This December, I Juander is celebrating 10 colorful years of dishing out stories that satisfy Filipinos’ inherent curiosity about their identity and culture. And what better way to do this than having a two-part special airing on December 12 and 19 on GTV.
Veteran broadcast journalist and the show’s pioneering host Susan Enriquez is happy to celebrate this feat with the show’s loyal ka-Juander.
“Nakaka-inspire na umabot na sa isang dekada ang programa,” she shared. “Patunay lamang na patuloy na tinatangkilik ng mga manonood ang makabuluhang kaalaman at impormasyon na inihahatid ng I Juander. Taos pusong pasasalamat sa mga loyal ka-Juander dahil kung hindi sa pagtangkilik ninyo ay hindi tayo aabot sa isang dekada,” Susan added.
I Juander is all about being a Filipino—touching diverse topics from food to travel, history; and anything under the sun that pique’s everyone’s curiosity about the Philippines and its people. The program has proven that no idea is so small and that no question is so mundane–everything is a reflection of our identity and culture.
Her co-host, Mark Salazar, looks forward to more years of feeding the viewers’ curiosity.
"Ang bayan ni Juan ay binubuo ng napakaraming ibat ibang pamayanan, kultura, at tradisyon. Hindi sapat ang isang dekada para kilalanin silang lahat. Asahan nyong ipagpapatuloy ng I Juander ang paglibot sa mga rehiyon para kilalanin ang mga komunidad, unawain ang kanilang mga kultura at tikman ang kanilang hinahain. Patuloy namin bibigyan ng kasagutan ang tanong ni Juan,” he said.
This Sunday, Susan and Mark invite viewers to join them as they learn more about the rich culture of Zamboanga City. The show also visits the beautiful beaches and features the delicious dishes of the so-called Philippine's Southern Gateway.
I Juander takes viewers to Santa Cruz Island where Zamboanga's proud pink beach is located. In 2017, National Geographic recognized it as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Meanwhile, among the many Spanish influences in the province is the delicious and local version of paella, the Paella Chavacana. Chef Atlee shares the original recipe that dates back to his great grandfather who was a Spanish and American cook during World War II.
Due to the evacuation of the war taking place in Basilan, the Yakans had to start again in Zamboanga. They survived through their talent in weaving. Amidst the pandemic, they continue to rise again with the reopening of the Yakan Village to tourists. Some of their featured products here include the Yakan dolls and the Yakan make-up made by 79-year-old Apo Jahlinan.
I Juander also features the traditional dishes of the Tausug people such as "tiyula itum,” “pipino" and "chicken piyanggang” —the main ingredient of which is burnt coconut.
Celebrate with "I Juander" this Sunday, 7:45 p.m on GTV.