MANILA, Philippines – Would you go on the ultimate adventure of a lifetime? Television fans are in for a treat as The Amazing Race Philippines Season 2 returns, bigger and with more places in the country to show.

Hosted by Derek Ramsay,  the show has gained a big following in the country.

With 11 new teams vying for the ultimate prize of two house and lots, SUVs and 2 million pesos, relationships, alliances and patience will be tested. These are the teams that will battle it out on TV:

1. Sexy Besties – RR and Jeck 

RR  Enriquez and Jeck Maierhofer first met through noontime show host Willie Revillame. RR was with with the show Wowowee, while Jeck was part of the show Deal or No Deal. They soon became good friends and found out that they have another thing in common – both are involved with basketball players from Ginebra. RR is in a relationship with JJ Helterbrand, while Jeck is married to Rico Maierhofer.

The two did not initially plan to audition together for the show. Jeck said that winning the race means so much to her because her husband pushes her to be the best. RR meanwhile wants to win because she wants to show that she is a new person after renewing her faith with God.

2.  The Blondies – Tina and Avy

Sisters Tina and Avy Wells are out to prove that they can win it all. Tina encouraged Avy to join her and audition for the show despite Avy’s hesitation. 

According to the two, they plan to win the race by staying focused, calm, and ready to support one another.

3. The Chefs – Eji and Roch

Both Eji  Estillore and Roch Hernandez  are chefs by profession, with Eji heading a culinary studies department of a school and Roch being a pastry instructor. The two teamed up for the show because they both found out they were race aficionados.

Just like cooking, for Eji and Roch, their strategy must be executed to perfection. Roch sees the race as an opportunity – if she wins, she plans to settle down with her long-time boyfriend. Eji said he plans to share the prize for Roch’s grand wedding. 

4. Dating Couple – Matt and Phoebe

Matt and Phoebe met during an audition for a TV commercial two years ago. While Matt instantly liked her, Phoebe insisted that he go through the Filipino way of courting her.  According to the two, they see the Amazing Race Philippines as an opportunity. 

Both know that the race will test their partnership. Phoebe said that she might slow down Matt because of her nervous-wreck attitude, while Matt on the other hand said that Phoebe is smarter than him. Will the two survive the race and still be together?  

5. Team Juan D – Daniel and Charlie

Juan Direction’s Daniel Marsh and Charlie Sutcliffe are out to prove that they are more than just their good looks. Unknown to many, they met back in Cebu when they were just starting out as models. After meeting their other friends, which eventually led to the formation of the group, they saw themselves becoming popular on YouTube.

Charlie and Daniel went through the rigorous process of auditioning for the race. According to the two, their strategy is simple: “Wing it when we get on it.” It is a challenge for the two since many of the clues will be in the Filipino language, but having been here for some time, they are confident they can ace it.

6. Mag-ama (father and son) – AJ and Jody

The father and son tandem from Olongapo may seem an unlikely pair, but it might work for them. Aj was not the original partner according to Jody, but on the last minute, something happened, and the two ended up auditioning together.  

They may not be the fastest racers, but according to them, they will try to outrace the others by being smart. It is also a good combination since Jody, who is into sports, is willing to do the physical challenges, while his Dad can guide them with his wisdom in the game. Another thing that encouraged them to join the competition is to bring happiness back to their family, which recently went through a difficult time. 

7. Team Nerds -Vince and Ed

Can smarts be the key to win the race? For Vince Yu, a Summa Cum Laude graduate from the University of the Philippines Diliman and Ed Maguan, a candidate for Magna Cum Laude, it may just be.

The two met way back in high school, having been active in the same organization. Both are members of the Tulong sa Kapwa Kapatid, a non-government organization which aims to send unfortunate children to college.

Upon hearing the auditions for the show, the two took the opportunity to join for their cause, out to prove that it is not just about strength but also about brains. Will they be able to outsmart the rest of the teams, or will their strategy fail? 

8. Travel Buddies – Zarah and Osang

Zarah Evangelista and Osang Dela Rosa share a passion for traveling. The two also share a love for food. So when Zarah saw the auditions for the Amazing Race leg in Davao, she immediately asked Osang if she wants to join, and they did it together. 

If there is one thing the two want to show, it’s that they want to inspire women to be beautiful no matter what. They believe their optimism can lead them to the finish line except for one temptation, according to them – eating delicious food along the way.

9. Team Mr. Pogi – JP and Kelvin

Good looking friends JP Duray and Kelvin Engles admit they do not have any strategy when it comes to the race. For them, a right attitude, remaining calm and collected is all they need or so they think. 

The two have gone through many arguments, and they believe that they can overcome whatever challenge comes their way.  They say that their families keep them going – Kelvin wants to help support his family, while JP plans to use the prize for a US Visa to be reunited with his family abroad.

10. Magkapatid (siblings) – Yna and Jet

No sad stories for Yna and Jet Cruz – they are out to prove that Filipinos can live in the country comfortably. Both admitted to being race aficionados, having tried out for the previous season.

The siblings said that they are looking closely at their competitors, with each of them dividing how to handle the tasks. Jet, for examples, is street smart, while Yna pays attention to details – but one key disadvantage is that they do not know how to use public transportation. Will they be able to outdo the others?

11. Pinay World Champs – Chen and Luz

 

Men should watch out for Gretchen Albaniel and Luz McClitton. The two, who are gym training partners have been active in body building and boxing competitions.  Luz said that bodybuilding has made her strong, confident and has boosted her emotional and mental stability. Gretchen on the other hand has been active in boxing, and holds a title in both the Women’s Boxing Council (WBC) and Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA).

They were not supposed to be partners as Gretchen’s husband was initially the partner of Luz. But unexpectedly, both ended up auditioning for the show. Both plan to use their survival instincts that made them who they are as athletes, and would like to show that women like them have been bringing honor and pride to the country. 

During the press conference for the show, host Derek Ramsay said to expect an explosive show.

“Its an amazing show. It’s gonna blow your mind and entice people to go out and explore the country,” he said. 

Eleven teams, a race around the country, and double the prize, with the adventure that will change their lives. Expect alliances, betrayals and drama. Who will race to the finish line and who will end up saying goodbye?  Find out, when the race begins this October. – Rappler.com

The Amazing Race Philippines Season 2 premieres  on October 6 on TV 5. 

Contestant photos courtesy of TV 5