'Biggest Loser Asia' trainers

Manny Pacquiao’s amazing triumph run and the memory of one of boxing history’s best bouts taking place at the Araneta Coliseum may have put the country in a special place in the international community. This is arguably reflected in the pilot episode of “Biggest Loser Asia” shown to local press prior to its telecast on Tuesday night (Nov. 24) over Hallmark Channel.

The Asian edition of the inspirational American unscripted show, “Biggest Loser Asia” gathered the heaviest of the region to trim down weight for a chance to win a hundred thousand US dollars and a Renault car. Auditions were done in four stops, including one in Manila. In the premiere, the famous phrase “Thrilla in Manila” (title to the Ali-Frazier megafight in 1975) was used to attribute the Philippine route.

The SM Megamall auditions, being the last that was featured, somehow appeared as the highlight of the qualifiers from which 30 Asians will be picked as main contestants.

As expected, the country being the home of the current pound-for-pound boxing king was brought on with a tone of pride, on top of the claim that Philippines is a “fun, laid-back atmosphere with delicious fried food.”

It’s added attraction that the Manila leg produced the heaviest participant of all, as well as a local celebrity who was quite an attraction.

“My daughter is being bullied because I’m a celebrity and I am fat,” reveals “Eat Bulaga” host Ruby Rodriguez who, at least for Pinoy audience, is the most familiar face in the pool.

215-kg Kevin Yu has his own sad story, noting that he wasn’t able to finish school because he couldn’t fit in the chair. “It makes your heart melt. I’m tired of it.” His dad, less heavy at 148 kg, also joined the contest.

There are quite a number of other interesting Filipino participants, including one who is an opera singer and another who has a special child.

Fitness First Country Manager Mark Ellis said, “There’s this misconception that only those who look fit can go to the gym. Obese people are in hiding and to take them out of hiding and have their lives back is the main objective of the show.” The largest gym and fitness club in the world, Fitness First is the official provider of weight loss expertise for the contestants.

Produced by Imagine Group, “Biggest Loser Asia” will run for 14 one-hour weekly episode as the chosen contestants “will face real life temptations and intense physical training.” Malaysian celebrity Sarimah Ibrahim is host while energetic Kiwi Dave Nuku and Australian-Chinese descent Kristy Curtis serve as trainers.

In a phone chat with Filipino press, Curtis, who said they’re halfway through the challenges, pointed out, “Asians have strong bonding and the multi-cultural differences provide a lot more spice to the show.”

The big question whether or not a Filipino would become the first “Biggest Loser” among Asians remains to be seen. “Biggest Loser Asia” airs every Tuesday at 9 p.m. Hallmark Channel is seen over Sky Cable Channel 37, Global Destiny Channel 38 and Dream Satellite Channel 43.