Melai Cantiveros’ thrilling run on “Minute to Win It” kept Kapamilya viewers on the edge of their seats. With one clutch victory after another, she showcased remarkable determination and resilience, earning cheers and support from audiences every step of the way.
The same grit and charm that endeared her to viewers—and ultimately helped her become the Big Winner of “Pinoy Big Brother Double Up”—were on full display as she tackled each obstacle. Reflecting on her experience, Melai shared, “Ang natutunan ko naman sa ‘Pinoy Big Brother’ is ang pagiging competitive. Dito sa ‘Minute to Win It,’ pwede ko siyang gawing inspirasyon na makaya ko ang mga levels.”
From early setbacks to impressive victories, Melai’s road to the ₱250,000 prize kept viewers entertained every step of the way.
Melai lost her first ‘life’ in the opening challenge, “Separation Anxiety,” where she had to sort candies by color into their corresponding containers using only one hand. Although she got off to a rough start, Melai quickly bounced back and approached her second attempt with greater composure, precision, and focus. Her improved strategy paid off, earning her ₱5,000 after successfully completing the challenge with just nine seconds left on the clock.
In the “Movin’ On Up” challenge, Melai kept her game face on and remained composed from start to finish. The task required her to alternate between both hands as she moved a stack of cups, bringing the blue cup back to its original position after restacking the cups from top to bottom. Staying focused under pressure, Melai completed the challenge with just five seconds left on the clock, earning herself ₱10,000.
The “Bobble Head” challenge left Melai feeling dizzy as she repeatedly moved her head to record at least 88 hits on the pedometer strapped to her forehead. She started strong with quick, energetic motions, but eventually closed her eyes to maintain her balance and concentration. Using every second available, Melai surpassed the target with 143 hits, earning the ₱25,000 prize.
With her fighting spirit still burning bright, Melai advanced to the fourth challenge, “Hanky Panky,” where she had to empty two tissue boxes by pulling out the tissues one at a time using only one hand. The game tested not only her speed but also her patience and endurance. Remaining focused until the very end, she cleared the challenge with six seconds left on the clock, boosting her total winnings to ₱50,000.
Advancing to another safety level, Melai was determined to secure at least ₱75,000 in guaranteed winnings. In the “Suck It Up” challenge, she had to transfer three candies across the 60-second circle by using a straw to create suction and lift each candy. Staying true to her “slow but sure” approach, Melai carefully executed her strategy and completed the task with more than 20 seconds left on the clock.
Next came “Tira Banana,” the ₱100,000 challenge that tested both skill and patience. Melai had to swing a banana hanging from her waist to roll two oranges into a hula hoop placed on the stage. While it took her more than 30 seconds to guide the first orange into the target, she once again delivered a clutch performance by sending the second orange into the hula hoop with just seven seconds remaining, securing another dramatic victory.
The “Bucket Head” challenge at level 7 cost Melai another ‘life’ after she failed to catch five ping-pong balls in a bucket strapped to her head. To complete the task, she had to bounce the balls off the ground and a clear wall before catching them. On her second attempt, Melai adjusted her strategy by kneeling on the floor, giving herself a better angle and height to track the balls. The change paid off in dramatic fashion as she secured the ₱150,000 prize by catching the final ping-pong ball at the last possible moment, just as the buzzer sounded.
For level 8, Melai faced “What A Racquet,” the challenge that also served as the third and final safety level. With a tennis racket held between her thighs, she had to carefully balance and guide a gumball into the center square using only the movement of her hips. Demonstrating remarkable control and focus, Melai completed the challenge with 21 seconds to spare, securing ₱250,000 in guaranteed winnings.
“Double Trouble” gave Melai one final shot at the ₱1 million jackpot, but she ultimately fell short in the challenge. She had to bounce two ping-pong balls on a table so that they would simultaneously land in two cups placed on another table at the opposite end of the 60-second circle.
Catch “Minute to Win It” airing weekdays, 5:45pm on ABS-CBN sa All TV2, Kapamilya Channel, A2Z and Kapamilya Online Live (KOL).