Odd behavior, complex lives in Out of Control

Nanay Terry owns 35 dogs and nine cats but because of her meager resources, she is unable to properly care for them. The dogs, as a result, have mange and scabies. Many are also severely malnourished even though Nanay Terry makes an effort to feed them rice and dog food every day. In fact, she admits to spending up to P6,000 per month on dog food alone. Some people may consider Nanay Terry as an animal lover who may have just bitten off more than she can chew. But some psychologists may consider her an animal hoarder.

Animal hoarding is a psychiatric condition that is classified as a type obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD. But what causes the condition? Why do people like Nanay Terry persist with caring for numerous animals they cannot control or care for?

Enter Out of Control, GMA News and Public Affairs’ intriguing and undoubtedly challenging new docu-reality program, which features the complex lives of people who are suffering from obsessions, compulsions, fears and anxieties.

Out of Control, hosted by Mariz Umali and Rocco Nacino, marks the first time in Philippine television that a local program takes a much closer look at people suffering from psychological disorders. It seeks to enlighten and educate the viewers regarding these conditions, which could ultimately bring hope to those who have been suffering for years.

“Out of Control provides viewers with an insightful look at the intimate lives of those whose psychological or emotional conditions may be considered unusual — people with bizarre compulsion, paranoia or peculiar obsessions. Since this is the first time that Philippine television will ever tackle such a topic, the challenge for me as a host is to examine their idiosyncrasies without turning the subjects into caricatures,” says Mariz who has been with GMA News and Public Affairs for 10 years now and has interviewed a variety of people.

She adds, “Admittedly, this is daunting, but the exceptional way in which the show is written does provide clearer perspective as to who they are as people. With the help of highly-qualified specialists, we will also offer the best therapy and counseling to help moderate their situations. I am sure that the viewing public will be informed and riveted by Out of Control, and I am honored to be hosting this program.” Apart from hosting Out of Control, Mariz juggles her schedule as a GMA News reporter and co-anchor of Balitanghali Weekend on GMA News TV.

Rocco, for his part, shares that this is his first time to be tapped as a regular host for a GMA News and Public Affairs program. â€œIt’s a privilege to be even considered for the project and I’m glad that I can practice my nursing skills when it comes to establishing rapport with the case studies and trying to break into their wall of trust. It’s always a challenge every time we go out on the field and I look forward to that thrill, challenge and learning every time.”

The actor is already a registered nurse even before joining showbiz via the Kapuso network’s artista search StarStruck. His previous series with GMA News TV titled Bayan Ko recently earned the Philippine Quill Awards for Excellence and Catholic Mass Media Awards for Best Drama Series.

In doing the show, Rocco adds, “Dapat mahaba ang pasensiya mo and you have to ask the right questions kasi hindi ka naman nagpunta roon para i-judge sila kundi intindihin sila and to try to provide treatment for them.”

The show also seeks to interview the family and friends of these individuals to find out how their condition has affected their lives, jobs and relationships. 

For its pilot episode today, Out of Control explores the psychological disorder of animal hoarding. Rocco visits the home of Nanay Terry who, along with her 35 dogs and nine cats, lives in a two-storey house. According to Nanay Terry, she rescued most of her dogs from cruel owners who wanted to sell them for meat. Rocco finds it difficult to believe that animals, much less people, can live in Nanay Terry’s house.

“Kumbaga ang nangyari dito, ang pakiramdam parang nasa hawla,” he says. Rocco attempts to get to the bottom of Nanay Terry’s obsession with her animals and finds out the real story behind her love for her four-legged friends.

In each episode, Out of Control wants to lend a hand to these individuals by introducing them to experts who may be able to help them manage their condition.

“Ultimately, Out of Control aims to bring understanding to individuals who are going through these conditions and to provide realization to viewers who may be experiencing the same fate as the show’s case studies. We hope to give support to the individuals and their families who are willing to reclaim their lives from the shackles of obsessions,” shares program manager Karen Lumbo.

Out of Control airs every Saturday at 4 p.m.