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DECEMBER 15, 2020
Inspired by the Korean variety show Running Man, the Philippine adaptation vowed to give the same amount of happiness and entertainment to its Filipino viewers. Through games and interactions between the runners, it has proven to be a tremendous source of fun and laughter since its pilot episode aired in September.
Testament to this is the raucous feedback from netizens throughout social media, as well as the sky-high ratings. For the runners, this proves that their mission is a success.
It wasn't an easy mission though. The runners — Glaiza De Castro, Mikael Daez, Lexi Gonzales, Angel Guardian, Ruru Madrid, Kokoy de Santos, and Buboy Villar — dedicated their physical and emotional strength for the show.
But what kept them going were the random encounters with friendly kababayans in South Korea — plus the anticipation of fans for the show's premiere.
"To be honest, grabe 'yung pagod, grabe 'yung pinagdaanan namin 'pag nagte-taping kami pero masasabi lang namin, sobrang worth it. Sa mga tao na lumalapit sa'min, lagi silang masaya. Never ako nakabasa ng negative comments regarding Running Man Philippines kaya sobrang blessing 'yon."
"You're stuck in a country, working together for a common goal for eight weeks straight tapos nakita mo yung fruits ng labor namin, natutuwa yung mga tao. People call out the runners when we're in public so parang nakakataba 'yon ng puso and it makes me more motivated, and I feel very fulfilled with the work we all did together."
"Nakakatuwa kasi kabaliktaran ito ng puro tayo problema. Malaking gamot talaga ang Running Man sa atin kasi tawa lang tayo nang tawa, naglalaro lang tayo. Nakakatuwa na para talaga siyang getaway."
In doing this mission, of course, the goal is to make things relatable. Though shot in South Korea, every game made Filipino viewers think about their childhood. Mikael said it's like playing with classmates and siblings from his younger years. For Ruru, it's their distinct love for one another that captured what it's like to be Pinoy.
"Nag-finale kami, sobrang nag-iyakan talaga. Sobrang importante ng mga tao kahit first time namin silang na-meet. Iba yung naging samahan para sa 'min. Ang mga Pinoy, very puso sa lahat ng ginagawa, sa mga challenges na ginagawa namin."
"Parang hindi ko na-feel na kinailangan namin mag-build ng rapport. Of course, nagkaro'n din kami ng adjustment sa isa't-isa pero nangyari siya naturally. The more kaming nagkakasama, the more gumagaan. Umpisa pa lang, OK na lahat kami."
"Nakikita niyo naman yung dynamic ng group when you watch us. Para rin kaming magkakapatid talaga."
Working with his co-runners for about two months straight or so, Mikael described his bond with them as "beautiful." It's not perfect, yes, but they try.
"I think you're only as perfect as much as you try. Because we kept on trying, I think that's why we all complemented one another na kahit mahirap siya, nakakapagod siya, minsan masakit, tulungan pa rin and I think that's the best way we complemented one another na parang we helped one another out."
While each of the runners graciously think everyone else is deserving to be named The Ultimate Runner, it is still a competition that more than highlighted their competitive sides. They are proud of overcoming various obstacles, of pouring their heart and soul into the game, of giving it their all.
"Na-overcome ko lahat ng matitinding challenges. Deserve ko maging Ultimate Runner kasi ultimate din yung lakas at effort na binigay ko."
"Kung bakit ako deserving? Pinaghirapan ko. At the same time, kasama na do'n yung in-enjoy ko habang natatakot ako. Tingin ko deserve ko naman. Kapag may mga pinag hirapan ka, deserve mo rin ng reward paminsan-minsan."
"Nag-handa ako. Nung nalaman kong kasama ako sa Running Man, talagang balik ako sa workout. Everyday ako talagang nagwo-workout so binigay ko yung best ko kahit na mahirap, kahit may pain ka nang nararamdaman."
"From the very beginning, binuhos ko po lahat. Inalay ko dugo't pawis para sa lahat ng challenges so dapat po ako talaga tanghalin."
"Ako 'yung pinaka matanda dito, 'di 'ba? Bilang respect nila sa akin, kailangan ako 'yung Ultimate Runner. Senior first."
"Winner lahat kasi lahat, nabigyan ng moments."
"'Di talaga madali magpasaya ng tao. Wala akong pakialam kung hindi ako maging Ultimate Runner. Ang ultimate happiness ko na lang ay mapasaya sila."
It’s not name tags or badges on the line anymore, but superpowers: water, air, land, and fire. Each of these will grow stronger with each mission won.
Runners promise that it’s going to be intense as they will be fighting against each other. Glaiza added that viewers should “expect the unexpected.”
Who do you think will be the Ultimate Runner? Make sure to watch out during the Ultimate Battle happening December 17 and 18.
