8 Survivor cast-offs: We gained confidence, fame

MANILA, Philippines - On an island where they have nothing but their clothes, they must struggle to survive. And although the eight “cast-offs" of Survivor Philippines did not win, they have learned many things they would treasure forever. Niña Ortiz, a wellness coach, said her stay was not just a chance to show off– her strengths and weaknesses emerged because competing in Survivor Philippines. “I became emotionally stronger. Meron akong mga vulnerabilities na nakita ko during Survivor experience na hindi ko alam na meron pala ako." Niña, who left the competition due to a fractured toe, said she thought she is one tough cookie. But during desperate situations, one should be flexible in order to get out of a rut. She said: “Pag you’re put in a situation na wala kang control talagang bibigay ka eh tapos maiiyak ka na lang kasi you’re pressured into a situation na alam mong hindi mo gusto. Kagaya nun alliances. Hindi ako alliance person eh napilitan akong makisama para mag-survive." For her part, Vevherly Gador, who was coy in dealing with people, said she learned the importance of receptiveness. Vevh, the “pretty farmer," said: “Hindi talaga ako ganon eh. Ginagawa ko naman po yung part ko pero hindi ko alam na ganon pala ka importante yung alliance." The “castaways" ran into numerous challenges that tested their mettle. And however difficult, Emerson Dino said the challenges he encountered boosted his confidence. “(Nabuo) yung self-confidence. Mas lumakas yung loob ko. Tsaka naisip ko na pwede mo pa pala mas taasan pa ‘yung pangarap mo," he said. Emerson said thousands competed for the 18 Survivor slots and he could not believe he was chosen to participate in the reality show. “(Pero) pumasok ako," he said, adding “pag ginusto mo pala at gumawa ka ng paraan, pag tinrabaho mo magbubunga rin." Like Emerson, Jervy Danio, popularly known as Patani, said the competition has improved her personality. “Dati hindi kaya ko harapin yung mga tao. Dati nahihiya ako eh pero sinasabi ko kailangan kong pagbutihin kasi sayang naman nakaangat na yung isang paa ko eh, kaya kailangan galingan," Patani said. Meanwhile, John Lopez still could not believe he was booted out. “Wala na akong magagawa eh and they made their decision two hours before (the voting time). Wala na akong chance sabihin at i-explain sa kanila na I still can do it and that I still deserve to stay," he said. John was voted off because of his alarming health condition. During his stint, his potassium level dropped. And although feeling “betrayed," John said in the end the friendship that he had nurtured with his co-competitors mattered most. To some, being nice could be one’s downfall - at least that’s what happened to Gigit Sulit’s case. Gigit, who was so focused on building a stronger tribe, did not realize that his “mandate" would pave the way for his exit. “Jarakay has to be strong. That was my mandate. Yun ang single-minded focus ko," Gigit explained. “If you have a strong alliance but a weak tribe you have nothing and that was the mandate I took ownership of." “Bisayang Palaban" Chevyline "Chev" Macias, the first contestant to be eliminated, thought otherwise. Chev said she realized that in order to win, one must use the art of deception or being “plastik." “Kailangan utak talaga yung gagamitin mo eh. Kailangan maging plastik ka. Eh totoo akong tao at hindi ko kaya makipagplastikan." “In a way you really have to mask yourself," said host Paolo Bediones, since a castaway could be voted off for so many reasons. For one, Paolo explained, a castaway could get voted off not because he was weak; rather it could be because he was too strong that he has become a threat to those who wanted to win. Gigit, “who always wanted to be on top of the game," revealed that booting him off bruised his ego. And dealing with it did not come in handy. “Paglabas ko sa Survivor it was really a rollercoaster ride for me. I came out of it with a tortured self-ego, tortured self-image." Gigit said he felt he was humiliated in front the public - not knowing that in the end all his issues were unfounded. Nikki Dacullo, meanwhile, said from being “maldita," Survivor helped her to realize the value of friendship. “I became friendly. Dati kasi medyo maldita pero I realized na you should not just think of yourself. You have to accommodate everyone." As for the 10 Castaways remaining in the competition, they would have to brace themselves for “harder and dirtier games" as they come closer to reaching their ultimate goal. - GMANews.TV