Choosing Not To Survive
The past few days, GMA-7 has been slowly revealing the contestants for the upcoming celebrity edition of “Survivor Philippines”. All I can say is, “Thank God I chose NOT to take the offer”.
You see, a few months ago I was rung up by one of GMA-7’s execs asking me if I would be interested to join the upcoming 3rd season of Survivor Philippines. They further elaborated that for this celebrity edition they’ve been planning to put me in if I was “game”. They told me to come over to their office to discuss the deal in detail.
After the call, I pondered upon the prospect of being away for countless days in an isolated island away from the Philippines. Then I imagined myself stranded in a deserted place, amongst individuals who will do anything to win a coveted prize and title.
And though, the prize is tempting enough for anyone to blindly pursue… the thought of being away from my family for a month with no communication at all was too heavy a trade for me.
I turned down the offer.
Some may say I made a stupid choice… others may think I had cowardly forgone an opportunity that many could only dream of. Possibly. But still… no dice.
If I probably was still single with no kids to look after… maybe I’d reconsider. But that’s a big maybe.
I’d still have to wrestle with the idea of us contestants being a spectacle to millions of people akin to a goldfish inside an aquarium. Not to mention the possibility of compromising my morals and character to “survive” if need be. Do I really want to subject myself to such circumstances?
Nuh-uh! No thanks.
I’d rather be on the other side of the television set, if you know what I mean. :)
Nevertheless, I wish all the castaways the very best.
Besides… aren’t we all participating in our very own “Survivor”? Vying for a reward much much more valuable than millions of dollars?
The mechanics are simple: Love God. Love your neighbor. Serve the needy. Spread the Good News.
The prize?
“Eternal life”.
August 14, 2010 @ 1:19 PM
i love this!
August 23, 2010 @ 1:58 AM
Wow! You were invited to join "SURVIVOR"?! I admire your decision, Chuck.
August 23, 2010 @ 2:09 AM
Ey bro… Yeah, I got the call a few months back. I was in Dino's house (lunchtime) when they phoned me thru my cell. Then they texted me a few particulars (such as the amount I'll be getting each day I'm on the island, jackpot prize, etc.)
It was really tempting considering the amount being offered. But good sense prevailed. :)
August 23, 2010 @ 6:10 PM
Wow, so there's pay for each day you remain there? Some things are more important than money, for sure.
August 24, 2010 @ 2:16 PM
True. But I tell ya… It crossed my mind for a sec. Thankful to God that I had enough grace to resist. Money ain't everything, for sure. :)