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Brian Zarate was the first contestant to be eliminated from the extreme reality show Survivor Expedition Robinson on Telefe. He spent only three days on a desert island in the Darien Gap (Colombia), which wasn’t enough to experience the adventure he had hoped for, but it was too many hours away from his two-year-old son Oliver. In an interview with THE NATION, he shared how he felt when his fellow contestants voted him out and why he made a negative comment regarding them. He also mentioned that he lives in Villa Fiorito, a dangerous neighborhood where he wouldn’t want to raise his son, which is why he entered the reality show, not for fame. Like his siblings, he works in sewing gloves and has been working since he was 14 years old, when he had to drop out of school to earn money and support his family, as his parents’ income wasn’t enough to feed his five siblings.
-What was your life like before joining Survivor?
-I used to work as a kitchen assistant at the Garraham Hospital. Before that, I was in the Federal Police, but when my service was cut, I was transferred to the hospital. I decided to participate in the show to provide a better life for my son. We live in Fiorito, but my brother lives in Pilar, a quieter neighborhood. Fiorito is dangerous, with shootings happening every weekend, it’s practically a no man’s land. I don’t want my son growing up in such an environment.
-How was it when you returned?
-It was normal. The first thing I did was hug my son, cover him with kisses, I mightn’t stop laughing… (laughs). I missed him, and we had a barbecue.
-Are you working now?
-I work from home. I left the hospital to be on the reality show. I have been sewing industrial gloves for my whole life, and I continue to do so with my wife Mayra. My lifelong dream is to own a house and get my son out of that neighborhood. I want him to attend a school where his classmates’ parents are good people. I experienced the opposite growing up, and it was tough. It’s important to choose the right path.
-What was your upbringing like?
-I grew up in Ingeniero Budge. My father worked, my mother took care of the house, and I had to fend for myself. I roamed the streets and saw that it was not the right path.
-What kept you on the right track?
-I am grateful that I followed my parents’ advice and understood the value of working hard, having my own things, and coming home to a peaceful environment. There are temptations, but one must stay strong. I don’t want my son to be exposed to such temptations in the future. I dream of having a good job, making investments, and owning a workshop to produce gloves. It’s a challenge due to the lack of capital.
-Did you complete your high school education?
-No, I dropped out at 14 to work and learned the trade that I am skilled in now. My father used to work in a shoe store and is now retired. My mother was a homemaker and did her best to support her five children.
-Do you think you will achieve your dream? Do you see it as attainable?
-It’s challenging but not impossible. I work hard, save money, and avoid unnecessary expenses. Eventually, I believe I will achieve my dream. It’s a tough journey, but I am also looking for additional work opportunities while working from home. It’s quite complex.
-Do you envision a career in television?
-Honestly, no. But if the opportunity arises, I am open to it. I seize opportunities and don’t let them slip away.
-You mentioned entering the reality show to win and buy a house for your son. How did it unfold?
-One day, my mother-in-law and wife told me regarding the show’s recruitment. I have been a fan since childhood, watching Naked Survival because of my father. The idea of living in the jungle intrigued me, as I enjoy nature and tranquility. I had always questioned if what was shown on TV was authentic or staged. I took a chance and discovered that everything was real.
-Did missing your son affect your performance?
-During my three days on the island, I missed my son tremendously. The first day was bearable, but by the second day, the distance hit me hard. Despite that, I pushed myself to continue and not give up.
-Were you surprised by your elimination?
-I wasn’t surprised because of my poor choice of words when I criticized the female contestants for not contributing. Though there were four women, I felt they weren’t helping much in the camp. While I worked hard to build a shelter, they seemed more interested in leisure activities. I felt frustrated by their behavior. My final comment was my downfall. I might have expressed myself poorly, but I believe in speaking my mind directly. People prefer to hear what they want to hear.
-What was your wife’s reaction to your comment?
-She understood where I was coming from because she knows me well.
-How did you feel upon your elimination?
-I was angry. I believe decisions should be made collectively as a group. When I expressed my reluctance to participate in a game, I expected a discussion, but it never happened. I believe in addressing issues face-to-face rather than behind someone’s back. Up until the elimination, I thought Janet would be voted out as she was considered less essential, but she was always actively involved, which I respect. Strength wasn’t the only criterion.
-What did you enjoy and find challenging regarding this experience?
-Being in the jungle was an incredible experience, but the lack of food and protection from insects was tough. I knew I wouldn’t have much to eat and mentally prepared for it, but being away from my son was the hardest part. I missed out on seeing him grow, which was heartbreaking. I didn’t want to show my vulnerability to the group, so I kept my emotions in check.
Conocé The Trust Project
In the world of reality television, contestants often embark on a journey in search of fame, fortune, or a chance to change their lives. Brian Zarate was one such participant who entered Telefe’s extreme reality show, Survivor Expedition Robinson, with the hope of winning and providing a better life for his young son. However, his time on the desert island in the Darien Gap, Colombia, was short-lived as he became the first to be eliminated from the competition.
Before joining Survivor, Brian worked as a kitchen assistant at Garraham Hospital and had also served in the Federal Police. However, his decision to enter the reality show was driven by his desire to give his son a safer and better life. Living in the dangerous neighborhood of Villa Fiorito, Brian was determined to win the show and buy a house in a more peaceful area for his family.
Upon his return from the show, Brian was back to working from home, sewing industrial gloves alongside his wife. Despite facing challenges and the difficulty of achieving his dream of owning a house, Brian remained optimistic and focused on saving money for the future. He emphasized the importance of hard work, dedication, and making the right choices to secure a better future for his son.
Reflecting on his experience on Survivor, Brian shared his feelings of missing his son during his time on the island and the frustration he felt towards his fellow contestants. He acknowledged that his direct and outspoken nature may have led to misunderstandings within the group, but he remained true to his beliefs and values.
Throughout the interview, Brian’s story sheds light on the struggles of individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who are determined to break free from the cycle of poverty and create a better life for themselves and their families. His journey serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance, hard work, and making sacrifices to achieve one’s goals.
In conclusion, Brian Zarate’s story is a testament to the resilience and determination of individuals striving to overcome obstacles and build a brighter future. His experience on Survivor may have been short-lived, but it has left a lasting impact on him, driving him to continue pursuing his dreams and working towards a better life for his son.
