Strictly for animal lovers

MANILA, Philippines - GMA 7’s Sis had recently folded up. And it is just natural for Gelli de Belen to miss the show she used to host with sister Janice and Carmina Villarroel for eight years. The joy of interacting, learning and discovering things with the guests and audience were most memorable.

But Gelli has no reason to sulk. Hosting a morning show is still on her to-do list. This time, televiewers will see her mingling not just with people but with talented animals in Zooperstars.

“I was thrilled because I’m really interested in animals,” Gelli says. “Actually, we always look for a zoo every time my family goes out. That’s why, I’m so excited for this (show).

“When you watch Zooperstars, you will find answers to questions you can’t easily find in books because sometimes we wonder on things about animals we encounter every day, ngayon p’wede ng masagot lahat yun.”

Every Sunday at 11:15 a.m. beginning Feb. 28, Gelli with co-hosts Julian Trono and Sabrina Man will share information, tips and trivia about animals through Pet Files. Keeping you glued on your seat is a showcase of talents of the two-legged feathered creatures, friendly felines, the charming and loyal dogs in Zooperstars, a talent contest where animals are judged based on their abilities by animal experts and celebrities. The beauty of underwater creatures is also interesting to watch.

“It’s a venue for pet lovers to display their pets’ talent especially for those who are able to display extreme ones,” director Paul Alexei Basinillo offers.

Would you like to see poodles dancing to a Hawaiian beat? What about a pig that knows how to paint using its tail? Or how would you react upon learning that there’s an Achilles Tang Fish which has a 24/7 air conditioner and maid service? These you will find out in Zoopah Pets.

Celebrity pets, on the other hand, will hog the spotlight in Zooper Sikat while Lost Pet and Found helps masters reunite with their missing pets.

Searching the Net for details on dealing with animals helps Gelli interact with animal experts, like Kuya Noel of Avilon Zoo, guesting on the show.

The Zooperstars team is not only confined to taping portions of the show inside the studio. Visiting the different animal sanctuaries of the country and going as far as Ilocos make for a more interesting, fun and exciting way to present facts regarding animals including those that belong to the wild. Direk Paul hopes to introduce creatures found in the different regions.

Is it more rigorous to direct a show where animals are the center of attraction?

“Animals are unpredictable and that’s where the excitement is coming from. When they perform, meron din nagkakamali and there are surprises, too, like in our first episode we didn’t know a tiger will go inside the studio. S’yempre you really can’t control the reaction of the audience,” direk Paul replies.

Watch how Gelli is caught unaware by the tiger in Zooprise. “He’s so big even if he’s just a cub. Pag-samahin mo mga ulo namin ni Julian at Sabrina, ulo pa lang n’ya.”

Does she love taking care of animals?

“We have two Yorkie dogs in the house. Ariel (Rivera, her husband) cut the umbilical cord when the mommy Yorkie delivered the puppy.”

Although Gelli misses the bonding moments she had with Carmina and Janice during their Sis days, she knows some changes must happen for other worthwhile things to come.