Attack of The Riches
MANILA, Philippines - We always end up the bridesmaid. Do you remember how the dynamic duo of Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez finished The Amazing Race Asia (TARA) 2? In fact, last season, lovebirds Geoff Rodriguez and Tisha Silang were runners-up on the biggest reality show this side of the world. While we’ve sent a great deal of eye candy to the races (Think bombshells Aubrey Miles and Jacqueline Yu on the first season of TARA), it’s hard to deny that we’ve become used to grabbing the championship belt. (Thanks to Manny Pacquiao). For the fourth time, we’re sending our best bets to the competition that shows how almost a dozen teams will willingly embrace elephant dookie for $100,000. And this time, we’ve got our two Riches — model-slash-man-of-the-world Rich Herrera and in-your-face fitness coach Rich Hardin. YS reveals the bromance between this awesome twosome (and we’ve got a freaking good feeling about this one).
YOUNG STAR: So, you guys despised each other way back?
RICH HERRERA: I think he just got tired of my (American football) team stomping his team so he just gave in and decided to pick up a few pointers. We didn’t despise each other but before, he was always that mean-looking guy in the nightclub. He was not very friendly and was always trying to look tough. Despite all of that, mutual respect always remained.
RICH HARDIN: We didn’t get along before because of the big rivalry in American football years back. Both teams really hated each other! A lot of physical play going on and a lot of people getting hurt! We actually never really talked but once we formally met and hung out, we got along real well…
What made you decide to join The Amazing Race Asia?
HERRERA: A few opinionated friends of ours put us up to making an audition video. I figured we had some decent footage. But the clips of Hardin I managed to collect are just priceless and most of it will never see the light of day and will hopefully die with the editor and myself.
Why do you think they chose you?
HERRERA: We just showed who we really were. It was a bit embarrassing to keep reviewing those clips and pics. But once we got into the whole idea of joining, we really hoped they would see how far we were willing to go to be a part of something like that. Even if we were relegated to circus clown duties, throwing peanuts at a hungry crowd for a few cheap laughs. Regardless, those opportunities don’t come around that often.
HARDIN: I don’t really know what TARA was thinking but I would say that we are not the most common guys you will ever meet… our personalities are pretty out there and I would think that we would fit the category as very competitive guys willing to do anything on the show.
Viewers are surely expecting a massive fourth season.
HERRERA: It seems they are trying to top the last few seasons so the destinations and challenges will be much crazier. All of the teams will be tested to their mental and physical limits. So if you have nothing better to do, you should tune in and watch all 10 teams get beat up and kicked around the globe.
What do you think about the past Amazing Race Asia seasons?
HERRERA: I loved the intensity. From what I noticed, the teams doing well never really relaxed. They were always attempting to find ways to move ahead or acquire extra information while other teams were wasting time sleeping or eating.
HARDIN: TARA just keeps you on your toes at all times! It’s such a rush watching the show and especially being in it! On top of that, there is always drama between the teams. You never know what’s going to happen next — and it’s all real!
If you were to join another reality show…
HERRERA: It would probably be Jeopardy. As long as they stay away from opera and playwrights as categories, I might be halfway competitive.
HARDIN: You know what? After doing TARA, I think I’m done with reality shows! TARA has got to be the most extreme ever!
And if you were a comic book character…
HERRERA: The Incredible Hulk because I’m mild-mannered most days. However, on certain nights, and when I get angry, I can be an anti-social monster who removes his shirt and shoes.
HARDIN: I would say The Riddler. He’s a dangerous man and you never know what he’s up to….
Who’s the funniest man alive?
HARDIN: Oh, definitely Will Ferrell! Best movie ever — Talladega Nights!
Any wild, amazing dreams you want to share?
HERRERA: Not really. I rarely remember anything when I wake up. All I can recall is that I’m in one place doing something one minute and I blink my eyes and I’m in a totally different place doing something insane. Weird man.
HARDIN: Wish I could but that’s too much info.
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Catch Rich and Rich on Racers Revealed 2010 on Sept. 2, 9 p.m., on AXN. The Amazing Race Asia 4 premieres Sept. 23 (and airs every Thursday thereafter) at 9 p.m.
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So, do you think they’ll make it? E-mail me at acarlovelasco@gmail.com.
