Let's talk Loser...

and by that, I meant, the hit reality weight loss show...not that musical drama GLEE... is for Loser.  If you have never watched GLEE, I guess you'll be wondering what the hell am I talking about. Anyway......

I want to touch a little about the Biggest Loser show.  Being an avid fan, I love watching the contestants losing massive amount of weights week after week.  Their transformation is simply amazing.  Of course, Asia has just concluded its own version of Biggest Loser Asia recently.  In that show, I noticed that many of the contestants do not take weight loss seriously enough to make any significant difference.  The commitment is just not there 100%.  At the season finale, we saw that many of the contestants who were voted out early did not get any thinner, unlike the US or Australian version, where we see a huge difference in all the contestants.  My guess is that, as soon as they left the show, they went back to binge-ing the old ways and not exercising much. 

The reason I'm bringing this up is because, yesterday I had a field day arguing with a gym instructor about BL, who thinks that the show is sending wrong messages about living healthy. The truth of the matter is, in the real world, it is of course not realistic to lose 50-60kgs in 2-3 months and exercising 6-8 hours a day.  BL is not only about that...In a perfect world, people have jobs and families.  They face food temptations everywhere, plus, they may not always be able to exercise daily.  The other question is...is it healthy to lose 50-60kgs in 2 months?  I don't see why not.  If losing that amount of weight gets a person off 10 different medications, I don't see why not.....

While BL is a show about weight loss, it is still a competition. And as in any reality show, whenever you put  people together in the same house, there will always be drama. The important message to be learned out of this show, IMO, about is about taking the first step towards losing weight and learning that exercising and eating right is the correct way to go, not diet pills and surgery.  Can a fat/obese person lose 50kg, 100kg ?  Of course! It may take longer than 3 months but as long as they incorporate exercise and healthy eating, they can do it.  Sadly, most people only understand the first part of that equation.  I've seen fat people putting in hours upon hours at the gym but their diet is less than perfect.  There is always that mentality oh, I burned 600 calories, therefore I'm entitled to eat junk food after gym. What a load of crap...

Anyway, I feel that the show is and should be an eye opening for people who are fat or obese.  It is shown in 90 countries so, imo, it is an intricate part of pop culture doing some good to the world.  I don't think the show is sending any wrong messages, at all.

TARA 3 - And the Winner Is...

Managed to catch the last 5 minutes of TARA 3 Finale last nite. Saw Team Honkies and Team Pinoys digging sand. My Team Bolehland was nowhere to be found. Not only that, the ladies who were behind, were having their usual fun doing the Detour task. At that point, I knew Team Bolehland could not possibly be the winner. So, scrapped my intention to catch the repeat show at midnite. Both Honkies and Pinoys were neck in neck discovering the chest buried deep in the sand but Team Honkies managed to came in first to the pitstop where the other ousted teams were waiting for them.

Winners of TARA 3

Somehow, the final run to the pitstop (for all final 3 teams) didn't seem as happening as in previous TARA 2 where the contestants then were more spirited in their celebration of the winner and runners up.

The race started and ended in Bangkok. So predictable and boring. And yes, my early season prediction was right on the money. I had Sam & Vince as the winners and I was right! Woot! Overall, TARA 3 was alright but I like TARA 2 so much better.

TARA 3 Countdown begins (Leg 10)

My Team Bolehland

This is a do or die leg for Team Kiasu, having came in last in the previous leg. Teams travelled to Bhaja Cave where the operation hours applied. After getting the clue, teams must now take the train and locate a statue of Mahatma Gandhi where some crucial info lies. It remains to be seen whether the teams know what they are looking for.

Team Bolehland were the first to arrived while the rest of the teams had difficulty locating the statue. They then made their way to Standard Chartered Bank where they have to key in the birth year of Gandhi to retrieve their clue. Though Team Bolehland took notes earlier, they realised that they had missed out the most crucial info. Luckily for them, the locals knew the answer. Team Honkies and Team Kiasu too asked for the locals help. Team Pinoys, on the other hand, failed 3 times and were penalised 10 mins.

Despite this, all 4 teams caught up at the airport on their way to their next destination, Muscat, Oman. My predictions on the next country was wrong again. Damn! I suck at predictions. Anyway, once in Muscat, teams had to drive themselves to Al Alam Palace, where the next clue required them to drive to Nizwah Fort. Teams ran round to locate the clue box, upon which, they must then go to Mutrah Souq where they faced their first Detour. Team Bolehland was first to arrive and settled for "Count It", in which they must count the numbers of dried limes in a sack. All 4 teams could not get it right the first time. A frustrated Team Pinoys alternated between this and the other task of matching the right picture to the right carpet, which ultimately cost them time. Again, despite this, all 4 teams caught up at Wadi Tanuf where they faced Roadblock. Crossing the canyon gap on a traverse.

Sam (Team Honkies) started off first but found himself physically exhausted halfway. Ida (Team Bolehland), on the other hand finished the task first with absolutely no problem. As if being beaten by a girl and getting zoomed past by Team Pinoys wasn't bad enuff,Team Honkies ended up taking the 4hours penalty because they failed to complete the task. But, for their consolation, they found out Team Kiasu too failed to complete the task. The self-proclaimed "Fuzzie don't do physical" elected to do the task instead of her more "fit but height phobia" partner. They came in last and were eliminated. Too bad, I really like them. Team Bolehland who ran a flawless race was crowned winner of Leg 10. Woot!

Memorable Quote of the Week - "Please make way for the old lady" - AD (Team Kiasu), referring to her achy body, as she got into a cab.

Next country Teams race in - Thailand.

Next team to be eliminated The Winner - I want Team Bolehland. I know I predicted S&V in the early season but having watched the mums' spirits & wits throughout the race, I favor them.

TARA 3 - Countdown begins (Leg 8 & 9)

LEG 8

Missed last week's episode (Leg 8) and only managed to catch half of the repeat show 2 days ago. I was wrong in my prediction. The teams flew to Cochin, India instead of Cambodia. Missing flight connection caused Team Honkies and the siblings from Team Bolehland to fall behind the other teams. My other Team Bolehland, I&T, who were last in Leg 7, had lady luck on their side when they were ahead of all the other teams due to their efficient taxi driver and managed to finish their Roadblock and Detour tasks quickly. They had to arrive first at the pitspot to avoid a 30-minute penalty. However, Team Pinoys beat them to the pitspot, causing the moms to end up on the 3rd spot. Meanwhile, the siblings H&B were racing neck to neck with Team Honkies but ended up being eliminated instead...ahuhuhu.. IMO, they wasted too much time perfecting their Detour task....bleh!

LEG 9

4 teams remained. Who gets to go home? Teams travelled to Pune, India where they have to play a game of cricket with the locals. Team Bolehland of I&T surged ahead on subsequent tasks with a good taxi driver while Team Honkies, Team Kiasu & Team Pinoys got lost with theirs. However, I&T were slowed down by their rickshaw driver on their way to Equity Tower where they have to convince a passerby to tell a joke, which were judged by a panel of judges. Team Honkies did well and managed to surpass Team Bolehland. In the final Detour task, teams either crush & sell 40 glasses of sugarcane or navigate a cart loaded with pots to deliver 70 unbroken ones. Both not easy feats. However, Team Honkies, with their physical strength, again surged ahead and came in first at the pitstop. Team Bolehland really needs to step up their sense of URGENCY, if they want to be in the Top 3. This is the 2nd time back to back that they had lost their leads at the last second.

Meanwhile a frustrated Team Pinoys got lost with directions and fell behind. Woot! Before heading for the pitstop, teams encountered U-TURN, whereby a team which are U-Turned, will have to go back and complete the other Detour task. See.....this is just plain STUPID! Why place U-TURN just before a pitstop? Shouldn't it be earlier in the leg so that a team that was U-Turned at least have a possible chance to catch up, thus making it more exciting?? Hello...Producers!...Your creative team sucks! Team Bolehland intended to U-Turn Team Pinoys but realised they didn't have their picture with them. Shucks! A neck to neck race between Team Kiasu and Team Pinoys saw the latter U-Turning the former instead and causing them to be last in the pitstop.

So, now Team Pinoys have already exercised their YIELD AND U-TURN options....and I'm pretty sure this will only add on to existing tensions between them and the remaining teams. It will be interesting to watch.

Memorable Quote of the Week - Sorry, cannot remember anything memorable being said.

Next country Teams race in - I'm sticking to Cambodia (simply because it's closer to Thailand, the finishing country)

Next team to be eliminated - I'm tempted to say AD&F simply because of the 30-minutes penalty but if I&T can do it, so can Team Kiasu. Team Pinoys....OUT you go!

TARA 3 - Countdown begins (Leg 7)

Leg 7. Teams travelled to Macau, China. See...my prediction was right on the next country. China! errr...ok...HK is China too...ahaks.

The first task, IMO, was ridiculously easy. Delivering gold fishes to an acquarium to get their next clue. With Operation Hours applicable, some teams managed to catch up though. At the ferry terminal, G&T (Team Pinoys) were smart to exchange their tickets with other passengers for earlier tickets. Not enuff with a good 15 mins head start off H&B (Team Bolehland), Team Pinoys decided to YIELD Team Bolehland, causing Henry to mutter "Scum" when their arch rivals were about to leave after the Roadblock task of climbing the Macau Tower.

The tomboyish AD&F (Team Kiasu) looked so clumsy wearing dresses at the DETOUR task of playing blackjack. Their giggles were enough to set me off giggling as well. Looked so silly...giggling all by myself in front of the tv. Meanwhile, Team Pinoys decided to do the other task of completing a lion dance routine. At one point, Geoff fell on his tailbone and I was like "Yeah.....that's karma for yielding my Team Bolehland".....I know, so cruel of me. Anyhow, Team Pinoys still came out on top at the pitstop despite having difficulty with their last task of arranging the Chinese zodiac lanterns.

I&T (other Team Bolehland) were playing catch up the whole time and still came out last at the pitstop. The girls were in tears but luck were with them as it was another NEL. Ida, in particular, was relieved when Allan didn't have to take their money....again.

Memorable Quote of the Week - "When you walk, keep your legs closed and together" - Bernie (Team Bolehland), to Team Kiasu before leaving the Blackjack table. Hilarious!

Next country Teams race in - Cambodia (yes, still Asia)

Next team to be eliminated - I&T (Team Bolehland). Twice in the bottom...time to go la. Or they might just as well end up first, since I was dead wrong in my last prediction!

TARA 3 - Countdown begins (Leg 6)

Last nite's leg was booooring! The teams flew out from Taipei into HK (advantage to Team Honkies, of course). Roadblock - get past rugby players (who were SUPPOSED to stop the teams) in order to get to the clue box. Rugby players my foot! Even my grandmother, god bless her soul, would have no problem doing that.

Henry&Bernie (Team Bolehland), imo, chose the wrong task in DETOUR, because it cost them time. No doubt Henry, a chef by profession have no problem gutting fishes but tell me, how difficult can it be to crack open fortune cookies, the other task? The other teams sure didn't have a problem.

Searching the Ladies Market for a girl with the same handbag may seem difficult but certainly not un-do-able. Team Honkies, who were ahead the whole time, naturally came in first at the pitstop, Ida&Tania (the other Team Bolehland) came in last but it was NEL.

This is what I think about TARA 3 after watching 6 episodes. Unlike TARA 2, this season, the producer decided to cut cost by staying close to neighbouring countries in Asia; Thailand->Vietnam->Taiwan->HK. Tasks are getting relatively easy with each passing leg.... despite the "Toughest Race Ever" tag. Out of 6 legs thus far, only 2 (Legs 2 & 3) were exciting. Too many whiny teams. Too many quitters. Too much acting.

Memorable Quote of the Week - "Hot water, hot water" - Ida (Team Bolehland), running past the crowd after completing the task at Ladies Market.

Next country Teams race in - China (close to HK)

Next team to be eliminated - Geoff&Tisha (Team Pinoys)

Amazing Race Asia 3 - Early season prediction

Amazing Race Asia Season 3, otherwise known as TARA, started airing last month with much anticipation and is now into Episode 4. With 10 brand new teams, this season has been dubbed "The Toughest Race Ever". This makes me wonder....if Season 3 is the toughest race ever, does that make Season 4 and beyond cupcakes then?

As predicted, there are more models, actresses, beauty queens , TV personalities in TARA than the average Joes. For entertainment purposes, this isn't all that bad. It boosts ratings, no? Sure, we all want the "normal" people to win the race but let's face it, deep down in our hearts, we like the existence of these celebrities in this show, even though we bitched about it. Bear in mind, if you are not from this elite group, don't bother applying to be in this race. Really. Don't waste your time.

My top 3 this season - Henry & Bernie (Team M'sia), Sam & Vince (Team HK), Ida & Tania (Team M'sia). I think these 3 teams are very competitive, strategise well and don't bitch at each other. Key ingredients to winning.

Early season awards (drum roll please):

Most Likely to Win it all - Sam & Vince (Team Honkies).

Most Likely to Win the most legs - Henry & Bernie (Team Bolehland).

Most Dramatic - Niroo and Kapil (Team Capati), thank god they were eliminated in the last leg. How much more drama can we take?

Most Laidback - A.D. & Fuzzie (Team Kiasu)

Most Annoying - Ida & Tania (Team Bolehland), but hey, still one of my favorites.

Most Dumbest - Natalie (Team Tomyam). Sorry Natalie, you are alone in this one.

Most Misunderstood - Geoff & Tisha (Team Pinoys), I see nothing wrong with Geoff.

Most Untrustable - Oliver & Mai (Team Tomyam). Karma bites, dude.

Teams that have already been eliminated thru Episode 4:

Leg 1 - Neena & Amit (Team Capati) - dunno much about them.

Leg 2 - William & Isaac (Team Kimchi) - So much hopes for this duo.

Leg 3 - Natalie & Pailin (Team Tomyam) - Quitter. (singular)

Leg 4 - Niroo & Kapil (Team Capati) - Quitters.

For the last 3 legs, Team Bolehland Malaysia has been first at the pitstops so congrats...Malaysia Boleh! Woohoo! Tune in to Amazing Race Asia 3, which airs on AXN, Thursdays @ 9pm. For more details, log on to http://amazing-race-asia.axn-asia.com/index.php.