Having My Fifteen Minutes of Fame: My Stint in “1 vs. 100”

It is now exactly one week since the episode of ABS-CBN’s game show 1 vs. 100 which included us as one of the members of the “Mob” was aired. But even up to this time, I still cannot get over the feeling of being part of one of the country’s top-rating game shows. At first I thought it was all pure luck but later on I realized that maybe it was really God’s will that I become part of the show.

How I Became Part of the Mob

My stint in 1 vs. 100 was really brought about by sheer boredom. After taking my qualifying exams, I started texting 1 vs. 100, hoping that I will be seen on television and win big bucks. I also thought of joining game shows because one of my classmates in law school joined Pilipinas Game KNB? and won. So I thought: “If she did it, why can’t I?”

A month after I texted my entry I got a phone call from the 1 vs. 100 staff telling me that my number was randomly selected to become one of the members of the “Mob.” Of course, my initial reaction was excitement. The staff then told me to go to ABS-CBN for the screening and to bring two identification cards and a pen.

Before the screening, we were asked to fill up the Personal Information Sheets and a waiver (I am not in the position to discuss the contents of the waiver, but I can tell you in case you want to join the game show one has to read them very carefully). After handing out the Personal Information Sheets and the waiver to the 1 vs. 100 staff, we were then given a set of questionnaires to answer. Based on the results, the staff will choose who will become members of the “Mob.” After the questionnaires were collated and checked, the staff one by one announced the names of those who passed. You know what happened next. I passed.

After our names were called we had our picture and fingerprints digitally taken (we no longer need to show any identification when we go for the taping, the staff told us). Then we were told to wait for the any of the staff to call us for the taping proper (in my case, it was a text message informing me that my taping is scheduled last January 21 at around 3 pm).

The Taping Proper

The taping date arrived. Before the taping, we were each given our respective numbers, which also serves as our seating arrangement. Afterwards, we were led to the set of 1 vs. 100 so that we may properly be seated.

The first thing I noticed about the set was that it actually does not look as big as it appears on television. After we were seated, we tested the buttons used in the game by actually playing with a supposed real “The One” (the mock game’s host was the director of 1 vs. 100; “The One” was named Dumbo, their spinner).

After psyching us up for the game, the show’s host, Mr. Edu Manzano, arrived. After a quick discussion with the staff and the members of the “Mob,” the game started taping.

It was only then when the cameras began rolling when Chairman Edu announced “The One.” Everyone was astounded when we saw who she was—it was the lovely Valerie Concepcion.

As the game progresses, I began to worry how will I be seen on television, considering my seat location (I was located at the farthest seat in the left). I also noticed that the moving cameras were located on the other side of the set. “Oh well,” I thought, “I guess there is no chance for me of getting seen on television after all.”

But something struck my attention. As we were being told by the crew to scream “Use your help!” towards “The One,” I noticed the 3-time and 2-time Unbeatables seated at the topmost portion of the set standing up, raising their hands, and shouting at the top of their lungs. So I followed suit. I raised my hands, stood up, and screamed at the top of my lungs. Apparently, it worked (those who watched the episode may note that I was shown on television three times). Or it may also be because I was the only one left in my row which was not eliminated (I was eliminated in the last question which eliminate the two remaining “Ten Picks”).

The taping began at around 5 in the afternoon, and ended up at around 10 in the evening (we learned, however, that we were the first batch of contestants for the day, and that there is another batch which will be taping after us). After getting our fill of sumptuous free food from their sponsors (we ate Ysabella’s Chicken from Bacolod Chicken Inasal, Hapi Haus donuts, Mr. Softee ice cream, and Zagu) I rushed home because I still have to go to UST the following morning (more on this matter in my next post).

Making Friends

One good thing about joining game shows is that you get to know a lot of people. And even if one does not win, at least there is a chance for you to gain a lot of friends in the process.

When I first went for the screening, I honestly do not know anyone among the hundreds of fellow contestants. But as the taping progresses, some of my fellow contestants opened up and shared their own experiences with me. I got the opportunity to bond with my fellow contestants, and it actually felt good, knowing that they too share with your excitement and anxiety. For that alone, I thought, my whole stint in 1 vs. 100 was an experience I will forever remember.

To the wonderful people whom I got acquainted with and who shared their memorable experiences with me (Earl, Ice, Nanay Flor, Ate Beng, Ate Mayeth, Ate Josie, Ferdz, Bryan, Carlo, and Ate Glee), I wish you all good luck in all your future endeavors and thank you for letting me become a part of your lives. Hope to see you soon (in another game show, perhaps?)!

Also, I wish to congratulate the staff and crew of 1 vs. 100 for a terrific show last Saturday and for taking care of us in the process. More power to you guys and keep up the good work!

How To Join 1 vs. 100

To join 1 vs. 100, just text MOB (space) Name/Age/Gender/Address/Telephone Number and send to 2366 (for Globe, TM, and Sun Cellular) or 231 (for Smart and Talk N' Text). It’s P2.50 per text. Good luck!