NO LESS than GMA Public Affairs – the most trusted media organization in the country – is spearheading the cause of the late night show "Born to be Wild" every Wednesday.

Set as distinct from the existing shows in the Kapuso’s late night strip, "Born to be Wild" is the first in local television to highlight and take action on ecological issues onscreen. It has managed to put justice to the imperative use of media via advocating conservation efforts.

Executive producer Angelli Atienza and program manager Joy Madrigal tell of the anecdotes and hard work that arise behind "Born to be Wild’s" cameras. "The show completes the roster of GMA’s late night offerings. This is a fresh concept that answers the need for more serious and in-depth discourses about environment and wildlife. We are happy the show has been well-received so far," says Madrigal.

Though the show is apparently successful in terms of viewership and commercial loading, there were serious apprehensions that came to the fore prior to its airing. "Since this is a new concept, we asked who would openly accept or support a show dedicated to environment and wildlife. The misconception about nature and wildlife is the commonality of the matter. That’s why we really struggle to package our stories in a manner that would hold the interest of the audience," Atienza says.

How can a show as meticulously crafted as "Born to be Wild" be not worth the interest of its late night viewers? From the researchers to producers to hosts, everybody is totally involved in pitching and producing stories. "Even hosts Romi Garduce and Doc Ferdz Recio are very hands-on. They are the types who live by the environmental creed," Madrigal says proudly.

Unlike any usual television program that requires the typical processes of brainstorming and taping, "Born to be Wild" gets atypical because its lead animals and natural occurrences are hard to schedule for shoots. Just the same, Atienza and Madrigal claim they are overwhelmed with the way the show is going. There are positive feedbacks that entail the change of viewers’ mindset. "We know of some people who quit smoking because of the show," says Madrigal.

The viewers have indeed shifted from indifference to involvement as they have become more aware about the rights of animals and wildlife law. "Born to be Wild" is in constant liaison with various government, academic, and commercial sectors to make the advocacy more widespread. The show conveniently gets sponsorships and inputs from its partners, having a cause that attends to an impersonal setback.

In tonight’s (January 23) episode, right after "Saksi," "Born to be Wild" goes into the deep and the dark to encounter creatures too rare for acquaintance.

Recio explores the mystical Bathala Cave in Marinduque Island, known as an abode for huge python snakes. Deep inside the cave, Recio studies reptile behavior and discovers why the creatures prefer the cavern for shelter.

In a province long-exploited by mining activities, Bathala Cave remains one of the last few sanctuaries for wildlife.

Meanwhile, Dr. Garduce goes diving to explore a marine protected area in Handumon, Bohol. Because of the community’s efforts, the area once called a "cemetery" by the locals, now boasts of a diverse and colorful underwater world. Even the rare seahorse finds shelter, thrives, and breeds in this rich body of water.