Who will be the 1st Pinoy Biggest Loser?

MANILA, Philippines -  What started with 16 contestants was narrowed down to five finalists on ABS-CBN’s reality show, The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition. The remaining five contestants, also dubbed as The Fab 5, are Hazel Chua, Angela Chico-Lupangco, Larry Martin, Art Mendoza and Raffy Tan.

But their aim “to lose big” continues not inside the Pinoy Biggest Loser camp but in their respective homes. This time, there will be no trainers to guide them in their workout.

In two weeks time, whoever sheds the most weight will be declared the first Pinoy Biggest Loser come finals night on Oct. 8 and will walk away with P1M, a condo unit from DMCI Homes, Vespa scooter, 40” Sony Bravia Internet TV, Whirlpool appliances and a lifetime Fitness First membership. The second placer will get P500,000, a Vespa scooter, Whirlpool appliances and one year Fitness First membership while the third placer will take home P300,000, a Vespa scooter, Fujidenzo appliances and a one year Fitness First membership.

The Fab 5 along with the previous five eliminated contestants who are now vying for the title “At Home Winner” were recently presented to the members of the entertainment press during a presscon held at the Dolphy Theater. Everyone was amazed at how the reality show has become instrumental in the physical transformation of each finalist. They endured tough training and challenges in their four-month stay inside the camp and have been rewarded for their discipline.

Among them, it is Larry who visibly had lost the most excess poundage. His original weight of 255 lbs. is now down to 170. In last Tuesday’s episode, host Sharon Cuneta even announced that it was Larry who won in the “mountain trek” challenge and was awarded a trip to Hong Kong Disneyland with his family.

“Before, I feel my life is useless, na wala na kong silbi, pakawala na ko,” Larry said while trying to hold back his tears. “Even my mom became frustrated with me until the show came. Sabi ko, ‘Sige inspirasyon ko ang mother at pamilya ko dito.’ That’s why I’m so thankful that I have reached this stage (final five).”

The change, Larry added, didn’t only happen physically but emotionally and spiritually as well. He slowly gained back his respect for himself and considered his joining the show as a form of “rehabilitating my life.”

Game master Derek Ramsay’s inspiring words and trainers Jim Saret and Chinggay Andrada’s guidance have helped him surpassed the series of challenges inside the camp.

Larry, a former police officer 1 (PO1), is also grateful to all the people who expressed willingness to help him find another job after the competition. One of them is Sen. Francis Pangilinan who offered him to work in the Senate.

“Sen. Kiko asked me to submit some requirements and I’m happy for the chance of getting a new job after this. I think I can handle whatever work is given to me. I’m a college graduate and a civil service exam passer.”

Asked what he shall do with the prize money if ever he wins, Larry replied, “I’m doing this not just for myself but for my family as well. If I win, the money is for my children’s future.”

Hazel, on the other hand, didn’t expect to be in the Top 5. Luck was on her side when she was called back as a wildcard contestant.

“I told myself that I’ll do my best in everything, na wala akong challenge na uurungan and with the help of God, thankfully, nakapasok ako,” shared Hazel who was 206 lbs. heavy when she joined the reality show.

What does she expect to gain from a slim and fit body?

“I’m still overwhelmed with my being self-confident now, because I’ve never really experienced having confidence when I was ‘Hazel the fat lady.’ I was so aloof before like when I was in a crowd, naku, I was just in a corner. But I’m a different Hazel now.”

She, too, has found love inside the Pinoy Biggest Loser camp. Her relationship with Raffy is becoming sweeter as the finals night nears.

“I was intrigued by what she revealed that she has no boyfriend since birth so from then on, parang iba na ‘yung dating at mabait naman s’ya,” Raffy said.

After the show, Hazel will continue her work as a volunteer nurse but also welcomes the idea of joining showbiz.

“Don’t be afraid to take risks. That’s one lesson I learned in the camp. So if ever there’s an offer, then why not?” offered Hazel.

(The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition grand finals will be held at the Ynares Stadium in Pasig City. The At Home Winner will receive P200,000 and a one-year Fitness First membership.)