MANILA, Philippines?And then there were five ?

The final five castaways on the GMA 7 reality show ?Survivor Philippines: Palau? have gone through the wringer?overcoming hunger, sand fleas and daunting mind games throughout their 39-day stay on the island.

All original 16 contestants?especially the final six composed of Charles de Vera Fernandez of Dagupan, Shaun Rodriguez of Zambales, Jef Gaitan of Manila, Mika Batchelor of Palawan, Amanda Colley Van Cooll of Mindoro, and Justine Ferrer of Caloocan?were all ?savvy strategists who played as individuals from day one,? recounts host Paolo Bediones.

The castaways themselves admit that much. All six brushed up on old ?Survivor? episodes, particularly the US edition, to prepare for Palau.

?I picked up pointers on strategies,? Shaun admits. A Manila City Hall employee, Shaun made sure to stay under the radar. ?Keeping a low profile is my strategy because I don?t want to be regarded as a threat.?

It didn?t work because most of his fellow remaining castaways now consider him as the fiercest and strongest competitor.

True enough, Shaun was booted out last Friday. Another elimination round is being held tonight.

?Alliances?

Jef, who made waves with a wardrobe malfunction, concedes: ?It?s not just a game of strength; it?s also a game of alliances. Hardest part is that now we have to be deceitful and betray our allies to win.?

Justine, a transsexual beauty queen, points out: ?In real life, we plan; we don?t strategize.?

Amanda, a former construction worker from Alaska, admits that the show taught her patience. ?Even when I was upset, I kept quiet.?

Charles, the chubby businessman who lost 34 pounds on the island, positioned himself as the ?underdog,? too. He admits: ?Whenever there was conflict on the island, I just prayed.?

Mika, the resident chef, admits: ?In the end, your mind can become your worst enemy.?

The big winner of ?Survivor Philippines Season 2? will be revealed on Nov. 13.