Some people say that reality TV do not portray real-life. Quite true, really. The stars of the Amazing Race Asia are mostly down-to-earth people and very friendly too.
On the show, feuds happened between teams, but in reality, they’re on big happy family (catching up with each other after 6 months of absence)
And so, a few fans and I met up with the Amazing Race Asia participants (5 and a half teams) yesterday, at Luna Bar. Chris Wo and Kamarul (a.k.a CabioTAR) had organized this meet-up through Zabrina earlier on. The meeting was rather private, and there were like only 10 of us there (excluding the team members of course).
Earlier, every team had flown in to Malaysia for the grand finale party on Thursday, however, only 5 and a half teams remained in Malaysia for an extended period of time. Present yesterday were Andrew and Syeon (my favourite team), Zabrina and Joe Jer (Winners of the Amazing Race Asia), Sandy and Francesca (runners-up), Andy and Laura, Howard and Sahran, and Marsio. And they were all very friendly.
Group Photo of the Teams (some with spouses)
Originally, they were having their own private reunion dinner in Soi 23, a rather swanky restaurant in the same building as Luna Bar (owned by the same company too), while the rest of us fans waited in Luna Bar on the penthouse. But an issue arose when the 4 underaged fans (as a 2000-year old being, I think I’m severely overaged) were told to leave. So it ended up having most of us going downstairs, outside of Soi 23 to wait for the teams finish their dinner.
I think we must have put some pressure on the teams, who can see us lounging around outside the window of the restaurant. I pity them, for they were like fish in an aquarium that were stared at (and pointed fingers at too). Zabrina, in all her niceness, then decided to invite all of us into the restaurant (apparently booked entirely for them only) to wait for them to finish their dinner. In a way, we fans acted like mean bastards demanding more. Chris had a pineapple fried rice (RM 18) while waiting.
After a while, the teams came out from their private dining area, and are immediately swamped by photo requests. Syeon and Andrew promptly walked over and introduced themselves (but duh, everyone knows them). There were a few friendly exchanges (and ringtone exchange too :D), and the underaged fans left, while the rest of us proceeded to Luna Bar on level 33 (Soi 23 was on level 23).
There, more of themselves are revealed as more chats with them happen. Most of them retold their experiences, and we hung on closely, drinking in every word. Marsio for example, told us that some parts of the goat brain they had to eat in Dubai actually tasted like peking duck, but for the most part, horrible. Also, some teams revealed interesting information like the selection process of the Amazing Race candidates; ARA having no prize ladder; and so on. One thing they seem to be asking us in common is “Did you try to join the Amazing Race Asia?” and “Are you going to participate in the Amazing Race Asia 2?”
The Teams are most certainly interesting people, and I can see why AXN picked them. I talked to most of them, and find them extremely interesting people with Character. Sadly though, I didn’t manage to talk to either Howard or Sahran. I think they may have left earlier, and did not join us in Luna Bar (perhaps Sahran didn’t like the idea of being in a penthouse?).
Andrew Tan and Syeon Park are indeed the cutest couple I’ve seen. They do everything absolutely together, and complement each other so well. Heck! They even use cellphones of the same model (O2 XDA Orbit or Mini S, don’t really remember). And Andrew seems to be a gentleman. Earlier during their dinner (without them being aware of our presence yet), I noticed that Andrew had escorted Syeon to the washroom - how nice. Also when they talk to each other, one can sense the closeness in them, as if they would finish each other’s sentences. They are very polite people as well, but this doesn’t mean that they are easy. They certainly do not talk emptily, and have depth in their speech. Also, their attitude in the Amazing Race Asia is not a product of edits of AXN. When talking to them, one can feel like they are the people that will put their nose to the grinder and do their very very best. Compared to the other teams, they are very low key. There was a flit of disappointment on Syeon’s face when the issue of the final leg was mentioned. Apparently A&S thought that the final leg would be a 2 hour episode (and hence longer leg), so they were saving money, and didn’t hire a cab - which proves that they are planners. And from their dressing and description of events, I’d say they, or at least, Syeon, has a great eye for detail (how else do you think they built the chair so quickly). In a chat with her and Marsio, her revealing her knowledge about Onion007’s troll post also shows that she, although having a rather muted online presence, is not oblivious to things going on. It’s no wonder I like them :D. Sadly, I forgot to ask for their contacts (not that they’d give anyways, har har.)
Zabrina Fernandez and Tee Joe Jer are a wonderfully dynamic team. Zabrina is extremely friendly (I stood there for a moment collecting my thoughts alone, and she walked over and asked how was I, and if I was okay). She is amongst the most sociable person last night, going from person to person, exchanging experiences. Along with her, came her husband, Jason, photographer (who had uploaded some nice pictures of the Finale Party in his Flikr account). Joe Jer however, seemed a little preoccupied, alone in her own world last night. She had quit her job, and went to Colombia after the Race, and from what I gather, came back with a Colombian boyfriend (who’s in the group picture above). She’s certainly lost some amount of weight, and looks prettier than on TV. After a while in Luna, I didn’t see much of them anymore (they went upstairs to the private club area, I think). Zabrina had certainly looked very very tired, as she told us, that she had been busy with AXN’s commercials and the finale party, but oozed energy when going round talking to people. Joe Jer had for some time in Luna Bar, looked sort of worried, as if being troubled by some internal thoughts, but maybe that’s just me, as other times during the race and in Soi 23, she looked positively lively (with a trace of lethargy). As for how they’re going to spend their winning money? Only they know. 
Sandy Sydney and Francesca von Etzdorf certainly look different in real life than on TV. Francesca certainly reminds me of Eva Green (the Bond Girl who played Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale) while Sandy is bigger in person. Oh, yeah, and Francesca is VERY VERY TALL, and very well dressed. Ah well, afterall, Francesca is a model. They’re friendly people, without the airs and grace you’d normally associate with models. And Sandy seems to be very well versed with his culture too, as he identified the Maori pendant on Joe Jer’s boyfriend’s neck (which was a gift from Joe Jer to him). Sandy, in the show, was a calm and always smiling person. He is too, in real life. And as a couple, they’re not bad too, frequently doing things together. Too bad my pictures of Sandy and Francesca kissing each other turned out very blur. And the picture to the right was not taken. I was standing between them, so I simply photoshopped myself out of the picture, leaving Sandy next to Francesca. I also noticed something. Being extra tall (as compared to us shorty asians, nyahahah), they both show an automatic consideration for the photographed subject. I noted that in any photos where the person between them is shorter than Sandy (example was Amelia, one of the underaged kids), they’d both hunch down to the subject’s level. Now, that’s some consideration that can’t be taught, rather, it is inate in a person.
Andy Lawson and Laura Kluk were the controversial “bad guys” on the show, but that was only painted by the editors. In real life, the first thing you’ll notice about them is their accent. It was quite something to watch and listen as Andy repeated a question over and over again. Again, as proof that it was the editors’ doing, they were friendly people as well (I think everyone is, except perhaps Sahil and Prashant, who weren’t present). Laura on first impression stuck me as a mature (as in thinking) British lady (you know, the stern governess types) with a different face from the Laura on TV. And Andy is not the conniving, hypercompetitive, and the loggerhead Andy you see on TV. This Andy is one that thinks of the Amazing Racers as one big happy family. To quote him,
“On TV it seems like we’re all enemies, but actually at every pit stop it’s one big happy family”
Seeing the teams’ interactions, I must agree. They even went along well with Sandy and Francesca. It’s amazing what the cameras and editors can do. And because Andy owns a web-company, I feel compelled to link them - Andology. It’s mostly a webdesign company and an internet-centric business solution company. Do check them out. Oh, do check out the upcoming CSI advertisements on AXN.
Marsio Juwono came alone to Kuala Lumpur, as his brother, Mardy, was ill. I talked quite a lot with him, and found him to be the same jovial Marsio from the show. He was also one with quite a lot of experience. He had a packet of M&Ms with him, hence the rather advertorial picture on the left. Also, surprisingly, he has a pretty Malaysian accent, frequenting the use of -lah. What he said was quite frank and honest, and told some of us that the best way of joining the Amazing Race is to be yourself. He describes himself as a social smoker, and had some problem with bedmites in the hotel in Malaysia. The best part about listening to him was his experiences on the Amazing Race Asia, and about the part on being fit and joining such a thing. Although he didn’t win anything (the only team to win two legs and didn’t win any rewards), he said it was an experience that he’ll never forget, and if given the chance, he would race again. To quote him, he’d rather join the Amazing Race Asia for nothing, than not join at all. He’s an interesting fellow, with a rather laid back (as opposed to Andrew and Syeon’s intensive) attitude, which makes him and his brother reaching the penultimate episode even more interesting. Through him, much information about other teams are revealed.
M&Ms, anyone?
As for Howard and Sahran, it’s a pity that I didn’t talk to them at all. One thing I noted about Howard is that he’s the tallest amongst them all (taller than even Andy Lawson).
I had a pretty great night last night. Although it was mostly all about adrenaline rushes the team faced that kept them in the race (and feeling extremely tired at each pit stop), and mostly about their personal experiences, I find each having their own distinct way of looking at things (and Life) differently, or shall I say, Amazingly. They are real people, doing real stuff. Thanks to Andy and Zab, who organized this and Chris who invited me.
The only thing I regret last night was out of the 40+ photos I took, only a handful were clear and proper - a result of not using the flash to conserve batteries. But you can always check out the Gallery of the Amazing Race Asia Fan Meet.
If anyone has a thing to say, please leave a comment. If you were there yesterday, and had extra photos, please send them to 
. I’d love to have extra photos. Thanks
Cool?
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Sounds interesting. Pity I couldn’t make it =)
Actually, you could. The initial meet time changed, and it was after your appointment. Sadly, I forgot to call you, and pick you up
Hey chewxy,
Remember Timtams?
It’s Syeon here.
You have a fantastic website here, I’m very impressed with it! Thank you for your very kind words as well.
What is your email address?
Syeon
that was a nice write-up. seems like you’ve captured their personalities on words.
hey chewxy (your name is jason right?),
what school are you going to? you’re doing your o’levels right?
this is andrew here, found your blog after getting the details from your phone when i bluetooth-ed the jingle to you.
anyway, didnt get a chance to talk to you much, but judging from your blog, you seem to be a bright and interesting kid.
send me a reply!
andrew tan.
andy looks chubby. laura looks like britney spears in the picture. syeon and joer jer are getting prettier. zabrina and francesca look exotic. nice writing chewxy!
A&S: Thanks for the reply
Syeon: Gosh, I feel pwned :D. But I stand corrected. You don’t have a muted internet presence.
Cyberred : Since when did you got married? And if I had captured their personality on words it’d be a million words long. A video is worth a thousand words.
Andrew: Hey! I’m not Jason. Jason’s one of the underaged kids XD. Thanks for the ringtone. You’re one lucky guy to have Syeon as a girlfriend (and possibly wife, eh?). And thanks for the um… flattering comment about “bright” and “interesting”. I think I am probably the boringest (or most bored. I switch between this 2) character.
Shinada: Hmm… maybe it’s my photography technique, Andy doesn’t look particularly chubby to me. I agree that the ladies look better in real life than on TV. Wonder why, lol.
hey..very interesting post there.
i wish i could have met them too.
btw, zab is married?
heh.
joe jer rocks..
=p
Yep, Nadia. Zab is married. Look in the gallery, the blond haired guy with an extremely boyish look, that’s Zabrina’s husband, Jason
cool blog dude!
wow! you are one lucky guy, having met these ‘amazing teams’ n all… like winning jackpot in lottery, eh? hehehe
thanks for sharin your experiences with us
Hey Andrew~!! I think you meant Brian ( which is me ) .. instead of Jason.. (
Hey Andrew~!! I think you meant Brian ( which is me ) instead of Jason.. (
Brian - check out the gallery. Your pic is there.
im really envy wif u.it really a nice gathering.well,next time if u have another gathering,plz do inform me earlier k the date and the time,coz im from kch sarawak,the finale pit stop of TARA.
btw,it is a nice blog dude….
Wow, I so envy you guys….
Btw, nice blog u have here
weird..my full msg isnt shown.. =.=
Anyway, Chewxy, mind adding me in msn? -deleted-
Chewxy’s edit: You really don’t want to put your email in public domain. You’ll get spammed to hell.
Al Mohd Rudzie, 4everblue, Z-1988: Yeah, thanks. This new blog layout is copyright by me, and is still undergoing live tests. And yep, the teams were fantastic - you know… read above
Brian - sure.
hi how ru all members.congrats zab and joe.You ALL MEMBERS r so luck bcoz u meet amazing race teams.hope that amazing race asia 2 will start soon.i will participate in the race.
Wah, Sai mm sai you scrutinize ppl until like that. Later ppl call you stalker.
hi Chewxy .tell me about ur self.
Means introduce ur self to me.
im dying here…
hi there,
Well done! happy to read ur blog about the gathering nite. although my fav (A&S) fall into 3rd place, somehow they did a good job i may can’t do it. bless them with more lucks (*)! well, do u think i’ve a 2nd chance to meet up the TARA team? or is there any planned gathering wil b held? hope to hear from u very soon.
best wishes, bLue.
[...] Meeting Marsio from the Amazing Race Asia (and as well as the other teams), I’ve come to the decision that I’m not very fit. The brothers may be horizontally challenged (it’s not politically correct to call people fat), but they are fit - physically. Also, judging from the stamina I lack, and that I keep falling ill when it comes to exam times, I’ve come to this conclusion: I’m not that fit after all. [...]
Erin: You think so?
Adnan: I’m male, and I am heterosexual. Unless you’re female and dressed like Princess Leia on Jabba the Hutt’s sailbarge (complete with slavishly submissive tendencies and a fetish for bondage sex), it’s useless to hit on me. LOL. Why don’t you go to my main page and click on my profile to read how I describe myself?
Chicklet: No, don’t die here. There’ll be lots of paperwork for me to do.
The Bureaucratic Civil Service of the After-life (Complete with Free Red Tape) isn’t named randomly you know.
bLue: I dunno about your requests. I wasn’t the one who planned all this. It was Zabrina and Andy.
Opps, thanks! erm… how to get them? umms.. jus update me. TQ.
bLue: No worries there.
heterosexual ? wat tht? hehehe surios here!!!!!
Chewxy? is the guy wear white shirt on amazing night kah?????
All star of TARA 1 are here? So Good!!!! it’s fun to read your blog. Can know more info about the All star of TARA 1 butta can’t meet them lor… so sad. if i know that day the final leg is at kuching sure i rush there & won’t miss the momment. Everything oledy became a memory…:o( Now i only can go the places (kuching) where they ever step their foot then remember it lor…..:***O(
Gammerth: heterosexual means I find girls, not guys attractive. And the guy wearing white shirt is not me. It’s Chris. I think I was wearing an invisibility cloak. It’s the opposite of homosexual. And yes, everything is but a mere memory now, but at least the contestants get to relive their memories twice. Then again… maybe not.
Oh gosh… it must have been fun… Great pictures and nice reviews on the teams!
How long you start this blog? Many many information…good work chewy. lucky chewy.
juinyjuinjuin: Yes, it was fun. And no, it wasn’t a review, nor is it an appraisal. Unlike some people, I don’t get paid to review.
Gammerth: This is Antworten zum Universum 3.0, my fourth blog. The first was on Tripod/Lycos, in the early days, before the word blog was invented, the second was on Blogger, and soon after, one of my readers sponsored me a website, I run on Wordpress. That was Antworten zum Universum 2.0, which, had about 500+ posts, and in October 2006, it was brought down by hackers who deleted everything. Hence, this is version 3. Thanks for the compliment. I try to keep my articles on high quality
Chewy are you reporter?
Nope, I am nary a reporter. However, I did suspect the Star and NST stealing some of my works though. Nyahahahah… just kidding. Fact is no Malaysian is willing to read such lengthy nonsense. People prefer to read short and stupidly idiotic posts (Which proves why joke sites have phenomenal following).
Did they steal you article about Z&J news bout The Amazing Race Asia.I saw the only article on NST talking The winner of The amazing Race Asia.Others Newspaper so far didn’t mention about the winner amazing race asia. Tht’s why i asking you did NST steal your works? hehehehehe
Nope. They didn’t steal anything from this site. If they did, you bet I’d have already sued for copyright infringements. So.. that thing about stealing my stuff was a joke.
Chewxy, did you need to go out everyday try to find a best shot to maintance your blog? Do you ever write a story/novel before?
no… I blog as I like. That’s why most of my topics are from my brain. Or from the brain of others. All I gotta do is some brain surgery, basic stuff really… drill a hole, get some grey matter and drill deeper to get some white matter. Consume it and I become smarter!!
Yes. I joined 2 NaNoWriMo (last year I didn’t, because I was busy with something else). All of them stopped halfway, short of 50000 words. I guess you need the discipline to write.
Look like your brain contain a thousand words…hehehe. forgot to ask you. Are you chinese?
Wow… I never knew I had that large a vocablary. I was hoping on a low 100 word vocabulary, then I have the perfect excuse of saying: Me Chewxy, You Jane, Me drag you me cave! lol.
Yeah, I’m chinese (Syeon’s Korean, and Andrew’s Chinese), but that doesn’t make a difference, does it?.
there are some different story if u ………..
well,
i am deaf hello good’afternoon Sandy how are you? the azaming race asia are you winner Sandy Sydney cute always be take care good’bye