AXN starts this season off in an unusual but welcome way, with an entire show dedicated to a behind the scenes look at the interview process and an introduction to the teams who will be appearing in The Amazing Race Asia 2 when it premieres later this month. This is good because normally the first episode you’re trying to figure out who the heck is who more than anything else.
Following the success of the first season, there was a lot of interest in season 2, with over 2500 applications from all across Asia. Executive producer Michael McKay said they watch every video, but if you don’t get their attention within 30 seconds, you probably won’t. He says they look for a certain level of fitness and a chemistry between the teams.
One couple says they will do anything just to get on the show, including eating baby ducks. Another team used to date, but his current girlfriend hates the girl he’s auditioning with. Lots of really bad singing is followed by really bad rapping. They eventually sift through the hopeless and narrow it down to 10, who they say are a really competitive bunch.
Paula & Natasha
Childhood Friends
Thailand
Paula Taylor – Thai/Australian, 24, VJ/Actress/Model, fears being bored
Natasha Monks – Thai/Australian, 24, PR & Brand Development, fears heights and snakes
These two girls seem to be the typical bubbly model types, who are always smiling and joking. Likely to be underestimated, but this is the type of team that normally can make it to at least the half way mark.
Rovilson & Marc
Best Buddies
Philippines
Marc Nelson – Australian, 35, TV Host/Model, fears heights and drowning
Rovilson Fernandez – Filipino/American, 34, Magazine editor/TV host, fears ghosts and drowning
Typical alpha male team. Fit and should perform very well in physical challenges. Expect them to go far. Their audition is taken from the I’m a PC/I’m a Mac commercial, and Michael McKay said it’s the best he’s ever seen.
Vanessa & Pamela
Sisters
Malaysia
Vanessa Chong – Malaysian, 29, Artist Manager, fears lizards
Pamela Chong – Malaysian, 24, Dancer/Choreographer, fears crocodiles
The big appeal to the producers was that they are sisters, which is a relationship they were interested in exploring further.
Edwin & Monica
Dating Ten Years
Hong Kong
Edwin Lo – Canadian, 27, Concert Promoter/Nightclub Owner, fears heights
Monica Lo – Chinese, 29, Model/Actress, fears cockroaches and rats
This is one of those couples who uses The Amazing Race as a vehicle to prove their relationship and take it to the next level. Those are normally the teams who argue nonstop. Edwin claimed in the audition video that the racers from the prior season were too boring, but I’m getting a bit of a boring vibe from him as well since he’s so laid back. He does come off as so arrogant that I don’t expect this team to have a lot of fans.
Adrian & Collin
Gym Buddies
Singapore
Adrian Yap – Singaporean, 27, Business Development Manager, fears natural disasters
Collin Low – Singaporean, 35, Sales Director/Fitness Instructor, fears cockroaches
Adrian is the first deaf person on The Amazing Race. Because they communicate through sign language, there may be some potential advantage in terms of their ability to communicate without having to be within hearing distance.
Diane & Ann
Dancing Moms
Malaysia
Diane Douglas – Malaysian, 33, Teacher/Mother, fears snakes
Ann Li Lian – Malaysian, 40, Business Owner/Mother, fears nothing
They call themselves the Desperate Housewives and believe the challenges they face as moms have helped prepare them for the race.
Aurelia & Sophie
Ex-Housemates
Hong Kong
Sophie Teng – Singaporean, 27, Writer, fears failure
Aurelia Chenat – French, 27, Model, fears insects
We can expect these two to fight a lot, which may ultimately cripple them.
Daichi & Sawaka
Brother & Sister
Japan
Daichi Kawashima – Japanese, 26, Interpreter, fears heights
Sawaka Kawashima – Japanese, 28, Translater & Singer/Songwriter, fears disapproval
He ran off and got married without telling his family because he “didn’t think it was so important.” Despite that, they do have a close family. She will probably be the boss of the team.
Kinariyosih & Brett
Dating Two Years
Indonesia
Kinariyosih – Indonesian, 28, Actress/Model, fears heights
Brett Money – Australian, 26, Physiotherapist, fears small spaces
This isn’t Kinariyosih’s first reality TV show, as she previously won on Fear Factor Asia. Brett’s concerned about her short temper and stubbornness. Their goal is to hang in the middle of the pack until the end.
Terri & Henry
Married 13 Years
Philippines
Terri Reed – American, 44, Housewife, fears heights and snakes
Henry Reed – American, 48, Retired Navy, fears being trapped underwater
Another team I can see arguing a lot. They’ll probably limp through a few legs.
Overall, this looks like a good group of teams. There are a couple of iffy teams, but for the most part, it does look like it’ll be a really competitive season. Stay tuned to dingoRUE for continued coverage of the Amazing Race Asia 2.