Calvento Files | A Retrospective on ABS-CBN's True Crime Filipino Show

Calvento Files, was an investigative program and documentary drama (docudrama) hosted by veteran broadcast journalist Tony Calvento that aired from December 4, 1995 to October 2, 1998 on ABS-CBN. Calvento Files was a docudrama that chronicles and archives some of the most disturbing and heartbreaking true crimes recorded by the police and various witnesses in the Philippines during that time. Let's go down memory lane with the iconic Filipino true crime docudrama "Calvento Files" here on Retro Pilipinas.


Calvento Files - The Show
About Calvento Files

ABS-CBN, in its pursuit of quality entertainment and public service, has come up with yet another experimental format: TONY CALVENTO FILES.

The program is envisioned as a two-hour docu-drama combining the standards of the number one drama anthology, Maalaala Mo Kaya and the number one public affairs program, Magandang Gabi Bayan.

Tony Calvento Files will definitely arouse the catharsis and awareness of the Filipino audience; also a way of public service - by helping convict criminals and making the viewing public more cautious in their dealings with other people especially with their loved ones. Above all, it hopes to convey a message and lesson for the viewers so they will not fall prey to the dangers posed to them in their everyday living.

Source: ABS-CBN via Wayback Machine

A Retrospective on Calvento Files
A Look Back on Calvento Files

What can be said about the Tony Calvento Files docudrama back on its original run on ABS-CBN? Well, this is one of the most memorable Filipino television shows for me as a child of the 90s. I think I was around the age of 10-12 when it aired during 1995-1998 and although I've forgotten most of the episodes, there is one thing that I can be certain of and that is Calvento Files was a disturbing Philippine television show to watch. I guess my parents are partly to blame for that, letting me watch such a graphic investigative police and crime program about murder, rape and other true crimes that occurred in the country all the way to that year.



I don't know how ABS-CBN's Calvento Files docudrama holds up to today's standards, but I remembered being disturbed as a kid by how graphic the portrayal of these crimes was presented. I wish ABS-CBN can release a DVD, Blu-ray or maybe release the episodes of this classic docudrama on their streaming services for us to at least get the chance to re-experience them as adults. Where the performance really that great or was that simply just a mind of a kid like me seemingly introduced of what horrors some people are capable of towards their fellow humans. I am a big horror fan and someone who likes to watch true crimes related stuff from time to time, so if ever this gets re-released, this fits my preference perfectly well. This is what I love when doing retrospectives here on Retro Pilipinas, I can get to talk about something that has become a part of my life and everybody else's that seemingly everyone has a vague recollection about. When looking at anything about the show, I can't seem to find further details about it except for some wiki entries and that the original host, Tony Calvento, passed away due to Cancer in October 2017.


I wish I can find a breakdown of the cases covered per episode but alas, there is none! There is one episode though, the Calvento Files pilot episode on the Oroquieta massacre and those found in the film adaptation of the now-defunct ABS-CBN investigative program. Guess that is what is expected on anything that dates before the age of the Internet and there are only some who have archived such show for preservation. It's a good thing that we can get a glimpse of what Calvento files (a snippet of sort) was like as it got a big-screen adaptation with 1997's Calvento Files: The Movie where you can check out the trailer here:

Calvento Files: The Movie

Episode 1, Balintuwad, is the story of a fifteen-year-old epileptic girl who was gang-raped and drowned by her captors the night she sneaked out to watch her sister's prom. Eventually, the perpetrators are revealed to be schoolteachers, the very people who are supposed to safeguard children's welfare. Based on the true story of Valen Lanistosa of Dueñas, Iloilo. Episode 2, Inay, May Momo, tells the story of a young mother and her daughter who undergo a terrifying ordeal when the husband is hacked to death by the mother's spurned lover. The widow presses charges against the killer, but the killer hounds both the woman and her traumatized daughter in an attempt to scare them to drop the charges against him.

Soure: IMDB

I might as well, re-watch this film and do a crossover movie review between Retro Pilipinas and Pinoy Movie Blogger (a blog which I am also the author of), to just add to this retrospective. Watch out for that update soon.


What about you guys? What are your fondest, favorite, or disturbing memories, episodes, or cases covered in this phenomenal ABS-CBN 90s true-crime docudrama? Share your thoughts and opinion about Calvento Files in the comments section below:

Bananas in Pajamas | An ABS-CBN's 90s Filipino-dubbed Kids Show Short Retrospective

Bananas in Pajamas was a Filipino-dubbed children's television show which aired every afternoon in ABS-CBN's anime afternoon block, around the block of Zenki, B'T X, and Blue Blink. Bananasa in Pajamas was originally Bananas in Pyjamas, an Australian children's television series that premiered on the Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC) on July 20, 1992 and have been syndicated and dubbed into many language including the Filipino language. Let's go down memory lane and remember the the Filipino-dubbed Australian kids show Bananas in Pajamas on its Philippine Television run here at Retro Pilipinas.


Bananas in Pajamas - The Show
About Bananas in Pyjamas

Bananas in Pajamas feature anthropomorphic characters, mainly two twin banana brothers named B1 and B2. It chronicles their daily lives along with their three teddy bear neighbors Amy, Lulu and Morgan, and Doding Daga (Rat in a Hat in the Australian version).

Bananas in Pajamas Opening Theme
Bananas in Pyjamas Series Intro



Bananas in Pyjamas Lyrics




Bananas in pyjamas
Are coming down the stairs
Bananas in pyjamas
Are coming down in pairs
Bananas in pyjamas
Are chasing teddy bears
'Cause on Tuesdays
They all try to
Catch them unawares

[second time sung faster]

Bananas in pyjamas
Are coming down the stairs
Bananas in pyjamas
Are coming down in pairs
Bananas in pyjamas
Are chasing teddy bears
'Cause on Tuesdays
They all try to
Catch them unawares
A Retrospective on Bananas in Pajamas
A Look Back on Bananas in Pajamas

What can be said about Bananas in Pajamas' run in Philippine television back in the late 90s? It was a good 15-minute short that served as an intermission to the main course for 90s kids ever weekday afternoon. They serve as a downtime or something cute after or before each anime shown every afternoon in ABS-CBN back then. I only remember that the show was smack right between Zenki or B't X and Akazukin Cha Cha or Blue Blink. The show featured cute anthropomorphic characters/mascots which were all voiced in Filipino making them more relatable to Filipino kids.


With the power of the Internet, we can now take a look back at them with this YouTube clip:







It was a kid-friendly slice of life show which when thinking about it now, was perfectly place as the anime that precede them usually are a bit on the violent (but in a good badass way for boys) side like B'T X and Zenki. As a 90s kid I remember many of us mimicking their popular lines. With iconic lines spoken by the titular Bananas in Pajamas, "Naiisip mo ba ang naiisip ko B1?" which is added by the other banana, "Sa Palagay ko nga B2", the show has cemented itself in the hearts and minds of the Filipino kids who are waiting for the next action packed anime on the ABS'CBN's afternoon block.


How about you guys? What are your fondest memories of Bananas in Pajamas? Share your thoughts and opinion about the Filipino-dubbed Bananas in Pajamas Philippine television run in the comments section below and let's have an awesome discussion.

Saban's Masked Rider — A Retrospective | ABC-5 90s American Adapted Superhero Kids Show

Saban's Masked Rider or simply Masked Rider was a syndicated live action show produced by Saban Entertainment (the same creators of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, VR Troopers, Tattooed Teenage Alien Fighters from Beverly Hills, and Big Bad Beetleborgs) and originally aired in Fox Kids block from September 16, 1995 to November 20, 1996. Masked Rider was an American adaptation of the 1988 Japanese tokusatsu show and (the then) ninth entry to the Kamen Rider series, Kamen Rider Black RX; which so happen to be a direct follow up to Kamen Rider Black (See our retrospective on Masked Rider Black for more details). In the Philippines, the Associated Broadcasting Company abbreviated as ABC-5 (now known as TV5) aired the Filipino-dubbed American series Saban's Masked Rider on a weekend primetime block. Let's go down memory lane and remember Saban's Masked Rider back in ABC Channel 5 here in the Philippines.


Saban's Masked Rider - The Story
Saban's Masked Rider Series Plot

In a distant planet called Edenoi was once a flourishing planet until a conquering evil tyrant uncle Count Dregon turned it upside down and now has set his eyes on conquering another planet, the Earth. It is up to the Edenoi Prince Dex to thwart the diabolical plans of his uncle with the help of the powers of the Masked Rider passed on to him by his Grandfather King Lexian.

Upon arriving to Earth, he is adopted and took under the roof of a wrm progresive American family, the Stewarts; headed by the couple Hal (American) and Barabara (Asian) couple living together with their two adopted children Albee (African-American son) and Molly (American teenager). Later on Dex along with the Stewart family was joined by Dex' furry friend which is a cross between a bear and a duck happens to be a dwarf bipedal, Ferbus.

Saban's Masked Rider Opening Theme
Saban's Masked Rider Series Intro


Ah the memories I had with Saban's Masked Rider! It was a bittersweet thing looking back at it now. On a time when a young me was hooked watching Filipino-dubbed tokusatsu shows which most are exported from the Land of the Rising Sun (Japan), this show came and somewhat gave a fresh look at things. It sure was very familiar and yet it has American actors on it. A departure from the usual Asian-centric sentai shows we were exposed to back then. Back then, we didn't have the internet and we were basically at the mercy of the local television networks and whatever foreign shows they managed to get their hands on. They decided to pick this up Fox Kids (American) Saban's Masked Rider rather than the original Japanese Kamen Rider Black RX. Maybe it is a cheaper syndication deal (or probably IS all that), but it was what we were exposed to back then. The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers was already on television back then, so it wouldn't hurt for a child to get hyped with another American superhero show, right?






On a time with Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, VR Troopers, and Big Bad Beetleborgs, all of these were perfect for a nerdy child growing up in the 90s. It had (by then) a nice blend of action and silly moments. It had cool transformations and great monsters of the week. If my memory served me correctly, Saban's Masked Rider was aired in the Philippines at around 6:00 PM every Sundays. Well at least that is how I remember it as it is usually dark when I start watching it back then. I usually draw most of the information via Wikipedia, but it doesn't specify the details and history of the local syndication and further details about the show here in our country. Saban's Masked Rider could have aired in ABC-5 at the early 2000, but for now I will be sticking to a late 90s timeline for this feature. Back then, it was mere fun and games; not to mention cool super hero action poses, Masked Rider has all what was needed and it was understood as it was dubbed in Filipino. The cooler parts were the cool action scenes which can be traced more from its Japanese roots rather than its tone down American adaptation.


All the cool stuff from Magna, the talking car to Chopper (reincarnation of Battlehopper from the Kamen Rider Black RX version), the also talking motorcycle are present from its resource material, Kamen Rider Black RX. The only thing that the American adaptation/counterpart offered new is the introduction of Ferbus (which I think is just there to sell plushies, although personally speaking I find him uninteresting), that lighter tone that American kids have been so used to by then (no thanks to obsessive compulsive television censorship), and the somewhat progressive familial set-up of the Stewarts. Everything else is standard Japanese Kamen Rider fair. Oh there also was this special Saban's Masked Rider and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers cross-over episode in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers which was never reference to Masked Rider ever again. XD





But as many shows from the past, adulthood and time has somewhat sour the experience. It later came to my attention that its Japanese origin was far superior in terms of tone and story as what earlier showa era Kamen Rider series were all about. Sometimes... no scrap that, most of the time, kids don't want to be treated as kids and just want their superhero kids entertainment as it is; even it ends up being dark and gritty. Hey, it worked for Batman The Animated Series, sow why not on a Masked Rider? Just look at the animation and kids shows nowadays. We (back then as kids) can handle those kinds of topics, so why dumb it down?


Later on, I managed to get my hands on the original source material which featured the same actor and character from Kamen Rider Black, Minami Kohtaro Minami (Tetsuo Kurata) continuing his story as Black RX. Afterwhich I started thinking that everything America touch was doing the original Japanese content a great disservice. Fast forward to many years later, the internet has made it possible for me to grab and finally follow the series which was deprived of us by local television networks and finally got my hands on the far superior Kamen Rider Black RX. I later accepted the fact that America will be America, and Japan will be Japan as they will do their own thing as observed from both Super sentai and Power Rangers series which is still continuing as of this very day (of me writing this).




While doing this episode I also managed to stumble over this Youtube channel that uses the same style used by the guys at Honest Trailers and make their own spin on tokusatsu and shows adapted by America. Check out Honest Trailers - Saban's Masked Rider while it hasnb't been taken down, because believe me Japanese corporations like to do copyright take downs for stuff that is clearly acceptable under the fair use act. I will make a future post about that and our experience here in Retro Pilipinas related to that, for now enjoy:



How about you guys, have you watched Saban's Masked Rider? were you aware about the existence of its original source material Kamen Rider Black RX? Did you manage to see and watch them both? Any favorite episodes, memorabilias, characters, or merchandise that you have on the Americanized kids show? Share your thoughts and lets go down on a retrospective about Saban's Kamen Rider in the comments section below:

ATBP: Awit, Titik at Bilang na Pambata — A Retrospective | ABS-CBN 90s Educational Children's Television Show

ATBP: Awit, Titik at Bilang na Pambata, directly translates to "And More: Song, Letter and Number for Kids", or simply ATBP was Filipino educational television show for children which aired in ABS-CBN during the 90s. ATBP, which was an abbreviation of "At Iba Pa" (literally translateds to "And More"), had a 30-minute television running time and originally aired from June 1994 to March 1998; it was created and produced by ABS-CBN with executive producer Gilbert Perez, written by Don Cuaresma and Richard Reynante, and directed by Laurenti Dyogi. Let's go down memory lane with this iconic Filipino-centric educational show for kids called ATBP: Awit, Titik at Bilang na Pambata. AB, CD, EF, G, HI, JK, L, M, N, Ñ, Ng...


ATBP: Awit, Titik at Bilang na Pambata - The Show
About - ATBP: Awit, Titik at Bilang na Pambata

ATBP: Awit, Titik at Bilang na Pambata or simply ATBP is an all Filipino educational show for children. If Sineskwela was to Science, Math-tinik was to Math, Bayani was to History or HeKaSi (old grade school curriculum Heograpiya, Kasaysayan, at Sibika), then ATBP was to Filipino. One can even say that ATBP was the Filipino Sesame Street, just like another educational Filipino kid's show, Batibot.

ATBP follows the Sesame Street and Batibot mechanics featuring a combination of human, muppets, and animations usually incorporating sing and dance numbers to convey the lesson of the day. One of the main character in this nostalgic ABS-CBN children's educational morning program is Piolo Pascual who played the role of Kuya Miguel. The other cast of ATBP includes Isay Alvarez as Remy, Raul Arellano as Berting, Dois Riego de Dios as Arman, Zeus Inocencio as Pol, Amiel Leonardia as Lino, Lorna Lopez as Ms. Carunungan, Jake Macapagal as Doctor Millares, Charmaine Nueros as Becky, Janice Pronstroller as Mrs. Millares, and Ama Quiambao as Tinay. ATBP is still being re-aired through educational cable television network, the Knowledge Channel.

ATBP: Awit, Titik at Bilang na Pambata Opening Theme
ATBP: Awit, Titik at Bilang na Pambata Series Intro


ATBP: Awit, Titik at Bilang na Pambata Closing Theme
ATBP: Awit, Titik at Bilang na Pambata Series Outro


So what can be said about ATBP: Awit, Titik at Bilang na Pambata? ATBP will be forever be ingrained for those 90s kid glued to their television. While many will always have Sesame Street and Batibot as their default educational kid's show, ATBP cannot be dimissed. What is the best memory that most of us had with ATBP? Well, one memorable thing about it is its "Alpabetong Filipino" which to me is still relevant and is a great complimentary piece to the English "Alphabet Song." Here is a little clip of that last song syndrome and nostalgic "Alpabetong Filipino" from At Iba Pa (ATBP):





Making this retrospective now, I canb't say that I am someone who have fully followed the show as I recall most of its characters unlike that of other ABS-CBN educational kids show—Sineskwela, Bayani, to name a few— or maybe my memory is fuzzy about it. I also don't recall Piolo Pascual being in it. Maybe I wasn't that big of an ABS-CBN viewer at that time. Maybe you guys have better memory than I do so feel free to share them at the comments section and let's all go down memory lane and relive our ATBP nostalgic past. There is also little information to work with in the ATBP wikipedia entry to jog the memory.


How about you guys? What are your fondest and favorite memories, episodes, characters, and topics covered in the phenomenal ABS-CBN 90s Filipino-themed edutainment kids show? Share your thoughts and opinion about Sineskwela in the comments section below:

Ultraman Tiga | GMA Network 90s Filipino-Dubbed Tokusatsu

Ultraman Tiga was a Filipino-dubbed superhero kids show that aired in GMA Network every weekdays at 4:30 PM during the late 90's from January to July 1999. Ultraman Tiga Ultraman Tiga (ウルトラマンティガ Urutoraman Tiga) was a Japanese tokusatsu series and the 11th show in the Ultra Series. Ultraman Tiga was produced by Tsuburaya Productions originally ran from September 7, 1996 to August 30, 1997 with a total of 52 episodes and with 5 movies. Let's go down memory lane and remember Ultraman Tiga.


Ultraman Tiga - The Story
About Ultraman Tiga

Ultraman Tiga is a show set in an alternate universe in the year 2007-2010 wherein giant monsters and conquering aliens started appearing as was foretold by an apocalyptic prophecy. The Terrestrial Peaceable Consortium (TPC) along with its branch, the Global Unlimited Task Squad (GUTS) was created in response to this threat.

With the help of a holographic message in a capsule found by researchers, the GUTS where able to come by the knowledge about a golden pyramid built by an ancient civilization. Three statues of a race of giants who defended early human civilization on Earth about 30,000,000 years ago was present in the site. GUTS discovered that two of these were destroyed with the third one gaining 'life' from the spiritual energy of officer Daigo who happens to be a descendant of the ancient race. Daigo and the remaining statue merge into a single being, made of light. Defeating the two monsters responsible for destroying the other two giant statues, Daigo is later revealed by the hologram of the prophecy that a great evil that not even the giants could stop destroyed the ancient civilization 30 million years ago.

Ultraman Tiga Opening Theme
Ultraman Tiga Series Intro






"Take Me Higher"
Performed by V6
Japanese Lyrics: Kazumi Suzuki
Arrangement: Yasuhiko Hoshino
String Arrangement: Mitsuo Hagida
Choral Arrangement: Hiroaki Suzuki
Ultraman Tiga Closing Theme
Ultraman Tiga Series Outro



"Brave Love, TIGA"
Artist: Earth Protection Force
Lyrics: Sunplaza Nakano
Composition: Barbe-Q Wasada
Arrangement: Yasuhiko Fukuda




What can be said about Ultraman Tiga's run on GMA Network back in the late 90s? Well, as a 90s kid I can only remember that it was one awesome UltraMan series that featured a multi-formed or multi-suit Ultraman which was not observed in other Ultraman that came before it; well at least that was shown televised here in the Philippines back then. Well, besides that, I have vivid recollection of the story itself. Although the ending theme 'Brave Love, TIGA' has always been stuck in my memory. When making this look back, I thought that it was the opening as to how cool it sounded back then and still is now. when this ended it was later followed up by Ultraman Dyna which was picked up by rival network ABS-CBN. I think I will re-watch this series along with dyna as back then, we haven't had the internet or local stations didn't picked up the five movies that according to information online came out from this series. Who wouldn't want to see Dyna and Tiga in one movie, right?


How about you guys, do you have any memorable moments, episodes, experiences, or merchandise from this nostalgic Ultraman series? Share your thoughts and opinion about Ultraman Tiga's run in Philippine television back in the late 90s in the comments section below and let's discuss:

Magic Knight Rayearth | ABS-CBN 90s Filipino-Dubbed Anime

Magic Knight Rayearth was a Filipino-dubbed Japanese animation which aired on ABS-CBN every Sunday morning during the 90's in the Philippines. Magic Knight Rayearth (魔法騎士レイアース Mahou Kishi Reiāsu) was originally a Japanese shojo (female target demographic) manga series created (written) by Clamp and published by Kodansha with three volumes that ran from November 1993 to February 1995. The manga was later adapted into an anime which originally aired in Yomiuri TV and on NNS in Tokyo and ran from October 17, 1994 to November 27, 1995 with a total of 49 episodes spanning two seasons. Let's go down memory lane and remember this all female highschoolers turned warriors turned mech pilots in the fantasy world of Magic Knight Rayearth.


Magic Knight Rayearth - The Story
Magic Knight Rayearth Series Plot

Three high school suddenly found themselves transported in another world called Cephiro. Tomboyish and headstrong Hikaru Shidou and is known in the Philippine-dubbed series as Lucy; quick-tempered and straightforward Umi Ryuuzaki and known as Marina; and intelligent prim-and-proper ladylike Fuu Hououji known locally as Anemone. The three girls are then tasked by Clef to rescue the current Pillar of Cephiro (Princess Emeraude) from her abductor, the high priest (and sho's main antagonist*?*) Zagato. Once fulfilled they will be returned to Tokyo.


The first season focused on the finding of the powers of the three protagonist, building of their friendship, and the inevitable bout in the end that locked Cephiro in its miserable state which was picked up in the second season in which colonizers have started invading Cephiro.

Magic Knight Rayearth Opening Theme
Magic Knight Rayearth Series Intro





Magic Knight Rayearth Opening Theme Filipino Lyrics
Magic Knight Rayearth Opening Theme Tagalog Lyrics

Kami'y narito
Asahan nyo'ng
Magtatanggol

Makikipaglaban
para sa
Kapayapaan....

Ang lahat ng nilalang dito
ay may karapatan

(sa magandang bukas)

Kung merong gumugulo
ay h'wag mag alala

Kami'y ang dakilang tagapagtanggol nyo
Sa lahat ng oras
Handa kaming tumulong

Ang aming mga kapangyarihan
Alay sa karapatan

Kami'y narito
Asahan nyo'ng
Magtatanggol

Makikipaglaban
para sa
Kapayapaan at kaayusan

Kami'y asahan nyo..
Hanggang sa dulo ng Mundo...
Magic Knight Rayearth Yuzurenai Negai by Naomi Tamura Official Music Video



Magic Knight Rayearth Yuzurenai Negai Live Performance by Naomi Tamura



Naomi performing Yuzurenai Negai at Otakon Expo 2009 in Baltimore, USA.




A Lookback on Magic Knight Rayearth


What is there to say about Magic Knight Rayearth? Well, Magic Knight Rayearth was one of those definitive and notable anime that I grew up with as it was perfectly placed on a Sunday morning (weekend) block. It had a high fantasy setting that featured transforming girls ala Sailormoon plus mecha action. Back in the days, there was no issues when kids are watching such series, well at least not in our neighborhood or household.


I remember the tragic love story of the Princess who need saving and her abductor, and the awesome look of the giant mechs and the fighting using these mecha. Oddly enough I always remember the Tatra and Tarta theme which play when they summon their giant djinns. Must be its Middle Eastern theme or Arab country like exotic beat or just the hypnotizing performance of these attractive anime sibling slash colonizers.

Did you know that the Magic Knight Rayearth mechs and characters appear in the eleventh installment of the Super Robot Wars, game franchise? Check it out at Super Robot Wars T Video Game Impressions Mech-centeric Game Franchise Super Robot Wars Returns to the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4.

I plan on re-watching this series again if they still hold up to today's standards (hopefully it will) just like what I did with Hell Teacher Nube.


How about you guys? What are your fondest memories of this all-female lead slash mecha fantasy love story anime? Do you have any particular favorites like episode(s), characters, and merchandise related to the show? Share your thoughts and experiences about Magic Knight Rayearth in the comments section below and let's discuss:

Super Boink | Tonde Burin | IBC-13 90s English-Dubbed Anime

Super Boink was an English-dubbed anime which aired in the Intercontinental Broadcasting Company (IBC-13) primetime block during the late 90s in the Philippines. Super Boink was originally titled Tonde Burin that originally run from September 3, 1994 to August 26, 1995 on MBS by Nippon Animation studio with a total of 51 episodes. Tonde Burin was first a shojo manga written by Taeko Ikeda and published by Shogakukan in manga magazine Ciao that originally run from October 1994 to September 1995 with a total of 3 volumes. Let's go down memory lane and remember this magical girl parody simply titled super Boink.


Super Boink - The Story
About Tonde Burin

Karin Kokubu (Coleen in the Philippine-dubbed version) is late for school one day when she comes across an apparently injured yellow pig. It turns out the pig wasn't injured but just hungry, and he gets back his health when he eats Karin's apple. When Karin gets to her school called St. Ringo School, she discovers that the pig has stowed away in her backpack which causes her more trouble.


Later, she meets the pig again and finds out he can talk and fly. The pig gives her a "Dream Tonpact" which she opens and a pig snout appears from it and attaches itself to her nose! She finds the pig again who explains that he is actually Prince Tonrariano the 3rd (Iggy Pig) of the apple-shaped planet Buringo (Oinko). He tells her how she can transform: by saying "Ba Bi Bu Be Burin!" she transforms into a superpowered pink piglet called Tonde Burin (Super Pig in the US, Super Boink in the Philippines). This is not something Karin is happy about at all as she'd rather transform into a magical girl heroine like her idol the henshin hero tokusatsu character "Cutey Chao" (who is possibly a reference to Cutie Honey). Tonrariāno (who she calls Ton-chan) tells her if she can collect 108 pearls by doing good deeds as Burin, she can do so. The pearl collection operates on karma meaning if Burin abuses her powers, she will lose pearls.

Whenever someone is in danger, Karin would become Tonde Burin to thwart the crisis and even use her new abilities to help other people in need.

Source: Wikipedia

Super Boink Opening Theme
Tonde Burin Series Intro

Super Boink Opening Theme

Super Boink IntroLove is Uncool (愛はカッコわるい Ai wa Kakko Warui)Lyricist: Manami Tōno Composer: Tsugumi Kataoka Arranger: Tsugumi Kataoka Singers: ParquetsCheck out our blog about Super Boink for more information and discussion:http://retropilipinas.blogspot.com/2015/11/super-boink-tonde-burin-ibc-13-90s.html- - - - -Retro Pilipinas does not claim any ownership of the classic television shows archived and featured in the blog. All the shows featured here are mostly copyrighted materials which all respectfully belonged to their rightful owners, personnel, company or organization. The blog is not affiliated with any of the company that rightfully owns the source material. The blog only aims to educate and feed the nostalgia of the Filipino netizens and those of other nationalities that are looking for the past shows that brings nostalgia.

Posted by Retro Pilipinas on Friday, November 20, 2015

Love is Uncool (愛はカッコわるい Ai wa Kakko Warui)
Lyricist: Manami Tōno
Composer: Tsugumi Kataoka
Arranger: Tsugumi Kataoka
Singers: Parquets
Super Boink Closing Theme
Tonde Burin Series Outro

Super Boink Closing Theme

Super Boink OutroBurin à la mode (ぶーりん あ·ら·もーど Būrin a ra mōdo)Lyricist: Manami Tōno Composer: Tsugumi Kataoka Arranger: Tsugumi Kataoka Singers: ParquetsCheck out our blog about Super Boink for more information and discussion:http://retropilipinas.blogspot.com/2015/11/super-boink-tonde-burin-ibc-13-90s.html- - - - -Retro Pilipinas does not claim any ownership of the classic television shows archived and featured in the blog. All the shows featured here are mostly copyrighted materials which all respectfully belonged to their rightful owners, personnel, company or organization. The blog is not affiliated with any of the company that rightfully owns the source material. The blog only aims to educate and feed the nostalgia of the Filipino netizens and those of other nationalities that are looking for the past shows that brings nostalgia.

Posted by Retro Pilipinas on Friday, November 20, 2015

Burin à la mode (ぶーりん あ·ら·もーど Būrin a ra mōdo)
Lyricist: Manami Tōno
Composer: Tsugumi Kataoka
Arranger: Tsugumi Kataoka
Singers: Parquets





What is there to say about Super Boink? Well, it sure was a fun series; that is for certain. This made me wonder and just humor me here. What if you are given the chance to be a powerful super hero but you are in a form that you least desired, like let's say a human fecal matter which doesn't only look bad, but smell bad as well; would you accept it? Well in Super Boink's case that is the case. If my memory serves me correct this was shown around the time that Yaiba was also being shown or maybe not; feel free to correct me in the comments section. What I do remember is Coleen's magical transformation as the beloved flabby heroine of justice Super Boink which you can see here:


I still remember the initially reluctant Coleen when she first became Super Boink and how she later learned to come to terms to it. Basically that she was given the incentive or a promise that she will become a beautiful Magical Girl (example Sailor Moon) once she have collected enough pearls as Super Boink or at least that is how I remembered it. I would probably revisit the series just like what I did with Hell Teacher Nube. Hopefully all episodes are available online for some nostalgic binge watching and anime marathon. I also remember doing sketches of Super Boink since it is not that challenging to do a sketch of heras a 90s kid; the same as what I did with Sunny Pig which we'll soon also revisit here at Retro Pilipinas.


How about you guys? What are your fondest memories of this magical girl parody? Do you have any particular favorite like episode(s), characters, and merchandise related to the show? Share your thoughts and experiences about Super Boink in the comments section below:

Superbook in the Philippines | 90s English-Dubbed Children's Show

Superbook was an English-dubbed animated show for children which aired in the Philippines back in the late 90s about bible stories. Superbook, originally entitled "Animated Parent and Child Theatre" in Japan was initially produced by Tatsunoko Productions in Japan in conjunction with the Christian Broadcasting Network in the United States that originally run from October 1, 1981 to March 29, 1982 on TV Tokyo (in Japan) and on CBN (United States) with a total of 52 episodes; two seeming different season (or series) in terms of the iteration of the story. Let's go down memory lane and remember the original English-dubbed Superbook run in Philippine Television.


Superbook - The Story
About Superbook

The first series (season) of Superbook began at the home of a young boy named Christopher Peeper (Sho Azuka in Japanese) who discovers the "Superbook" (Time/Space Travel Book) Bible that speaks and sends him, his friend Joy (Azusa Yamato), and his clockwork toy robot Gizmo (Zenmaijikake) back in time to the early events of the Old Testament. Gizmo can walk and talk, but only for the duration of the adventure and needs to be wound up regularly in order to function. This first series of Superbook featured stories mainly from the Old Testament of the Hebrew Scriptures, although a few episodes dealt with the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.


In the second series of Superbook II (episode 27 onwards), which took place two years after the first series, the book fell onto a computer keyboard, giving anybody the ability to see into the past from Christopher's home via the monitor. Ruffles, Chris' dog, managed to get lost in time, prompting Gizmo and Chris' cousin Uriah (or "Uri" for short; Hisashi in the original Japanese) to search for her. Chris and Joy kept watch and control of the computer from the present. The older children also had a hard time trying to keep what happened a secret from Chris's parents. Gizmo appeared as a functioning robot in the present day rather than as a toy (first series) in this (second) series, however Gizmo still needs to be wound up on a regular basis. Gizmo also had a built in computer keyboard and a monitor in his chest in order for Gizmo and Uri to stay in contact with Chris and Joy in the present day as well as transporting to other places in time or returning to the present. The Second Season of Superbook focused solely on Old Testament stories; covering some stories featured in Season One (for example, the stories of Abraham, Joseph and King David) in more detail, while also covering and featuring some stories not included in the first series (i.e. the Fall of Sodom and Gomorrah).

Superbook Series 2 US Opening Theme
Superbook Season 2 US Series Intro


Superbook Series 1 US Closing Theme
Superbook Season 1 US Series Outro





Superbook Series 2 US Opening Theme
Superbook Season 2 US Series Intro


What can be said about Superbook's run in Philippine television back in the late 90s? Well, looking back at it now it sure brings a lot of nostalgia specially that US opening and closing theme. They are those that will keep ringing in your head when you feel like being nostalgic about it. The concept of kids traveling through time to learn various life lessons and learning about "historical" characters seems to be a great formula; ABS-CBN's Bayani uses this same formula as well. If only there is a computer that allows one be "magically" transported to the world found in the book that falls on it and not be harmed by "some" violent tendencies also featured in that book. What if the characters of Superbook was in the actual Sodom and Gomorrah and while it was being "purged", Superbook would probably be not that too kid-friendly. Oh wait a minute, I remember the story of "Joshua and Walls of Jericho" (also "The Battle of Jericho") which was also featured in Superbook. So that probably answered my question, as long as violence is kept from the eyes of the main protagonists and the young audience, it is all good; but I digress.






In a majorly Christian (or Catholic) country like the Philippines, the English-dubbed Superbook animated series blends so perfectly well. Who knew that most of us kids growing up during the 90s were already being indoctrinated in teachings of Christianity specifically Old Testament Bible stories through this wonderful anime about "time travel". Now that we are all grown up and have wider views with the world now, we can all see what Superbook is really IS now.


How about you guys? What are your fondest memories with Superbook? Share your thoughts and opinion about the original English-dubbed Superbook Philippine television run in the comments section below.

Janperson | Tokusou Robo Janperson | ABC-5 90s Filipino-Dubbed Tokusatsu

Tokusou Robo Janperson or simply known as Janperson was a Filipino-dubbed super hero kids show that aired in ABC-5 (now known as TV5) around the late 90s (or early 2000). Janperson had an original title of Tokusou Robo Janperson (特捜ロボ ジャンパーソン Tokusō Robo Janpāson), was a tokusatsu series and 1993 installment in Toei Company Limited's Metal Hero Series; Tokusou Robo Janperson was the 12th in the Metal Hero series. Janperson, produced by Toei originally aired in TV Asahi from January 31, 1993 to January 23, 1994 with a total of 50 episodes with a 30-minute running time. The opening catchphrase of the series is "Janperson Fights For Justice" which has a similar tone and feel to Mobile Cop Jiban. Let's go down memory lane and remember Tokusou Robo Janperson.


Janperson - The Story
About Tokusou Robo Janperson

Tokusou Robo Janperson revolved around Janperson, a purple & silver android robot detective. He was once a prototype combat robot driven berserk by the command to "Destroy Evil," that led to his deactivation and was later stripped of most weaponry and reprogrammed with human emotions by the young female scientist Kaoru Saegusa.


Janperson patrols the streets of Tokyo and fights against three different underworld organizations who used super technology to subjugate the masses. Unlike most Metal Heroes with a monster-of-the-week format, monsters were rarely shown and most of the villains are criminals akin to more television police dramas than tokusatsu or metal hero.

Janperson Opening Theme
Tokusou Robo Janperson Series Intro



"Tokusō Robo Janperson"
Lyrics by Keisuke Yamakawa
Composition by Keisuke Hama
Arrangement by Kei Wakakusa
Artist: Susumu Ōya
Janperson Closing Theme
Tokusou Robo Janperson Series Outro



"Asayake no Lullaby"
Lyrics and composition by Keisuke Yamakawa
Composition by Keisuke Hama
Arrangement by Kei Wakakusa
Artist: Susumu Ōya




What can be said about Janperson's run on ABC-5 back in the late 90s. Janperson was that cool robot detective series shown every Sunday afternoon that made Filipino kids love robotic or android heroes even more. I have to give it to Japan for making quality kids show with a more darker and serious tone. You know some boys don't want to be treated as a child, and Janperson was like that. Recalling it now, I remember it being serious but still retained that tokusatsu charm from prior series shown here. Although it didn't have that many kaijins or monsters for each episode, it made up for good character development and more sinister android villains. It was a Sunday afternoon (to evening) tokusatsu that treated kids with respect (as how I romanticized it).


What other things can be remembered about the show? Well, Janperson has this signature gimmick of throwing these (business) cards which by the way is called "Janperson Cards". Janperson also has a wide array of weapons at his disposal. One can really notice that it draws inspiration from RoboCop from his movement and how he operated (where weapons are drew from) as both are robot police (in Janperson's case, a detective) implementing justice in service of mankind. Of course, it along the series, Janperson acquires various upgrade which is always a good way to make it appear to us that besides the drama, Janperson is also growing and improving into a more badass android. Later on, he acquires a new ally which evens up the playing field since enemies tend to gang up on him with overwhelming force. Maybe I can re-watch it one of these days if it still holds up to today's standards or this was all just nostalgia.


How about you guys, do you have any memorable moments, episodes, experiences, or merchandise from this nostalgic Metal Hero show? Share your thoughts about Tokusou Robo Janperson in the comments section below:

Sineskwela | An ABS-CBN 90s Educational Show for Children Retrospective

Sineskwela was Filipino educational television show for children that aired in ABS-CBN during the 90s. Sineskwela which was alternatively known as "School on Air", was produced by ABS-CBN Foundation with the Science Education Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Education (DepEd). Let's go down memory lane with this iconic educational show for kids called Sineskwela. Tayo na sa Sineskwela...


Sineskwela - The Show
About Sineskwela

Sineskwela presented and explained otherwise complicated principles and concepts of science and technology through dramatization and visual effects. It also demonstrated the practical application of science in familiar life situations, thereby allowing the information to be easily understood and appreciated by its young viewers.

Sineskwela was a curriculum-based show and catered to public elementary students from Grade 2 to 6. The DepEd mandated that it be shown in the science class of each grade level at least once a week. Five episodes--one for each of the five grade levels--were shown every week. Each episode presented different problems and situations in which the characters had a chance to explore the world of science. The characters would gather information not just through library research but also through laboratory experiments, field investigations, on-the-scene reporting, and use of visual effects. An example would be the show's characters, Anatom and Agatom, shrinking to the size of molecules and entering biological organisms such as a flower or a dog. In these mini-adventures, they would encounter several personifications of bacteria, pollen, and other possible objects who explain the related scientific theories and phenomena.


The Sineskwela cast included Christine Bersola playing as the character Anatom, Brennan Espartinez as Agatom, Sheena Ramos as Palikpik, Maan Munsayac as Kulitsap, Roobak Valle as Ugatpuno, Frederico Gonzales as Bok, Giselle Sanchez as Ate Giselle, and Winnie Cordero as Ate Winnie.

Source: Sineskwela on WikiPilipinas

Sineskwela Opening Theme
Sineskwela Series Intro



Sineskwela Theme Song
Composed by: Ryan Cayabyab

Bawat bata may tanong,
Ba't ganito, bat gano'n?
Hayaang buksan ang isipan
Sa science o agham...

Tayo na sa Sineskwela
Tuklasin natin ang siyensya
Buksan ang pag-iisip
Tayo'y likas na scientist!

Tayo na sa Sineskwela
Tuklasin natin ang siyensya
Kinabukasan ng ating bayan
Siguradong makakamtan!

Sa daigdig ng agham
Tuklasin ang kaalaman
Halina't lumipad
Sa daigdig ng isipan

Tayo na sa Sineskwela
Tuklasin natin ang siyensya
Kinabukasan ng ating bayan
Siguradong makakamtan

Kaya't habang maaga
Mag-aral ng siyensya
Sa teknolohiya,
Ang buhay ay gaganda... ahhhh...

Tayo na sa Sineskwela
Tuklasin natin ang siyensya
Buksan ang pag-iisip
Tayo'y likas na scientist

Tayo na sa Sineskwela
Tuklasin natin ang siyensya
Kinabukasan ng ating bayan
Si-gu-ra-dong maka-kamtaaaaaan...




What is there to say about Sineskwela? Actually quite a lot. Well, that is for us who grew up watching Sineskwela back in the 90s. Sineskwela was a good educational show. It piqued the curiosity and interest of grade school students in Science and Technology. It re-define how Science should be taught. That Science can be learned and presented in a fun and entertaining way and not as a dull and boring cold textbook type of one. This is probably one of the factor, why I considered Science as one of my favorite subjects back in grade school, well except for the tedious memorization during recitations and exams hahaha. It featured a good format which seems to be lacking with most contemporary educational programming (2015 - as of the time of this writing) that major television networks are coming up with nowadays. Although Sineskwela did use various stock footage from other foreign Science shows way back in the days (maybe for the lack of other resource), the show was still able to properly explain science to kids.



Some episodes of Sineskwela have been uploaded on Youtube for you to have an idea of what the show looks and feels like. Simply search "sineskwela" on Youtube.
Some Sineskwela episodes that truly left a mark with me are the episode dedicated to photosynthesis with discussion of chlorophyll; and water treatment process before it becomes safe and drinkable with a jingle that describes the process of sedimentation, filtration, boiling, and distillation. Sineskwela, just like Beakman's World were a groundbreaking edutainment shows for children that will forever be in the hearts of those who grew up watching them and has a penchant for Science and learning.


How about you guys? What are your fondest and favorite memories, episodes, characters, and topics covered in the phenomenal ABS-CBN 90s Science-theme edutainment kids show? Have you seen newer contemporary Science educational programs that has the same feel and vibe to Sineskwela? Do these new shows work or have done a better work that what most of us grew up with Sineskwela? Share your thoughts and opinion about Sineskwela in the comments section below:

Hell Teacher Nube | Jigoku Sensei Nube | A GMA 90s Filipino-Dubbed Anime Retrospective

Hell Teacher Nube was a Filipino-dubbed anime which aired in GMA network's prime time television block during the late 90s in the Philippines. Hell Teacher Nube was originally titled Jigoku Sensei Nube that originally run from April 13, 1996 to August 7, 1997 on TV Asahi with a total of 49 episodes. Jigoku Sensei nube was first a manga written by Makura Shō and illustrated by Takeshi Okano published by Shueisha for the Weekly Shōnen Jump Magazine that originally run from September 1993 – May 1999 with 31 volumes. Let's go down memory lane and remember Hell Teacher Nube.


Hell Teacher Nube - The Story
Hell Teacher Nube Series Plot

Nueno Daisuke, a new teacher moving into Domori Elementary School. Nueno Daisuke, often simply called Nube is an both a warm and caring professor and a yokai "expert" and exorcist. Trouble seems to follow Nube as he must learn to contend with being a guiding and inspirational figure to his students and his colleagues and fend off any yokai that dare harms them.


Nūbē is usually forced to action when various yokai threatens and endangers his beloved students. Nube often use the power of the Demon's Hand (Oni no Te) to assist in solving the problem for the particular episode. The series follows an episodic format featuring different monster or yokai each episode which helps flesh out each characters in the show.

Hell Teacher Nube Opening Theme
Jigoku Sensei Nube Series Intro



"Baribari Saikyou No. 1" (The No. 1 Greatest Hard-Worker)
Performed by Feel So Bad
Hell Teacher Nube Closing Theme
Jigoku Sensei Nube Series Outro



"Mienai Chikara ~Invisible One" (Unseen Power ~Invisible One)
Performed by B'z

What is there to say about Hell Teacher Nube? Well, Hell Teacher Nube was one of those nostalgic anime that indirectly educated 90s kids (like myself that time) life lessons. It highlighted and taught about the value of friendship, respect, competitiveness, and valuing what matters most in life. Looking at it now, I personally find anime (thru this series) very fascinating as how effective it is as a form of entertainment and instrumental to shaping the minds, values, and morals of the youth. It has the perfect mix of humor (sometimes "naughty" humor) and seriousness which gives respect to the intellectual capacity of kids. I believe that it is better to not dumb down various shows in order to educate the children and it is up to parents to help and guide them through it. Hell Teacher Nube was also awesome and action packed thanks to the monsters featured each week which are usually "subdued" by the demon (oni) sealed in his left hand.


As a kid growing up in the 90s, there wasn't a single episode that I dare miss in Hell Teacher Nube's GMA Network television ran back in the late 90s or early 2000. Feel free to correct me about this if you know exactly it's original run here in the Philippines. Hell Teacher Nube was one of the five anime which was put into the primetime block (Mondays to Fridays at 7:00 or 7:30 PM) back in the days. A very bold and admirable thing by a television network when you look at it now. Back then, I could say that it was better that GMA took its younger audience seriously and featured anime first before getting on with the usual adult stuff like soap operas or movies. Looking at how television now, I somewhat miss those days. Now all kids have are those cliche'd local telenovelas that dumbs them down forcing morality, subliminally teaching them promiscuity not backed up by good sex education, and be "drama" kinds and queens. But I am digressing, we'll leave the state of television and social commentary for another day.







I remember doing sketches featuring Hell Teacher Nube characters in my notebook. Just recently I was able to relive what made it click as I re-watch Hell Teacher Nube episodes online (you can check out the series on the link there). There is also a Hell Teacher Nube Live action series available online if you are also interested. After re-watching the anime series, one particular episode stood out to me. It was Jigoku Sensei Nube episode 47 which was entitled "Strongest! Greatest! The final enemy! And his name is...God of Poverty!!" I will not spoil it for you but I highly recommend that you see it.


How about you guys? Did you remember how Hell Teacher Nube was like back in the days? Did you like the series or have other anime's in that GMA Anime Primtime block that you prefer (Monster Ranger, Master of Mosquiton, Vission of Escaflowne, etc.)? do you have any particular favorite episode, characters, yokai, merchandise, experiences and memories related to the show? Share your thoughts and experiences about Hell Teacher Nube in the comments section below:

Gumby | An ABC-5 90s Claymation Kid Show Retrospective

Gumby was an American claymation (clay animation) show for kids which aired in ABC-5 (Now TV5) in the Philippines back in the 90s. Gumby centered on a green clay humanoid character created and modeled by Art Clokey. The first Gumby show initially ran from 1956 to 1968 and later making a comeback with Gumby Adventures back in 1988 introducing more characters (See opening themes below). Gumby became well known as an example of stop motion clay animation and an influential cultural icon, spawning many tributes, parodies, and merchandising. Philippine television company ABC-5 was first to brought this to Philippine television making 90s kid like myself enjoy the 1950's classic. Let's go down memory lane with Gumby.


Gumby - The Show
About Gumby

Gumby follows the adventures of titular character along with his sidekick is Pokey, a talking orange (clay) pony through different environments and at times even in history. Gumby's nemeses are the Blockheads who are a pair of humanoid red-colored figures with cube-shaped heads wreaking mischief and havoc. Other characters in the Gumby series includes Prickle, a yellow dinosaur who sometimes styles himself as a detective ala Sherlock Holmes; Goo, a flying blue mermaid; Gumby's dog Nopey, whose entire vocabulary is the word "nope"; a mastodon friend called Denali; Gumby's sister Minga; and lastly Gumby's parents, Gumbo and Gumba.

Gumby Opening Theme
Gumby Series Intro



Gumby!

He was once a little green slab of clay. Gumby!
You should see what Gumby can do today. Gumby!
He can walk into any book, with his pony pal Pokey, too.
If you've got a heart then Gumby's a part of you.
Gumby Adventures Opening Theme
Gumby Adventures Series Intro





What can we say about Gumby? Well, growing up in the 90s, I was able to somewhat "enjoy" the adventures of Gumby back when it aired on ABC-5. I didn't know how to exactly feel back then, I knew as a kid it was entertaining but there is somehow that strange feel to it. Probably because of the unique stop-motion clay animation that the show primarily used; a breathe of fresh air from the usual studio-drawn and animation of cartoons. In a way it was weird because you can very well be recreate Gumby and his friends in real life; in your own living room with toy-clay which was very popular back then both at home and in school.


Ah "clays" that easily maneuverable creative play thing. Brings out the creative side of you. I remember purchasing my first clay back in grade school from a merchant making his rounds in each class room. I remember the clay having a "detergent" bar presentation after it slid off that box. Sadly now we have mobile device as play things. Gone are the days where you can be creative with clays. Old man x 90s kid ranting over hahaha. It is quite odd to see Gumby, his friends, and even his rivals the Blockheads get squashed and still live through the next day. Why am I asking this. It is a kids show! Not that different on what most kids animated shows did (Looney Tunes, Popeye, Hanna Barbera Cartoons, etc).


How about you guys? What are your fondest memories of the show? Any favorite Gumby characters, episodes, merchandise, or even experience that you relate to the show? Share your thoughts about the beloved Gumby in the comments section below: