For nearly two decades, Born to Be Wild has brought viewers closer to the Philippines’ wildlife and natural heritage. This October, the award-winning GMA wildlife program celebrates its 19th anniversary with a four-part special series featuring Doc Ferds Recio and Doc Nielsen Donato as they journey to remote marine frontiers and explore fragile ecosystems facing growing environmental challenges.
Titled “Laban ng ating Karagatan,” the anniversary special takes viewers to two vital marine areas: the Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in the Sulu Sea. Through their expeditions, Doc Ferds and Doc Nielsen witness the richness of marine life and examine the challenges affecting ecosystems that support wildlife, communities, livelihoods, and the country’s future.
The anniversary also gives the two hosts an opportunity to reflect on how nearly two decades of fieldwork have deepened their appreciation for the Philippines’ marine ecosystems and strengthened their commitment to protecting them.
“[My journey with Born to Be Wild] reminded me na ang dami pa rin nating hindi alam about our own seas and the wildlife that lives there. Every expedition teaches me something new, and that’s what keeps the work exciting even after all these years,” shares Doc Ferds.
Doc Nielsen likewise emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of the country’s marine frontiers.
“[As one of the hosts of Born to Be Wild], I learned that there is still so much to discover in our marine frontiers. But it’s sad that our beautiful marine wildlife is in danger of getting destroyed. I wish Filipinos will understand that our marine frontier is not only a source of food and livelihood, but it is also essential to our survival. So whatever happens to it will affect us,” he says.
The anniversary special begins on October 4 with “Laban ng ating Karagatan: Ito ang ating Yaman.” Doc Ferds explores the rich marine ecosystems of Tubbataha and the remote Lawak Island. In Tubbataha, he witnesses the abundance of marine life and the reef’s important role in sustaining Philippine seas, with ocean currents carrying fish larvae toward fishing grounds across the country.
Meanwhile, Doc Nielsen visits Lawak Island, where migratory and resident seabirds survive extreme heat and limited freshwater alongside soldiers stationed there to guard the country’s maritime boundaries. The episode highlights the importance of protecting Philippine waters that sustain wildlife and communities.
On October 11, “Laban ng ating Karagatan: Para sa Kalikasan” takes Doc Ferds back to the Sulu Sea, where marine park rangers spend weeks in isolation protecting Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. He takes one of his deepest dives yet, encountering some of the reef’s largest residents, including Tiger Sharks, Hammerheads, Manta Rays, and Whale Sharks.
The journey continues on October 18 with “Laban ng ating Karagatan: Ito ang Ating Pag-asa.” Doc Nielsen travels to Pag-asa Island, home to a community of more than 400 Filipinos and the only inhabited island among the seven islands and two reefs of the Kalayaan Island Group. He explores how the community’s daily life and survival are closely connected to the health of the surrounding coral reefs.
The episode also documents the challenges faced by Filipino families as foreign vessel incursions, destructive fishing practices, and restrictions on access to fishing grounds threaten the reefs that provide food and livelihood.
The four-part anniversary special concludes on October 25 with “Laban ng ating Karagatan: Para sa Kinabukasan.” Doc Nielsen and Doc Ferds examine the continuing challenges faced by marine wildlife and fragile ecosystems. Back on Lawak Island, Doc Nielsen discovers seabirds using plastic waste to build their nests, showing how marine pollution has reached even some of the country’s most remote areas.
In Tubbataha, Doc Ferds encounters the territorial Titan Triggerfish, whose feeding habits contribute to the health and resilience of the reef. The episode underscores the importance of protecting not only the country’s maritime frontiers but also the people, wildlife, and ecosystems that depend on the waters surrounding them.
Catch the Born to Be Wild 19th Anniversary Special, airing every Sunday in October at 9 a.m. on GMA.
