"May beterinaryo kami, may kargador sa Tondo, may chef, may estudyante na nag-i-intern sa... Well, it's a good mix of participantes."
This is how Direk Laurenti Dyogi, business unit head for Fear Factor, described the contestants of the local adaptation of American reality show Fear Factor.
Pinoy Fear Factor challengers were chosen through a series of auditions. Direk Lauren said, "Like in [Pinoy] Big Brother, we had a cattle call in Manila, Cebu, and Davao. We sent invitations to some managers, talent scouts para magpadala ng mga interesado. Then, mayroon din kaming in-entertain, like sila LJ [Moreno], 'yong manager niya [told us] na interesado noong malaman na may Fear Factor."
He even added, "Actually, Ryan has to audition. He has to go through about three of the tests so that we know kung ano 'yong fears niya."
Now, Pinoy Fear Factor discloses the three other chosen "participantes" who dared to do the stunts and challenges to be hailed as the first "El Ultimo Participante."
As Direk Lauren has previously said, a veterinarian was included in their list. Elmer Felix, 25, is a Kapampangan hunk who took the board exam thrice to earn his license as a certified veterinarian. Elmer's greatest fears include drowning, deep water, exotic and unusual edibles.
Next is a 25-year-old ramp and commercial model named Gail Nicolas. The sexy body of this lady from Quezon City made her the grand winner of the 2007 Mossimo Bikini Summit. For those who didn't notice, Gail also played the role of Elsa in Gloc-9's and Francis M's music video "Lando."
Also joining this batch is Jommy Teotico from Manila. This 24-year-old guy grew up to be a playboy and easy-going fellow. An incident changed all this, however, and made him decide to be simply the "alaskador" Jommy.
Get to know more about their lives on the first airing date of Pinoy Fear Factor, November 10, on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.