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..

The host of Deal or No Deal United States, Howie Mandel, is currently in the country to do a special 2-hour episode for Deal Or No Deal ’s Around-the-World Tour. Howie Mandel and Kris Aquino will both host this special episode featuring American contestants as they play the Deal Or No Deal Filipino version, it will be directed by Bobet Vidanes and Winnie Cueva and will also feature the Filipina 26K Girls with their briefcases containing U.S. dollars and the local Banker as well. This will be shown in the U.S. on May 7 in NBC ( sosyal! ). Unfortunately, it will not be shown on local TV as of this time…but fortunately again, there is youTube for that..

Howie Mandel is an Emmy Award-winning actor for “St. Elsewhere” and “Bobby’s World”. He wants to show to American audiences how we Filipinos play the game show which is being aired in 50 other countries. Aside from the U.S. edition, Howie also hosts the Canadian edition called Deal or No Deal Canada.

How does Howie Mandel find Kris Aquino as the local host of Deal Or No Deal?

“I really like her,” he says. “I saw three of her past episodes and she’s so adorable, funny, very charming. I like even her gestures and all that. You have a different style of doing it here and we’re impressed. No wonder the Philippine version was chosen by Endemol to be one of the shows included in our tour.”

The Philippine episode will show Howie Mandel while visiting some of our tourists spots and shopping for souvenirs. “You’re a most gracious and warm people,” he says. “Every moment I spend here is great.”

According to Endemol executive Shannon Herlihy, the Philippines was chosen as part of the world tour because they find the local version of Deal Or No Deal “awesome and fun”. “The U.S. version is similar, but neither our models nor our audience dance and sing,” she adds.

ABS-CBN Business unit head Alou Almaden says they’re delighted to be part of the world tour. “It’s an honor and a testament to our creativity and talent in localizing a game show that has an international following.”

Kapamilya Deal Or No Deal (which obviously airs on ABS-CBN) is a television game show format owned by Dutch-based production
company Endernol, known for being the brains behind other worldwide TV phenomenons like Big Brother, na syempre was also renamed as Pinoy Big Brother and Star Academy, which of course is Pinoy Dream Academy, among others..

It features 26 attractive women who each has the briefcase to fortune, aptly named by host Kris Aquino as “26K Girls“. Some of whom are familiar now to the general public and has gained some admirers for their beauty.

The girl most known of is Charmel, of whom almost always ends up the 2 million briefcase which spells doom.