Newest runner Miguel Tanfelix of ‘Running Man Philippines’ Season 2 revealed on May 4 that he was taken aback by several discoveries while filming the show in South Korea.
During a press conference at GMA Network Studio, Tanfelix initially had doubts about spending over a month in a foreign country. The Running Man Philippines team spent 43 days in South Korea, away from their families and friends.
“So para sa akin, parang ano, hindi bukal sa loob ko na pumunta ng 43 days,” he admitted. “Parang masakit, mahirap na umalis sa Pilipinas.”
However, after bonding with his co-runners Mikael Daez, Glaiza de Castro, Lexi Gonzales, Angel Guardian, Kokoy de Santos, and Buboy Villar, his perspective changed.
“Pero noong nakapag-adjust ako, noong naging close kami lahat, doon na parang ayaw ko ng umuwi. Hindi naman sa ayaw umuwi pero sobrang dali ng mga araw. Parang hindi siya 43 days.”
He was surprised to find that what started as work in South Korea turned into an enjoyable experience.
“So, ‘yung bago ako pumunta ng Korea, iniisip ko, trabaho ‘yung pupuntahan ko. Pero hindi ko naramdaman na nagtatrabaho ako during the 43 days,” the actor shared.
Enjoying his time in SoKor with his fellow runners, Tanfelix made another discovery: the joy of laughter in life.
“Natutunan kong mas tumawa sa buhay. Totoo ‘yung sinabi ni Boss G na minsan, natatakot tayo sa mga uncertainties. Pero minsan, ‘yun ang nagpapa-excite sa buhay natin. Parang excited ka kung anong araw na kinabukasan. So, doon ako nae-excite at ‘yun ang tinuro sa akin ng Running Man and co-runners ko.”
Was he intimidated initially?
As a newcomer, Tanfelix admitted feeling intimidated by his co-runners, especially being an introvert who finds it challenging to initiate conversations.
“Parang minsan nahihiya akong kumausap ng mga tao. So ‘yun, pinanood ko buong season 1 and na-intimidate ako kung gaano sila ka-close. Inisip ko kung paano ako papasok sa grupo nila,” he confessed.
However, once in SoKor, he decided to go with the flow, using the popular Filipino phrase, “Bahala na si Batman,” indicating his readiness to embrace whatever happened on the show.
His initial intimidation disappeared when he was warmly welcomed by the other runners, making his 43-day experience fulfilling.
“Buti na lang, naging very welcoming sila sa’kin. Kaya at least naging masaya ‘yung buong 43 days ko.”
Despite being the newest addition to the group, Tanfelix had hoped to prove his worth. However, facing challenges during the winter season, his plan to demonstrate he could be the ultimate runner didn’t quite go as expected.
“Kung si Lexi ang preparation niya is mag-enjoy, ako, iniisip ko, dapat thinker ako, dapat magaling ako, ganiyan. Pero lahat nang iyon, hindi ko nagawa dahil sobrang unexpected ng mga pangyayari. Kaya wala kang plano na masusunod sa Running Man.”
Catch Miguel Tanfelix and the other runners in Running Man PH Season 2 every weekend on GMA Network.
