but never had a serious relationship with any of them. He said he still prefers the conservative Filipinas over the liberated Austrians.

Marion was a good soccer player but later became unfit to play any sport after getting into lots of vices and troubles. He frequently got into fights because of racism and would often drink and smoke. When his parents couldn’t handle him anymore, he was sent to the Philippines to live with his grandmother.

Starting a new life in the Philippines was challenging at first for Marion. But because of his lola, he got used to doing lots of households chores and going to the palengke. Now, Marion is up for a much greater challenge as a Participante of Pinoy Fear Factor. He is ready to face whatever kind of challenge to win the top prize so he can convince his parents to live with him here in the Philippines.

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Pinoy Fear Factor: Janna

Janna - "The Flawless Girl of Dagat-Dagatan"

Age: 18
Origin: Dagat-dagatan, Malabon/Quezon City
Occupation: TV host, sales agent
Greatest fear/s: spiders, closed spaces

Janna Dominguez looks like an actress from a Koreanovela on television. But in her case, the drama of her life story is real. Janna’s biological mother left her and is now living a good life in Japan. Her father married a 25-year old woman who not only became her step-mother but also her best friend. Since life is still hard for their family, her father continues to work in a construction in Japan.

Dreaming to provide the best for her family and an enjoyable retirement for her father, Janna is ready to take on any opportunity and challenge. She is determined to conquer Pinoy Fear Factor and write a better story for her life.

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Pinoy Fear Factor: Elmer

Elmer Felix - "The Promdi Veterinarian"

Age: 25
Origin: Pampanga
Occupation: Veterinarian, medical representative
Greatest fear/s: drowning, deep water, unusual and exotic edibles

Elmer could still recall how he struggled for the professional board exam to get his license. He failed twice in the exam, but instead of giving up, he decided to pursue with his dreams. Elmer eventually passed on his third try and got his license as a veterinarian.

Underneath the average looks of this Kapampangan is a competitive and persistent spirit. A few years ago, Elmer used to be very skinny. He decided to hit the gym and put on some muscles for more extra pogi points. After years of religiously working out five times a week, Elmer now has the body of a hunk.

Elmer is ready to once again prove that persistence is the key to success. He is prepared to take on any challenge and add another title to his name: El Ultimo Participante of Pinoy Fear Factor.

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Pinoy Fear Factor: Gail

Gail Nicolas - "Ms. Body Beautiful"

Age: 25
Origin: Quezon City
Occupation: TV, commercial, and ramp model; nail artist
Greatest fear/s: heights, dark places

As the winner of Mossimo Bikini Summit 2007, Gail is undoubtedly one hot woman. She has graced numerous TV commercials and fashion shows. Her beauty, charm, and physique are her tools as the breadwinner of their family. When Gail was 17, her father’s relatives forced them out of their house, and not long after, her father passed away. Since then she has assumed the responsibility to provide for her family, and she even helped her older brother finish school.

Gail used to play volleyball in college. She believes that being athletic is her edge in conquering all the challenges in Pinoy Fear Factor.

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Pinoy Fear Factor: Jommy

Jommy Teotico - "The Alaskador Model"

Age: 24
Origin: Manila
Occupation: Model
Greatest fear/s: cockroach, feeding on insects

Jommy grew up in the streets of Manila and made fun of his classmates and cracked a lot of jokes. He liked making people laugh. He was an easy-going person who frequently got whatever he wanted, especially the girls. Jommy was called an ‘alaskador’ and ‘playboy’ by his peers.

But fate played a funny trick on him when, after getting drunk, he woke up in bed with a married woman beside him. Although he was sure nothing happened, the woman’s relatives beat him senseless. From then on, Jommy valued his second chance at life and vowed to change. He is no longer the known playboy but Jommy kept his humorous side with him.

Jommy used his talent in making people laugh to his advantage during the contest. Watch out for his wise cracks to distract the other Participantes. For his family, Jommy is determined to emerge as the first El Ultimo Participante of Pinoy Fear Factor.

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Pinoy Fear Factor: RJ

RJ - "The Kargador Tondo Dad"

Age: 20
Origin: Parola, Tondo
Occupation: kargador
Greatest fear/s: heights

Bernabe 'RJ' Calipus Jr. was born from a Filipina woman and a French man. However, he never met his biological parents. His mother had him adopted because she can no longer support him. RJ then lived a fast-paced life as a Tondo boy. He became a father at a tender age of 17, and just a few months ago, his partner gave birth to their second child.

Although RJ is ready to face any difficulty, he could not bear to see his daughters go hungry or sick. That is why he is willing to take on any job just to make a decent living. But since he only finished second year in high school, he had no other choice but to work as a wharf porter and ‘kargador’ in Divisoria. RJ also takes automotive classes at night.

RJ hopes to win the top prize for the sake of his family. Joining Pinoy Fear Factor gives him a lot of ‘first times’ in his life: his first time to ride a plane, first time to leave the country, and first time to be seen on television. Will he become the first El Ultimo Participante?

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Pinoy Fear Factor: Manuel

Manuel - "The Struggling Businessman"

Age: 27
Origin: Cabanatuan City
Occupation: Self-employed
Greatest fear/s: failure, crocodiles

Before becoming the good son and an able father to a four-year old daughter, Manuel Chua Jr. first had his share of troubles. He used to have a lot of vices, being a womanizer and a speed junkie. After a series of mistakes and car accidents, Manuel was blessed with a daughter from his current partner. From then on, he promised to work hard to be a good provider to his daughter instead of leaving everything up to his partner who is a lawyer and is from a well-to-do family.

Manuel is running an appliance store business which he inherited from his father. They used to have 36 store branches all over Luzon. But when his father died of liver cirrhosis, they were left with just three stores. Now, Manuel continues to struggle to keep their family business afloat for the sake of his family. He aims to win the two million pesos and house and lot from Pinoy Fear Factor which he will save their business and to give his daughter a bright future.

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Pinoy Fear Factor: Savanah

Savanah Lamsen - "The Ledge Dancer"

Age: 23
Origin: Quezon City
Occupation: Ledge dancer, model
Greatest fear/s: cats

Savanah is a woman who can excite men’s imagination with her sexy body, and also tickle everybody’s funny bone with her sense of humor. She once posed for the center page of a sexy magazine in hopes of getting into showbiz. Savanah dreams of helping her family through a tough financial situation.

When her parents were still together, Savanah’s family never had any problem about money. They used to have a meat dealership business that enabled her to spend all the cash she wants for parties and other luxuries. But when crisis struck their livelihood, she had no other choice but to adjust to a simple life.

Savanah is determined to become the first El Ultimo Participante of Pinoy Fear Factor. Though most of her friends find her clumsy, she is out to prove that she can conquer all the challenges in the biggest reality stunt show. Savanah plans to use the two million cash prize as capital for her parents to start a new business so her family can be reunited.

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Pinoy Fear Factor: Ram

Ram Sagad - "The Basketball Hunk"

Sylvester "Ram" Sagad used to play for the NCAA under San Sebastian's Golden Stags. He won the Century Tuna Superbods in 2007 where he bested other professional models and a fellow Stags teammate JC Tiuseco (Survivor Philippines). Ram was also one of the featured hunks of Metro Magazine's Metro Body 2007, appeared in a Revicon commercial (with Asi Taulava) and did a bitsy role in Lastikman.

His name Sylvester is from Sylvester Stallone and his nickname "Ram" is derived from one of Stallone's hit movie, RAMbo. His younger brother, and only other sibling, is named Steven (from Steven Seagal).

The 23-year-old, 6 feet 3 inches "Basketball Hunk" hopes that his athletic training will give him the advantage of winning Pinoy Fear Factor. Among his biggest fears are that of heights and exotic/unusual foods.

Century tuna Superbods '07


Metro Body 2007


Pinoy Fear Factor




JC Tiuseco and Ram Sagad/Century Tuna Superbods '07

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Pinoy Fear Factor: Jose

Jose Sarasola - "The Aspiring Chef"

Jose Sarasola is 22 years old from Parañaque City. He is a culinary student and on internship in one of the posh hotels in Manila. Jose used to be a Candy Cutie and has done pictorials for Candy Mag way before Pinoy Fear Factor. He loves playing basketball and goes to the gym four times a week.

Jose is an only son to a Spanish father and a Filipina mother. He has been to the best cities of the world and decides to join Pinoy Fear Factor to add more excitement to his "boring" life. He also wants to prove that "he is not the typical conio kid that people think of." His greatest fear: deep water.

Jose has an alleged webcam scandal (which can be downloaded here). The last pic is actually a screencap from the said video. Is it him? Or is it not? You decide.






Photos (except the last) via candymag and multiply

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