These TV hosts love to think green

They may not have the striking looks of Leonardo diCaprio or the powerful presence of Al Gore. But Romi Garduce and Ferdinand “Ferds” Recio, hosts of GMA 7’s Born to be Wild, share the two’s compassion and passion for nature.

Romi, an Everest mountaineer, and Ferds, a veterinarian, believe people can still do something amidst the erratic and drastic climate change Planet Earth is experiencing. That begins with awareness and/or consciousness.

This is what the hosts of the new public affairs program are about to show televiewers when it premieres tonight after Saksi.

“The Philippines has a high biodiversity,” says Romi of the country’s environment. “It is teeming with ‘treasures’ people have to take care of. Most of them are not aware of these species and how to look after them.”

“What we do seems like a suntok sa buwan,” shares Ferds of the thrust of Born to be Wild. “Somebody has to take the first step. I believe if you cast knowledge, at least something is left with the televiewers.”

Born to be Wild will see Romi and Ferds trekking through mountains and terrain, diving and swimming with marine life and having a close encounter with endemic and endangered species.

On top of that, they will present and discuss issues on wildlife conservation and efforts and the alarming effects of global warming and human behavior on ecosystem. The hosts will talk as experts in their fields. Romi is a dive master and advocate of ecological causes like a campaign on the preservation of coral reef, while Ferds is a practicing animal doctor.

The documentary cum reality show is a localized version of National Geographic’s Nat Geo delving on nature and environment in a bigger picture.

What’s good with Born to be Wild is, it takes a closer look at our own environmental issues and provides  information on how we can deal with them. The show also inspires people to take care of Mother Nature which has been generous to everyone for the past centuries.     

For tonight’s pilot episode, Romi visits Calatrava, a far-flung town in Negros and checks out the friendly and sociable Macaque monkeys. His report  covers the monkeys’ lifestyle and present environmental condition.

Ferds, for his part, has a Safari ride in Palawan’s Calauit Island. He will be a doctor for a day to the island’s animals like zebras and giraffes that need medical and health attention.

What’s interesting is how the hosts’ personality will come to play on the show and lighten up the serious talks on environment.

Let’s find out how Romi’s funny antics and fast and long talk and Ferds’ enthusiasm and boy-next-door appeal spice up their segments.

Since Born to be Wild aims to open people’s  environmental consciousness, there will be no short cuts or quick fix on issues.

“The show is like teaching my clients how to take care of their pets,” says Ferds. “There’s so much to be done (as far as the environment is concerned).

It’s about time to focus on the environment that  takes the backseat for a long time. I hope the show translates that little by little.”