Atom describes 'life-changing' encounters in first project back with GMA

Returning Kapuso journalist Atom Araullo dives right into documentaries for his first project with GMA News and Public Affairs, taking a literal plunge as he explores the state of the waters that surrounds us in "Philippine Seas."

Atom introduced the special documentary on Friday to the press, which premieres on November 5, 3:30 p.m., on GMA-7. It's a perfect fit for him, he shared, as he enjoys being out on the field to observe people.

"I think it matches my personality, because mayroon akong gan'ong advocacy about our environment and taking care of our natural resources," Atom said. "I am very outdoorsy, I like being in the field, I like exploring.

"For all of those reasons, I feel like it's a nice first project to do with GMA," he added.

Atom went on a rigorous ten-day expedition across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindano in making "Philippine Seas."

In Cebu, he and the crew visited Moalboal where they saw hundreds of thousand of sardines gathering in a single ball in one moment and the dolphins that have become the province's main attraction.

"It's an established diving site and it's been preserved pretty well, because there are a lot of tourists going there, but you have to ask the question, 'What kind of impact does it (the tourism) leave on the marine ecosystem?'" Atom told GMA News Online when asked about the effects of human activity on the sea.

"Sadly, we don't have a lot of information about (its) effects. Hindi lang kasi tourism, also 'yong exploitation in certain areas like Saranggani and GenSan, which is known for tuna. Kumusta 'yong pangingisda d'on, are we over-fishing?" he added.

Atom said more and fishermen are forced further and further away from the Philippines, exposing themselves to a lot of other dangers as they cross borders on the water.

Featured in the "Philippine Seas" is the story of Samuel, part of a group of fishermen detained in Indonesia for fishing in foreign waters. Jailed in another country, Samuel has yet to see his newborn daughter and the "Philippine Seas" team stepped into the help unite them.

Another encounter Atom has is with a giant sea turtle and a dugong (sea cow), which has an almost mythical status for divers and fishermen.

The experience was "life-changing" for Atom and he hopes that audience feels the same.

"Even when we see these beautiful beaches and we eat these fresh seafood, always remember that those things have to be protected," he said.

"By virtue of us living in the same place, mayroon talaga tayong impact (and) we have to make sure that we are able to enjoy them in a sustainable manner." —JST, GMA News