The five finalists to ‘Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition:’ Angela, Art, Hazel, Larry and Raffy

MANILA, Philippines -- Who will be the country’s very first “Biggest Loser?”

We’ll find out Saturday night (Oct. 8) when the so-called Fab Five – Angela, Art, Hazel, Larry and Raffy – will have their final weigh-in during the finale of the country’s biggest reality TV show “The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition” to be held at the Ynares Stadium in Pasig City.

The final weigh-in will determine who among them lost the highest weight percentage since the start of the show four months ago and be declared the very first Pinoy Biggest Loser. After their stay in the Biggest Loser Camp, the finalists continued their journey in the real world and underwent rigorous weight loss regimen even without the help of trainers Chinggay Andrada and Jim Saret.

Viewers have seen over the past weeks how the reality show transformed the contestants physically, mentally and emotionally. Angela and Art said they had to make sure they got enough sleep and have a balanced diet. Art, who is a bar owner, said, “All these years, I have carried so much burden, pain, humiliation, anger and sadness. So every lost pound was like an excess baggage thrown away and a symbolism of the new me.”

Sweethearts Hazel and Raffy tried hard to work out twice a day. For Hazel, she considers joining the competition her second life. “It unraveled the Hazel that has long been suppressed,” she said.

They all said they learned a lot from their trainers, and also from the show’s hosts, Sharon Cuneta and Derek Ramsay.

There will only be one winner who will take home P1 million in cash, a newly furnished condominium unit from DCMI Homes, a Vespa scooter, a 40-inch Sony Bravia Internet TV, Whirlpool appliances and a lifetime Fitness First membership.

The 2nd placer will get P500,000, a Vespa scooter, Whirlpool appliances and one-year Fitness First membership. The 3rd placer will bring home P300,000, a Vespa scooter, Fujidenzo Home Appliances, and one year Fitness First membership.

Rugby star Holgate in town

Gareth “Gaz” Holgate, a rugby star from Wales, is in town for a two-week vacation. Based on offers coming his way.

Gaz might be here longer. He could even give showbiz a try; in fact, tomorrow (Oct. 9), he is scheduled to appear on GMA-7’s Sunday noontime show “Party Pilipinas” and also on “Showbiz Central.”

Also on Sunday, Gaz is also set to do a “meet and greet” with the children of Child Hope Asia Philippines. These are the street children under the care of Child Hope Asia. Gaz will teach rugby to the kids at the Activity Center of SM Masinag. Gaz will be joined by Child Hope Asia’s spokesperson Ogie Alcasid.

Gaz was born in St. Asaph, Denbighshire in Wales to a Filipina mother, the former Lourdes dela Rosa from San Fernando, Pampanga. He started playing rugby in school, but began his career with Rhvi and Diustrict RFC and played for them as centre until he moved to Cardiff in 2007. After a while, a call came from the Philippines for him to join the Philippine rugby team for the 2007 SEA Games. They reached the finals but lost to the host country, Thailand.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Saturday, Oct. 8, go to former child actor Arnold Gamboa, now Marcomm/PR manger of Astoria Hotel; Marissa Albert, lawyer Michael Abundo, Gerry Sarino, Kim Martillano, Ralph Regala, Lily Maliwanang, Brigida “Veda” Somera, Mike Raleigh, Caring Almendras, Camen Crisol, Bro. Joe Corral, Dawnie B. Roa, Dr. Nehemiah Velasco, Aida Lagarejos and entertainment columnist Allan Diones...