Muntik nang sumuko ang Brazilian-Japanese model na si Akihiro Sato sa Survivor Philippines Celebrity Showdown.

Ito ay dahil sa impeksyon na sanhi ng mga kagat ng lamok sa buong katawan niya habang nasa isla ng Ranong sa gitna ng Andaman Sea sa Thailand. Sa nasabing isla ginawa ng third season ng reality show ng GMA-7 na hinu-host na ngayon ni Richard Gutierrez.

"I can say in the beginning of the game, I want to quit because I got a lot of infection and mosquito bites. I was really feeling bad. So the doctors asked me if I want to continue," banggit ni Akihiro sa panayam sa kanya ng PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) sa presscon ng Survivor Philippines Celebrity Showdown kagabi, August 23, sa Studio 5 ng GMA Network Center.

Pero nanaig ang kagustuhan ni Akihiro na manatili sa labanan.

"Siyempre!" bulalas ng tinaguriang "Mr. Nice Guy" sa kumpetisyon. "So even after I had all the infection already, I said, 'Let's continue!' Ayoko mag-give up."

WHY HE JOINED. Bakit siya sumali sa Survivor Philippines Celebrity Showdown?

"To show the people that besides showbiz, besides modeling, I can do something for real. Like I want to show my personality to the people. And it's a dream for me that came true," sagot ni Akihiro.

Hindi raw siyang umaasa na manalo.

"No! I really don't. Kasi what's in my mind, gusto ko just enjoy and see the experience. Hindi ano, para pasok sa finals, not to win."

Tapos na ang kumpetisyon, pero wala pang nanalo dahil live itong ipapahayag sa katapusan ng pagpapalabas ng reality show.  Magsisimulang mapanood ito sa August 30, Lunes.

What if manalo siya?

"Well, for me, it's a big chance, a great opportunity for me to change my life," sagot ni Akihiro.

At kung papalarin, may naiisip na si Akihiro na paggagamitan niya ng three-million cash prize.  

"Gusto ko to bring my whole family to the Philippines, to stay here for good. That's my plan, and this is important for me," sabi niya.

Paano naman kung hindi siya nanalo?