But do viewers need more? Yes, and in Cebu City, more than 8,000 people faithfully believed so.

Thousands of "Survivor: Philippines" hopefuls lined up as early as 5a.m. circling SM City Cebu last Monday and Tuesday.

There are a thousand and one reasons why 5,600 people lined up for a chance at P3 million on Monday at SM City Cebu.

One of the common reasons contestants gave is to test how — as survivors — they would deal with both accidental and planned problems when in a jungle.

One person who is well-equipped with years of survival stories is veteran reality TV host Paolo Bediones who told the Manila Bulletin that "Survivor is not an artista search unlike Starstruck, Pinoy Idol."

"There are no other contracts guaranteeing a TV career after the show is over but the P3 million cash prize, tax free." Since the show is not about pretty faces stupid challenges, each contestant starts on equal footing.

For 39 days on a remote location outside the Philippines, "Survivor" will take 16 castaways and push them to their limits until a sole survivor emerges. Paolo said they are strictly following the rules of the international book of the British-owned reality show franchise.

"Everything is being coordinated with them. For the 16, there are only two restrictions no violence and no prearranged agreement of sharing the prize but other than those rules it’ll be all about testing human body, mind and character."

In "Survivor," a different Paolo will be seen. "Unlike in Extra Challenge where I was able to interact with the contestants, sa Survivor wala yon. I will be strict. You would hardly see me smile unless something situational is worth smiling. I cannot interact with the castaways and egg them on or influence them. Nothing like that at all."Incidentally, "Extra Challenge" was the show that allowed GMA7 to steal thunder from then leading network ABS-CBN.

Unlike "Pinoy Idol" and other reality TV shows, the GMA News and Public Affairs-handled "Survivor" zeroes in on the castaways and the 39 days they will spend on the island with barely nothing but wits, stamina and determination to ease each other off and last until the rest of the lot drops out of the game.

There will be no audition and pre-shows to be aired. Survivor goes right down to jungle and challenge action as soon as the show hits the air by August. Other "Survivor" auditions happen at SM Malls on the following dates: May 16 (Dagupan), May 17 and 18 (Baguio), May 21 and 22 (SM North EDSA), and May 23 (SM Manila).

All in the game

"Survivor" TV series is a popular reality television game show format produced in various countries throughout the world where contestants are isolated in the wilderness and compete for cash and other prizes. "Survivor" implores a progressive elimination, allowing the contestants to vote off a tribe member, until only one final contestant remains and wins the title of "Sole Survivor." The format for Survivor was created in 1992 by Charlie Parsons with the first production being the Swedish show Expedition: Robinson in 1997. Nearly 30 countries have adapted versions of "Survivor," the Philippines included.

The difference between "Survivor" and real life is that you have lasting options in the latter. Paolo was one person who survived a lot, including a time when he thought he missed out on his career-wise and love As most of us know by now, one of TV’s most eligible bachelors has been conquered by 2007 Bb. Pilipinas Best in Swimsuit winner Abby Cruz.

Paolo explained that he kept his personal life private because he was looking for a person he could be with for a long time. "I don’t see the point in being with someone you won’t be with for a very, very long time. If we get the opportunity to get married after "Survivor," maybe next year or earlier or later the next, we’d definitely go for it."

Paolo recalled having the time when he doubted his worth as a professional. There was a point when Paolo peaked as one of GMA’s hottest properties but before "Survivor," he was only doing the weekly game show "Tok Tok Tok."

He revealed to the Bulletin that he never looked away from his mother network. "GMA has always been there for me; they always have a plan for their talents. I’ve waited for so long for a show as big as this that will be aired daily on prime time."

Although there weren’t other names that floated as host of "Survivor" other than Paolo, he admitted he wasn’t sure of getting the coveted job at first. "I was hoping that it would be me at the same time I’m expecting the worst na hindi sa’kin mapupunta tong opportunity na’to because there were many new faces considered."

At the end of the day, what pulled him through was his experience. "I think experience helped me land the job. It was Extra Challenge and because they knew I’d do any challenge as well as, let’s say the contestants would do theirs. I’m willing to try everything. That and they know I can execute the rules being a fan of ‘Survivor’ myself."

When Paolo starts living his own 39 "Survivor" days, this means he will have to be on a survivor mode. Like the castaways, Paolo will have to deal with the tests of patience and challenge he himself will have to be confronted with living in a far-flung area where there are no nearby malls. "Basically, the crew and I will be living just a notch higher than the castaways. Our supplies could only last for a good number of days. Baka mammaya maubos ko na agad ang food supply ko in a few days!"

"Survivor" is a breath of fresh air in the midst of maddening reality TV programs and Korean and Mexican adaptations. It’s high time that Filipinos enjoy what the rest of the world is enjoying. "Survivor Philippines" definitely has that Pinoy tang — action, drama and everything in between.

"Since this is ‘Survivor Philippines’ we are confident that the show will have elements that will show our individuality as Filipinos since we’re all battling our own battles anyway," concluded Paolo.