Maria Isabel Lopez joins Survivor Philippines for daughter Mara

MARIA ISABEL LOPEZ says she didn’t really want to join the new season of “Survivor Philippines” as a castaway but her daughter Mara forced her. “I’m already happy with my life,” she says. “Sunod-sunod ang movies ko from ‘Kinatay’, which gave me best supporting actress awards and brought me to the Cannes Filmfest, to ‘Halaw’ and ‘Cuchera’. I had other offers but she pleaded to me for us to join kasi pair by pair nga. So I said, sige na nga, there will be other movie offers to come but once in a lifetime lang itong ‘Survivor’.”

Mara, who did soaps with ABS-CBN, is an expert surfer and a real nature lover. “I grew up with the sea, and me and my dad are fond of camping so I’m used to being in islands with a harsh enviroment,” she says. “But still, iba ang ‘Survivor’ as we have to build our own shelter. Even in cooking, we have to start from scratch. It’s hard but it’s an unforgettable experience.”

Find out how the only mother and daughter team in the castaways cope with the challenges of “Survivor Philippines” that starts airing this Monday after “24 Oras”.

Maria Isabel reveals her daughter found someone in the island. “Yes, nagka-boyfriend dun ang anak ko. But I won’t say who among the castaways ang naging BF niya. Find out na lang during the show.”