The Amazing Race Asia 4 dashes through Legazpi

The Amazing Race Asia Season 4 travels to Legazpi City and the island resort of Misibis Bay on its upcoming 5th episode airing today October 21, 2010 at 9PM on AXN. The Philippine leg of the Asian edition of the popular reality TV race will take eight pairs of contestants from all over Asia across various scenic locations in Albay. In the series’ most expensive production yet, the eight teams will face some of the toughest challenges and roadblocks against the backdrop of exotic and picturesque locales including Mayon Volcano, Ligñon Hill Nature Park, Cagsawa Ruins, Misibis Bay Resort and Misibis Eco Park. The Philippines is represented by two teams: Richard Hardin and Richard Herrera (also called, The Riches) and the all-girl team of Jacinta James and Lani Pillinger.

One of the tasks involve choosing between the ‘Jig’ (learning the dance steps of the Ibalong Festival) and the ‘Pig’, which required the teams to get down and dirty! “This was one of the most physical legs,” says Richard Hardin. The racers also charged through Mayon’s lava trails on ATVs. At the Pit Stop perched on the impressive amphitheater in Cagraray Island overlooking the Albay Gulf, the racers were greeted by host Allan Wu and the ever-quirky Tessa Prieto-Valdez wearing a colorful gown of roses made from abaca, one of Albay’s renowned products.

The production was the combined effort of Mayor Noel Rosal of Legazpi City, international publicist Joyce Ramirez of PublicityAsia and the Sunwest Group of Companies led by Atty. Ronald Ang, Ian Varona and Chair Elizaldy S. Co. Legazpi City was the personal pick of “Amazing Race” Asia’s Executive Producer Michael McKay. “He fell in love with the beauty of the region and was impressed with the culture and tourist spots of the city,” says Ian Varona, Resort Manager for Misibis Bay Resorts.

Albay is only the second location in the Philippines to host ‘The Amazing Race Asia’ since it was launched in 2005. In the second season, the worldwide race zipped through the streets of Manila and the rice fields of Laguna.

Watch The Amazing Race Asia tonight at 9PM only on AXN to find out how the Philippine team fared in their home turf. The City of Legazpi and Misibis Bay will also hold a Viewing Party at the Embarcadero de Legazpi Celebration Plaza, tonight at 5pm, with a special guest performance by Ely Buendia and other surprise guests. Admission is free!

Image sources: Jojie Alcantara and Joyce Ramirez
Sources:
The Amazing Race Asia Travels to LEGAZPI CITY! by Joyce Ramirez
‘The Amazing Race Asia’ Hits the Philippines in the Next Leg‘ by Annie Alejo, Manila Bulletin
‘Chasing pigs and rocking a volcano’ by Pam Pastor, Philippine Daily Inquirer
’30 guaranteed resort activities-plus Mayon’s perfect cone in your sight’ by Jason Doplito, Philippine Daily Inquirer
‘Mabuhay! Welcome to Fantasy Island!’—my Amazing Race Asia spiel’ by Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Philippine Daily Inquirer