All over the world, attention is geared increasingly toward environmental conservation, yet in the Philippines, a country blessed with so many natural resources, very little focus is dedicated to preserving the environment and its creatures. Taking on the challenge of putting Mother Nature’s welfare at the forefront, GMA Public Affairs has hatched BORN TO BE WILD, a top-caliber production that attempts to bring environmental issues closer to home.
Featuring up close encounters with nature and wildlife, Born to be Wild is a must-see TV offering like no other. Entirely devoted to environment and wildlife conservation, the show is the only one of its kind on Philippine television.
Born to be Wild goes underwater to swim alongside sea creatures, and will take viewers trekking through mountains and deep caverns to discover endemic and endangered species. At the heart of these adventures is a desire to make environmental concerns more real to viewers, and encourage active participation in nature conservation.
The show is hosted by one of Philippines’ famed Everest mountaineer, Romi Garduce, and popular veterinarian, Dr. Ferdinand Recio. As hosts, they both have the credentials because not only are they environment-and-animal enthusiasts, they also have significant exposure to nature and wildlife.
Touted as the Everest man who has paid homage to the world’s highest peak, Romi Garduce, proves there’s more to him than conquering peaks and glaciers.
He is a dive master who is constantly involved in various ecological causes like reconstructing coral reefs in different parts of the country. Also, Romi is extremely passionate about environmental issues and the protection of critically endangered species.
Without plans for marriage in the foreseeable future, Romi regards the environment as his ‘girlfriend.’
“The environment is like a girlfriend. And like being in a serious relationship, you would want it to last longer. You wouldn’t want a disrupted relationship, and wouldn’t want her to get back at you after the hurting stage. That’s why we need to care for it,” Romi said.
Dr. Ferdinand Recio, Romi’s partner in exploring the environment, has seven years of veterinary practice and specializes in animal surgery. And on Born to be Wild, part of his mission is to go deep into the wilderness to rescue and care for animals in distress.
“I see the importance of all lives. Be it an animal or a plant, there’s a reason why they are there. And we should give importance to all who give balance to our ecosystem,” Ferdinand shares.
More importantly, what they want to do with Born to be Wild is to create action beyond awareness, and encourage active involvement from a wide share of audiences – all social classes included. They want to highlight that which is often neglected, and raise the level of appreciation for nature as both of them honestly believe that the Philippine environment is in great danger, rating the country an “eight” on a scale of one to ten, with ten being the worst case possible.
There is still hope, they say, and this is the reason why they took the challenge to stand at the frontline of Born to be Wild.
And for its premiere episode, Born to be Wild brings amazing animal encounters to your TV screens.
Romi explores a remote mountain town in Calatrava, Negros where he meets feisty, little Macaque monkeys. Unlike other animals in the wild, these monkeys are sociable with people, and even look to the locals regularly for food. Romi takes a close look at these creatures and discovers that even in their world; there is politics, social etiquette and a systematic way of life. Romi also uncovers the dangers that threaten the survival of these fascinating animals.
In Palawan’s Calauit Island, Ferdinand discovers a curious Philippine safari of sorts. On this island paradise, zebra, giraffe and other animals are in need of medical attention. Ferdinand and the Calauit caregivers give relief to these animals, curing their wounds and attending to their medical needs.
Through their adventures, they discovered the secret to truly getting to know nature: the willingness to explore the unknown, getting out of your comfort zone, and to go wild, wild, wild!
Call your preferred pay TV operator now to catch these amazing wildlife encounters on Born To be Wild, airing on GMA PINOY TV! For more information, please log on to www.gmapinoytv.com.