Last December, Erika Casupanan was awarded $1,000,000 and the title of Sole Survivor after changing into the winner of “Survivor 41.” Her victory was largely surprising by followers, however welcomed nonetheless; she was additionally celebrated for marking quite a few milestones as a “Survivor” winner, amongst them being the primary Canadian consultant to win.
Erika’s standing as a Canadian icon was demonstrated no higher than final week, when she was awarded a Key to the City of her hometown of Niagara Falls. Here’s what it is advisable to know:
Niagara Falls’ Mayor Hosted a Viewing Party for ‘Survivor 41’ Finale in Honor of Erika
On Friday, February 25, Erika was awarded the Key to the City of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, by town’s mayor, Jim Diodati.
Erika’s hometown is Niagara Falls, Ontario, although she hasn’t lived there for years. According to thePhilippine News Agency,Erika was born within the Philippines, and immigrated to Canada along with her household at a younger age. She was raised in Niagara Falls, and moved to Toronto after faculty, the place she has lived ever since.
Diodati mentioned that many in Niagara Falls started taking curiosity in “Survivor” when somebody who calls town dwelling started performing effectively on the show.”We stored pondering … it would occur, it may occur, my gosh, it occurred!” Diodati remarked through the ceremony. He then addressed Erika, saying:”We went by way of the curler coaster. I’d wish to say we by no means had doubt, however we all the time knew you had what it took. And we’re so pleased with you.”
Diodati added that town even hosted an outside viewing get together for town through the finale, which, being a December evening, was fairly chilly and required a couple of propane tanks.
Erika mentioned that listening to about individuals from her hometown watching the show has been the “greatest present” for her:
I’ve heard from so many individuals — individuals I’ve identified from Niagara Falls, gone to highschool with, who’ve felt so impressed by watching me play. That for me has been the most important present because the show ended.
Footage of the complete, 14-minute occasion will be seen on Diodati’s official Instagramaccounthere, or above.
Erika: ‘It’s an Honour’ to Be Representative of Niagara Falls
In an Instagram submit after the ceremony, Erika mentioned it was an “honour” to just accept the Key to the City, and to be a consultant of town through the show’s run. “I’m grateful for all of the assist from my hometown, Canadians 🇨🇦 and everybody else who rooted for me!” she wrote. “It was an honour to signify myself and my dwelling throughout this loopy journey.”
Erika has made it clear because the season ended how a lot it means to her to be an inspiration to so many viewers of the show, particularly youthful ones, by being a robust feminine, Canadian, immigrant, Filipino, and individual of colour consultant that individuals can look as much as. In a December interview with ET Canada, she mentioned:
Knowing that that recreation the place I really was genuine to who I’m was what led me to the win and led me to signify all of those communities, it is overwhelming, it is an honor. I’m so grateful to all of the assist I’ve gotten…It’s really an honor to assist individuals really feel seen on TV.
There can be three Canadians competing within the upcoming season, “Survivor 42:” Omar Zaheer and Maryanne Oketch, each of whom are from Ontario, and Drea Wheeler, who was born and raised in Texas however now resides in Montreal, Quebec.
“Survivor” airs Wednesdays 8 p.m. Eastern on CBS. The two-hourseason 42premiere will air on March 9.
