Paolo Bediones, host of Survivor Philippines announced in Davao City that the cash prize for Survivor Philippines is three-million pesos, tax free—the biggest cash prize ever offered for a local reality show. And that’s not all, Survivor Philippines is to shoot in a foreign country with the 16 castaways plus 80 production staff, including Paolo, during 39 days of taping. As per the strict regulation of Castaway Productions—franchise owner of Survivor (USA, Worldwide), Survivor Philippines will not be held in the Philippines. Pinoy lang ang magiging castaways ngunit hindi sa Pilipinas ang remote island na gagamitin. Wala raw kasing Survivor franchise na ginagawa sa sariling bansa. They will also use 10 cameras to record every movement of the 16 castaways.

Survivor Philippines production people stressed that it is not an ‘artista’ search. In order to join, a castaway wannabe need not sing, act or dance to be qualified. Castaway hopefuls who fall on the right age bracket requirement (18 - 60 years old), must be physically fit and mentally capable to live 39 days in a remote island are what is just needed.

The Davao leg of the audition kicked off last May 1 and 2, and it was a hit. Ironically, many of them might not have seen a single episode of this famous reality game show, they were just there for the prize pot or the chance to be discovered and be an “artista.”

The scheduled dates of the next Survivor Philippines are:

* CEBU (SM Cebu) - May 5 and 6
* ILOILO (SM Iloilo) - May 8 and 9
* BAGUIO (SM Baguio) - May 17 and 18
* MANILA (SM North Edsa) - May 21 and 22
* MANILA (SM Manila) - May 23

Q: How do I audition for Survivor Philippines and what time will the auditions be held?

A: Simply go to the audition venues on the designated dates. Auditions for Survivor Philippines will be conducted during MALL HOURS from 10 AM - 10 PM.

Q: Where do we get the forms for the Survivor Philippines auditions?

A: You can get the forms at the venue when you arrive. Remember to bring your own pens.

Q: What do we need to bring for the auditions?

A: Aside from a pen to fill in the audition forms, you only need to bring yourself. Be prepared for interviews and challenges that will test your wit and skills to show the selection panel that you are fit to be one of the 16 castaways. Good Luck..

Asia’s most amazing adventure and reality show, The Amazing Race Asia, is set to race again and not just around Asia but around the world. Auditions for The Amazing Race Asia 3 is now open and will close on February 25, 2008.

The requirements to join The Amazing Race Asia are:

1.  They must be teams of two, that is, that each team is to comprise 2 people.

2.  Both must be living and/or working in Asia but excluding Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East.

3.  All contestants are required to be aged 21 and above.

4.  All contestants must speak English, as well as possess both a valid international driving license and an international passport.

5.  Make a 3-minute video featuring the would be contestants together with an entry form that can be downloaded from here

6.  For further inquiries, you may contact them thru their email, Amazing_Race_Asia@axn-asia.com.

The Amazing Race Asia is currently airing The Amazing Race Asia 2, and is now just down to four teams. The Philippines team,  Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez are strong contenders for the grand prize. The other Philippine team, Henry and Terri were eliminated in Europe.

The Amazing Race Asia, the Asian version of the Emmy Award-winning The Amazing Race, has a prize of  US$100,000 for the first team to arrive on the Final leg of the race.

Feedbacks from High School Musical, the musical play (duh..), ongoing until July 15 at the Meralco Theater is that PJ Valerio upstages lead role actor Sam Concepcion.

Reportedly, PJ Valerio had done more justice to his role compared to Sam Concepcion.

“Opinion po `yun ng ibang nakapanood, ako po, I just did what is best
for me at kung napansin po, salamat, but I have no intention na
lampasan o talunin si Sam, he’s a good friend of mine, says PJ Valerio.

PJ Valerio, Paul John Ruprecht in real-life, a Filipino-German teenager from San Diego, California is slowly fulfilling his dream of a showbiz career.

PJ was discovered by a handler at ABS-CBN and made to join the first season of the Star In A Million singing contest, where he made it to the Top 30. It was his mom, a Filipina from Candelaria, Quezon, who suggested that he audition for the show.

PJ’s musical tastes run the gamut from rock to alternative to ballads, he loves Simple Plan, Blink 182, Linkin Park, Kamikazee, Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano.

Rhian Ramos was once linked to him but Rhian Ramos denied that they ever dated.

PJ’s crush now is Ms. Earth Canada 2006, Riza Santos who is reportedly dating Mark Bau­tista.

A dance reality show will have its pilot in GMA-7 sometime in June. It will be a search for 6 back up dancers for Billy Crawford’s major concert at the Araneta Coliseum in August.

No mention if this will be an all-boys, all-girls, or mixed back up dancers because the audition that started last weekend—
and will continue for two more weeks—is open to both male and female
dancers. Those who will qualify will battle it out until the 6 dancers are chosen by text votes from the general public ala Dancing With The Stars. Sa show mismo ituturo ang ilan sa mga dance
moves na gagawin nila sa actual concert.

The yet untitled reality show will have a Sunday timeslot, pagkatapos ng SOP at bago mag-Magic Kamison.

Billy Crawford, a former That’s Entertainment habitue, became the toast of France and certain parts of Europe as a pop singer. He recently announced that he will be based in Manila again.