Reality shows, by nature, are designed to challenge and test the limits of its participants. So during the time when TV5 was conceptualizing its new line up of shows to offer, the idea of coming up with a horror reality show appears like a novel idea only waiting to be tapped.
But unlike the usual reality programs, the thought of producing a show based on the concept of exploring the unknown requires more than just boardroom concepts and pre-production savvy.
First and foremost, there are external elements that are beyond the control of the production team. The fact that they're dealing with a dimension totally unexplained and feared at only heightened the risks o' meter particularly for the people involved.
VENTURING INTO THE UNKNOWN. Philippines Scariest Challenge gathers local celebrities then set out to venture into some of the places well-known and notorious for possessing paranormal activities. Invading haunted locations reeking with supernatural backgrounds, the show dares it celebrity contestants to face their fears through eerie challenges.
Chief host Jomari Yllana rationalized that the show is more difficult compared to the other reality programs because it's more psychological than physical. More nerves than brawn.
As revealed during the show's press conference last October 9 held at the Kimono Ken restaurant in Tomas Morato, Quezon City, locations chosen by the production team include a military hospital in Pampanga, the Mystical Cave in Antipolo, a deserted villa in Rizal, the spooky St. James school in Laguna, an abandoned mansion in Bulacan, the creepy North Cemetery, and a haunted monastery in Batangas.
Tales of spine-chilling encounters and other hair-raising stories as told by the challengers and the staff both on and off cam were enough to validate the presence of these unknown elements.
According to Philippines Scariest Challenge producer Joan Bañaga, they are still groping and learning at the same time every taping day. The program itself turned out to be one gargantuan challenge for everyone involved.
"Dapat siguro when you go to a place like this you got to have knowledge of the paranormal. Kami when we got there kasi what we know is production and ‘yong belief na hindi naman kami pababayaan nung nasa taas," she said.
As for the celebrity challengers, Joan pointed out that they have to be "strong spiritually, emotionally" for them to at least temper the spirits circling around.
Recently, news of separate accidents involving sexy contestants Joyce Jimenez and Gwen Garci after coming from the show's taping had surfaced. Joyce already dismissed the incident as a "man-made" accident and refused to directly blame spirits for the mishap. Gwen, on the other hand, opted to keep quiet although talks are still persistent that she is still being continuously haunted by unknown elements.
Joan candidly admitted that they decided to terminate the services of spirit questors, stating, "Problema kasi sa spirit questors, we chose not to engage their services anymore because the first time we wanted to [get them], binabaril nila lahat ng location so nawala na ‘yong authentic scary location."
That decision—following Joyce and Gwen's life threatening experience—understandably is prone to a debate among paranormal experts. But the team behind the program is willing to stand by its decision perhaps at least for the moment.
Last week, the show featured gorgeous celebrity moms Angelu De Leon, Matet De Leon, and Alma Concepcion. The three challengers found themselves inside an abandoned theater in the company of ghosts.
Catch Philippines Scariest Challenge every Friday at 6:00 pm on TV5.
