It was one hell of a ride not only for the 16 Survivor Castaways but also for the thousands of Filipino (and also non-filipinos) fans who followed this one of a kind reality show everyday on GMA 7.  Every episode is a mix of Triumph, Defeat, Happiness and Sorrow for every one.  But for over 60 episodes, Survivor Philippines Palau had reach its end as the castaways are seived to 3 contenders: Amanda Van Cooll,  Jef Gaitan and Justine Ferrer.



Last friday, the tension is felt all over studio 5 of GMA 7 when fans and relatives gathered to witness the live announcement of the Survivor Philippines Palau.  Everybody are excitedat the same time nervous because it is really a close fight between the 3.  But before the announcement, Paolo asked the final 3 if they have any regrets during their stay on the island of Palau and this is their answers:

JUSTINE: Sa laro, wala. Pero doon sa ibang mga sinabi ko, mayroon. Sorry po doon sa family ni Amanda, na nakapagsalita ako ng… Pati ako nagulat, hindi ko alam na lumabas ‘yon sa bibig ko. Noong pinapanood ko, kailangan ko ng psychologist katabi ko, para madigest ko iyong pangyayari. Pero, I am very deeply sorry, kasi resulta lang iyon ng walang kain, walang pahinga, pressure tapos gusto mo pang manalo. Sana po, kung bibigyan n’yo po ako ng chance na ipakita ang totoong Justine in real life, para mapatawad n’yo ako. Sana po bigyan nyo ako ng chance.

JEF: Siguro noong pinapanood ko siya, nandun iyong laging pumapasok sa utak ko na sana I played the game, differently. Pero ngayon, after makita ko ang bigger picture actually Paolo, thankful pa nga ako sa Survivor tsaka sa mga castaways. Tinulungan nila akong makita ko ang sarili ko, nakita ko ang mga pagkakamali ko. Nakita nyo naman na sobrang emotionally immature ako e. So, ngayon thankful ako kasi natuto ako, alam kong marami pa rin akong kailangang i-prove and iyong Survivor ang naging key ko para makita iyong mga mistakes ko and then i-improve ko pa from there…

AMANDA: Honestly, wala akong pinagsisisihan kasi it was part of my strategy. I know that I hurt people, but it was part of it and you can’t avoid that. And I do admit that in the end, I kinda lost it. I was too emotional, I was involved emotionally pero wala akong regrets. Wala akong pinagsisisihan. I think I played it well,

After that Paolo counted the votes.  After counting 6 votes,  Justine and Amanda tied. The suspense caused pandemonium inside the studio as Justine and Amanda fans try to shout the name of their bets.  Paolo reminds everyone that if the name written on the last Ballot is Jeff the jury will cast their vote again.  This is crucial since the judgement of the jury could eventually shift  because they might based them on more recent events.  The people inside the studio became more ecstatic and evryone is shouting Justine and Amanda's names.

And this is the moment of truth.  Paolo took a peek on the ballot.  And whispered:

"Jef hindi mo pangalan ang nandito sa balota."

People become more restless as they try to out shout the rival fans.  And the moment of truth,  Paolo revealed the name written on the Ballot.

"At ang ikalawang Pinoy Sole Survivor... AMANDA!!!"

Everyone on the set screamed including the jury and most especially Amanda who approached Myka and Justine to hug them.

Fireworks began to shine on the stage as Amanda took her moment as the 2nd Pinoy Sole Survivor of Survivor Philippines.  She received the ceremonial necklace from the season 1 Sole survivor JC Tiuseco and P3M check from GMA management and she is rejoined by the other castaways and her family to enjoy her shining glory.



While everybody are rejoicing, Paolo approaches the camera to deliver his closing spiel.

There you have it mga Kapuso. Maraming-maraming salamat sa inyong mga suporta, sa huling pagkakataon ngayon taon hanggang sa susunod, malalim na ang gabi!

Congratulations to Amanda, Paolo, the Castaways and the Survivor Philippines Staff and Crew for the success of the show.  Hope to see Season 3 soon.