Sep 29, 2006 8:36 am US/Pacific
Re-Integrated 'Survivor' Says Farewell To Cecilia
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
On Thursday's episode of "Survivor: Cook Islands," the game mixed up the players as the four tribes were reduced to two, but Cecilia Mansilla could not overcome the backstabbing of new tribe mates.
Mansilla, 29, is technology risk consultant from San Francisco. She talked with CBS Early Show anchor Rene Syler Friday morning.
"I am surprised to see you here this morning," Syler said. "I thought I would be talking to Becky."
"That's what the plan was," Mansilla said. "The day it was 5-3 and we had a strategy and authority and people flit. That's what happens, you have to stay with the program."
Thursday's episode showed the four tribes, which had originally been divided along racial lines, re-sorted into integrated groups. The original plan of four ethnic tribes provoked criticism from those who objected the racial premise.
"It was such a non-issue and at first I didn't notice," said Mansilla, who was born and raised in Arequipa, Peru. Mansilla moved to the San Francisco area when she was 15 years old and learned English when she was 16 years old.
"It was just like Oakland, just like home, no majority, really," she said. "It just seemed natural unless you are adopted. You most likely go out with people that look like you. To start this game where people looked like me and shared similar values, it made sense.
"Some people felt uncomfortable when it was segregated, but I didn't," she said. "I loved, loved, loved my original tribe, but I didn't have enough time to get to know the extended tribe."
Marsilla suggested the chance of a little special affection for fellow "Survivor" John "J.P." Calderon, a professional volleyball player from Marina Del Rey, Calif.
"Whatever is going on between J.P. and I is totally innocent," Marsilla said. "I'm cute, so why not?
"I mean, did see the muscle goodness he has on him?" she said.
So what's next for Marsilla?
"I'm into finding out what makes me happy," she said. "Being on the show I realized it's not about the money and cars and all the material stuff or anything. It's really about the life that you have that provides you amazing experiences and the people you have, that are with you and you take care of. I am looking for that."
"Survivor: Cook Islands" airs Thursdays on CBS.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
