Reality show determines ‘the strongest’

MANILA, Philippines — The spotlight will be on national athletes when the Department of Tourism-backed Pinoy Strong 100 goes full blast next year.

The sports reality TV show, hosted by celebrity Mixed Martial Arts fighter Mark Striegl, aims to determine the strongest Filipino from all walks of life, regardless of age, gender or social status.

“Pinoy Strong 100 is not just about showcasing physical strength. It also aims to highlight the cultural heritage and the best of the Philippines’ islands and destinations,” said co-producer Allan Majadillas of One-Of-A-Kind Asia.

Striegl, Allan Majadillas and wife Christine discussed the show during yesterday’s PSA Forum at the VIP Lounge of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. The forum is supported by the PSC, POC, Pagcor, San Miguel Corp. and Milo.

The first selection event was held over the weekend at the Sky Ranch in Tagaytay City in coordination with the Philippine Olympic Committee featuring national athletes from various National Sports Associations.

Athletes from the Philippine Canoe Kayak Federation (PCKDF) emerged as the top finishers in the tryouts with Jobert Penaranda and Ojay Fuentes making it a 1-2 finish for the national paddlers while Mylene Matias of Kurash came in third. Placing fourth was Roger Kenneth Masbate, also from PCKDF.

The succeeding selections, which will be opened to the public, will be held in Cebu and at BGC in Taguig in January to complete the 100 participants in the one-of-a-kind reality TV show.

The top 100 qualifiers will be brought to different tourism destinations in Zamboanga, Boracay, Tagaytay and Legazpi in Bicol, among others, to undergo challenges to determine the strongest Filipino, or Filipina, for the show’s first season.