The Youth.SG team was thrilled to receive news of the teams for The Amazing Race Asia 3!

The second season got close to 19 million viewers across Asia to tune in, and now the third installment will debut on Sept 11 on AXN (Starhub Ch 19) at 9pm.

Promising the new season as “The Toughest Race” yet to come, the senior vice-president and general manager of SPE Networks–Asia, the parent network of the AXN channel, Ricky Ow, says, “The teams will have shorter resting time, the journey will be harder, and the speed of the race will be faster and more intense. This combined with the new cast, you can expect many dramatic moments, tears, twists and turns, and an overall thrilling ride for viewers!”

Unlike their predecessors, many of the contestants are not used to the demands of high adventure. Yet these vibrant and spirited contestants are simply brimming with energy and an eagerness to win.

The contestants include three beauty queens counting a former Miss Universe Natalie Glebova and wife to Thailand’s highest ranking (and once world #9) tennis player Paradorn Srichaphan; the first-ever Korean team made up by sporty brothers; famous Malaysian faces - Bernie Chan who pairs up with her brother, and actress Ida Nerina (Serpet) with her heiress pal Tania Khan; a comedian who can’t help but crack jokes on-and-off screen with his teacher buddy; a beautiful ex air-hostess and cousin from India; and a dramatic father and son team with theatrical antics.

We've got the team profiles here, just 'cos we couldn't wait!

Natalie Glebova, 26, Miss Universe 2005
Pailin Rungratanasunthorn, 25, Miss Earth Thailand 2006
Beauty Queens, Thailand

Having spent their formative years in the beauty circuit, the damsels know a bit about what it takes to stay ahead. And having seen the show on television, the duo is also gunning to experience the thrills and tumbles that only the race can deliver. Exclaims Natalie, "We love to try new things. Give us bungee jumping, parachuting, paragliding and parasailing any day. We are competitive, we're in shape and we're going to kick ass!"

The girls have started preparing for the trek around the world based on what the previous Amazing Race Asia seasons were like. Surprisingly, their strategy for winning is to be the underdog and "fly under the radar". "Let's hope that no one will take us too seriously so we won't be recognized as a threat until it's too late!"

Sam Wu, University Lecturer, 32
Vince Chung, Comedian & Host, 32
Best Buddies, Hong Kong

Both started out as teachers but in their spare time, one is a master of words while the other is plays with words. Meet Vince Matthew Chung, the former primary school teacher turned fulltime comedian cum host, and his best bud Samuel Wu, a university lecturer who ranks as one of the top players on the online word game, Prolific.

They met via mutual friends at a party and things since then have been a blast. One thing that stands in their way though is their hot headed nature, which has led to confrontations. Sam too has to deal with physical fears as he is terrified of needles and bees: "I was hospitalized after getting stung in the head by a hornet when I was four and since then, I've had a major phobia and if anything flies near or around my head, I freeze instantly."

Their overall strategy, Sam says, is to "always be part of the pack, and then break away to lead the pack in the middle legs of the race". But what if it doesn't work? Vince jokes, "I want to bring banana peels to throw onto the ground so that teams running behind us will slip on them."

Yes, Vince is the more competitive of the duo, but it's because being on top is in his blood. Vince has also joined various sports teams, from softball, baseball to football throughout his life and swam competitively from age six to university. Don't dismiss Sam either as he too can be single minded in his endeavors. Back in 2001, a desire to lose some weight made Sam go on a diet that saw him shed 20kg over a five month period. "I went from an obese 80kg to a 60kg, through rigorous exercising and dieting," he recalls.


Who: Neena Rai, model, artist, 24
Amit Rai, real estate consultant, 27
Cousins, India

As a child, Kapil wanted to learn how to swim and his father did it the only way he knew how, by picking up his son and tossing him into the pool. "The way my dad had thrown me into the swimming pool in order to teach me how to swim, it communicates a lot about the person he is," recalls Kapil with affection.

The good news is, Kapil managed to learn and the success fostered a great father and son relationship that has since grown beyond the familial, to that of friendship. One of the reasons Kapil wanted to take part, aside from seeing the world in the race format, is to bond more with his father. This probably explains why the duo has yet to plan on race strategies and would rather run the race one step at a time.

Explains Kapil, "Our strategy is to go by gut feeling and take each thing as it comes. If you are prepared for anything, everything comes easy." And Daddy concurs on this point. "We do not like to copy. We will cross the river when we reach there."

Outside of the family, the duo is also part of the same acting company, where Niroo serves as actor cum director, with his son as one of the actors. If they win, the duo will look at the prize money to expand their theatre group.

Despite having a short fuse, Kapil is looking to keep cool under pressure. His strengths, he says, is to enjoy even a stressful situation, depend on his communication skills and rely on the ability to think on his feet. Balancing him will be Niroo, who despite his recent acting foray, is an engineer by trade. "My engineering background, my analytical skills, & my sense of direction are my true strengths," he notes.

William Hong, sports TV host & agent, 26
Isaac Hong, sports agent, 29
Brothers, South Korea

These brothers are sports commentators and football agents for professional players in what is arguably Asia's favourite sport. William and Isaac Hung are definitely looking at bringing their A-game to The Amazing Race Asia, as this is the first time that a Korean team is participating in the race.

"Nationalism is big in Korea and William and I believe that we can be on the show, and show everyone our positive and energetic attitude," says the older of the two Isaac, 29.

The two not only grew up together, but are now working in the same office and sharing the same apartment.

"Even though we are brothers, we have very different personalities. I guess it's because we lived apart from one another for quite some time. However, that works out well for us, since we can look at things in different ways," says William, 26.

It does help that Isaac is the biggest "TARA freak" he knows of. To his credit, Isaac claims to have watched all The Amazing Race episodes ever produced, from both the US and Asian versions. Coupled with his confidence and past travel experiences to over 38 countries in the world, taking part in the race just seems right. "Since I have been to many countries in the past time I do know the quick way to get close to the local people so I think this could be a secret weapon for me," says Isaac.

Ida Nerina, actress, director, producer, 44
Tania Khan, property developer, 36
Actress & Heiress, Malaysia

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, or make that a group of 13 females who were shortchanged. Such was the case that involved Malaysians Ida Nerina, 44, and her best friend Tania Khan, 36, in, of all places, a luxury resort! Throw in a hen's party, a burnt rug, hotel management and even the police and the mixture is a potent one that shows what these two will do to get what they deserve.

The ladies insisted on their innocence but the hotel refused to let them leave and even locked the gates. "Due to the trauma, we caused a ruckus on the plane," adds Tania, a mother of an 11 year old daughter and a 10 month old baby, who despite her sheepishness at admitting the event, displays an inner strength.

On paper, they are two very different people – Ida is a homegrown actress with 16 movies under her belt, Ida is a media star compared her more corporate driven, property developer buddy.

"We're both bubbly, dramatic, kind-hearted, fiercely loyal to our friends and klutzy. We're often the first to jump into the deep end of any adventure," describes Ida on their similarities. "Tania and I just thought it would be fun to try out together too. Tania is so game for adventure and is always fun to be around and just as dramatic as I am," says Ida.

Henry Chan, chef, 43
Bernie Chan, TV host, actress, 39
Brother and Sister, Malaysia

Fans of Asian reality television might recognize model and host Bernie Chan – she was the face of Project Runway Malaysia last year. But few would recognize her race teammate and elder brother, Henry Chan.

It is not because the 43 year old isn't famous, but rather because the chef and restaurant owner has had reconstructive surgery done in late 2006. "In Aug 2006, I fell over and broke my jaw very badly. I've had reconstructive surgery on my face and mouth, but I'm all fixed up now," says Henry Chan with a gleaming smile that shows no record of his accident.

But it is what's inside that counts and the siblings are hoping that their 39 year old relationship will give them an edge. Says Bernie, 39, "Finding the right partner to do it with is half the race won and Hen is the only person who understands what I'm trying to say half the time."

Henry is the more contemplative of the two, preferring to sit back and analyze the situation while his sister leaps at every available opportunity. Like Henry says, "I tend to think about things too much, while she tends to just act and think about things later.”

Explains Bernie, "I'm too impulsive! If I want to do something, it has to be done now,” and adds, “My strategy is to try and stay calm but with have a sense of urgency and just go with our instinct. Luck plays a big part too which to me comes with being positive and happy, which Hen and I are.”

Geoff Rodriguez, model, 26
Tisha Silang, business development manager, 32
Dating Couple, Philippines

In 1998, Tisha won the Miss Philippines Universe crown but had to give it up because of her Canadian citizenship. While that win has remained the proudest moment of her life, she's hoping that taking part in The Amazing Race Asia will trump that.

Joining her is her boyfriend of three and a half years, Geoff, and by all accounts, participating, much less winning the race will be an uphill battle says the couple. For one thing, their relationship is the classic definition of 'opposites attract'.

"Nobody would have thought that we would end up dating. We have very different personalities but have managed to make it work so far," notes Tisha.

They have a horrible track record when it comes to traveling. While on vacation in Boracay, the couple missed not once, two but three consecutive flights back home to Manila. And by that time, they were broke as well. Tisha says with a laugh, "And now we want to race together...should be interesting." Fingers are crossed but hopefully, the two won't be making the same mistake again, especially on the show.

The couple is certain that they will bring to the race the love and respect that has been the foundation of their relationship. Geoff says, “Tisha and I have had a sound relationship, from the time we have met. And now we are testing our relationship, by entering the race.”

A.D. Chan, freelance writer, director, 34
Faeza (Fuzzie) Sirajudin, teacher, 34
Friends for 15 Years, Singapore

Long-time friends A.D. Chan and Fuzzie Sirajudin oddly define their relationship as "an old married couple".

"We're like that, except we're not old, we're not married, and we're not a couple!" says Fuzzie, 34, a partner and teacher in an English language centre.

The duo are also the first to admit that they are not perfect for the race, with the many shortcomings that they have, but adds, "We're perfect for TV."

Despite their 15 years of familiarity, hard habits are hard to break and one thing Fuzzie will have to contend with is A.D.'s obsessive compulsive controlling behavior, as A.D. says that while she has a low tolerance for imperfection, she tends to "over-analyze everything to death and can be indecisive". On her part, A.D. will have to contend with her buddy's lack of physical fitness and general slothful ways, among other things jokes Fuzzie, who adds, "There’s also my 'over-dramaness' which makes me easily excitable, and my lack of attention to details and my poor memory."

Their goal in joining the race isn't about the fame or money, but the fun they think they would be enjoying. Says A.D., "Who wouldn't want to watch two highly unlikely people run the race? Everybody loves the underdog."

To which Fuzzie gamely adds, "Did we mention that we're unfit?"

Visa Sarasas (Mai), actress & model, 24
Oliver Faivre, model & student, 26
Friends, Thailand

Oliver started out as a friend of her brother, and Mai first got to know him when she was dating one of his friends. In a way, actress and model Visa Sarasas, or Mai, as she is known to her friends, is the one person that Oliver Faivre can behave naturally in front of.

"She is the only girl friend that I have who I can talk normally to," says the 26 year old model and student, adding, "She is someone I don't
necessarily have to be polite to.”

Such honestly is the culmination of seven years of friendship and the friends have decided to celebrate by taking part in the race simply because Mai asked and Oliver agreed. "I picked him because I think he has the most potential to go on this race and be able to cope with all the situations that will happen," describes the actress, who has made a name of herself starring in movies and television shows in Thailand.

In case you think of her as a celebrity who is more used to assistants and an entourage of helpers, think again. For her audition video, Mai went without make up to speak to the camera, and her real life persona is nothing like her sultry on-screen roles on TV and magazine covers.

Given the history of male/female pairings in race history that have led to explosive confrontations during the competition, Mai is thankful that her team does not fall within the usual stereotypes of such pair ups.

"The fact that my teammate is a guy, and we're not in a relationship so I don't think we're going to fight like lovers do," she says as a matter of fact.

Assure Oliver, "You don't have to worry about the fighting. We fight a lot, but it's for fun. We will make the show interesting."

Log on to amazing-race-asia.axn-asia.com to get the latest juice. Racers Revealed, which reveals more about the teams, debuts on Sept 4, 9pm on AXN. The Amazing Race Asia 3 debuts on Sept 11, 9pm and subsequent Thursdays at the same time.

ELSEWHERE IN THIS WEEK'S POP TUESDAY
Simple Plan & The Click Five turn to anime 
12 Lotus: Listen before you watch 
Introducing… 1989 
Introducing… Murder by Ska 
Journey's so-so 
When the Chinese are Mad About English…  

THIS ARTICLE IS PART OF AUG 4-10 :: The National Issue

Average user rating

   (0 vote)