Akihiro Sato is Survivor Philippines' Mr. Nice Guy.

AKIHIRO SATO says he implored his co-castaways in “Survivor Philippines” that ends on Friday: “Let’s not play dirty but be good examples to the viewers.” No wonder he’s called Mr. Nice Guy. But his request, of course, was not heeded as he himself was junked by Ervic Vijandre after they made a pact to help each other. “But I’m thankful that people tell me that I fought clean and didn’t show myself as someone so selfish just to win the prize money. My own strategy is to stay in the game by just giving my best to win in the challenges.”

What happened to the wounds he got while in the island? “They’re really bad. I was allergic to the insect bites and they got infected. I had wounds on my legs and thighs, also on my back. It’s good GMA-7 paid for the treatment, they left ugly scars.” He lifted his pants leg and showed us the dark scars on his legs. “They got really swollen so I can’t walk straight for some time. Up to now, I’m undergoing laser treatment to lighten the scars but I’m already paying on my own.”

What will he do if he’d win in the finals this Friday? “First, I’ll buy a car as I don’t have one. The rest, I’ll save or I’ll invite my family to come and visit this country that I’ve learned to love much. I now want to change my citizenship and become a Filipino.”