‘Naked and Afraid,’ castaways survive

ALISON Teal (left) and Jonathan Klay find themselves sorely tested on an island.

Nude castaways are challenged to survive in the wilderness, forced to rely on their wits and a few crucial objects in the Discovery reality series, “Naked and Afraid.” Two strangers are partnered and evaluated before and after they embark on their three-week survival journey—there is no cash prize, but those who survive it are rewarded with “pride and a sense of accomplishment,” according to the Discovery website.

Sans clothes, the “survivalists” are marooned and tasked with making the most of a given location. They are accompanied by a camera crew but are given their own recording devices. Should the pair decide to quit for whatever reason, they can be taken off the location by the crew.

The episode “Island From Hell” epitomizes the way an unexpected environment can pinpoint the vulnerabilities of normally strong individuals. Jonathan Klay is a former Marine and bodyguard, while Alison Teal is a surfer and frequent traveler. Immediately, Jonathan is almost incapacitated by the heat, his body getting heavily sunburned just a few hours after his arrival on a small island.

This makes Alison take over, whipping up a makeshift minishelter and foraging for food for herself and the reeling, immobilized Jonathan. Eventually, he is well enough to help out and digs up an area for potable water. Impatiently, he drinks the   unboiled water but later has to deal with the disastrous and embarrassing consequences!

Vulnerable period

Alison, while strong-willed, is tested when she experiences pain brought about by her monthly cycle. The isolation also affects her during this vulnerable period.

A producer denies that the show is “exploitative” but the title does get people curious. Certain body parts are blurred accordingly and the uninhibited castaways sometimes wear pieces of clothing that they discover at the locale.

As a “survival” series, “Naked and Afraid” adequately shows the importance of resourcefulness and practical skills, while reiterating that unexpected factors can just as easily render its subjects inactive or uncooperative.

Transformations are jarring, as drastic weight loss and a generally unkempt, desperate appearance marks the end of the survivalists’ grueling adventure. Nevertheless, there are lessons to be learned on teamwork, planning and practicality.

ALISON Teal (left) and Jonathan Klay find themselves sorely tested on an island.

For a show that takes place in a span of several weeks, only the most important events are encapsulated in hourlong episodes. It rapidly shows the changes in the participants’ bodies and behavior, while singling out the necessary developments.

(“Naked and Afraid” airs Wednesdays, 2 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Discovery.)

‘ASAP 19’

ASAP celebrates its 19th anniversary today as ABS-CBN’s longest-running variety show, with performers led by Kim Chiu and Xian Lim, and Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo.

Singer-actress Sarah Geronimo and actresses Andi Eigenmann and Cristine Reyes will be featured in separate production numbers.

(“ASAP 19” airs Sundays at 12:15 p.m.)

‘Kusina Master’

Starting tomorrow on “Kusina Master,” chef Boy Logro shares practical tips on preparing new recipes.

Singer Aicelle Santos will appear in the Monday episode. On Tuesday, comedienne Cacai Bautista will be the featured guest. From Wednesday to Friday, singer Rachelle Ann Go will join the chef.

(“Kusina Master: Sikreto ng Eksperto” airs weekdays, 10:30 a.m. on GMA 7.)

‘Mixels’

Set in a world of comical creatures that can mix and combine with each other, “Mixels” is based on a new series of Lego toys.

The animated shorts consisting of one- to two-minute segments will debut tomorrow on Cartoon Network at 5:25 p.m. The shorts are created by John Fang (“Ben 10”) and Dave Smith (“Powerpuff Girls”).

‘Food Wars’

Foodie and travel enthusiast Camille Ford sets out to find the United States’ most celebrated dishes. Rival recipes are settled by a “blind taste test.”

(“Food Wars” airs on Food Network Asia, Thursdays at 9 p.m.)

Lloydie-Sarah on Cinema One

Cinema One turns the spotlight on the John Lloyd Cruz-Sarah Geronimo tandem as it airs a marathon of the movies: “A Very Special Love,” “You Changed My Life” and “It Takes a Man and a Woman.” The three films will air (in this order) on Feb. 23, starting 2 p.m.