Thousands of castaway-wannabes lined up as GMA Network's Survivor Philippines  (SP) kicked off its nationwide auditions for its second season at the CSI, City Mall Lucao in Dagupan last February 26 to 27, SM City in Baguio last March 3 to 4, and LCC Mall in Naga last March 9 to 10.

Aspirants of all ages patiently waited to showcase themselves, hoping to become part of the next batch of castaways who will vie for the whopping prize of P3 million, tax free and the title, Pinoy Sole Survivor.

SP host Paolo Bediones and Season 1 castaway Marlon Carmen joined the screening committee in Dagupan led by program manager Neil Gumban, executive producer Donna Medina, and segment producer Alex Dionisio.  In Baguio city, Season 1 runner-up Rob Sy joined the screening committee; while in Naga, “ang pambansang labandera” Zita Ortiga, partook in the selection of potential Bicolano castaways.

Gumban describes the "it" factor that makes a hopeful standout and what impresses the screeners to include an aspirant in the shortlist of potential castaways.

"Pag nasa TV ka, mag-eenjoy kang panoorin sila, may personality...  (You would enjoy watching them on TV, those with standout personality)," said Gumban. "If he is able to capture the interest of his fellow applicants and the screeners as well at kapag nag-uunahan na kaming magtanong (when the jury throws him/her continuous questions), he/she may possibly make it to the final cut," he added.

At the Dagupan, Baguio, and Naga auditions, the supposed battle of brains and brawns turned into a showcase of real-life dramas, each spawned from the personal background of the applicants.

There was a 65-year-old snake handler, who outshone competition with his eccentric appeal. The cobra he brought during the auditions proved a charmer to wow the screeners as he qualified for the next round of screening. At his age, he believes he can still team up with the younger ones given his muscled physique.

There was also a 24-year-old content researcher in a UK-based company, who came all the way from Manila to make it to the first day of the SP national screening. "I watched the news last year, sobrang maraming tao in the Manila auditions. Actually, even before the dates were aired, I surfed. And I thought it best to audition in Dagupan," he said.