Kudos to the staff for choosing the the name of the merged tribe. I was personally campaigning for Bakunawa but that's because I haven't watched Amaya for a long time. Can you imagine if the castaways were tasked to name the tribe? They could have voted on "Camp Amazing", "No Quitters Quarters", "Occupy Twitter", or "Cobralalalalah!". Luckily, after paying tribute to the nightly heavenly bodies, it was fitting that the sun would be recognized in the new tribe: Apolaki, the sun god in Philippine folklore.

The pre merge "challenge" was amusing. Someone commented that John was digging for his life since he was the last one to find his canister/basket. Some might say he was slowly digging his grave.

Richard punk'd the celebs bigtime as the canisters just had their new buffs signaling the merge. But he made up for it and gave them a feast that would make quitters say, "sobrang ma alaga pala ang staff and crew!". Favorite food, a lechon, bottomless drinks, and the hottest band in San Vicente Palawan. They even flew in the timeless Rachael Lobangco to entertain them with some fire dancing number that was so hot that even a sun god would be burned with envy. Then again, who else can throw an island party better than Richard? He wasn't bartending that night so no nasty shakes were served like in the "smoothie" challenge.

Of course the castaways grouped themselves with their old tribemates (as Chuckie explained) just to "touch base" or rather update people about what happened during their separation. I think no one wanted to suggest an "open forum" in fear they be the target by the three kings (KC, Gino, and John) or be blindsided by Arnold.

Anyhow, Arnold looked to be the talk of the tribe for his role in giving Carlo the boot. In fairness, Arnold can't take all the credit. Carlo had a strategy (or no strategy?) that was really bad. Arnie just pounced on the opportunity.

Speaking of Arnold, did you ever wondered where his lost immunity bracelet that was swept into the sea ended up? The mystery was recently solved when a wild pig ate it. Yup. This same pig was the lecheon served in the tribal feast. Mara was just smart enough to know that the lechon's belly is the tastiest part not the batok. So lo and behold! She found an immunity bracelet. Ok, this is just my personal theory. But watching four seasons of Survivor Philippines, I know there are no coincidences in this game. Everything happens for a reason people!

While the castaways had their merry making and fun (but no flashing of body parts like last season), Old Bulan and Old Tala were obviously strategizing. Tala may have been a little wiser now (Chuckie showing some smarts by advising Arthur on how they can even things up) but Bulan still have the numbers. Or do they? Swing vote Stef knows she's not really part of the power 5 of Bulan so why not conspire with Tala?

The honeymoon between the old tribes will quickly be over. Next week, the competition would be so exhausting that someone actually needed to be given oxygen. Abangan.

P.S. Its funny what you find in tv in an early Saturday morning. First, congrats to Arthur for his role in Pepito Manoloto. Second, for Mara getting to share her family's "beauty queen diet" in Pinoy M.D. Finally, Maey and Betong being celebrity endorsers of an "efficacent oil". Amazing! See, they didn't quit and are now reaping the rewards. :)