Although some of the 18 castaways of “Survivor Philippines Celebrity Edition” are his friends, host Richard Gutierrez distanced himself from them during the show’s run in order to be impartial.
“I had to detach myself from them and to be heartless somewhat,” he said during the press conference for the show last Aug. 23. “It’s my first time to host a reality show this big… so I needed to have a mindset, focus.”
Part of his preparation was to shun information about the 18 castaways. Richard said that he only learned of their identity once they were all on the island in Thailand where they taped the challenges for 42 days. Even then, he didn’t get to talk to the contestants extensively outside work because they were lodged 10-minutes away by boat.
The 18 castaways and their respective monikers are Brapanese model Akihiro Sato, “Mr Nice Guy;” actor Ahron Villena, “Ang Bolero;” feisty Sexbomb dancer Aira Bermudez, “Dancing Warrior;” sexy actress Aubrey Miles, “Ang Pasimuno;” Parokya ni Edgar bassist Buhawi Meneses, “Tribe Leader;” track and field champ Elma Muros, “Strong Mama;” basketball player Ervic Vijandre, “Power Player;” and “Born to be Wild”’s resident vet Doc Ferdz Recio, “The Boss.”
Joining them are “StarStruck” Avenger Ian Batherson, “Pilyong Amboy;” model Jon Hall, “Ang Siga ng Isla;” actress Karen delos Reyes, “Taray Queen;” actress Michelle Madrigal, “The Outcast;” actor and host Mico Aytona, “Bibong Bunso;” real-life personal assistant Moi Bien, “Yayang Palaban;” Bubble Gang’s Myka Flores, “Bidang Extra;” “StarStruck” Aveneger Princess Snell, “Pasaway;” model and socialite Solenn Heussaff, “Ang Diwata ng Isla;” and stand-up comedian Pretty Trizsa, “Cheerleader.”
Richard said that more difficult than the physical challenges (such as sleeping in drenched clothes on empty stomach, living with bugs and snakes, etc) were the emotional and mental hardships.
“Syempre nung una, excited ka pa to learn about the island, the culture, the people. But after awhile, you begin missing your work, your family, your place back home. For me, the thing I missed most about the Philippines is the food,” he said.
Asked if he had to study the hosting style of Paolo Bediones, who hosted previous “Survivor” seasons, Richard said the more accurate term is “research.”
“I watched season one more than season 2 but for the job, I had to watch both. I respect Paolo, he did an awesome job, but I wanted to have my own style. ‘Yung hosting ko dito, walang kopya.”
He disclosed that he readily accepted the stint when it was offered to him and only discussed it over dinner with his family a few days later.
"Happily, they all agreed that it’s my biggest project this year," he said.
What’s the ultimate lesson he learned from doing “Survivor?”
“That fulfilling your dreams don’t come easy. I have done a lot of tough shows in the past but this is my toughest show so far.”
“Survivor Philippines Celebrity Showdown” airs starting Aug. 30 on GMA-7’s Telebabad, and Aug 31 on GMA Pinoy TV (Asia-Pacific and Middle East).
Source: Jojo P. Panaligan, Manila Bulletin
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