After 39 days of competition on the islands of Caramoan in Camarines Sur, Survivor: Philippines concluded this past Sunday with the announcement of who won $1 Million, and with where Season 26 of the show will be located.
Towards the home stretch of the competition, the Finalists were trimmed to three – returning player Michael Skupin, former TV child star Lisa Welchel, and Iowa sex therapist Denise Stapley. Malcolm Freberg, who was arguably the favorite to win the whole thing, was voted off right before the finals. He would also eventually lose the ‘Sprint Fan Favorite’ title to Welchel.
And last Sunday, after coverage of President Obama’s remarks in Newtown, CT, Host Jeff Probst announced Denise Stapley as the champion, earning her the title of sole ‘Survivor.’
Stapley had one of the most intriguing runs in the show’s history, being the first person to win after going to all tibal councils and not being voted off. She also was a member of all three tribes (in the first season where the show has three instead of just two), and in the latter days of the competition, was suffering an injury caused by an insect bite. Stapley had rashes all over her face and sting marks on her neck, and she walks away the winner of Season 25.
‘The Reunion Show‘ was an interesting look post-Philippines, where all the contestants returned to discuss the experience. One contestant, Sarah Dawson, had previously kissed Jeff Probst after being eliminated. And she took her opportunity to get another one in during the live show (the clip below is in a loop, fair warning.):
It was also announced that the show loved the location so much, that it will name its next season ‘Survivor: Caramoan.’ Caramoan comprises of a huge chunk of Camarines Sur, which is southeast of Manila and is in the Bicol region. It is one of the more popular tourist spots in the country, known for its peninsula, gorgeous waters and beaches, and for being one of the Philippines’ National Parks.
Probst ended the night with a look ahead at Season 26, where half of the contestants would be a mix of fan favorites from the history of the show, and the other half would be fans who get picked out from auditions. You can actually audition yourself, if you would want to get on the show – just click here.
‘Survivor’ will return in Caramoan next year – February, 2013.
