Amazing Race Asia 3

I tell you what, I have always been a fan of the American syndication of Amazing Race but since the Asian one began, to be honest I only watched season 1, even scarcely at that. I completely missed the second season because I was still abroad. So it was with great skepticism that I watched the second episode of the third season of Amazing Race Asia. And as usual, got hooked on to it. If anything it’s even more fun to watch because we can relate to a lot of their mannerisms and accents, being Asian ourselves. And this is where the definition ‘Asian’ is made clear – Asia does not only mean Oriental. It includes the entire continent. As is covered by most of the contestants.

Ten teams are part of this installment and already I have a favourite team.

The sibling team from Malaysia, Henry and Bernie Chan.

I didn’t know this, but apparently Bernie Chan is rather famous, her biodata pegs her as both model and the face of the Malaysian Project Runway last year. Henry, her older brother, is a chef and restaurant owner. Now, I’m not being biased when I say that I like them just because their Malaysians. I like them because they are both so down to earth, funny and lovable. Seriously, when Henry burst out crying last night because he got all choked up when they got to that church in Vietnam, I almost died laughing not because it was funny (although it sort of was) but really because it was genuine. I mean, how many people would be as honest about their feelings on TV like that? It just made me love them even more. And that scene where Bernie and Hen were arguing back and forth while they were carrying the chickens, just reminded me of the way me and my own brother squabble. In short, I like them because they are so typically Malaysian, and proud of it too. I will be rooting for them all the way.

Another favourite – Ida and Tania (Actor and Heiress). The terms make them appear pretty flimsy (come on, heiress? Paris Hilton anyone?) but these chicks are quick to dispel the stereotype, very passionate, agile and quirky women, quickly zooming through their challenges held back slightly only because they misjudged the opening time of the flower shop they were supposed to get to as early as possible. Surprise, surprise, another Malaysian team with a bit of a colorful past.

It’s an interesting mix of teams to watch, as usual their dynamics play off each other. I’ll hold further comment till I watch a bit more of the show but it’s pretty easy to see which ones are beginning to annoy me the most but which are crucial to the show for ratings. All I have to say is that it’s still early days but seriously, Geoff, you don’t have to blow your whistle to get people to help you, it is so rude.

Following from that, it was disappointing that Miss Universe 2005 (yes she is also a contestant) refused to sleep in the airport when they had to wait for a flight and did not have money for a hotel and simply did not want to get dirty or participate in challenges if she did not see the need for it.

Miss Natalie Glebova, has obviously not seen some of the previous Amazing Asia episodes. Props to her partner beauty queen, Pailin for being so patient with her and stoicly carrying on with the challenges because I would have died of stress and pent rage.

Hmm, so turns out I could not reserve further comment as previously hoped. Oh well.

In short, I can’t really say how I would handle half the stuff the contestants are subjected to in this race in addition to the pressure of being eliminated if they didn’t get to a pitstop in time ahead of the other teams (barring a pre-determined non-elimination round). My brother swore he would misdirect a lot of teams if they were to ask him for directions. I can’t say I wouldn’t do the same.

So props to them; it looks like it’s going to be a good season. For information on racers and the show itself, here you go, knock yourself out.

By the way, to the host Allan Wu if you’re reading (if ever!) : your dimples are ever so dreamy.

Good luck to the teams