Born Expeditions on Born to be Wild

MANILA, Philippines - It’s been several days since teams Pamilacan and Camiguin Norte began their quest to document the different species of whales that visit Philippine seas.

But while Born to be Wild host Doc Ferds Recio and his team are on a roll, documenting surface and underwater dolphin behavior, another Born to be Wild host, Kiko Rustia, and his team are battered by strong winds and huge waves, making it impossible to make it out at sea.

Almost every day, the sea water is icy. And at night, the chilly winds threaten to rip the expedition team’s tents.  But even in this weather, their spirits have not been dampened.  On days when the waves are too big for any attempts at whale sightings, Kiko and the team visit old friends — a local artist named Omel, whale researcher A.G. Sano and Fr. Joemar who took the team in last summer.

After days and days of waiting for good weather, the sun finally shines.  And when they least expect it, other old friends — the humpbacks — finally make an appearance.

Last week, Doc and the team glimpsed a huge fin “waving” on the water’s surface. This week, they find out what gentle giant gave them a surprise visit.  Before long, familiar spots are seen, and it is evident that they’ve come across a group of whale sharks.  The boatman estimates that at least 10 whale sharks are swimming around their boat.  Doc Ferds dives in with the giants to get a closer look.

Just as the team is about to head home, they are told that another whale shark is up ahead.  They spot a large fin breaking the water’s surface.  But this one is too big, even for a whale shark.  As the creature gets closer, it becomes evident that they are not dealing with a whale shark at all.  What is in front of them is a blue whale, the largest animal on the face of the planet.

The Born Expeditions III airs tonight after Saksi on GMA 7.