The 'Amazing' experience of Tisha Silang and Geoff Rodriguez

Tisha Silang and Geoff Rodriguez showed the Pinoy’s mental agility and physical strength in the season finale of AXN’s The Amazing Race Asia 3 by placing second to eventual winners Vince Chung and Sam Wu of Hong Kong. Malaysia’s Tania Khan and Ida Nerina arrived last in the pitstop.

Team Philippines has been consistently placing in the Top Three slots for two consecutive seasons. Last year, Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez placed third. They still hold the record of having the most number of pitstops won by a team in the history of the reality TV show.

Tisha and Geoff started on the right foot by placing second in the take-off point, Bangkok. Then they slowed down and faltered in the succeeding challenges. The couple was back in the race in Hong Kong and found their momentum by topping two pitstops in the Macau and India legs.

Although the race was confined to Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Macau, India and Oman, season three was the toughest because of the daunting fastforward, roadblock and detour tasks like performing the dragon dance, eating exotic street food, ascending to the Macau Tower and traversing a canyon. That’s why Tisha and Geoff cannot help but also celebrate their own victory.

“It’s true,” confirms Geoff of RP Team’s placement on the show. “We came second and hopefully Pinoys will come first in season four.”

“We were so close to winning,” says Tisha. “(What transpired) was out of our control.”

How did the Hong Kong boys who incurred a four-hour penalty from the “traverse a canyon” challenge take over?

“We got the wrong taxi driver,” shares Geoff. “It took us 36 minutes before reaching the final pitstop.”

“The driver never knew where it was,” adds Tisha.

Besides, the teams waited 10 hours to take their flight from Oman to Thailand. Thus, the four-hour penalty of the HK boys lasted and they caught up with the two other teams.

“I’m ecstatic,” says Tisha of the results. “I never expected to get ourselves to be this far in the race. We thought finishing fifth was already okay.”

“We were pressured in the beginning of the race,” adds Geoff given the performance of Marc and Rovilson last year. “It was on my mind all the time. But I never knew I would do this (the race) day after day.”

During the race, Tisha and Geoff had arguments which according to Tisha are common among couples. The two, however, assure their fans that “they are still together.”

Asked what are their plans that The Amazing Race Asia 3 is over, Geoff replies, “I will continue doing hosting. But we will see. I can’t really say what to do since Amazing was just a day over.”

“I’m not going back to showbiz,” says Tisha. “I will still do hosting and modeling. I’ll be in Canada next year to resume my studies (dental hygiene) and to take care of my dad.”

Last night, the couple graced the The Amazing Race Asia 3 party at the Centara Grand Hotel, Bangkok. They also received 40-inch Bravia flat TVs, playstations, a trip to Hong Kong, plus $1,000 each.

“It’s life changing,” says Geoff of his Amazing experience, whose game plan was to stay in the race and not to get eliminated early.

What did Tisha learn from the experience?

“That I can really do what I set on my mind,” she replies.

RP duo finish second in Amazing Race

The Philippine team of Geoff Rodriguez and Tisha Silang finished second in the third edition of The Amazing Race Asia (TARA).

After 11 legs that took them to seven countries, dating couple Geoff and Tisha came behind winners Hong Kong boys Vince and Sam, who stepped on the mat first. Friends Ida and Tania of Malaysia came in third place.

Best buddies Vince and Sam won the cash prize of 100,000 U.S. dollars.

At the start of the 11th and final leg in Muscat, Oman, Geoff and Tisha were in second place behind Ida and Tania. Although Vince and Sam began the race four hours behind the other two teams, they were able to catch up, thanks to some lucky breaks.

But if there is any consolation to Geoff and Tisha, they were able to beat the third-place finish of Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez at last season's TARA.

Tisha was crowned Bb. Pilipinas-Universe in 1998 but resigned because of her Canadian citizenship. She had a short hosting stint in the GMA-7 morning show Mornings@GMA. Tisha also and a relationship with Survivor Philippines host Paolo Bediones.

Geoff, on the other hand, was a member of the all-male group Power Boys, which also included Jordan Herrera, Greg Martin, Frank Garcia, and Jay Salas.

The Amazing Race Asia 3 started with 10 teams—which also include pairs from India, South Korea, and Thailand—but only three teams made it into the finish line.

The race began in Bangkok, Thailand and it ended in Phuket, Thailand. In between, the teams were able to go to Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, India, and Oman.

TARA is hosted by Allan Wu.

Malaysians Ida and Tania lose lead after missing flight in finals of Amazing Race Asia

BANGKOK: They may not have won The Amazing Race Asia 3 but Malay­sians Ida Nerina and Tania Khan are still happy they made it to the finals.

The two, dubbed the actress and the heiress in the race, came in third in a heart-stopping and unpredictable finale.

The race was won by Sam Wu and Vince Chung from Hong Kong while Geoff Rodriguez and Tisha Silang from the Philippines came in second.

“I think it was only frustrating because we fell behind, not of our own doing but because of a third party. All our magical planning went to waste,” said Tania.

Tania and Ida were leading in the beginning but lost crucial time when they missed their flight to Phuket, the final destination of The Amazing Race Asia 3.

Previously, in The Amazing Race Asia 2, the Malaysian team consisting of sisters Pamela and Vanessa Chong came in second, and in the first season, Malaysians Joe Jer and Zabrina walked away as champions.

The two contestants from Hong Kong walked away with the US$100,000 (RM365,000) cash prize. Sam and Vince were overjoyed with their win.

“It’s out of this world and an experience money can’t buy,” said Vince.

“It’s been totally unbelievable and we’ve had such wonderful experiences,” said Sam.

The Amazing Race Asia 3 saw 10 teams from all over Asia participate in gruelling challenges, covering over 20,000km in more than seven countries, such as Vietnam, Taiwan, China, India, Oman and Thailand, where the race began and ended.

Chan siblings are out but not down

Put your hands up if you were as shocked as I was when siblings Bernie and Henry Chan were eliminated from The Amazing Race Asia in episode eight, three weeks ago.

Try as we might to figure out what went wrong with them – were they fighting too much? Did they run out of steam? Couldn’t they have taken an earlier flight?– it was still a shame to see the two go. They were, after all, among the stronger teams on the race, having arrived first at the pit stop twice (Episodes Two and Three) and they seemed to have a good dynamic going.

“It was just one of those things. We actually arrived in Mumbai earlier than the other teams and were on the same connecting flight to Cochin but we were held up and we missed it. It was just bad luck,” explained Henry.

So, it wasn’t the bickering that slowed them down?

“Well, we were actually arguing with each other all along but I guess when they edited it, they played up (our arguments) on the last two episodes,” he said.

Naturally, the duo were gutted by their untimely elimination.

“It feels like being dumped. Really, it does. It’s like you had this amazing love affair and you were suddenly left high and dry. There was no closure.

“And once you are eliminated you are taken away (eliminated teams are sequestered in a secret location) and you don’t get to see the remaining teams. So we had two weeks of just being ‘locked away’ ... we really had post race blues,” recalled Bernie.

As sad as they were, the siblings reckon it was harder for their family and friends to watch and accept their elimination.

“My mum was very upset and my aunt was close to tears and the kids were devastated. Watching it over we were not really devastated because we had a long time to get over it. It seemed that everyone else took it harder. Even my hairdresser called me up!

“People were taking bets that we had won the race and we couldn’t say anything. We knew there were people rooting for us but we did not expect them to be so upset,” she said.

The duo have no regrets about the way they ran the race.

“I am very proud of Henry and myself and the way we ran the race. I am sorry if some were disappointed with us ... but that’s who we are. What you saw of us on TV ... that’s who we really are,” said Bernie.

“Yeah. It (the race) was really tough ... it’s 10 times harder than what you see on screen,” said Henry.

Bernie cited the hot weather in Hue, Vietnam.

“When we were looking for the pit stop at the Unesco World Heritage Site, it was 40°C and we all felt like fainting. Everyone had sunstroke and although it was so near (the end) it was really difficult,” explained Bernie.

They may not have made it to the end but the siblings have definitely gained a lot from being on the race.

“We had fun and we learnt that we have it in us to do anything,” she concluded.

Final episode of The Amazing Race Asia 3 tonight

The Amazing Race Asia 3 - Episode 11

Still in Muscat, Oman

Ida and Tania left the pit stop at 5:42 AM with Geoff and Tish trailing behind by ten minutes. Their first task is to drive to the Office of the Governorate of Muscat.

Upon reaching the site, they encountered an Hours of Operation for 8 AM. Not a problem since Sam and Vince are still hours behind.

Camel Crossing

Next task is for teams to drive to Said’s Camel Farm and transfer 10 camels into a holding pen.

Geoff and Tish were just following Ida and Tania. But they managed to get way ahead and still able to grab something to eat. Maybe Geoff and Tish stopped and ate somewhere?

At around 10 AM, Sam and Vince left the Pit Stop.

Ida and Tania were the first to arrive at the camel farm and finished the task even before other teams arrived.

ROADBLOCK: Locate Key

Teams must then drive to a nearby sandy area and a team member must use a metal detector under the scorching sun to locate a key buried in the sand that will unlock the clue box. There are only 7 correct keys out of 70 and the the sand is really hot.

While on their way, Ida and Tania already felt the heat of the sun and Ida even commented that she didn’t wish her worst enemy to be stuck under it.

Unknowingly, Geoff and Tish’s vehicle got stuck in the sand so Geoff did a lot of pushing to get them out. When they got to the farm, they quickly transferred the camels and head to the roadblock where they met and Sam and Vince along the way. Team Hong Kong’s catching up.

Tania did the roadblock and was clearly having trouble working under the heat. She even stopped to rest and get hydrated. Anyway, she found the correct key even before Geoff and Tish arrived.

Sticky Situation

After a few more difficultness maneuvering their vehicle, Geoff and Tish arrived at the roadblock. They saw Ida and Tania having trouble getting their vehicle out of the sand. They’re at a disadvantage because they lack the power to push their vehicle.

Tish did the roadblock. I wonder why she didn’t wear any gloves for the hot sand.

Back at the camels, Sam and Vince were unfortunate to be stuck with the most uncooperative camels of the bunch. The camels kept running around and dragging the boys who had a hard time with the task.

Tisha found the correct key and they quickly went to their next destination. They manage to overtook Ida and Tania who still can’t get their vehicle out of the sand.

Finally, the Malaysians asked help from the locals to help them with their vehicle and were on their way out as well. I wonder why they didn’t think of that at first?

On their way out, they saw Sam and Vince who also had the problem of being stuck in the sand.

Phuket Here We Come

Teams must then fly to Phuket, Thailand then travel by taxi to Sam Poh Kong Temple to get their next clue.

At the airport, Ida and Tania caught up with Geoff and Tish. There are only a few flights available from Oman going to Phuket so Ida and Tania took a gamble by flying to Dubai on an earlier trip and get a connecting flight from there.

Geoff and Tish took a flight that will take them to Dubai -> Bangkok -> Phuket. Geoff was disappointed when Sam and Vince managed to make the same flight as theirs.

In Dubai, Ida and Tania missed their connecting flight! Uh oh! They had no choice but to get another flight to Phuket via Singapore.

When their flight arrived at Phuket, Geoff and Tish got a head start from seating at the front. Geoff was getting cocky knowing that they’re number one. They arrived at the temple first and got their clue.

Sam and Vince were just minutes behind.

Ice Cold Task and Karma

Teams must get to the Thai Trade Food Ice Factory at the port in Siray Island. Once there, they have to search for a small Amazing Race ice cube buried in a barrel full of ice shavings.

Karma bit Geoff and Tish as their taxi driver told them that he didn’t know where the ice factory is.

Sam and Vince got to the factory first and were surprised to see three untouched barrels of ice. They quickly went on to the task and found the cube for their next clue before other teams arrived. They’re on the lead!

Get to Lam Hin Pier

Teams must make their way to Lam Hin Pier to get their next clue.

Sam and Vince were glad to be ahead but their driver told them that their taxi just ran out of fuel. Not near any gas station, their driver was able to call in a friend so they could transfer taxis. Whew.

Finally, Geoff and Tish got to the ice factory but were clearly frustrated at their driver. They found the cube and their clue and were glad that their driver knew where their next destination is.

Ida and Tania finally arrived at Phuket and rushed to get their clue.

Floating Fisherman

At Lam Hin Pier, teams must ride a long-tail boat and look for a marked fisherman fishing in the middle of the sea. He will give them their next clue.

Sam and Vince arrived first and had no problems getting to the fisherman. They got their clue and were on their way to the next task.

Geoff and Tish got to the pier and went out to the sea. Geoff who seems not to be bothered losing their lead took his time taking the clue from the fisherman. Arrrghhh, stop horsing around.

DETOUR: Pull or Plunge

Teams must make their way via the long-tail boat to a nearby beach for a detour.

In Pull, teams must kayak to a nearby oyster farm and pull the oyster lines till they find the marked shell. They will exchange the shell for their next clue back at the beach.

In Plunge, teams must snorkel and search for a giant clamshell with a pearl inside and exchange it for the clue.

Sam and Vince chose Plunge. When they started doing the task, they found out that it’s hard to search the murky water along with the strong current so they decided to switch to Pull.

We’re Done

On their way to the beach, Geoff and Tish chose to do Pull since Tish is not good in swimming. Geoff was confident that they can catch up with Sam and Vince if they chose to do Pull since he thought they would have a hard time with the kayak. He’s pretty confident with their kayak skills.

When they got to the beach, they saw that Sam and Vince were still at the oyster farm. They quickly got to the kayak but realized that rowing it was harder than they thought. They were just going in circles and even flipped their kayak.

They gave up rowing for a while with Geoff’s temper flaring up. Geoff even mentioned that they’re done. Done with their relationship or done with the race? Either way, they just gave up. Sheesh.

Sam and Vince found the marked shell while Geoff and Tish are still stuck in their kayak. Geoff and Tish got dejected when they saw Sam and Vince heading back while they are still just sitting on their kayak.

Buried Treasure

Teams must get to nearby Rang Yai Beach and dig the sand for a buried treasure chest. They must then carry the chest towards the finish line.

Geoff and Tish eventually found the correct oyster shell and got their clue.

Ida and Tania knew that they were far behind so they just enjoyed the rest of the race. They efficiently did the ice task and then enjoyed the boat ride searching for the fisherman.

Sam and Vince had to do a lot of digging with their hands. The chest was buried deep in the sand and they had to clear lots of sand around it.

The editing crew made it look like that Geoff and Tish can still catch up. However, when they got to Rang Yai Beach, Sam and Vince are nowhere to be seen. Or are the buried treasure locations far apart from each other?  Anyway, both Geoff and Tish are still not in speaking terms and they just went on digging.

Ida and Tania did the Plunge task which I think is the easier one. They were goofing around while snorkeling with Tania even lifting up an anchor. They just laughed when they saw that the giant clamshell was placed in shallow waters so there’s no need for swimming.

Towards the Finish Line

Sam and Vince were able to dig the chest out first and carry it towards the finish line where the other eliminated teams are waiting.

When they step on the mat, Allan declared that they’re the official winners of The Amazing Race Asia 3. Congratulations guys! You did well overcoming your disadvantage at the start of the race. Too bad it’s at the expense of our team, hehehe.

Meanwhile, Geoff didn’t allow Tish to help with the chest and just carried it all by himself towards the finish line for second place. He didn’t even allow Tish to kiss him on the lips and just presented his cheek. It’s really sad to be second but we’re still proud of you guys! Who knew you’d go this far right?

Final showdown in Amazing Race Asia

The Amazing Race Asia heats up with every fan cheering for their favourites to win tomorrow.

Watching the penultimate leg of The Amazing Race Asia was bittersweet: sweet that Malaysian mums Tania and Ida (the heiress and the actress) were the first team to reach the pit stop and thus make it to the finale, and bitter because my personal favourites, Singaporean slackers AD and Fuzzie, floundered and literally gave up at the very last minute.

And, as if to add insult to injury, the obnoxious Filipinos (whom I hate more than cod liver oil – and that’s saying a lot) made it to the finale, too. Where is the justice?

Oh well, no point crying over spilt milk. Let’s just see what we can expect in the finale. After racing in 10 cities in six countries (Bangkok and Chiang Mai in Thailand; Ho Chi Minh city and Hue in Vietnam; Taipei, Taiwan; Hong Kong and Macau in China; Cochin and Pune in India; and Muscat in Oman) the three teams (Ida and Tania, Geoff and Tish and Sam and Vince) will battle it out in the final leg of the race which will end in Bangkok.

Let’s review the performances of all three and place our bets on who we think will win the race, starting with our very own anak Malaysia, Ida and Tania.

The city girls started the race shakily. They came in fifth and sixth in the first two legs of the race and though they did not seem hopeless or helpless, it was unclear whether or not they had it in them to make it much further.

It’s hard to pin point what their weaknesses are because, to be frank, they seem to have more strengths than weaknesses.

They are smart and make good decisions. They get along well with each other and the other contestants so there are no arguments to slow them down. They get into their tasks pretty easily and get them done fast too.

They also have quite a good sense of direction as they hardly ever get lost. They also have awfully good luck: the two legs they ended up last were predetermined non-elimination legs!

What could slow them down? Well, they don’t seem to be as competitive as some of the others ... there isn’t that urgency to get ahead of everyone else or to out manoeuvre the other teams.

Hopefully, in the last leg they will be more wily (not nasty or underhanded, though) and get the better of their rivals.

Moving on to team two: Geoff and Tish. What can I say? These two were dislikable from the get go. What’s so dislikable about them?

Geoff is obnoxious and Tish not only puts up with him but joins in. He is disparaging and rude to the taxi drivers and the various locals who hand them their clues (like last week, after counting the limes Geoff was sarcastic when the man in the souk was slow in handing him their next clue) and is even nasty to his girlfriend Tish.

Their strengths? Unfortunately, they are a pretty strong team. They’ve been consistent throughout the race: they’ve made it first twice and they’ve never been last.

Their weaknesses? Their constant bickering slows them down and well, they aren’t always the sharpest tools in the box – fancy thinking that Gandhi was born in 1977. Geez.

Finally, we have Sam and Vince. These two have also fared pretty well in the race so far. Even though they don’t really stand out, they’ve come in first twice and they’ve been second three times! They are quick and work well together.

However, Sam may be the weak link as he has the potential to give up when faced with uncomfortable situations: he was reluctant to get a tattoo and he gave up in last week’s roadblock. It was hard, no doubt, but what if he is faced with an equally tough task in the final. Is he going to give up again?

Also, they tend to form alliances (why they teamed up with the Filipinos is beyond me) and then not follow through. If you believe in karma, they may just get deep-sixed!

We can speculate and we can hope, but the only way you are going to find out who won is to tune in to the finale of The Amazing Race Asia 3 tomorrow on AXN (Astro channel 701) at 9pm.