Retro Pilipinas

Magandang Gabi, Bayan | ABS-CBN 80's News Magazine Program

noreply@blogger.com (Chris A.) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:38:00 +0000

Magandang Gabi, Bayan (also Magandang Gabi... Bayan) was one of the longest-running and top-rating ABS-CBN News & Current Affairs' news magazine program initially hosted by "Kabayan" Noli de Castro (hosted from 1988 to 2004) that originally an from August 21, 1988 to December 31, 2005. Magandang Gabi, Bayan (abbreviated as MGB) was an ABS-CBN consistent top-rating early fringe (late-afternoon)show initially aired every Saturdays at 6:00 PM that features various topics like contemporary national issues, poverty, crime, corruption, scandals, various inspirational and uplifting real life Filipino (sometimes international) stories. Let's go down memory lane as Retro Pilipinas takes a look back on Magandang Gabi, Bayan.

Magandang Gabi, Bayan - The Show
About Magandang Gabi... Bayan! (MGB)

Magandang Gabi, Bayan (directly translates to "Good Evening Nation!") started on August 21, 1988 with its first anchored by Manuel Leuterio de Castro, Jr., better known as "Kabayan" Noli de Castro (2004–2010 former Vice President of the Philippines). Magandang Gabi, Bayan or simply MGB aims to expose illegalities of some Philippine government officials as well as to render public service to the Filipino people. Initially intended to be a news magazine program it later evolved into a hardhitting investigative journalism program. The now defunct show continues to hold the title for the leading and longest public service program in the Philippines.
After De Castro's won the 2001 Philippine senatorial elections, the program brought in new hosts Katherine "Kat-Kat" de Castro (De Castro's daughter), Erwin Tulfo and Henry Omaga-Diaz. The show returned for one episode (hosted by De Castro) on October 2011 for a Halloween Special via ABS-CBN's Sunday's Best.

Memories of Magandang Gabi, Bayan!
Remembering Magandang Gabi... Bayan! (MGB)

The best memories I had (being a 90's kid) of Magandang Gabi Bayan or MGB was with their annual Halloween special episodes. If the coming Staurday is close to November 1, then the avid Filipino couch potatoes are in for a spooktacular treat by Magandang Gabi... Bayan's Halloween specials.

Magandang Gabi Bayan 2004 Halloween Special
Here is a sample of what we have experience back when MGB was still the king!

Don't get me wrong, MGB was a pioneer when it comes to investigative journalism in the Philippines with its interesting episodes each week, but the one that everyone will truly remember is the scary halloween specials. Thanks to Philippines rich culture and tradition, Filipinos will always have some spooky experience to share. Whether you believe it or not, MGB was there to make sure to re-tell and feature these real-life stories of supernatural horror. MGB used well-done re-enactments which can be compared to a good Filipino horror flick. Creepy atmosphere, terrifying scoring, believable make-up and practical effects is what Filipinos usually see on a MGB Halloween Special. Those who made MGB part of their Saturday television routine can probably say that the year won't be complete without a Magandang Gabi... Bayan Horror episode.

Magandang Gabi... Bayan's Halloween specials made me the horror genre fan that I am today. How about you guys? What is/are your most memorable episode or story remembered featured from this ABS-CBN long-running and top rating news magazine program? Share your thoughts about Magandang Gabi... Bayan in the comments section below:

Raijin-Oh | Zettai Muteki Raijin-Oh | Absolutely Invincible Raijin-Oh | RPN 90's English Dubbed Japanese Anime

noreply@blogger.com (Chris A.) — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 06:11:00 +0000

Zettai Muteki Raijin-Oh or simply Raijin-Oh was a popular English-dubbed Japanese animated series that aired in RPN around the 90's. Zettai Muteki Raijin-Oh or Absolutely Invincible Raijin-Oh was produced by Sunrise and originally aired in TV Tokyo from April 3, 1991 to March 25, 1992. Raijin-Oh's story revolves around a group of elementary school children who are given command of a mecha named Raijin-Oh and their efforts to defend the Earth from the evil Jaaku (evil) Empire. Filipinos would best remember this series for the elementary school students piloting the various mecha that forms into Raijin-Oh. The elementary school children can also transform their school into a mecha base using coins/medals. Let's go down memory lane with Raijin-Oh.

Zettai Muteki Raijin-Oh - The Story
Raijin-Oh Series Plot

Raijin-Oh starts with the Jaaku Empire (which literally translates to "Evil Empire") comes to Earth to conquer it. From their fortress they launch a missile that will flood the world with Akudamas, eggs of darkness which hatch into monsters called Evil (Jaaku) Beasts based on things that negatively affects (annoy or frustrate) humans.

The "guardian of light" Eldran appears. Eldran is an Ultraman-like entity who's sworn duty is to protect the universe, particularly the Earth using the heroic robot Raijin-Oh. Eldran attempted to stop the Evil Empire by using Raijin-Oh to prevent the missile from striking the Earth. Raijin-Oh got thrown down to Earth as the missile detonated against Eldran. The mecha crashed into a Japanese elementary school.

Eldran must leave to continue protecting the Earth and entrusted the duty of defeating the Evil Beasts to a classroom full of children in the school where he crashed. Eldran entrusts the children with Raijin-Oh, granting each child a different role to perform in either operating or supporting Raijin-Oh. Eldran also transforms their school itself so it can transform into a command center when Raijin-Oh is needed. Jin, Asuka and Koujii are chosen to lead Raijin-oh. Jin is the leader of the trio who pilots Ken-Oh (literally "Sword King") which forms the torso of the Raijin-Oh. Asuka pilots Hou-Oh ("Phoenix King") which forms the arms and wings of Raijin-Oh. Koujii pilots the Juu-Oh's ("Beast King") with the appearance is that of a lion which forms the legs of the Raijin-Oh. The trio combines all their three robots (Ken-Oh, Hou-Oh, and Juu-Oh) to form the Raijin-Oh when individual robots can't handle the Jaaku Beast. Raijin-Oh is a large humanoid robot (mecha) with wings that trap its opponent with a beam from the Raijin Shield and finish it off with the Raijin Sword.

Later in the series, the Bakuryu-Dragon got discovered by the other students. The Bakuryu-Dragon transforms into Bakuryu-Oh which has the same power as the Raijin-Oh. The Raijin-Oh and Bakuryu-Oh can further combine to form the ultimate robot, the God Raijin-Oh.

Raijin-Oh Opening Theme
Zettai Muteki Raijin-Oh Series Intro

There have been various anime series that aired here in the Philippines, but this is probably the first one that featured elementary school students as pilots of a mecha. That along with a whole school that transforms into a command center that deploys the (Ken, Hou, Juu) -Oh mechs to form Raijin-Oh are the most memorable parts in this series. I remember rushing home from school every afternoon (being an elementary school student that time) just to catch an episode of Raijin-Oh in RPN-9.

I have vivid memories of each of its episode, but luckily we have home videos and the internet to stream those episodes now. Don't you just love the internet! Besides Voltes V, this is probably one of the most nostalgic mecha anime series that I grew up with. Well, there are other nice mecha series later shown in Philippine television, but a series that has kids piloting a mech is something that Raijin-Oh has been highly noted for not just here in the Philippines but in the whole world.

How about you guys, what are your fondest memories, episodes, mechs, villains, or memorabilias of Raijin-Oh? Share your thoughts about Zettai Muteki Raijin-Oh on the comments section below:

Are You Afraid of the Dark? | ABS-CBN 90's Horror Anthology Television Series

noreply@blogger.com (Chris A.) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 06:13:00 +0000

Are You Afraid of the Dark? was a joint Canadian-American horror/fantasy-themed anthology television series around the 90's which was locally aired in the Philippines on ABS-CBN every Friday nights. Are You Afraid of the Dark? originally ran in Nickelodeon (in the US) and YTV (Canada) from October 31, 1991 to June 11, 2000. This iconic American horror anthology series featured a group of teenagers called the Midnight Society sharing light-hearted to disturbing tales of suspense and horror with frequent elements of moral values. Let's go down memory lane with Are You Afraid of the Dark?.

Are You Afraid of the Dark? - The Show
About Are You Afraid of the Dark?

Are You Afraid of the Dark? revolves around a group of teenagers who referred to themselves as "The Midnight Society". Are You Afraid of the Dark's Midnight Society (on the first Season) comprised of Gary (portrayed by Ross Hull), An unassuming, bookish looking boy. The founder of the Midnight Society; Betty Ann (Raine Pare-Coull), A vibrant girl who has an open and eager passion for the bizarre and twisted; Kiki (Jodie Resther), A spunky, tomboyish girl who often makes fun of others; Frank (Jason Alisharan), A punkish teenager with an in-your-face attitude; Tucker (Daniel DeSanto), Gary's younger brother, and the youngest member of the Midnight Society; Samantha (Joanna García), A shy girl with an obvious mutual crush on Gary, which becomes one of the highlighted arches of both their developments in the series; Kristen (Rachel Blanchard), A girl who though squeamish about much else, has a fondness for ghost stories and fairy tales; David (Nathaniel Moreau), A quiet boy with a mysterious expression; Eric (Jacob Tierney), ric is portrayed as a diminutive teenager with visible Irish ancestry that influences his first story; and Stig (Codie Wilbee), His nickname may come from the term stigma, as he is marked an outsider for his notable lack of hygiene, Stig is the last initiate to be entered into the Midnight Society's generation at the time.

Every week The Midnight Society meets at a secret base located in the woods where one member would tell a scary story to the group. Each storyteller (per episode) would begin their story by saying "Submitted for the approval of the Midnight Society, I call this story..." at which point he or she would toss a handful of "midnight dust" from a leather pouch into the campfire to heighten the flames and produce an eerie white smoke. The storyteller would continue by announcing its title "The Tale of..." with the title of week's episode. Each story was displayed to the television viewer. The story was shown between the group's arrival at the site and their departure.

The themes of the stories usually revolves around a variety of paranormal phenomena such as ghosts, goblins, magic, dragons, haunted houses, magical curses, aliens, witches, vampires, etc. Usually, the episodes were either filmed in the woods, in abandoned houses, or in public places like schools or libraries. Sources of these tales vary in different ways; many were adaptations of public domain fairy tales and short stories or urban legends. Sometimes, the stories were inspired by a certain event in the life of the storyteller. In the episode "The Tale of the Crimson Clown", for instance, Tucker blackmailed his brother Gary with a poem he had found, which Gary had written for Samantha. Gary then told a story in which a naughty younger brother was punished cruelly for his evil deeds. At the end of the episode, Tucker gave the poem back to his brother. At the end of most episodes, one character would conclude the Midnight Society's meeting by throwing a red bucket of water onto the fire, stating "I declare this meeting of the Midnight Society closed." and the group would leave the campsite, thus ending the storytelling and episode.

Are You Afraid of the Dark? Opening Theme
Are You Afraid of the Dark? Series Intro

Are You Afraid of the Dark? was one of the most popular television series back in the 90's amidst its scary nature. This anthology series could also be the reason why I am personally into horror movies as an adult.

The family would usually tune in to ABS-CBN that Friday night just to get spooked out of the week's episode. Although the opening and closing credits didn't feature any lyrics in it, its creepy tune and imageries become the signature trademark, well besides that midnight dust throwing in the beginning of each stories. Thinking of it now, those kids were really gutsy to first have a secret base deep set up in the woods in the middle of a dark night only to share tales of horrors. I vaguely remember each episode now, but there was this one episode that seem to planted itself firmly on my consciousness everytime I remember the series. I can't remember the exact episode title but it is the story where a group of people were trapped underground and there was this monster that kills (the show never actually shows the killing of the victims) or takes each of them away. With the last part of the story ending with them seeing a light at the end of this cave only to find themselves trapped and the monster on the same area. So if you guys still remember it, you can share that episode's title.

How about you guys, what's your most memorable Midnight Society storyteller, moment, episode or stories in this popular 90's horror anthology television series? Share your thoughts about Are You Afraid of the Dark in the comments section below:

Ultraman | ABS-CBN 90's Dubbed Japanese Tokusatsu Show

noreply@blogger.com (Chris A.) — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Ultraman was a Filipino dubbed super hero kids show which aired in ABS-CBN around the early 90's. Ultraman (Urutoraman) was a Japanese tokusatsu television series following up to the television series Ultra Q. Ultraman was was produced by the Tokyo Broadcasting System and Tsuburaya Productions, and was broadcast on Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) from July 17, 1966 to April 9, 1967, with a total of 39 episodes. Let's go down memory lane and reminisce that original Super Hero Giant Alien, Ultraman.

Ultraman - The Story
Ultraman Series Plot

Ultraman is set on the near future when sinister aliens and giant monsters constantly threaten civilization during the said period. The only Earth organization equipped to handle these disasters is the Science Special Search Party also known as S.S.S.P. (SSSP), a special worldwide police force equipped with high-tech weapons and vehicles, as well as extensive scientific and engineering facilities. The branch of the Science Patrol that is focused on in the series is located in Tokyo, Japan. Led by Captain "Cap" Toshio Muramatsu, the Science Patrol is always ready to protect the Earth from rampaging monsters, but sometimes it finds itself outclassed. When the situation becomes desperate, Shin Hayata, the Patrol's most capable member, holds the key to salvation in the form of a power-object and artifact called the "Beta Capsule," which, whenever activated, allows him to transform secretly into the super-humanoid-powered giant from space, who becomes known to the people of Earth as Ultraman.

Despite Ultraman's many amazing powers, Ultraman has one main weakness. Since Earth's atmosphere leeches away his solar energy, Ultraman can only physically exist on Earth for approximately three to five minutes of Earth time. To signal this, a warning light in Ultraman's chest (called the Color Timer) starts out at blue. At the 1 minute mark it starts to blink, and then turns red and blinks faster at the two minute mark. If the Color Timer/warning light stops, Ultraman will "never rise again." Obviously, at whatever point the blinking begins, Ultraman typically has only a short amount of time left to defeat his foe and return to his human host. However, Ultraman has occasionally been able to extend his operating time by flying towards the Sun and "recharging."

Ultraman remains until the threat is neutralized and then flies away to revert back to Hayata. Ultraman's victory is never assured, however, as Ultraman's powers and, indeed, his very life force, come from rapidly depleted, stored solar energy. At the beginning of each transformation from Hayata-to-Ultraman, the "warning light" on the giant's chest begins as a steady blue color. Yet as Ultraman exerts himself, the "Color Timer," as it is also called, turns red, then blinks--slowly at first, then with increasing rapidity--as his energy reserves get closer to exhaustion.

Ultraman Opening Theme
Ultraman Series Intro

Check out additional footage and fan-made opening for Ultraman.

Ultraman holds a special place in my childhood memory. Before all my fascination with other tokusatsu and super sentai series of the 90's, there was first the Ultraman. Although I vaguely remember the schedule of the show, what I do remember is watching it together with father. I usually mimicked the Ultra moves and finishers ala Crayon Shinchan. I also vaguely remember getting creep out with certain scenes and monsters from the series as they are not the usual "child-friendly" images that you use to see here in the Philippines.

How about you guys, what was the Ultraman series to you? Any favorite episode, scene, merchandise, or monstres of Ultraman? Share them along with your thoughts about the Original Ultraman in the comments section below:

Takeshi's Castle | IBC 90's Dubbed Japanese Game Show

noreply@blogger.com (Chris A.) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:30:00 +0000

Takeshi's Castle was a syndicated game show originally from Japan which was Tagalized (dubbed in Filipino) hosted by Anjo Yllana as Takeshi and Smokey Manoloto as "Iwakura" providing the commentary with a gravelly Japanese accent. Takeshi's Castle or Showdown! Takeshi Castle originally Japanese game show that aired between 1986 and 1989 on the Tokyo Broadcasting System which featured Japanese actor Takeshi Kitano a.k.a. Beat Takeshi as a count who owns a castle and sets up difficult challenges for players to get to him. Let's check out this comic and phenomenal game show that took the world by storm. Let us go down memory lane with Takeshi Castle Philippines.

Takeshi's Castle - The Show
About Takeshi's Castlet

Takeshi's Castle is a comic game show which involved between 100 and 142 contestants whom General Tani "forced" into a series of batch physical challenges, eliminating many who fail to meet its requirements. Each show finished with a "Final Showdown" where Count Takeshi will face the remaining contestants. In early episodes the finalists (contestants) would storm the castle itself and engage in a short-range water gun assault. Later episodes introduced carts with paper rings, and eventually lasers and light-sensitive targets. If the contestant's gun penetrated the paper ring or hit the sensor on Takeshi's cart, against such weapons as a large water gun and a laser-armed plane, Takeshi's cart was deactivated, the castle was "taken" and the game "won". The player who stopped Takeshi won one million yen which at the time, amounted roughly to 8,000 US dollars. However, because of the seemingly unbeatable challenges issued by the show, there were only a handful of nine winners during the show's run.
The series featured extensive landscaping of a fixed campus at TBS-owned Midoriyama The final regular episode aired on April 14, 1989 followed by several one off specials.

In the Philippines, Takeshi's Castle was first shown on the Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation TV network in October 1990 as a Tagalog-dubbed show. Later episodes contained interludes shot on a studio with actors Anjo Yllana as Takeshi and Smokey Manoloto as "Iwakura" providing the commentary with a gravelly Japanese accent, which was later dropped in favor of their natural voices. The Filipino production crew also developed on the relationship of the commentators, with Iwakura often trying to trick Takeshi on several occasions. The show was later re-run with with new commentators like in Takeshi's Castle 2006 QTV rerun featuring new characters giving commentary. QTV's Takeshi's Castle included fictional characters like Shogun Shintaro "Taru" Gokoyami (Joey de Leon) who is Takeshi's right hand man and sumo wrestler Kakawate Takehome (Ryan Yllana - brother of the original Filipino version of Takeshi's Castle, Anjo Yllana), the leader of the Takeshi Gundan.

Best of Takeshi's Castle
Takeshi's Castle Gameplay Series

As a kid growing up in the 90's I can still remember how the whole family was entertained by the localized version of Takeshi's Castle. Thanks to the power of the internet we can repeatedly go down memory lane and re-watch segments of the popular classic game show. Almost every challenges are hilarious in their own right. Avalanche throws the contestants in a big challenging climb where they should evade incoming boulders through a number of "crevices" or cracks on the side of this foamy slope. There was also the Devil's Maze which was also known with a few names (internationally) like the Square Maze or Honeycomb Maze where the participants need to pick the right door and to stay up their feet to evade the demons out to oust them from play. There is also the Bridge Ball which requires great balance and wits to overcome. Evade the rubber canon balls blasted at you while you make your way on a narrow wooden bridge. Then there is the very nauseous Flying Mushroom. The Final Fall before the Final Showdown is a game of chances to pick three right holes leading to the final showdown challenge with the risk of entering the wrong hole leading to a disqualification from the game. Then there's the Final Showdown.

I've always wondered if how did the show managed complaints from its participants or to whether they got sued or something for various physical injuries the participants received from the show, but I guess it was part of the contract the participants signed if there were any. Takeshi's Castle is still up to this day one of the best and hilarious game show where shows like Wipe Out draw inspirations from. How about you guys, what's your most memorable challenge or skit from the Philippine Takeshi's Castle? Share your thoughts about Takeshi's Castle in the comments section below:

Batibot | PTV 80's Educational Show for Children

noreply@blogger.com (Chris A.) — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 09:37:00 +0000

Batibot was a popular Filipino children's television program based on Sesame Street. Batibot, a Filipino word which directly translates to "small, but strong and robust" premiered in May 14, 1984, with the name Sesame! which was eventually renamed to Batibot several years later. Batibot used both English and Filipino as the media of communication back when it was still Sesame! but became a completely Filipino language children's educational show once it transitioned to Batibot. Batibot broadcast nationwide from Monday to Friday on the Philippine television networks Radio Philippines Network (RPN) from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. and on People's Television (PTV) (now National Broadcasting Network) from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. In 1991, the show switched to ABS-CBN but switched back to RPN in 1994 after the former decided to produce its own set of children TV programs through the ABS-CBN Foundation. In 1995, PCTVF signed a contract with GMA Network and Batibot was shown at its original morning time slot. It ran from May 14, 1984 – June 30, 2002 and later came back on TV5. Let's go down memory lane as we remember Batibot.

Batibot - The Show
About Batibot

Batibot featured both humans, muppets, and mascots as its main cast of characters. batibot is one of the Philippines' longest running educational kids program. The original Batibot human cast included Kuya Bodjie, (played by Bodjie Pascua), Batibot's resident story-teller know for his opening line "Mga Bata..." when starting with his stories; Ate Sienna (Sienna Olaso) a college student; Kuya Mario (Junix Inocian); Ate Isay (Isay Alvarez-Seña) popular for her "Kapit-bahay" music; and Kuya Ching (Ching Arellano), Batibot's resident jeepney driver.

BATIBOT Television Special and Original Cast Reunion

In 2007, A Batibot Reunion and Tribute Special was featured in a segment in Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho. Check it out here fellow Batang Batibot(s).

Some of Batibot's most notable muppet/mascot cast included Pong Pagong, a clumsy, pink full-body turtle wearing a baseball cap from Jose Rizal's story of "Ang Pagong at ang Matsing"; Kiko Matsing, a brown monkey version of Sesame Street's Oscar which is also Ang Pagong at ang Matsing; Koko Kwik-Kwak, or Koko for short that wears an ethnic-inspired beanie cap with a propeller made of green leaves; Manang Bola, the forgetful fortuneteller who still relies too much on her crystal ball named "perlas na bilog,". She divines the future by chanting "Bolang bilog, huwag patulog-tulog; sabihin ang sagot" and "ba-be-bi-bo-bu", teaching vowels in the process; Sitsiritsit and Alibangbang, two inquisitive space aliens who take delight in discovering things, places and people around them. Inspired from the nursery rhyme "Sitsiritsit, Alibangbang"; Ningning and Gingging*, the sisters. Ningning is the eldest girl, the serious type, while Gingging is younger and the playful one between the two siblings; and Kapitan Basa*, a superhero that loves to read. He solves language-related problems caused by his arch-nemesis, Patlang-Palit.

Batibot Opening Theme
Batibot Show Intro

Batibot Theme Song Lyrics

Pagmulat ng mata,
Langit nakatawa
Sa batibot,
Sa batibot
Tayo nang magpunta
Tuklasin sa batibot
Ang tuwa, ang saya

Doon sa batibot
Tayo na, tayo na
Mga bata sa batibot
Maliksi, masigla. (2x)

Dali, sundan natin
Ang ngiti ng araw
Doon sa batibot (2x)

Tayo nang magpunta
Tuklasin sa batibot
Ang tuwa, ang saya

Doon sa batibot
Tayo na, tayo na
Mga bata sa batibot
Maliksi, masigla. (2x)

I am one of those Batang Batibot Kids who usually takes a break from the usual censored violence of US animated shows and Japanese anime(s). Everyday was Batibot Day with Kuya Bodgie reading us stories with matching illustrations, the angelic voice of Ate Isay, the gruff voice of Kiko, and the playful Pong. 90's kids connected and related to Batibot because that is one of the only educational shows presented in Filipino which make it stand out from Sesame Street and the countless of animations which are usually dubbed in English. Well, this is probably just me growing up fascinated with puppets but back then they were really a good source of rich colorful information and imagination. Well we now have the internet for that. For people who grew up with Batibot, they will forever be in our hearts and minds. How about a home video compilations to give our kids a chance?

How about you guys, were you a Batang Batibot? Any favorite muppet, mascot, human character, segment, music, story or mercandise you want to share? Let us here your thoughts about Batibot in the comments section below:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles | 90's ABS-CBN American Animated Series

noreply@blogger.com (Chris A.) — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 18:03:00 +0000

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or TMNT was an American animated television series that began back in December 28, 1987 starting as a 5-part miniseries and later becoming a regular Saturday morning syndicated series on October 1, 1988 with 13 more episodes. TMNT the cartoon series originally ran from December 28, 1987 to November 2, 1996. Contrary to its original Mirage Studios comics source that was created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series placed a much stronger emphasis on humor than the comics. The series was produced by Murakami-Wolf-Swenson Film Productions Inc (later Fred Wolf Films). Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon series originally aired in various syndicated channels in the United States from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The cartoon series also fell victim to heavy censorship that time, In the UK, TMNT was released under the name Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles aired in ABS-CBN around the 90's on a Saturday-Sunday morning block. Let's take a look back at the well loved turtles in a half shell, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - The Story
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Series Plot

An honorable ninja master named Hamato Yoshi, banished from the Foot Clan in Japan was exiled and moved to New York where he was forced to live in the sewers. One day he found four turtles, recently bought from a pet store by an unnamed boy who accidentally dropped them in the sewer. After exploring the sewers along with his friend rats, Toshi found the turtles covered with a strange glowing ooze that caused the turtles (most recently exposed to Yoshi) to become humanoid, while Yoshi (most recently exposed to sewer rats) became a humanoid rat, and started going by the pseudonym "Splinter". Yoshi adopts the four turtles as his sons and trains them in the art of ninjitsu. He names them after his favorite Italian renaissance artists: Leonardo da Vinci (Leonardo), wears a blue mask and wields two Katana; Donato di Niccolò di Betto Bardi (Donatello), wears a purple mask and wields the bō staff; Raffaello Sanzio (Raphael), wears a red mask and wields a pair of sai; and Michelangelo Buonarroti (Michaelangelo), wears an orange mask and wields a pair of nunchaku.

Oroku Saki, the man who deceived and disgraced Yoshi's name left Japan and tracked Yoshi to New York City, where he intends to destroy him once and for all. He become associated with Krang, a disembodied alien brain who has been banished from his home, Dimension X. Saki then took a new persona, donning a suit covered with razor spikes, complemented by a long cape, and a metal mask over his mouth. He has also taken on the pseudonym "The Shredder". The two is later joined by Bebop and Rocksteady, two street thugs morphed into an animal humanoid form by exposure to the Shredder's mutagen; and a small army of robotic Foot Soldiers. Their aim is try to destroy the Turtles and take over the world. In their quest to restore their master's honor, Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michaelangelo begin to take on the role of vigilante crime-fighters against any criminals. The team is later joined by Channel 6 reporter April O'Neil who usually needs rescuing from Shredder and later with another vigilante Casey Jones.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Opening Theme
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Series Intro

The idea of anthromorphic group of teenage mutant ninja turtles protecting the world from evil was very entertaining to kids growing up in the 90's, myself included. It featured brothers bounded by a common cause who still have time to be jolly and happy. Looking back at it now, it sure has some phased out 90's funny moments but it doesn't hold well if you compare them with a much more serious tones of animated series nowadays. Well it was a different time back then and even if they followed the original serious tone of the comic source it was based from, it might eventually get censored out.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was purely for kids who won't dare to ask us what could have happened to the people living in that apartment that the Technodrome just destroyed. Well it was fun while it lasted. The show made me crave for pizzas back in the days. For a kid living in a small suburban provincial neighborhood, pizza became that dream snack. It made me ask who are those famous people behind the name of the four turtles making me know that besides being artists in their time, they were also scientists. There are also later incarnations of the Teenage Mutant ninja Turtles, but this one holds a special memory as this is the first TMNT animated series which the film also took inspiration from.

How about you guys, what's your fondest memory, episode, characters, or memorabilia of the 90's US cartoon show? Share your thoughts about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in the comment section below:

Samurai X | Rurouni Kenshin | 90's Studio 23 Anime

noreply@blogger.com (Chris A.) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 14:12:00 +0000

Rurouni_Kenshin or more popularly known here in the Philippines as Samurai X was first an English dubbed Japanese animated series that first aired in Studio 23 at around the late 90's (Oktubre 18, 1998). Samurai X a.k.a. Rurouni Kenshin originally Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story (Ruroni Kenshin Meiji Kenkaku Romantan) like many other anime series was first a popular manga series before its animated television series adaptation. Rurouni Kenshin was written by Kikuhide Tani and illustrated by Yoshihiro Kuroiwa released by Shueisha publication and Monthly Shōnen Jump from April 11, 1994 – November 4, 1999. The manga was later adapted into a ninety five episode anime television series that ran from January 10, 1996 – September 8, 1998 in Studio Gallop for episodes 1-66 and in Studio Deen for episodes 66 onwards in Japan. Let's take the road down memory lane and remember at this once brutal Battousai: The Slasher (Hitokiri Battōsai) who later became the beloved warrior of peace Kenshin Himura.

Samurai X - The Story
Rurouni Kenshin Series Plot

Samurai X (Rurouni Kenshin) tells the story of a wanderer named Himura Kenshin, formerly known as the assassin "Hitokiri Battosai" who after participating in the Bakumatsu war walked away. Kenshin later wanders the countryside of Japan offering protection and aid to those in need as atonement for the murders he once committed as an assassin. His travels lead him to Tokyo in the 11th year of the Meiji era, where he befriends Kamiya Kaoru, a female Kendo master; Sagara Sanosuke, a brawler and a former Sekihō Army member; Takani Megumi, a doctor; and Yahiko Myojin (Yoshi Myojin in English dubbed Samurai X). Together they fight off various enemies surfacing from their inescapable dark past.

Some of the Rurouni Kenshin's (Samurai X) most notable villains include the group of Oniwanbanshou Shinobi(s), Shinomori Aoshi, Saito Hajime, and Shishio Makoto.

Samurai X Opening Theme
Rurouni Kenshin Series Intro

"Sobakasu" (Freckles)
Music by Judy & Mary

Samurai X Closing Theme (English)
Rurouni Kenshin Series Outro

"Tactics"
Music by The Yellow Monkey

Well, what to say about Samurai X? As a kid, I was one of those kids who were kinda left off with the discussion of this series. Our television back then was that classic TV with a tuner knob which has limited television reception. Ibelieved that it was only up to TV station IBC-13 that our tv set can receive, so that was a bummer. Later in the early 2000, we upgraded our television set where I finally saw the re-run of the Samurai X in Studio 23 which was still dubbed in English.

Samurai X had a rocking and memorable opening and closing themes. Besides Sobakasu, a personal favorite of mine is Rurouni Kenshin's sixth closing theme entitled "1/3 no Junjo na Kanjou" (1/3 True Feelings) by Siam Shade. Want to know why? I'll let you hear it for yourself and you be the judge:

Let's throw n the full song for Siam's 1/3 no Junjo na Kanjou in the process:

Besides the rocking theme, Rurouni Kenshin is considered to be one of our generation's greatest anime series for of how it build on its characters and great storyline. For me The most notable and diabolical villain of the Japanese samurai series was Shishio Makoto who stood by his twisted philosophy that only the strong will live and the weak shall die. Well, the series would not be that successful if we do not have a rocking protagonist. A seemingly happy nomad with a dark and brutal past. Well, it can be considered pretty generic when compared to today's standards, but hey it works!

How about you guys, what's your fondest memory, merchandise, character, episode, OVA, or movie of Rurouni Kenshin a.k.a Samurai X. Share your thoughts about Rurouni Kenshin in the comments section below:

Big Bad Beetleborgs | ABC-5 90's American Super Hero Kids Show

noreply@blogger.com (Chris A.) — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 16:58:00 +0000

Big Bad Beetleborgs was a syndicated live action show produced by Saban Entertainment (the same creators of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series) and originally aired in Fox Kids block from September 7, 1996 and March 2, 1998. The Big Bad Beetleborg series adapted combat footage from the Metal Hero Japanese tokusatsu series Juukou B-Fighter on the first season and B-Fighter Kabuto on its second season. In the Philippines, the Associated Broadcasting Company (now known as TV5) aired Big Bad Beetleborgs on a weekend afternoon block.

Big Bad Beetleborgs - The Story
Big Bad Beetleborgs Series Plot

In a town called Charterville, three "typical average kids", Drew (played by Wesley Barker), Jo (Shannon Chandler/Brittany Konarzewski), and Roland (Herbie Baez), enter the supposedly haunted Hillhurst Mansion after accepting a dare from rich snob kids. The three later found out that the house is indead the home of real monsters. The kids accidentally bump a pipe organ, releasing a phasm named Flabber (Billy Forester) that granted them with one wish like a genie. Just like normal geeky children, the three wish to become their favorite comic book heroes, the Big Bad Beetleborgs. This however also brought the Beetleborgs sworn enemies to life: the Magnavores led by the evil Vexor with his three main henchmen Typhus, Noxic, and Jara. Vexor who summons monsters from the comic books to battle the Beetleborgs.

Original Source

Andrew "Drew" McCormick is the Blue Stinger Beetleborg who stand as the leader of the Beetleborgs. He was granted with the ability of telekinesis by Flabber, that he activates by pointing at an object and nodding his head. Roland Williams is the Green Hunter Beetleborg. His family owns a local comic book shop named Zoom Comics, where he, Jo, and Drew usually hang out. He was granted with the ability of super speed by Flabber, which he activates by snapping his fingers. Josephine "Jo" McCormick is the Red Striker Beetleborg. She is Drew's little sister, and was granted with the ability of super strength by Flabber, which she simply activates by cracking her knuckles. The trio was later joined by Josh Baldwin, the White Blaster Beetleborg. He was granted the ability of invisibility by Flabber, which he activates by dusting his hands. He was on the team for a very short period of time.

Big Bad Beetleborgs Opening Theme
Big Bad Beetleborgs Series Intro

If my memory serves me right, I believed that the Big Bad Beetleborg aired every Sunday nights at either on a 5:30 or 6:00 PM schedule which was followed up by Janperson on the Associated Broadcasting Company or ABC-5. The show also had a nice ring to its opening theme, but looking at it now I can surely say that the Power Rangers have a more serious tone to it which is probably why more kids prefer it, but the Big Bad Beetleborgs has more charming characters which sometimes can be the show's double edge sword. Sadly the Big Bad Beetleborg's Philippine television run ended with the Shadowborg and wasn't even resolved. The show was eventually cancelled here in the country and we were not able to watch the Beetleborgs Metallix, the show's second season. But hey it fun while it lasted. I am no purist then, and was not even aware that the show just utilized clips from a Japanese Metal Hero series. As what I have proven now as an adult, the original source material will always be better than the Americanized version, but since I was not able to see the original source material back then, then these American kids show still holds a much better place in my mind and heart. They may look ridiculous and corny now, but one time in my life I make sure to be home and tuned into ABC-5 just to watch the Bid Bad Beetleborgs.

How about you guys, have you watched the Big Bad Beetleborgs back in ABC back in the days? Any favorite episodes, memorabilias, characters, or merchandise that you have on the Americanized kids show? Share your thoughts in the comments section below:

Mobile Cop Jiban | Kidou Keiji Jiban | IBC 90's Tokustatsu

noreply@blogger.com (Chris A.) — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 09:52:00 +0000

Mobile Cop Jiban or simply Jiban was a Filipino dubbed super hero kids show that aired in Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation or IBC around the 90's. Jiban had an original title of The Mobile Cop Jiban (機動刑事ジバン Kidō Keiji Jiban), a Japanese tokusatsu television series and the eighth entry in the Metal. Jiban was produced by Toei which originally aired on TV Asahi from January 29, 1989 to January 28, 1990 with 52 episodes and one feature movie. According to Jiban's creator Keita Amemiya, the premise for the series was almost entirely based on American character Robocop, as Jiban is often considered as RoboCop's Japanese counterpart. The opening catchphrase of the series is "This is the drama of a girl's and a young man's hearts which love people and protect justice." ("Kore wa Hito o Aishi, Seigi o Mamoru Wakamono to Shōjo no Kokoro no Dorama de aru."). Let's go down memory lane with The Mobile Cop Jiban.

Mobile Cop Jiban - The Story
Mobile Cop Jiban Series Plot

Naoto Tamura, a new detective in Central City, was killed by a Bionoid Monster in the line of duty. Doctor Kenzou Igarashi, a man whose experiments had been responsible for the Biolon syndicate's existence, brought the man back to life as a cyborg detective, Jiban. Mayumi Igarashi is the only person who knows the identity of Jiban and calls Jiban/Naoto her "big brother". Harry Boy on the other hand is Jiban's
robotic assistant along with Mayumi in their Secret Base. Jiban communicated with them via the Jiban's Badge.

Jiban gos against the Criminal Syndicate Bioron lead by Doctor Giba. The Bioron intends to take over Japan by means of narrow and more specified attacks rather than a more large-scale destruction. The use biochemistry as a means of their diabolical goals.

Following the theme of a police theme, Jiban follows (or is programmed to abide) a certain set of rules. He literally cite out this code reminiscent of the Miranda Warning (Miranda Rights) when Jiban corners the villain of the episode.

Reource

Mobile Cop Jiban Opening Theme
Mobile Cop Jiban Series Intro

"Kidō Keiji Jiban"

Lyrics: Keisuke Yamakawa
Composition: Kisaburō Suzuki
Arrangement: Kazuya Izumi
Artist: Akira Kushida
Mobile Cop Jiban Closing Theme
Mobile Cop Jiban Series Outro

"Ashita Yohō wa Itsumo Hare" - "Tomorrow's Forecast is Always Sunny"

Lyrics: Keisuke Yamakawa
Composition: Kisaburō Suzuki
Arrangement: Kazuya Izumi
Artist: Akira Kushida

Jiban is best remembered as that primetime metal hero series reminiscent of Robocop that aired after Ghost Fighter (Yu Yu Hakusho) back in IBC-13 during the 90's. If my memory served me right, Jiban was aired at a time when they stopped airing Masked Rider Black, so we 90's kid who grew fund watching the exploits of the "Black Son" were kept hanging. Jiban somehow addressed the longing... but not really quite to teh level of Masked Rider Black. I think the airing of Jiban was also cancelled in IBC-13. Correct me if I'm wrong fellow Filipinos, but I missed out the opportunity to watch this series up to the very end. It might be because of my poor memory or it was really cancelled. And during those times, when a show is cancelled, there is really no immediate way of us getting the whole series that time. Like any other tokusatsu series, Jiban had a very memorable opening and closing them which up to this day still keeps playing in my head from time to time. I remember back in grade school that we imitate Jiban by having our very own Jiban Badge and roleplaying that we are kicking each other butts just like in the show (Note: there were no physical harm applied to any of the parties involved :D)

How about you guys, do you have any memorable moments, experiences, or merchandise from the nostalgic show? Share your thoughts about Kidou Keiji Jiban - The Mobile Cop Jiban in the comments section below:

Oki Doki Doc | ABS-CBN 90's Sitcom

noreply@blogger.com (Chris A.) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 20:47:00 +0000

Oki Doki Doc was a Filipino sitcom from ABS-CBN starring Aga Muhlach as Dr. Agaton Villaluz or simply Doc Aga, Agot Isidro as Alex, Babalu as Don Robert Makunatan or Mang Berto, Carmina Villaroel as George, Claudine Barretto as Toni, Jimmy Santos as Godo, Camille Prats as Camille, Alfons Martinez as Fonzie, and Paolo Contis as Paoli. Oki Doki Doc aired every Saturday nights and ran from 1993 to 2000.

Oki Doki Doc - The Show
About Oki Doki Doc

Oki Doki Doc revolves around the adventures and misadventures in the life of Dr. Agaton Villaluz or simply Doc Aga, a young veterinarian who has inherited his brother's children. Aga was leading a normal single life and was quite enjoying his bachelorhood when his brother-in-law lost his job. Because of this unfortunate situation, his brother-in-law is forced to take on a job abroad which required him to bring his wife along with him leaving their children behind. Being the only relative who has a respectable status, Aga is entrusted with the responsibility of taking care of his sister's two children, Camille (Camille Prats) and Fonzie (Alfonso Martinez) which cuts short his life as a bachelor and catapults him into the status of being a parent/guardian to his niece and nephew.

Dr. Aga opened his animal clinic in a middle-class subdivision with plans of having a successful career as a veterinarian. He lives with his best friend and college classmate who he also treat as family, Godo in the duplex that is in a compound owned by Don Berto Makunatan a.k.a. Babsy (Babalu). His duplex unit doubles up as his vet office while the other unit is used by Babsy and his three children, Paolo, Alex (Agot Isidro) and Toni (Claudine Barretto). Mang Berto has an inherent hatred over Godo and dislikes Aga for his daughter Alex. Mang Berto can't stop the two from falling in love and eventually (in the series run) got married. As call of endearment Alex calls Aga "sugar", while Aga calls Alex "cupcake".

Oki Doki Doc Opening Theme
Oki Doki Doc Show Intro Lyrics

Ang Tito Aga kong beterinaryo,
laging kapiling mga pusa’t aso
kung minsan ay loro
kung minsan ay kuwago
Meron ding baka, manok, at kabayo… Ang tito ko!

Oki Doc, Oki Doc
Oki Doki Doki Doc
Oki Doc, Oki Doc, Oki Doc

Ang Tito Aga kong beterinaryo,
napakagwapo nakakaloko-loko
Kay dami daming chicks na nagkakagusto
pati na yata mga pusa't aso ng tito ko

Oki Doc, Oki Doc
Oki Doki Doki Doc
Oki Doc, Oki Doc, Oki Doc
Sweet Moments of Doc Aga (Aga Muhlach) and Alex (Agot Isidro) in ABS-CBN's Oki Doki Doc

ABS-CBN got tons of great situational comedy under its management during the 90's. While Home Along Da Riles focuses more on the family man Kevin Cosme, Oki Doki Doc is not far behind but instead of a dedicated father, we now have a dedicated uncle and bachelor. The introduction of love story between Aga and Alex in the show added more charm and humor to the series. ABS CBN's Oki Doki Doc was one of those popular 90's ABS CBN situational comedy that I grew up watching. It spun one comedy film with the same title in 1996. The ABS CBN sitcom's 1993 to December 2000 has followed the love story of Aga and Alex; and has seen a lot of changes from both its cast, schedule, and humor.

The most notable characters to me was the late-Babalu as the overprotective father and Roderick Paulate's gay (stereotype) portrayal in the series length. As a child growing up in the 90's I liked how Oki Doki Doc had these various brief animations that served as interlude featuring animals (since Doc Aga is a vet) cutting to the commercials, and from commercials back to the show.

How about you guys? What's your fondest memory of the charming veterinarian and his sweet flight attendant of a love interest? Any favorite character, episode, or guest from the show? Share your thoughts about Oki Doki Doc in the comments section below:

Bitoy's World | GMA Network 90's ~ 1998-2001

noreply@blogger.com (Chris A.) — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 08:54:00 +0000

Bitoy's World was a Filipino educational comedy show hosted by Michael V. playing as Etoy, Betong and Bebang featuring clips from Ripley's Believe It or Not. The show replaced Bitoy's Adventures in Bilibkaba? in 1997-1998 which also replaced Bilibitornot (1996-1998) which are all hosted by Michael V. using clips from the documentary television series Ripley's Believe It or Not. Bitoy's World aired every Sunday night from 1998 to 2001 in GMA Network. Let's go down memory lane and remember what this GMA Network infotainment program was like.

Bitoy's World - The Show
About Bitoy's World

GMA Network's Bitoy's World is just a variation of Bitoy's Adventures in Bilibkaba? and Bilibitornot with one change in particular, its hosts. Besides the weird and informative clips from Ripley's Believe It or Not, it also focused on the weird relationship of its hosts, the sibling Betong and Bebang, with their bullied neighbor ("friend"), Etoy.

Michael V. plays all three parts in a green screen to give the effect that the three characters are all together in one screen, interacting. The show usually feature Bebabng or Betong bullying Etoy reminiscent of Looney Toons cartoons' Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner.

Bitoy's World - Opening Theme Lyrics
Bitoy's World Intro Lyrics

Ahoy! Ahoy!
Meron akong balita
Meron kaming show at kaming dalawa ang bida
Para sa bagets
at para sa gurang
Si Betong, Si Etoy
at ako si Bebang

Beh Baby,
Beh beh beh beh Baby
Beh Baby,
Beh beh beh beh Baby

Si Betong, Si Etoy
at ako si Bebang.

Making this post is really challenging especially as I had a hard time finding clips or even photos of Bitoy's World. Luckily I found this pic of the three host of Bitoy's World together with Director Uro dela Cruz in Flickr. This made me realize the importance and why I made Retro Pilipinas blog. It is to scour the internet for any materials of the show that I grew up with. Well, it is much easier for me to archive some of the international shows shown in our country because some of these shows have either dedicated sites created by fans or enough materials have written about them. So when I was looking for Bitoy's World, I usually ended up with nothing. But the memories of the Bitoy's World are still here. The show was so fascinating back when I was still in high school which made me decide to make three characters out of my main character in my notebook log. The show was that hilarious and influential to me back then. Too bad I didn't have any more materials to share it with you guys. So if ever you have one, you can share it here.

How about you guys, what's your fondest memory of Bitoy's World? Any particular memorable story, memorabilia, moments, or characters of the show that you want to share? Share them along with your thoughts about Bitoy's World in the comments section below:

Dragon Ball | RPN - 80's - 90's

noreply@blogger.com (Chris A.) — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 10:45:00 +0000

Dragon Ball was a popular English dubbed Japanese animated series which first aired in Radio Philippine Network (RPN) around the late 80's to early 90's. Dragon Ball, originally ドラゴンボール Doragon Bōru was based on the similarly popular manga illustrated by Akira Toriyama and originally serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1984 to 1995. Toie picked up the series and ran the original anime series from February 26, 1986 – April 12, 1989 back in FujiTV. Dragon Ball aired in the Philippines around the late 80's in RPN-9. The series was continually re-aired until it was finished at around 2000 in GMA Network with Dragon Ball GT. Before the world crushing powers of the Saiyan came to be, there was once the story of a young boy along with a girl in search of the mythical Dragon Balls. Let's remember the story of a monkey boy named Goku and his friends in search of the magical Dragon Balls.

Dragon Ball - The Story
Dragon Ball - Series Plot

Dragon Ball begins and follows the story of a young monkey-tailed boy named Goku who befriends a teenage girl named Bulma. Together they go on a quest to find the seven Dragon Balls which grants any wish of the person who gets to complete all the Dragon Balls and summon a magical Dragon called Shenlong.

Goku later undergoes rigorous training regimes under the martial artist Master Roshi in order to fight in the World Martial Arts Tournament, a competition that attracts the most powerful fighters in the world. During his training with Roshi, he meets a Shaolin monk named Krillin, who starts out as Goku's rival classmate who later becomes Goku's best friend. Outside the tournaments, Goku faces diverse villains such as Emperor Pilaf, the Red Ribbon Army, and King Piccolo. Several of the enemies and rivals Goku encounters eventually become his allies, including the desert bandit Yamcha, the assassin Tien Shinhan, the samurai Yajirobe, and King Piccolo's offspring/reincarnation Piccolo Jr.

Dragon Ball Original Japanese Opening Theme
Dragon Ball Series Intro

"Makafushigi Adventure!"
Artist: Hiroki Takahashi

Dragon Ball Philippines Opening Theme
Dragon Ball Philippine English Series Intro

Dragon Ball Philippines Opening Theme Lyrics
"Dragon Ball"

Get that Dragon Balls
Get that Dragon Balls
To face the greatest challenge in the world

Get that Dragon Balls
Get that Dragon Balls
Seven Magic Balls

To make a wish you must possess them all
It's the greatest treasure you'll ever find
Go ahead enter the world of adventure

I see a vision through my colorful dreams
Pictures of places were I have never been
Something is out there waiting for you and me

Not far away is a beautiful sight
Magic ball shining with power so bright
Go ahead and take the chance
Follow your dreams

Let's try, try, try magical eyes
Show us the way as we go traveling high
Let's fly, fly, fly magical eyes
Feel the love within you burning like a flame

Get that Dragon Balls
Get that Dragon Balls
To face the greatest challenge in the world

Get that Dragon Balls
Get that Dragon Balls
Seven Magic Balls

To make a wish you must possess them all
It's the greatest treasure you'll ever find
Go ahead enter the world of adventure
Dragon Ball.

Dragon Ball Original Japanese Closing Theme
Dragon Ball Series Outro

Romantic Ageru Yo
Artist: Ushio Hashimoto

Dragon Ball Philippines Closing Theme
Dragon Ball Philippine English Dubbed Series Outro

Dragon Ball Philippines Opening Theme Lyrics
"This World is Filled with Love"

Life is so exciting and free
There are lots of good things to see
Fantasies, we can make them happen in this world

Let's not loose our precious time
They are really hard to find
Let's all go and find adventures in this life

Oh, we may see some mysteries that puzzle everyone
We must be strong to face them all
like battles to be won

Aim high reach for the sky now
Let love teach you the way how
This world can make dreams come true

This world is filled with love
This world is filled with love
So glad to know you do believe what love can do for you

Oh, this world is filled with love
Oh, this world is filled with love
Challenges make us strong
The power of love makes us win as it fills us with joy

This is one of the first anime series that I followed back in the 90's. It was a lot simpler back then. This is where everything started, before Goku became the most powerful warrior in the face of the planet... even the universe and the life after. This is the original Dragon Ball series of the 80's where Goku was trained by a old perverted but still a master, Roshi (or Master Buten in its original run in Philippine television back in RPN-9). The retro anime series dubbed in English was pack with adventure and action. Whether it was in search of the dragon balls versus King Pillaf and the Red Ribbon army, or Goku joining the World's Martial Arts Tournament, we as kids raved and cheered for this monkey boy who at a strange weird way becomes an uncontrollable great giant uncontrollable powerful monkey at the mere sight of a full moon. Of course who could not remember those opening and closing music. I've heard USA's version of Dragon Ball's opening and closing theme, but I prefer Philippine's version of it. I still have my Dragon Ball teks collection as a physical reminder of how hooked I was with the Dragon Ball anime series.

What about you guys, what's your fondest memory of the original Dragon ball series? Any memorable experience, toys, memorabilia or as Goku refer to it "memento" of the popular series? Share your thoughts in the comments section below:

Voltron: Defender of the Universe | 80's - 90's IBC-13, RPN-9, SBN-21 Animated Series

noreply@blogger.com (Chris A.) — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 14:58:00 +0000

Voltron: Defender of the Universe was an American animated television series adaptation of two different Japanese anime television series Beast King Golion and Armored Fleet Dairugger XV. Simply known as Voltron, the series originally aired in various syndicated channels in the United States from September 10, 1984 to November 18, 1985. Voltron: Defender of the Universe aired in the Intercontinental Broadcasting Network (IBC-13) and Radio Philippines Network (RPN-9) around the 80's until 90's. Let's take a look back at this beloved supre robot series of the 80's, Voltron.

Voltron: Defenders of the Universe - The Story
Voltron: Defender of the Universe - Series Plot

The first season of Voltron was based on Beast King Golion (Hykauu Juu Ou Golion). This series is also known as Lion Force Voltron (Voltron of the Far Universe) featured a team of five young pilots commanding five robot lions which could be combined to form Voltron. In this undefined future era, the Voltron Force was in charge of protecting the planet Arus which is ruled by Princess Allura from the evil forces of King Zarkon, his son Lotor, and the witch Haggar who would later create huge Robeasts to terrorize the people of Arus. This is the most popular iteration of Voltron, but was later called Voltron III.

The second season was based on Armored Fleet Dairugger XV (Kikou Kantai Dairugger XV), with the storyline considerably changed. In this iteration of Voltron, which was also known as Vehicle Voltron (Voltron of the Near Universe), the Galaxy Alliance's home planets have become overcrowded, and a fleet of explorers has been sent to search for new planets to colonize. Along the way, they attract the attention of the evil Drule Empire, long engaged in an ongoing war against the Alliance, and the Drules proceed to interfere in the mission of the explorers and the colonists. Since the Voltron of Planet Arus is too far away to help the explorers, a totally new Voltron is constructed to battle the Drule threat. This Voltron was called Voltron I since its setting was set closest to Earth.

This Voltron team consists of fifteen members, divided into three teams of five, known respectively as the Land, Sea, and Air Teams. Each team is specialized in gathering data or fighting in their area of expertise. Each team can combine their vehicles into a bigger machine, with each combined vehicle differing amongst the three teams: the Aqua Fighter (Sea Team), the Turbo Terrain Fighter (Land Team), and the Strato Fighter (Air Team). When necessary, all fifteen vehicles combine to form the mighty Voltron.

A proposed Voltron II, which was set to take the name of Gladiator Voltron (Voltron of the Middle Universe) was to have been based on Lightspeed Electroid Albegas (Kosoku Denjin Albegas) but was later cancelled in the United States because of the lack of popularity of Voltron II (second season).

Voltron: Defender of the Universe Opening Theme
Voltron: Defender of the Universe Series Intro

I was but achild when these series exploded in the Philippines. thanks to reruns of the show which have been very frequent in Philippine television, I was able to experience Voltron. I remember my father giving me a Voltron matchbox toy which was eventually lost. If only I or my father took care of that toy, I could have had a piece of my childhood up until now, but there is no real sense in crying over spilled milk. What matters is that I was able to enjoy my childhood thanks to these robo lions. I prefer and am more familiar with the Lion Force Voltron just like most Voltron fans.

Voltron was one of the most popular super robot series during its time. Both the Englsh dubbed animated series and its toyline became phenomenal. Whether it is on its catchy opening and closing themes, or the sheer awesomeness of a five giant robo lions forming into one robot battling giant monsters terrorizing the galaxy, Voltron has forever joined the ranks of the most popular kids show of the 80's. Just like any other 80's Americanized show, Voltron was heavily censored to cater for kids, but amidst its censorship World Events Productions and Toei Animation still managed to bring something special which up to this day are remembered by those who grew up humming its theme, shouting its formation sequence, and playing with its various toy lines.

How about you guys, what's your fondest memories of Voltron: Defenders of the Universe? Did you also liked the second season? What are your fondest memories of Voltron? Share everything on Voltron at the comments section below:

Tattooed Teenage Alien Fighters from Beverly Hills | ABC 90's American Superhero Kids Show

noreply@blogger.com (Chris A.) — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 12:56:00 +0000

Tattooed Teenage Alien Fighters from Beverly Hills was a American television series which was released by DIC Entertainment and aired on the USA Network which originally ran from October 3, 1994 to December 8, 1994. In the Philippines, the Associated Broadcasting Company (now known as TV5) aired Tattooed Teenage Alien Fighters from Beverly Hills on a weekend afternoon block. Let's take a look back on this low-budget kids show that tried to emulate the success of Saban's Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

Tattooed Teenage Alien Fighters from Beverly Hills - The Story
Tattooed Teenage Alien Fighters from Beverly Hills Series Plot

Tattooed Teenage Alien Fighters from Beverly Hills featured four central teenagers selected by a blob-like brain alien named Nimbar (Head Protector of the Power Portals) to fight off the monsters sent by an evil alien empire lead by Emperor Gorganus. Gorganus want to conquer Earth because it is the focal point for a network of "Power Portals" that would facilitate conquest of the galaxy. Nimbar recruits four high school students and with a touch by his "finger" gave them each a tattoo which is based on a constellation in the celestial sphere. When their tattoos flash, this means Nimbar needs them and a power portal appears that they can pass through to enter his chamber.

The teens could then stand atop platforms called "Transo Discs" and transform into "Galactic Sentinels" with super powers. These four teenagers are Laurie Foster as the Galactic Sentinel Scorpio; Gordon Henley as the Galactic Sentinel Scorpio; Drew Vincent as Galactic Sentinel Centaur; and Swinton Sawyer as the Galactic Sentinel Apollo. When they put their hands together in an interlocking square they form the ultimate Galactic Sentinel called Knightron.

Tattooed Teenage Alien Fighters from Beverly Hills Opening Theme
Tattooed Teenage Alien Fighters from Beverly Hills Series Intro

What is there to say about Tattooed Teenage Alien Fighters from Beverly Hills? It is one of those US Shows that tried to emulate the success of the Power Rangers. Unlike other kids shows that can just "borrowed" stock footage from Japanese tokusatsu shows, the Tattooed Teenage tried a different approach. You can clearly see that it is pretty much American in its high school setting and its heroes reminiscent of fighters from the American Gladiators. Looking at it now I can't help but laugh a bit and made me ask myself "Did I really dug that show before?". Well it can't be help, I was but a child then. I probably got hooked in it because it resembled the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers with its teenage protagonists; reminds me of Ultraman and Magmaman when they transform into Galactic Sentinels, and vaguely resembles Voltes V in some way when they put form Knightron... not to mention father and I were into World Wrestling Federation back then, the Galactic sentinels somehow looked like wrestlers.

How about you guys, do you remember this US show? What do you remember most about it? any special memory, collectible, or experience you have related to the show? Share your thoughts about the Tattooed Teenage Alien Fighters from Beverly Hills in the comments section below:

MagmaMan | Fireman | ファイヤーマン Faiyaman | ABS-CBN 90'S Filipino Dubbed Tokusatsu

noreply@blogger.com (Chris A.) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 08:59:00 +0000

MagmaMan was a Filipino dubbed super hero kids show that aired in ABS-CBN around the 90's. MagmaMan is originally Fireman (ファイヤーマン Faiyaman), a Japanese tokusatsu television series which originally aired Nippon Television from January 7 to July 31, 1973. Let's take a look at MagmaMan, a classic Japanese tokusatsu that has successfully merged the essence of the Ultraman and Kamen Rider series.

MagmaMan - The Story
Fireman - Series Plot

A strange phenomenon happened throughout the world, causing giant, mutant dinosaurs to suddenly appear. Deep under the Earth's surface lives the Agan, a race of people who will die if exposed to light of the sun for more than three minutes sends a courageous young man named Misakey to live as in the world of humans donning the identity of an archaeologist and SAF agent Daisuke Misaki. Whenever monsters and space aliens attack the world, Misaki transforms into Fireman by using the fire-stick, and defends the human race against them.

MagmaMan Opening Themes
FireMan Series Intros

"Fireman" (ファイヤーマン Faiya-man)

Lyrics by Yu Aku
Composition by Asei Kobayashi
Arrangement by Bob Sakuma
Artists: Masato Shimon

MagmaMan Opening Theme
FireMan Series Outro

"Shutsugeki! SAF" (SAF Shutsugeki! Esu-e-efu, Go attack! SAF)

Lyrics by Hajime Tsuburaya
Composition and Arrangement by Toru Fuyuki
Artists: Columbia Yurikago-kai and The Photons

I have vivid recollections of this series but I can still remember me and my grade school classmates mimicking MagmaMan's finishers, the Magma Dash (Fire Dash). It was aired alongside the Ultrama on ABS-CBN back in the days so we have two super giants entertaining us every weekends. I also remember one particular scene when he sacrificed himself to save the planet, I believe it made me cry back then.

Doing the research of this classic retro tokusatsu that aired in ABS-CBN during the 90's, I can completely say that MagmaMan as I would like to call him, looks like the combination of Ultraman in terms of size but with the eyes of a Kamen Rider (Masked Rider). Looing at it now, it makes me want to get the DVD set just for the sheer nostalgic value of it. Maybe someday but for now, I will enjoy myself with these series of classic scene montage of MagmaMan:

How about you guys? Did you grew up watching this series? do you have a more clear idea or recollection of the monsters fought or episodes of MagmaMan? share your thoughts on the comments section below:

Hiraya Manawari | ABS-CBN 90's Educational Show for Children

noreply@blogger.com (Chris A.) — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 07:14:00 +0000

Hiraya Manawari was a popular educational television show for Filipino children from ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. in cooperation with the Department of Education Culture and Sports (DECS) back in the 90's. Hiraya Manawari aired during the 90's alongside Bayani from on Philippine television network, ABS-CBN. Hiraya Manawari is a weekly episodic educational television show aimed for Filipino kids that featured moral values with a usual fantasy setting.

Hiraya Manawari Educational Philippine Television Show - The Show
About Hiraya Manawari

ABS-CBN's Hiraya Manawari, a highfalutin Filipino word that translates to “reach your dreams” featured episodes revolving around good moral values and life lessons. Each episode is different from the other with each episode that deals with issues about love, family, respect, honesty, discipline, etc. Most of its episodes is set on a fantasy and fictitious setting which aid in emphasizing the episode's lesson of the day. If Bayani was a Sibika at Kulture, History or Social Studies in Philippine television, Hiraya Manawari on the other hand is like a Good Moral and Right Conduct, or Values Education class for Philippine television.

Hiraya Manawari Opening Theme
Hiraya Manawari Series Intro

Hiraya Manawari
Theme Song Lyrics

Gusto kong abutin ang tayog ng ulap
Gusto kong sisirin ang lalim ng dagat
Gusto kong akyatin ang tuktok ng bundok
Tuklasin ang hiwaga, sa puso ko'y bumabalot

Hiraya Manawari, Hiraya Manawari
Mga pangarap natin ating abutin
Ang kapangyarihang nasa puso natin
Hiraya manawari ating abutin

Kaya kong pakawalan ang hiwaga sa aking puso
Kaya kong hawakan init ng aking pangarap
Kaya kong isabog liwanag na aking taglay
Liwanag na nagsisilbing tanglaw ko sa patutunguhan

Hiraya Manawari, Hiraya Manawari
Mga pangarap natin, ating abutin
Sa lakas ng isipan at busilak na kalooban
Hiraya manawari ating abutin

I grew up in the 90's and this is one of the most memorable educational television series that ABS-CBN has ever come up with. It teaches and preaches about values education presented in a fairy tale like manner with episodes in a mysterious, magical, mystical, and sometimes creepy settings.

There is one particular scene in an episode of Hiraya Manawari that has seemingly engraved itself in my memory. It was an episode that featured insects, mainly butterflies. That particular episode had a scene where butterflies are just flying around a garden full of flora that prompted a musical segment with lyrics like "tsuwari wariwap... maglaro maglaro." I vividly recall what happened to that episode but I believed that it was due to its weird and upbeat tune that made it so nostalgic. There were also some really serious and disturbing scenes from some episodes of Hiraya Manawari. Maybe it was ahead of its time or it was so effective that it was too much for some children (like me) to handle. I remember having a few nightmares with some of its creepier episode. But all in all nobody can deny that it was one of the best educational shows under joint effort by ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. and the Department of Education Culture and Sports.

How about you guys? What is/are your most memorable episode, story, or character you remembered from this ABS-CBN educational show? Share your thoughts about Hiraya Manawari in the comments section below:

Ispup | ABC-5 90's

noreply@blogger.com (Chris A.) — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 09:27:00 +0000

Ispup (translates to "Spoof") was a Filipino television comedy show that aired in Associated Broadcasting Company (ABC-5, now known as TV5) during the late 90's up to the early 2000's. From the title itself, Ispup spoofs and make parodies of several Philippine television shows, political figures, celebrities, and advertisements. Ispup originally aired on Saturdays later moved to Fridays. The ABC-5 gag sow ran from March 20, 1999 to March 27, 2004 replacing Tropang Trumpo.

Ispup - The Show
About Ispup

Ispup featured two of Philippine's well-known parodist and impersonators, Willie Nepomuceno and Jon Santos; adding to the cast are Leo Martinez, Mystica, Candy Pangilinan, Marissa Sanchez, Joy Viado, Selena Sanchez, Ruffa Mae Quinto, and the Ispupniks: Mike "Pekto" Nacua, Ate Guy, Ate Shawie, Hyubz Azarcon and Cynthia Marquez.

Although not being the pioneer when it comes to doing parodies in the Philippines, Ispup managed to pull some pretty interesting concepts providing some great laughs with its fresh approach to delivering humor, mainly through parodies. Ispup introduced a new breed of smart humor by solely focusing on the popularity and sometimes notoriety of celebrities, television shows, and political figures - spoofing and satirizing their already public lives.

Some of its more popular parodies included the following:

Balitang Ka! - a parody of ABS-CBN's "Balitang K"

The Cheapest Link - a parody of the Philippine version of the UK game show "The Weakest Link" (IBC-13), having Caloy Alde as Edu Mansanas and actors playing political figures as contestants.

Di Bati Sina Mards At Pards - a parody of GMA's debate show "Debate with Mare at Pare"

Gay KNB? - a parody of ABS-CBN game show "Game KNB?" hosted by Ms. Kris Pepino (played by Candy Pangilinan)

Intrigador - a parody of GMA's "Imbestigador"

Knowless Power - a parody of the ABS-CBN's "Knowledge Power"

Malala Na Kaya- a spoof of ABS-CBN's drama anthology "Maalaala Mo Kaya" hosted by Charing Todos Los Santos Conscious na Conscious (played by Jon Santos)

No One Can Be A Millionaire? - a parody of the Philippine version of the UK game show "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" (IBC-13), having Leo Martinez as Royet de Leon and actors playing political figures as contestants.

Oka-Toka-Doc - a cross-over parody of ABS-CBN's "Oka Tokat" and "Oki Doki Doc"

The Priest is Right - a parody of the Philippine version of the US game show "The Price is Right", having Willie Nepomuceno as His Eminems Jaime Cardinal Sins and actors playing political figures as contestants.

Taksil - a parody of GMA's "Saksi"

Usapang Monkey Business - a parody of ABS-CBN's "Usapang Business"

Wrong Page: Ulat ni Mel Tiongke - a parody of the GMA's "Frontpage: Ulat ni Mel Tiangco"

Ispup featured characters like Sherap Entrada, Eminems Jaime Cardinal Sins, Royet de Leon, Charing Todos Los Santos Conscious na Conscious, Kurita Chances, Meriam Defensive-Santiago, Ramon Revillame, Mel Tiongke, Mayor Vi, Kris Pepino, Tita Cory Pepino, Cong. Manhik-Manaog, and Cong. Manhik-Manaog.

Before and after each episode, a "disclaimer" was presented ala "Star Wars" opening credits stating that the spoofs were taken from television shows, commercials, and movies with permission, ending with the show's tagline "Walang pikunan, ispup onli." ("Don't get offended. It's only a spoof.").

Ispup Opening Theme
Ispup Show Intro

"Soul Bossa Nova" by Quincey Jones

Mystica as Rosebud in "No One Can Be a Millionnaire"

All great things must eventually come to an end. It was quite disheartening to see Tropang Trumpo end, but Ispup filled up that gap with a new brand of humor. This was the gag show that introduced me to the master impersonators and stand up comedians Willie Nepomuceno and Jon Santos. I grew eventually fund of Ispup's unique brand of humor although being as a child back then really didn't get some of their jokes, it was still fun to see comedians impersonate local pop culture and political icons that time. If there is one thing that Ispup has successfully accomplished is the effective use of parody and spoof as its medium of humor which is now seen in today's Philippine gag shows.

It is quite fascinating actually that after Ispup, the impersonations lives on. Up to this day (as I made this post) I still see most impersonations by Jon Santos and Willie Nep cracking people up in various television appearance and stand up performance.

Jon Santos as Senator Miriam Defensive-Santiago at the MYX Music Awards 2012

Willie Nepumoceno as "Sherap" - Wowowee's Funniest Episode

How about you guys? What is your most memorable and funniest impersonation in Ispup? Share your thoughts about ABC-5's Ispup on the comments section below:

Zenki | ABS-CBN - 90's

noreply@blogger.com (Chris A.) — Fri, 18 May 2012 05:29:00 +0000

Zenki was an Filipino dubbed Japanese animated series which first aired in ABS-CBN around the late 90's. Zenki, originally 鬼神童子ZENKI Kishin Dōji Zenki,like many other Japanese anime, Zenki started as a manga series written by Kikuhide Tani and illustrated by Yoshihiro Kuroiwa. The manga was serealized in the Shueisha publication, Monthly Shōnen Jump from 1992 to 1996 and was later adapted into a fifty-one episode anime television series in 1995 by Studio Deen. Let's take the road down memory lane and remember this brat of a child but kick-ass eyeball-eating Demon, Zenki.

Zenki - The Story
Zenki Series Plot

Enno Ozuno, Master of the Enno temple used the demon guardian spirit Zenki to defeat the demon goddess Karuma. After defeating Karuma, he later sealed Zenki away in a pillar until needed again.

Centuries later, his descendant, a school girl named Chiaki Enno (Cherry) was able to free Zenki from his seal because of the return of the forces of Karuma (Karma). The seeds of karma which looks like eyeballs feeds on the greed and desire of humans later turning them into monsters. Zenki was freed because of this and needs to then again to eradicate this menace. Instead of the powerful yet defiant battle-born demon warrior, the freed Zenki has now taken the form of a brat demon child. To transform this extremely defiant demon into the form that made him useful by her ancestor, she was bestowed with a magical bracelet that appeared on her wrist.

After defeating Karuma again, all seems well until a new evil rose, the threat of the Grand Lord with the help of Inugami. This time Zenki acquires a new power. Goki, an old companion joins him to battle this new powerful evil.

Zenki Opening Theme 1
Zenki Series Intro

Zenki Opening Theme 2
Zenki Series 2nd Intro

Zenki was probably the most memorable anime character for a 90's kid. He was a brat but packs a lot of power when unsealed to his true form. Not to mention he eats the seeds of Karuma after each kills. I remember getting excited to go home back in grade school to just watch this series which aired every weekdays afternoon on ABS-CBN.

I remember being one of those kids who usually role plays acting like Zenki and shouting "PALAKOL NI DIVA" (Axe of Diva) picking up sticks and swaying it like crazy to my friends acting like Karuma monsters or fellow Zenki themselves, or placing a stick between our middle and ring finger with our hands closed shoutng "KUKO NI DIVA" or "APOY SA KUKO NI DIVA!". This was one of the many definitive anime of the 90's and Zenki was that memorable of a series. Looking back at it now, I can say that the animation and music still rocks.

How about you guys? What's your fondest and most memorable moments, episodes, character, monsters, or merchandise you have of Zenki. Share your memories of Zenki in the comments section below:

Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light | ABS-CBN - 80's, PTV - 90's

noreply@blogger.com (Chris A.) — Sat, 05 May 2012 06:38:00 +0000

Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light was a 1987 short-lived Sunbow Productions animated series based from a Hasbro toyline. Vissionaries: Knights of the Magical Light or simply "Visionaries" has originally 13 episodes and ran from September 21, 1987 to December 14, 1987 on Claster Television, Inc. Visionaries got its Philippine television broadcast via ABS-CBN around the 80's and later on other Philippine Television channels like PTV (NBN Channel-4 for the Greater Manila Area) during the 90's. Let's take a look back on this short-lived kids show with an interesting concept.

Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light - The Story
Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light Series Plot

The inhabitants of a distant planet called Prysmos enjoy the life of convenience brought by science and technology, but like everything else this eventually came to an abrupt end. When the three blazing suns of Prysmos re-aligned signaled the end of the age of Science and technology, and ushered in the power of mystics and magic.

As the world collapsed, a new but primitive order began. A post apocalyptic medieval era began. An era known for its inquisition and wars. Leoric, leader of the Spectral Knights and prince of New Valarak leads and defends their fortress against the scheming Darkstorm of the Darkling Lords. They are both called to for a competition by the wizard Merklynn. After surviving traps, dangerous creatures, and each other, the survivors on both sides are rewarded. Everyone of them is given a different animal totem which appears on the front of their armor, which they can turn into. The animals are selected by Merklynn based on their personalities. Some knights have staffs with them, and these are told to dip them into an energy well. They become magical, each given a different power. They activate these by reciting a special verse. Any staff-wielding knight can activate any staff, as long as he casts the spell properly.

The war for power and supremacy on the two opposing faction heightens after obtaining their new found magical powers.

Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light Opening Theme
Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light Series Intro

It is a time when Magic is more powerful than Science,
and only those who control the magic, control destiny.
...They are the Visionaries.

Visionaries, knights of the magical light,
Visionaries, with magical powers they fight.
Powers of mind and strength, skill and speed,
Powers to accomplish the greatest of deeds.

Visionaries, knights of the magical light.

The Visionaries seems to have left an imprint in my mind. This is probably because the series has an impressive toyline courtesy of Hasbro. I remember having two visionary toys when I was still a kid. The Visionaries toys have those hologramic 3-D-esk stickers which gave kids like me the allusion that they can pop in any time just like the series. I have little memories about the conflict between Leoric and Darksorm and only recalls it after researching and making this post. But still a post-apocalyptic medieval magical era with magic and technology mix is an interesting concept. Too bad is was cancelled. As a kid, the Visionaries was pretty much all eye candy for me. I just watched it for the fight scenes and the cool summoning and transformation sequences.

How about you guys? What are your fondest memories, cool merchandise, favorite character, summons or episode in the short-lived series? Share your thoughts about Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light in the comments section below:

VR Troopers | ABC-5 90's American Super Hero Kids Show

noreply@blogger.com (Chris A.) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 08:36:00 +0000

VR Troopers or Virtual Reality Troopers was a syndicated live action show produced by Saban Entertainment (creators of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series) and originally aired in Fox Kids block from 1994 to 1996. In the Philippines, the Associated Broadcasting Company (now known as TV5) aired VR Troopers on a weekend primetime block.

VR Troopers tried to profit from the fascination with the virtual reality craze in the early 90s as well as the success of Power Rangers. It featured early CGI and video effects mixed with Japanese stock footage from three different Metal Hero Series: Superhuman Machine Metalder, Dimensional Warrior Spielban, and Space Sheriff Shaider. This kind of adaptation technique of turning multiple foreign shows into one completely different local show was originally used in anime (Robotech and Voltron). Amidst the success of VR Troopers, making a name for itself escaping the shadows of Power Rangers (or any comparison to it) the show was eventually cancelled due to the lack of stock footage from the original Japanese tokusatsu series it borrowed its action scenes from. The show lasted two seasons (Season 1 1994-1995 and Season 2 1995-1996) with nearly 100 episodes before it was eventually cancelled in favor of another Americanized tokusatsu series, The Big Bad Beetleborgs. Let's go down memory lane as we remember another Americanized Saban Kid's show of the 90's.

VR Troopers - The Story
VR Troopers Series Plot

VR Troopers follows three young adults in their late teens, Ryan Steele (played by Brad Hawkins), Kaitlin Star (Sarah Brown), and J.B. Reese (Michael Bacon) living in the fictional West Coast town of Cross World City. They regularly attend and are teachers at "Tao's Dojo", a karate studio. Ryan is the most focused martial artist; J.B. is a computer wizard; and Kaitlin is a photographer & budding reporter for the local newspaper, the Underground Voice Daily.

In Ryan's search for his long-missing father, he and his two friends are led to a strange laboratory. Inside it was a digitized head of Professor Horatio Hart, a friend of Ryan's father. Professor art explained the truth about his life's work of having developed extremely advanced virtual reality technology in complete secrecy. "VR" is a dimension universe existing alongside our own; within it lie mutants and monsters bent on conquering both worlds. The main ruler of the said monstrosities is the Grimlord (Gardner Baldwin). Unbeknownst to everyone on Earth, Grimlord has a human identity, the billionaire industrialist Karl Ziktor. In the normal reality, Karl Ziktor tries to overcome the barriers that protects the real world and the virtual world to allow his armies easy passage from virtual world. It is up to Ryan, Kaitlin, and J.B. to defend the planet on both sides of the dimensional barrier. In order to stop Grimlord's assault on both realities they are able to change to Virtual Reality Troopers with armored bodies having incredible firepower.

VR Troopers Opening Theme
VR Troopers Series Intro

VR Troopers Opening Theme Season 1 (1994-1995) and Season 2 (1995-1996)

As a kid growing in the 90's, I still remember liking this show and not taking any offense on how it made use of various Japanese tokusatsu series. We were oblivious of the tokusatsu series used in VR Troopers at that time, with the exemption of Space Sheriff Shaider aggressively used in the show's second season. It was a good action-packed retro superhero kids show after the Power Rangers every Friday nights. Like any other retro kids show it has this catchy opening theme. The show featured Jeb, the talking dog which to me added a little charm to the usual scary moments of the show specifically those transformation sequence of Ziktor to Grimlord. Seeing that horrendous face of Grimlord brought shiver down my spine as a kid.

It was really just a shame that it got cancelled like most US shows on that era. Even up to this generation, there are still some shows that can get cancelled amidst its popularity. Luckily, Saban and other companies who tried adapting Japanese series finally leaned a few tools of trade from running out of stock footage which is to actually re-create the costumes and set and choreographed fight scenes on set.

How about you guys? How do you remember this Americanized tokusatsu series? any favorite characters, episodes, or merchandise? Share your thoughts about VR Troopers in the comments section below:

Bioman | Choudenshi Bioman | ABS-CBN 80's, IBC 13 - 90's English Dubbed Tokusatsu

noreply@blogger.com (Chris A.) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 07:31:00 +0000

Bioman was an English dubbed super hero kids show which first aired in ABS-CBN back in 1986 and later in Intercontinental Broadcasting Company (IBC) around the 90's. Bioman was originally Choudenshi Bioman (超電子バイオマン Chōdenshi Baioman), a Japanese tokusatsu television series by Toie Company and the 8th super sentai series title which originally aired on TV Asahi from February 4, 1984 to January 26, 1985. Bioman was the last super sentai series that got an English dubbed, the localized sentai series that followed are all dubbed in Filipino. Even in its 90's rerun, it was still dubbed in English. But it was the series that most 90's Filipino kids are familiar with and has the same charm as Maskman. Let's go down memory lane as we look back at Bioman.

Choudenshi Bioman - The Story
Choudenshi Bioman Series Plot

The once prosperous Bio Star is destroyed after a world war erupted over the use of a scientific discovery called "Bio Particles". The Bio Star Peacekeeping Alliance, which sought to use Bio Particles for peaceful purposes, sends the giant robot Bio Robo and an assistant robot named Peebo in order to prevent the same tragedy from happening to Earth. Bio Robo arrives on 15th century Japan, where it showers Bio Particles on five young individuals. Centuries later, the descendants of these individuals, infused with Bio Particles, are chosen by Peebo and Bio Robo to become the Bioman team: Shiro Go became Red One, Shingo Takasugi became Green Two, Ryuta Nanbara became Blue Three, Mika Koizumi, who was later replaced by Jun Yabuki became Yellow Four, and Hikaru Katsuragi became Pink Five.

The Bioman team are asked to protect the Earth from the Neo Gear Empire, an organization led by the cyborg mad scientist Doctor Man from his Neo Grad fortress at the South Pole. Doctor Man believe that Neo Gear Empire to be a technologically advanced society with the right to rule Earth. Big Three (Mason, Farrah, and Monster), Farrah Cat, Prince and Mecha Clones.

Bioman Opening Theme
Choudenshi Bioman Series Intro

"Choudenshi Bioman" (超電子バイオマン Chōdenshi Baioman)

Lyrics by Chinfa Kan.
Composition by Kunihiko Kase.
Arrangement by Tatsumi Yano.
Artist: Takayuki Miyauchi

Takayuki Miyauchi Live Perfomance of Bioman Opening Theme
Takayuki Miyauchi Sings Choudenshi Bioman - Series Intro

Bioman Closing Theme
Choudenshi Bioman Series Outro

The only Bioman Closing Theme I found that showed the original TV Ending Theme Sequence. This Closing Theme is in French but stayed true to its original arrangement.

"Biomic Soldier" (バイオミック・ソルジャー Baiomikku Sorujā)

Lyrics by Chinfa Kan.
Composition by Kunihiko Kase.
Arrangement by Tatsumi Yano.
Artist: Takayuki Miyauchi.

Takayuki Miyauchi Live Perfomance of Bioman Closing Theme
Takayuki Miyauchi Sings Biomic Soldier - Series Intro

For a 90's kid, I have considered Bioman as the "bio brain" of all super sentai series during its run. Of course this was not true, but you really can't blame a kid who has just started to grow awareness about his surrounding during the 90's. We don't have Wikis or the internet to inform us that time, so this was really my first exposure to the super sentai (tokusatsu) series. Besides the usual storyline, monsters, mechas and story, Bioman's greatest and lasting influence was both its memorable catchy opening and closing themes. As a sign of its lasting influence, I still seldom randomly hear its theme everytime I'm out doing my regular stroll. Whether it is in a form of a ring tone or a music being played in a CD, Bioman truly has became a part of everyone (mostly its male audience) who grew up with the series. I am bit ashamed to say that I never really got into the series due to the fact that it was dubbed in English and it has erratic airing television schedule back in IBC-13. I believe I have never seen the show's finale. I preferred Maskman later, because of the obvious... being in Filipino. I somewhat understood Maskman "more" back then(?). I wasn't that fully into Star Wars back as well, so Peebo was my first lovable gold robot. CRPO was just a runner up. Bioman became memorable a series and probably a part of my childhood now. Thus it always brings me back to the worry-free moments of my life when I was just watching retro tokusatsu shows in our local Philippine television.

What about you guys? What's your fondest memories, favorite episode, character or merchandise about the Bioman? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below:

That's Entertainment | GMA 80's Filipino Teenage Variety Show

noreply@blogger.com (Chris A.) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 14:09:00 +0000

That's Entertainment or simply known as "That's" was a Filipino youth-oriented talent and variety show that aired in GMA Network from January 6, 1986 – March 23, 1996. That's was hosted by German Moreno together with Ike Lozada. Let's go down memory lane with That's Entertainment here at Retro Pilipinas.

That's Entertainment - The Show
About That's Entertainment

That's Entertainment launched on January 6, 1986 by GMA Network and first aired from the old GMA building in EDSA, but later moved to the GMA Broadway Centrum in 1987 to accommodate it's increasing studio audience and fans. The Filipino youth variety show used song "That's Entertainment" as its main theme song. That's Entertainment was written by Arthur Schwartz with the lyrics of Howard Dietz which was written especially for the 1953 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer musical film The Band Wagon. Hosted by German Moreno together with Ike Lozada, That's gained popularity almost overnight among young Filipino audiences.

That's Entertainment ushered in new stars whom most have become the Philippine industry's finest. The youth-oriented variety show grouped their talents into five: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday groups. Every Saturday, all of the said five groups were joined together to performed various production numbers. The show paired up various talents to serve as love teams that usually illicit feelings of "kilig" to most of the show's female audiences. The pairing eventually transcended the show and some eventually hooked up in real life. The show was a star maker, those who were exceptional and offered something fresh became the industry's finest celebrity idols. Nobody can be young forever. That's members eventually moved on with their lives. Some got their much needed industry break making them the industry's popular actors, comedian/comedienne, actors, singers, dancers, and performers. Some decided to pursue a much fulfilling and private lives completely vanishing from the radar of the ever scrutinizing eye of the public. The show also catapulted different dance group to popularity, The Maneouvres, Streetboys, Abztract Dancers, Kids at Work, UMD all became the Philippines' premiere dance group because of the show. German "Kuya Germs" Moreno was recognized as the Philippine's star maker because of the said show.

That's went off the air at the height of its popularity back in March 23, 1986. The last episode of "That's Entertainment" was shown on Saturday primetime (9:00 pm) with former members reunited in a TV special entitled "That's The Reunion".

A Fan Tribute Video to That's Entertainment:

I wasn't really that into That's Entertainment that time. I was but a kid back then and had really no interest in an afternoon variety show. But I have to give credit to the show for discovering and launching the career of their talents who most have become the popular celebrities, politicians and professionals in the Philippines and even abroad. I was really not a That's kid, but it will forever have a special place in the hearts of those who supported the show.

What about you guys? Were you a fan of That's Entertainment? If you were, then what's your fondest memory, favorite love teams, favorite talent and general thoughts on the iconic star maker of a variety show from GMA Network back in its 80's-90's run? Share your thoughts on That's Entertainment on the comments section below:

Tropang Trumpo | ABC - 90's

noreply@blogger.com (Chris A.) — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 07:13:00 +0000

Tropang Trumpo was a popular Filipino television comedy gag show that aired on the Associated Broadcast Company or ABC 5 (Now TV5) every Saturday nights and ran from 1994-1999. Tropang Trumpo was the definitive gag show of the mid-90's which made Ogie Alcasid, Gelli de Belen, Carmina Villaroel, Earl Ignacio, and Michael V. became household names. Let's go down memory lane and reminisce the iconic 90's gag show, Tropang Trumpo.

Tropang Trumpo - The Show
About Tropang Trumpo

Tropang Trumpo's original cast included Ogie Alcasid, Michael V., Gelli de Belen, and theatre/voice actors Noni Buencamino, Earl Ignacio and Sheilou Bharwani under the direction of Jose Javier Reyes. However, when Reyes became busy with films, former Goin' Bananas cast members Edgar "Bobot" Mortiz, Al Tantay and former Goin' Bananas headwriter Dan Salamante came in and assumed the respective posts of director and writers. Mortiz, Tantay and Salamante introduced new segments for the show, the most famous was "Battle of the Brainless", a satirical quiz show (taken from the 90's famous game show "Battle of the Brains" aired over RPN) where simple quiz questions are never answered. Besides Battle of the Brainless, the ABC-5 gag show also became known for its in-between jokes short humorous dance number using a nail product tv ad jingle "Caronia" by the main cast usually ending with another word that the show made trend of during the 90's, "chicken"; and a parody of the popular Filipino soap Valiente with "Bahaw: Ang Kaning Lamig".

The show eventually went on even when two of its main cast, Michael V. and Ogie Alcasid, left in 1995 to do another gag show for GMA entitled "Bubble Gang". The new cast included Gelli de Belen, Carmina Villaroel, Smokey Manaloto, Earl Ignacio, Maoi Roca, Caloy Alde, Mickey Ferriols, Ariel "Hyubs" Azarcon, Diego "Binoy" Salvador.

"Tropang Trumpo" started to decline when several new shows started copying its format. In 1998, the show had to reformat after Edgar Mortiz, Al Tantay and Dan Salamante left due to conflict with ABC executives. At the same time, cast members Smokey Manaloto and Earl Ignacio also left to side with their beleaguered director. In mid-1998, original "Tropa" cast members Gelli de Belen and later addition, Carmina Villaroel left, and the show struggled to survive with its relatively new cast and staff. It finally closed at the end of the 1999 and was replaced with "Ispup".

On 2003, Bubble Gang paid tribute to some of the most popular gag shows in the Philippines, one of which is Tropang Trumpo. Old footage for Tropang Trumpo is rare these days, so if you want a somewhat accurate idea of what the show like back in the days, then check out the Bubble Gang's tribute here:

Bubble Gang Pays Tribute to Tropang Trumpo

It was really a big fan service to see Carmina, Gelli, Ogie and Michael V. doing the Caronia "Chicken" Dance on Bubble Gang.

As a child growing up on the 90's, Tropang Trumpo was the authority when it comes to comedy back then. Michael V. and Ogie Alcasid's departure from Tropang Trumpo gave the biggest crippling blow to the iconic 90's gag show. It was never the same after the two comedians left for Bubble Gang. Although I have to give credit for Tropa for staying more than three years after the maid comedic celebrities left the series. I still remember how the Battle of the Brainless segment would always cracked me up as a kid. There there was the Caronia/Chicken Dance that Tropa popularize. I still remember I some of my elementary classmates who were also into Tropang Trumpo usually do some of the steps and use the term "chicken" as much as we could back then. This is probably where I got my humor or "corniness" from. I think if I re-watch it now (if there would still be some old footage or copies out there), I might get a few chuckles every now and then but my sense of humor has also grown up through the years, so I guess I'll be scratching my head now. I might not have the same reaction like before when Carmina usually force her pustiso jokes on their "Ano ang tawag" segment. Tropang Trumpo will always be a big part of my life, and maybe every kid who just wanted one day of the week to just laugh out loud.

What about you guys? What's your fondest memory, favorite segment, favorite cast and general thoughts on the iconic 90's gag show from ABC-5. Share your thoughts on Tropang Trumpo on the comments section below:

Spider-Man: The Animated Series | ABS-CBN - 90's

noreply@blogger.com (Chris A.) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:01:00 +0000

Spider-Man: The Animated Series or simply Spider-Man was a US animated television series that aired on ABS-CBN during the 90's. Spider-Man The Animated Series was an American action animated television series based from the popular Marvel Comics superhero, Spider-Man. The animated series originally run from November 19, 1994 – January 31, 1998 on the Fox Network as part of its Fox Kids lineup in the United States. Let's take a look back on this nostalgic superhero animated series which aired on ABS-CBN during the 90's.

Spider-Man: The Animated Series - The Story
Spider-Man The Animated Series Plot

The show follows college student and Daily Bugle part-time photographer Peter Parker as he balance personal life and his role as a masked superhero Spider-Man as he protect New York from various forms of criminal and evil masterminds. Spider-Man: the Animated Series featured most of Spider-Man's classic villains like the Kingpin, the Green Goblin, the Hob Goblin, the Lizard, the Scorpion, Doctor Octopus, Mysterio, Shocker, the Rhino, the Vulture, Smythe, Tombstone, Hydro-Man, the Chameleon, Electro, Carnage and Venom. The show also featured various cameo appearances from other Marvel superheroes like the the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Nick Fury, Daredevil, Blade, the Punisher, Black Cat, and Captain America.

Spider-Man: The Animated Series Opening Theme
Spider-Man The Animated Series Intro

As a kid growing up during the 90's Spider-Man: The Animated Series was my first real introduction to Spider-Man as a superhero and ever since then I have followed every animated series that came after that. The cool thing about STAS (Spider-man The Animated Series) was the many story line that included various cameos of other Marvel characters. Here are two favorite story arcs featuring a great roster of other characters from Marvel: The episodes entitled "The Mutant Agenda" and "Mutants' Revenge" featured the friendly Neighborhood Spider teaming up with the X-Men which also was a popular 90's animated television series; and the Secret Wars arc where Spider-Man was tested by Madam Web and the Beyonder. This is where Spider-Man teams up with the Fantastic Four, Captain America, Black Cat, Iron Man and Storm against the villains Doctor Doom, Doctor Octopus, Lizard, Alistair Smythe, and Red Skull.

If my memory serves me correct, Spider-Man the Animated Series aired every Friday nights alongside Batman in ABS-CBN. Being nostalgic about the show, I re-watched the entire series last 2011 and all I can say that it still somehow holds up to today's standards, well for me that is. Although the series was a victim of heavy censorship of kids shows during the 90's which probably greatly affected the epic scale of the series, it still was an entertaining television adaptation of the popular Marvel superhero. Episodes or story arcs were still as grand (if not as epic) as I remembered them to be. There still were some pretty corny and bad episodes of the series and this is why I ranked STAS as the third of my best favorite US animated series from the 90's with Batman being the top, followed by the X-Men. My most memorable episode was the Venom story arc and remember making a comic strip based on Spider-Man the Animated Series on my spiral notebook back in my elementary school days.

What about you guys? What's your fondest memory, favorite episode, story arc, villain or cameo in the series? Share your thoughts about Spider-Man: the Animated Series on the comments section below: