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The long wait for the first-ever Survivor Philippines is finally over as GMA-7 airs the reality show’s pilot episode tonight on its primetime block.

Survivor follows the lives and challenges of 18 castaways as they brave the remote "devil's island" of Koh Tarutao in Thailand for over 39 days, accompanied by reality TV host Paolo Bediones and 120 production staffers. Taking on the elements dwelling in land and water, the 18 castaways, chosen from more than 43,000 applicants, must do everything to survive against one another, despite having limited tools for shelter, food, and protection.

Paolo, who was quoted as saying that hosting Survivor is his dream job, told the press that while competition is fierce, the participants and entire Survivor crew were one big happy family. "Malaking bagay talaga ‘yung nag-bonding lahat kami, kung saan talagang naghihirap kayo. Kumbaga, nakikilala mo ‘yung ugali ng tao," he told PEP.

Among the perils in store for Survivor castaways are encounters with endemic species such as manta rays, sharks, wild boars, and even crocodiles which lurk the island and could strike an unguarded member anytime. Koh Tarutao might also prove to be the “devil’s island” since there were reported ghost sightings in the area--believed to be ancient island inhabitants who visit the tribes at night.

Like everyone else, we’re left to wonder who among the castaways will be crowned the Pinoy Sole Survivor and awarded P3 million to boot. Will it be from the Jarakay tribe, consisting of hunky fitness instructor Jace Flores, mountain bike instructor Gigit Sulit, sewing machine technician Emerson Dino, auto mechanic/model John Anthony Lopez, waiter Marlon Carmen, call center agent Nikki Dacullo, sporty mom Niña Ortiz, nanny Patani Daño, and Taekwondo champion Veronica Domingo? Or will the Naak team--made up of Smart Telecom officer Charisse Yacapin, ex-GRO Chev Macias, driver Cris Cartagenas, basketball player JC Tiuseco, lingerie model Kaye Alipio, businessman Kiko Rustia, sales officer and businessman Rob Sy, farm girl Vevherly Gador, and laundry woman Zita Ortega--produce the winner?

Take your first look of the castaways in the gallery below and learn more about them beginning tonight in the Survivor Philippines pilot on GMA-7 after Kim Sam Soon.