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drama_freak
Hey.. Check this out! The Amazing Race is coming to Asia and you can join! Just submit your application by 15 March 2006 (which is around the corner). For more info, check out this page: www.axn-asia.com/buzzsites/the_amazing_race_asia/..

Sigh! I really wanna join but I'm so sad I can't.. down.gif

But I'm really looking forward to watching it.. It should be very interesting...
drama_freak
Just another update.. The application dateline has been extended until 31 March 2006..
joeyfan12
I would LOVE to watch this but I would never go...too physically demanding. lol
ettexor
this should be interesting i wonder when the official beginning of it will be. I hope there won't be anymore extensions going on can't wait to watch it.
coffeebean
Get set and go
By Rubin Khoo
Tuesday November 7, 2006

EACH time The Amazing Race comes on air, diehard fans probably envision themselves taking part in that race around the world. But the experience always seemed so remote. Well, not any longer. The reality show, which sees teams battling it out to make it to the finishing line, comes our way with The Amazing Race Asia.

The prize may be smaller at US$100,000 (RM368,000) and only 10 teams will compete, but the formula remains the same. Teams will have to get through various challenges at locations all over the world.

Will we have a team as conniving as Survivor veterans Rob and Amber (Amazing Race 7)? Will there be one as controversial as Jonathan and Victoria on Amazing Race 6? Would there be anyone as TV-friendly as the “clowns” Jon and Al (Amazing Race 4)?

Here’s a peek at the chosen ones who triumphed over a thousand applicants to become contestants of The Amazing Race Asia. Who are likely to be our favourites and which two, the most annoying?


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The 10 teams from The Amazing Race Asia hosted by Allan Wu (second row, third from left).


Andrew and Syeon: Even before the race began, the dating couple from Kuala Lumpur, were working on numerous bold strategies. Andrew is Malaysian, born and bred, while Syeon is Australian and of Korean descent. They describe their team as being “level-headed and result-oriented”. The couple who met while snowboarding in Australia have been together for 18 months.

The 10 teams from The Amazing Race Asia hosted by Allan Wu (second row, third from left).
They enter the race with a strong belief system and intend to support each other. Their goal is to be in the top three in each leg because “you have to stay in it to win it”. Despite this gung-ho attitude, Andrew and Syeon are not willing to play dirty, hoping to rely on their extensive travel experience instead.

“You can’t put a price on a lifetime chance to race around the world with a loved one,” says Andrew.


Aubrey and Jacqueline: Best friends from Manila, the Philippines, Aubrey and Jacqueline intend to be spontaneous and fun-loving. While they have an easy and casual demeanour, Aubrey and Jacqueline also have a strong competitive streak, which they developed from their careers as a model and actress, respectively.

Though they liken themselves to Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie, they are eager to prove themselves as more than just pretty faces.

“Our passion, being adventurous, that’s our strength,” says Jacqueline. Aubrey, meanwhile, adds: “We are really skinny, we don’t look so athletic, but it is all about what’s inside you.”

Life, they say, is not just about taking things easy but also finding new challenges. They are always looking forward to sharing new experiences and visiting new places.


Ernesto and Jill: This married couple also from Manila, the Philippines, describes themselves as fun and boisterous. Ernie and Jeena (as they prefer to be called) constantly tease each other but beneath the playfulness, is a strong relationship.

“We’ve survived 10 years of married life, so I hope that speaks for how well we’ll do as a team,” says the mother-of-three. Their years of marriage has given them an insight into each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

Also, having travelled extensively, and adding the fact that they are both very sporty and fit, this experience will give them that edge over the younger teams.

They may have what it takes to make it all the way. However, they aren’t planning ahead. Instead, they want to take each day as it comes and to have fun.

“We know that this will give us more challenges,” says Jeena, “But we hope to keep up the lighter side of things.”


Laura and Andy: The couple and business partners see their close working and living relationship as a big plus. Having been together for the past seven years, they see being stuck together for the duration of the race as nothing to contend with.

Laura and Andy who live in Koh Samui, Thailand, have travelled through 14 countries. They are approaching the race without a strategy as it might impair their ability to react to situations as they go along. Their objective is to be as dynamic as possible.

Laura and Andy are ready to take on any challenge the Race can throw at them, particularly in stressful situations. “When the stress hits the other teams, we plan to still be laughing!” says Andy.


Mardy and Marsio: The brothers from Jakarta, Indonesia, have become quite distant in recent years. The solution to that? To be contestants on The Amazing Race Asia. That’s one sure way to spend quality time and become reunited in the process.

Mardy is the more outgoing one while Marsio regards himself as being more down-to-earth and “down and dirty”.

“Our biggest strength is our brain, and our perseverance,” says Marsio.

Their motivation is simple.

“We want to win The Amazing Race Asia for our children and our wives,” both enthuse.

But also share a taste for the finer things in life – cars, watches and electronics.

“Hopefully our being brothers will keep us strong and keep us going through the Race,” Marsio says. “We can cover for each other,” Mardy agrees.


Prashant and Sahi: The models from Mumbai, India, have been close buddies for the past three years. Their looks may lead one to dismiss them as Bollywood hunks but they’re not to be underestimated. Both hold regular jobs and find time to work out at the gym.

While both acknowledge having similar traits and characteristics, there are also some differences in their personalities.

Sahil is more outgoing and spontaneous, which is a trait much admired by Prashant. Prashant, on the other hand, is more laidback and patient. He would rather see things through before making a decision. Sahil describes Prashant as being “more accommodating”, and sees that trait as a good thing.

They believe their compatibility and mutual understanding developed as close buddies will take them far during the Race.

Although they haven’t caught the show very often, they think it may work to their advantage.

“We don’t have anything to lose, we’re just going to give it everything we’ve got,” says Sahil. “We’re not over or under-analysing the situation, we’re just doing what it takes.”


Sandy and Francesca: The dating couple from Hong Kong are still in the early stage of their relationship, but Sandy and Francesca are taking the brave step in participating in The Amazing Race Asia. They are eager to discover if they have what it takes to stand up to pressure in front of the camera.

The couple plan to have a really good time. Their strategy is to play the best that they can, utilise their strengths and take things as they come.

“What drives me is the experience I am going to have. I have always wanted to travel for free. To see how I handle pressure, to see if I don’t lose the plot. That drive to experience new things – the Race will be the experience of a lifetime,” says Sandy.


Sharon and Melody: The former schoolmates from Singapore describes one as “exuberant and excited”, and the other as more structured and corporate. They may appear as poles apart, but they are connected through a unified faith and single-minded focus, which is to win The Amazing Race Asia and have fun along the way.

Their greatest strengths, they say, lies in their faith and close friendship. Their strategy is to focus on themselves rather than on the other teams. Their primary aim is to do the best they can and come out with a stronger friendship, stronger mindsets and better people.

“Taking part in The Amazing Race Asia will give me the chance to experience things that I’ve never tried, to push the envelope a little and move out of my comfort zone,” declares Sharon.


Sahran and Howard: The best friends from Colombo, Sri Lanka, have known each other for 10 years. They met through a series of coincidences that they swear is too complicated to explain.

The quest for new experiences is really what motivates Howard.

“What drives me in life is a new day, every day – new experiences, new people, new places – and I’m fortunate to have a job that allows me to have that,” says Howard, a tour agency manager.

Sahran’s motivation is slightly different. “I’m motivated by one thing – excitement!”

The biggest challenge these guys expect to face is missing the comforts of home. Howard gets grumpy if he doesn’t have regular meals, and Sahran prefers having a shower every day but they still intend to come out on top.

“We would very much like to be there at the end of the race. We definitely want to see the whole thing through,” says Howard.


Zabrina and Joe Jer: The ex-colleagues from Kuala Lumpur met while working for a TV station. When Zabrina first joined the company, Joe Jer was one of the first friendly faces that she encountered. Their friendship blossomed when they discovered that they both shared a mutual love for TV shows.

They also share similar traits – quick-witted, spontaneous, and more than a little gutsy. While they are confident that their friendship will survive The Amazing Race Asia, they acknowledge their shortcomings, which is their physical stature. But they are confident their passion for reality TV will bring them a long way in their adventure.

“We know the game,” says Zabrina. “We really know it. We watch it all the time. We take note of all the things that go wrong and right in the game.”

Source
coffeebean
Amazing Race Asia: Racing across Asian cities
Francis Dass
Thursday November 9, 2006

The Amazing Race Asia debuts tonight over AXN (Astro Channel 17) and Francis Dass gives you a sneak peek into the participants after meeting them at the launch party for the show.

THE choice of setting — at the Ministry of Sound Singapore at River Valley Road near the island republic’s famous Clark Quay — was suitably trendy. The media — from Hong Kong, Thailand, Philippines, India, Malaysia and Singapore — were gathered there for the evening launch party cum preview of The Amazing Race Asia (Tara).


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When the highly entertaining pilot episode of Tara ended, the verdict was unanimous: it’s going to be a hit.

Needless to say, Amazing Race fans have been waiting anxiously for Tara to make its debut tonight over AXN (Astro, Channel 17).

Based on the four-time Emmy Award-winning reality show The Amazing Race, this Asian version kicks off with 10 couples from the Asian region scrambling to win the US$100,000 (RM364,000) prize money.

For the Asian edition, the producers with regard to contestants have obviously a keen eye on what makes good television.

There are the attractive Francesca and Sandy, the couple from Hong Kong; the ditsy Filipino beauties Jacqueline and Aubrey; and dashing Bollywood duo Prashant and Sahil, who lend the show its quotient of sex appeal; while the subtly over-the-top and mildly campy Sri Lankan pair Sahran and Howard bring just the right touch of melodrama and laughter to the fare.

Standing tall next to them are the obviously bright Indonesian brothers Mardy and Marsio, who lend the show an air of mystery with their uncannily Holmesian prowess in problem-solving and the ability to mysteriously appear at the designated pit stops ahead of the others, panting and gasping for air as these are rather portly contestants.

The other participants who round off the cast in this reality show are Malaysians Andrew and Syeon, and Zabrina and her teammate Joe Jer; two more Filipinos, Ernie and Jeena; from Thailand, Laura and Andy; and Singaporeans Melody and Sharon.

Asked about the selection of British model Francesca and New Zealander Sandy (a personal trainer), who represent Hong Kong, and expatriates Laura Kluk and Andy Lawson, who make up the team from Thailand, the folk at AXN Asia, pointed out that Asian cities are now becoming more cosmopolitan and integrated and these (non-native) choices reflect the fact that the participants are at home in the countries they represent.

The cast attended the launch party except for Joe Jer, Sahil and Marsio who are themselves well-travelled as their bio-data indicates.

Keeping faithful to the format of the original, Tara’s executive producer Michael McKay says that each of the 10 couples was accompanied by a cameraman during the filming of the show. To ensure that the crew keep to their strict roles as mere observers, McKay said the cameramen were rotated among the race participants so they didn’t work with the same couple throughout the race.

The show is hosted by Singapore personality Allan Wu who did an excellent job of anchoring Tara. An attractive male model who is in high demand, Wu showcases the right mixture of energy, empathy and seriousness and pulls off his duties effortlessly.

Some of the guests thought American-educated Wu is even better as a host than Phil Keoghan is. The latter hosts the American version! Well, you be the judge.

Note: The Amazing race Asia flagged off in Kuala Lumpur.


Source


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Amazing Race Asia: Wowed by Wu
Hafidah Samat
Thursday November 9, 2006

Standing at a dizzying 1.8m, Singapore-based American-born Chinese model-turned-TV host Allan Wu is not your typical poster boy.

Although this Bachelor of Arts graduate from the University of California in the United States makes a striking first impression, there is more to him than meets the eye. Armed with a bright megawatt smile, Wu is still reeling from the whirlwind experience of hosting AXN channel’s The Amazing Race Asia (Tara).


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“Tara has sort of provided me with the avenue to revisit my Asian roots as I come from a family with a strong Chinese culture,” said Wu, whose parents hail from Dongbei in Shenyang, China.

Wu, who is involved in a variety of sports including beach volleyball, tennis and Shaolin Wushu, said that he was excited to be part of the show.

“When we filmed the programme, there was a myriad of emotions that I had to deal with. It wasn’t all easy, especially the part where contestants got eliminated... I wished I could hug them and say that things were going to be fine,” he added.

Wu, who is fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese, said that this has earned him hosting stints on Supermodel of the World/Singapore, MTV Taiwan’s Party Zone, MTV International Top 20 and Most Wanted.

“My qualifications are really nothing taking into consideration that Tara participants hail from such varied backgrounds,” said Wu.

Such modesty... no wonder Wu has earned the reputation as one of the most loveable screen hunks in Singapore. He has appeared in over 30 commercials and a host of TV dramas.

Asked how he has managed to juggle modelling and acting stints, Wu said that now his modelling career will have to take a back seat for now.

“Hosting Tara has been an enjoyable experience despite the fact that it took up a lot of my time. As much as I enjoy modelling, I’m afraid that it would be something that I’ll be able to do only when time permits,” said Wu.


Source
coffeebean
Let the race begin - meet Amazing Race Asia’s Malaysian teams

Everyone’s favourite race is now heading our way.

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Amazing Race Asia soon begins its inaugural run, continuing the already four-time Emmy Award-winning reality competition series that’s taken the US by storm.

Amazing Race Asia marks the biggest AXN original production to date – and while the Asian edition is kept to the confines of our region, you can rest assured there’s still enough drama and excitement to keep fans glued to their screens.

And Asia’s a big place – there’s no telling where the contestants will end up, we’ve been told to be ready for a feast of surprises in this no holds barred race.

As always, ten teams are all vying for the grand prize of US$100,000 (RM370,000) , and Amazing Race Asia has an assortment of contestants shoving and fi ghting their way to the fi nish line.

From models to lovers, brothers to best friends, expect an intense scramble to the finishing tarmac, where cute host Allan Wu will be waiting with the most important words they’ll ever hear: “You’re team number …”.

The ten teams were chosen from over 2000 applicants, and Malaysia has bagged themselves two teams instead of the normal one team per country.

There’s the boyfriend-girlfriend team of Syeon and Andrew, and the best-friend all-girl team of Zabrina and Joe Jer.

Will either of the two teams add another feather to Malaysia’s hat of achievements? You’re going to have to tune in to fi nd out! We had a chat with Syeon and Zabrina on what it was like to participate in the race of their life:

What was running in your mind when you guys were told you were chosen for the show?
syeon: I was very excited – thrilled, in fact, because it’s the only reality TV show I actually watch. I jumped up and down! When I found out, there was no doubt in my mind what was running in your mind when you guys were told you were chosen for the show?who my partner would be: my boyfriend Andrew.
zabrina: I was walking down the street when I got the call, I started jumping too and people were staring at me! I think everyone wants to be on this show.

How did you guys get leave from work?
s: I told my boss I had to take leave for “personal reasons”!
z: I’ve been learning Spanish for a while, so I told my boss that I was taking a month off to go to Barcelona and learn Spanish. Luckily, they don’t even know that they don’t speak Spanish in Barcelona!

Give us a little insight – where did you guys travel to?
s: We can’t tell you!
z: But you’d be surprised where we travel to.

Australia has to be on the list, right?
s: Well, Australia is legitimately a part of Asia …

How long did the entire thing take?
z: Everything took one month, one month of complete travelling.

Did you get any breaks in between shoots or was everything a continuous rush?
s: What you see on the show is what you get.
z: We got to sleep, but there’s 12 hours of straight travelling, so the timing on the show is pretty accurate. There’s no Amazing Race tour package!

How much luggage were you allowed to bring with you on your travels?
s: As long as you can carry it, you can bring it. I’m quite a small girl, so I packed quite a light bag.
z: Finding a backpack that wasn’t going to be trouble during the travelling was an adventure in itself! I packed a light bag too, but it was still pretty heavy for me.

Was there anything you forgot to pack?
s: I purposely left my make up behind. I didn’t care about people watching me on television or how I looked, I was there to focus on the race.
z: I brought one lipstick! But that’s basically the only make up I use anyway. So during the race, that lipstick made it’s rounds with the girls!

Was the race more challenging than you expected? Compare what the viewers see on TV to the real thing.
s: You can’t really compare the two – but in my case, I was afraid that I would have to physically face my worst fear: bugs! I would’ve absolutely freaked if I had to. Luckily I didn’t have to.
z: I think everyone had to face their fears. But when I watched Amazing Race at home, I’d be shouting at the contestants, “It’s left! Don’t go right, go left!” and things like that. But when you’re in it, you can see how confusing the race is and how easy it is to get lost or take the wrong turn. Sometimes, I thought, “Oh my god, people at home are going to watch this and shout the same things at me!”

What was host Allan Wu like – was he helpful at all?>/b>
s: I didn’t feel funny talking to him, he’s very nice. He’s got a great poker face!
z: Allan Wu was hot! And he’s one of the most approachable people. In an instant you can tell that he’s a cool guy, great to hang out with.

Did anyone cheat?
s: Ha! You’d be surprised!
z: Everyone played the race how they thought was best for them. I guess being in an all-girl team, we felt we had something more to prove.

What was the one thing you guys missed the most during the race?
s: I missed my dogs and wardrobe!
z: Me, too. I only brought the essential clothes, so I missed having a variety of clothes to chose from. It’s a girl thing, I guess!

What do you miss most about the show itself?
s: I miss the intensity of the race, I miss feeling that everyday.
z: That’s the same for me – the intensity of the show. Plus, you get to know all the contestants; it becomes like a secret special club. I miss that feeling.

Were there times you felt like killing your partner?
s: No, I never felt like killing Andrew; we were always on the same page everyday of the race.
z: Of course, I felt killing my partner! But because of the pace of the show, you don’t dwell on it. You blow up quickly and you move on quickly.

What was the best thing about being a part of Amazing Race Asia?
s: Experiencing such an intense race, in such a competitive environment. I love competing. Now life seems a little boring!
z: From a TV standpoint, because I work in the TV industry, I wanted to fi nd out about the production side of Amazing Race. A definite plus.

Did you guys have any secret weapons that helped your teams get ahead?
s: We called ourselves “Pocket Rockets”! People can underestimate small people – but what really matters was the mentality we took with the race. We were strong minded, and were reasonably fit, so that was important.
z: Our secret was based on other teams bad luck!

What was the worst thing?
s: Andrew and I had a strategy: to divide the tasks and challenges, but when it came down to it, I guess I wanted to stay in my comfort zone, so I wish I pushed myself a little more.
z: We got no sleep! I didn’t like that.

Finally, come on: who won?we promise we won’t tell anyone …
s: We can’t tell you that! But all ten teams are winners.
z: It’s like the Grammy’s … it wouldn’t be fun if we told you who won! But the most amazing thing is being a part of Amazing Race Asia’s first edition. It’s true it’s like a club. Years from now, people won’t remember who won – but we’ll still be friends.

s: All the contestants now have a common ground. This is an experience that money can’t buy.


Source
coffeebean
The Star Online eCentral

TARA in Thailand
Thursday December 21, 2006

Today's episode sees the participating teams of The Amazing Race Asia (TARA) in Thailand. Faced with a language barrier with not much help from the locals, can they find their way around in time?

Elimination could be the price of failure. The remaining six teams are from Thailand, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Indonesia and two from Malaysia. In this episode, the teams have to do a detour: they have to either find a flagged "tuk tuk" and then direct the driver to a Pig Monument, or find an egg stall and transport 20 trays of eggs through a busy wholesale market.

With all the teams having trouble navigating and getting lost in Thailand, it's a challenge indeed with the clock ticking away. You can tune in to TARA on AXN (Astro Channel 17) at 9pm today.
vannessa1035
I was sooo happy to know that Amazing Race will have an Asian episode...Good thing, at least we get to promote more of what we have from our countries...

It was just sad to know that the first couple to be eliminated were the Lopez's from the Philippines. Then, Aubrey and jackie came in next. Waaaah! both were from the Philippines...They were eliminated in the first and second leg, respectively.

However, I was happy to see that an all-girls team won the first ever Amazing Race Asia. Zabrina and Joe-Jer put up a great fight. They had a strong partnership. Allan Wu already acknowledged them by saying (and, I quote) "Congratulations for being the winner of the first Amazing Race Asia. You were the first all-girls team in the history of Amazing Race to ever win."

But, somehow, Phil Keoghan caught my attention. I just don't remember which episode was it of the Amazing Race All-Stars that he said, when Dustin and Kandice was winning the first place, that the girls would be the first ever all-girls team to win the Race. That is, if they can keep up being in the first place...

What is this? Racial Discrimination? How can such host of a good show say this? I have very high respect for Phil because he's doing a good job in hosting the show. But, when I heard him say that to the beauty queens, I felt that time that there was a little discrimination on the side. Obviously, when they were filming for it, Amazing Race Asia already finished the first season. And, even if All-Stars are in the middle of filming it, they will/should have news on what's happening with the Asian season.

It's just so frustrating to know that Asians (like me) are not being recognized by people like them...How come?!
addiKTed2yuu
hai2.
does anyone here know where to watch amazing race asia..?
i watched it on youtube before but i cant seem to find it there anymore..
it might have been flagged or something..
so please let me know.
thank yuu.. ^^
kaniha
last night was the premier of 'amazing race asia 2' on AXN (astro channel 701)... and good thing i didn't miss it. yey me!
vannesa & pamela were the first team to arrive and i'm so happy because they are from malaysia! keep up the good work girls!
can't wait to see the teams come to malaysia.
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