GREW up in Antipolo and back then, it was a small rural town. We had a house that faced a lot of trees and we could see the various mountains surrounding our town. I grew up with various flora and fauna as my playmates. There was a river right outside our backyard that was a tributary to the famous Hinulugang Taktak. I loved the small waves brought about by the strong current that would mindlessly roll over our small wall. The sound would lull me to a deep sleep at night.
The part of the river behind our house was described as korteng gitara because from the top view, it really looked like a guitar. In my childhood, it was my secret place. I played and swam in wild abandon, like some mysterious nymph seducing innocent sailors. I would also bring my Playmobil and Lego toys by the bank, and they’d watch me as I tried to write essays. My toys, along with the river, were my first readers.
This is how my love affair with nature started. I’m truly glad nature has gained new allies as ABS-CBN stars, led by loveteams Elmo Magalona and Janella Salvador, and Maris Racal and Iñigo Pascual, join former Environment Secretary Regina Paz “Gina” L. Lopez in a younger and more vibrant G Diaries, which will debut its second season on ABS-CBN on February 11.
Gina and the ABS-CBN stars, who will comprise the program’s “G Squad,” will bring viewers to amazing sights and destinations in the country, such as Samar, Lobo in Batangas, Sibuyan Island in Romblon, Iba in Zambales, Kinatarcan Island in Cebu and even along the iconic Pasig River to encourage community development and reverence for nature, as they experience the cultures and lifestyles of the local communities. Also taking part in the fun and advocacy of the program, which will air every second Sunday of the month, are other members of the G Squad like Sue Ramirez, Gretchen Ho, Loisa Andalio, Kristel Fulgar, Antonette Taus, Young JV and Boyband PH. Bringing a young and fresh look and feel to the program this season is director Alco Guerrero, known for his work in Pinoy Big Brother, Maalaala Mo Kaya, Binibining Pilipinas and the digital concerts of OneMusicPH.
G Diaries, a project of the ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc., first aired on ABS-CBN last June. For the second season, Gina said the program will be more focused in showing the efforts of local communities to protect and preserve their natural resources, amid progress and development.
“We will do it one community at a time. We will show how each community has done it, and show that things can be done. We will show the heroism of the community, the government and businesses, and what can be achieved when people work together from a space of love,” she said.
Gina also welcomes the entry of the G Squad, which she believes will bring the advocacy for the environment closer to people, considering the star power and influence of the artists among the youth and the masses.
“Our great ABS-CBN stars who love our environment and our nation will go around the different parts of the Philippines with me, enjoy themselves and invite you all to go there. Because if you go there, the locals will be inspired and you will be inspired, as well. We will all be inspired together. We will work together in love,” she said.
Don’t miss the return of G Diaries.