Survivor Reflections
First stop – Gabon.
For the second episode, things are shaken up a bit. And what’s more exciting for me is the fact that Gabon’s second episode had an effect on me, which I haven’t seen in a while – the challenges literally had me up on my feet (oh yeah, how geeky of me! haha).
The reward challenge was purely physical, and I love it! Aside from the post, the castaways had to rely on pure brawn to outdo each other. For their first taste of victory, Fang had to experience a little bit of comfort in their life at the jungle. As for the equally adrenaline-pumping (or is it just me?) immunity challenge, I thought Bob had no competition in figuring out the combination to the lock. Turns out, Ken (the professional video gamer) had something between those ears too. As a video game writer, it leaves me to think as to whether or not video games help improve your analytical skills or Ken was just innately good with Math? (grin) Whichever is the case, I was glad to see the Fang tribe intact for another day.
Sailing over to Koh Tarutao for Survivor Philippines, the latest boot was the most shocking so far. While am rooting for Naak tribe, Gigit was one of the least I had expected to get booted from the Jarakay tribe at this early in the game. He might be the oldest, but he was built for the outdoors and he’s undeniably smart (ehem, a UP alumnus! 
).
Now that Gigit is out, I couldn’t care less anymore who exits next from the blue tribe, as long as JC and Kiko are safe. Gigit’s ouster can be categorized as a blindside, knowing that Gigit was confident going into tribal council that he had a solid alliance with most of them. Turns out, it was a landslide vote against him! That’s what I’m talking about! At least, we see more conniving, plotting, and bold moves! This was certainly a step towards a more cunning strategic game in Survivor Philippines, particularly within the Jarakay tribe. To know whether this was a good strategic move or a poor one, we have yet to find out.
October 6, 2008 at 2:20 am
FANG won and that’s a big GLORY! Hoooray for CRYSTAL COX, KEN HOANG, MATTY WHITMORE and DAN KAY… these castaways were the giants, the reason why they won the challenges, especially KEN during the coolest immunity challenge in history.
“….it leaves me to think as to whether or not video games help improve your analytical skills or Ken was just innately good with Math?”
Yes, some studies indicate video games can improve your analytical abilities and your decision-making. Video games, RPG online games, computer games etc. deals with a complicated situation like saving someone, protecting your camp, etc… and the player’s goal is to solve the problem and usually, they tend to use their outside-the-box intelligence in solving the problem.
Gamers are perceived to be geek but their mind works like a nuclear bomd ready to explode. Luckily, this is probably the reason why KEN outsmart the physics teacher. Thanks to video games!
For Survivor Philippines: The twist was getting hotter and hotter as the show rolls. Jarakay was starting to face their downfalls and I like watching it (except for NIKKI, she’s my girl, I want her to stay and I also want her to be friends with KAYE and probably with JC). The more downfalls JARAKAY have, my two favorites in NAAK are getting the advantage.
What do you think?
Comment on my latest blog entries if you have time… thanks!
October 6, 2008 at 1:49 pm
As Jeff pointed out, you don’t have to be a math major to solve the problem. i think Ken’s being a pro videogamer helped him because videogames, especially the “quest” ones require analysis and navigation skills. but, either way, ken is my favorite, and also uhmm, matty, who, as you pointed out, resembles dear Leo.
and dean, your comments are as long and detailed as your survivor reviews. how do you manage to do that? haha.
October 7, 2008 at 12:25 am
haha. kat, u know it when you have such passion for what you are writing about. turns out, dean is as much of a survivor addict as we are, if not more. (grins)