Wow Mali | A Retrospective on ABC 5's Longest-Running Gag and Prank Show Starring Joey de Leon

Wow Mali, (translated as Wow! Wrong), was the longest-running gag and prank show hosted by Joey de Leon which started airing from May 25, 1996 on ABC-5 (now known as TV5). Wow Mali has since enjoyed phenomeal success year after year thanks to its hilarious and inventive pranks presented in a candid/hidden camera format; and in-between comedic segments with its hosts Joey-de Leon, his co-hosts, along with the studio audience. Let's go down memory lane with the iconic Filipino gag and prank show "Wow Mali" that completed many Filipinos Sunday night here on Retro Pilipinas.

Wow Mali - The Gag and Prank Show
About Wow Mali

Wow Mali, features pranksters and other talents, who later became big in their own right later on in their careers (like Mike "Pekto" Nacua, Doray Alaskadora, and Krissy) as they hit the streets to prank unsuspecting people going about with their daily lives. The pranks usually ranges from a harmless inquiry of "Pwede bang Magtanong?" (Can I ask you something) to a brush with a gang of seemingly hardened thugs which later starts performing "drag." Wow Mali resonated with a lot of Filipinos including kids and became a part of the Filipino culture as it became part of the colloquial lingo. The expression "WOW Mali" or "NA-WOW-MALI AKO" became a common expression whenever someone makes a mistake or became a victim of a prank or a ruse. Later on people start becoming more aware of the pranks and recognize the talents and prank format.

Wow Mali bagged a number of awards and nominations including the 1st MTRCB Television Awards for Best Comedy Show (2009), and the winner of the KBP Golden Dove Awards for the Best Gag Show (
1997, 2005 and 2009).

Wow Mali (2009) Opening Theme
Wow Mali Series Intro


"Wow Mali"'s theme song was composed and produced by Dan Salamante
A Retrospective on Wow Mali
A Look Back on Wow Mali



What can be said about the premiere gag and prank show's original run on ABC-5? All I can say is it's one of the most influential shows for me as a millenial and child of the 90s. I remember my parents sending me off to bed after the show finished every Sunday as we used to sleep early before 10 PM at that time. We often ended our day with a big laugh and smile to our faces as we bond with how people get pranked on camera. Who would have known that they will be widely and warmly accepted by almost every Filipino family and Filipino mass at that time? Joey de Leon and Wow Mali helped get me through a week knowing that I get to laugh out loud over the weekends. It was a simpler times without the Internet when all you have is a CRT-TV and pranks.

Classic Wow Mali pranking Jeepney passengers by using bartered produce/items as payment.



I don't know if Wow Mali was the first Filipino reality-based hidden camera prank based show but it sure feel like it. Maybe someone from the comments section can correct me if not. I do remember local syndicated run of classic American or Canadian prank and gag shows like Candid Camera and America's Funniest Videos, but don't remember anything that come close to the success and staying power of Wow Mali. I can only recall some of the classic pranks mainly the "Pwede bang Magtanong...?" (Can I ask a question?) prank wherein the usual Filipino response is "Ano?" (What) then the prankster will ask again until she gets or don't get a "Yes." It was a bit dumb and witty at the same time, because that is the right answer to the question that ask permission to ask, but we automatically answer with a silence yes, then proceed with "What". Some of the other pranks would probably not fly in this snowflake politically correct and charged climate as most Wow Mali pranks tip toes on the line of being offensive. Good thing that there are still many Filipinos who still have good sense of humor and not as snowflake as those calling for political correctness. I still say, as long as it doesn't break the law or physically hurt someone, it's all good in my book. Before you had modern influencers and content creators with their fake and scripted pranks, you first had Wow Mali and later followed by other shows like Bitoy's Funniest Videos.
Classic Wow Mali "networking" seminar attendees prank.



What about you guys? What are your fondest, favorite, or laugh out loud memories, episodes, or moments in one of the longest-running ABC 5's gag show? Share your thoughts and opinion about Wow Mali in the comments section below:

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:

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:

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:

Eto Rangers | Juuni Senshi Bakuretsu Eto Ranger | ABC-5's 90s Filipino Dubbed Anime Retrospective

Eto Rangers was a Filipino dubbed (Japanese) anime which aired in ABC-5 (now TV5) back in the 90s here in the Philippines about the adventure of 12 anthropomorphic Chinese Zodiac characters as they traveled various fairy tale worlds. Eto Rangers was originall titled Juuni Senshi Bakuretsu Eto Ranger (Twelve Warrior Explosive Eto Rangers) that originally run from April 7, 1995 to January 26, 1996 on NHK with a total of 39 episodes. Let's go down memory lane and remember Eto Rangers.


Eto Rangers - The Story
Juuni Senshi Bakuretsu Eto Ranger Premise

The Eto Rangers anthropomorphic animals representing each of the twelve Chinese Zodiac animals which in Japan is called "Eto" animals, thus the Eto in Eto Rangers. The Eto Rangers are sworn protectors of the Novel Worlds. These Novel Worlds are stories created by human imagination (folktales, legends, fables, and fairy tales) which plays out repeatedly for the goodness of humanity. The Novel worlds are eventually endangered by Nyanma by distorting each stories using the Jarei monsters. Nyanma (represents the forgotten spirit of cats) who was once Chocolat was excluded from being chosen as one of the 12 protectors by being disqualified in the race.


The Eto Rangers which primary comprised of Bakumaru (rat) known as Powell in the Filipino dub version, Hols (Ox) as Bukuh, Gao (tiger) as Delacao, Cream (rabbit) as Kelly, Drago (dragon) as Paccalachi, Nyorori (snake) as Wannie-Wannie, Pakaracchi (horse) as Yabu, Souffle (sheep) as Cesley, Monk (monkey) as Mencue, Tart (rooster) as Chickee, Pochiro (dog) as Yalung, and Urii (pig) as Vivi. The Eto Rangers boards the Space-Time Transmitting Machine Kirinda to repair the Novel Worlds of Mugen which has been altered by a Jarei monster. Missions to each Novel world usually involves up to 5 Eto Rangers chosen by the Kirinda's roulette member selection system. Each Novel world story altered by a Jarei monster turnes it into a different version or sometimes a parody of itself. Since most of the stories in the novel world involves fables or features an animal, Eto Ranger members chosen for such mission usually takes on the role of one of the characters in the tale. Bakumaru (Powell) must use the Genmakyou mirror (shouting "lumabas ka halimaw!") to reveal the evil spirit once enough clues lead to its identity. Kirinda is usually summoned after defeating the Jarei monster to purify the evil spirit with a "laser beam" weapon finally restoring the Novel world story to its original form.

Eto Rangers Opening Theme
Juuni Senshi Bakuretsu Eto Ranger Series Intro



"Mada mada mada"
Sung by Shinmei Yumiko
Eto Rangers Closing Theme
Juuni Senshi Bakuretsu Eto Ranger Series Outro



"Aitakute"
Sung by Kiyomi Kobayashi




Eto Rangers one of the classics for a Filipino child growing up during the 90s. There was this certain fascination towards the Zodiac, astrology, or the Chinese influence back in the days and Eto Rangers seems to be the celebration of that. I vaguely recall if this came first before the Power Rangers (or sentai series) or later, but it probably added a charm to the series. Of course, this won't be a memorable anime series if not for the characters and the Novel world stories featured for the day (or week). I remember finding it very entertaining as to how the series put a twist to the usual stories (fairy tales, legends, and fables) we grew up hearing and reading into something new (Noir, old Western, space age, mafia, etc.). I recall it was being showed in ABC-5 alongside Sailor Moon every Saturdays and Dragon Ball on RPN-9 every Sundays. I remember my classmates back in grade school or at home playing Bakumaru holding up a circular object (usually a mirror) holding it up to each other shouting "Lumabas ka Halimaw!" ("Unveil yourself monster!") then act as if we were to fight. Eto Rangers' opening and closing theme also added to how memorable the series now to those of us who grew up watching it.


How about you guys? What are your most memorable experience with the this Chinese Zodiac inspired Japanese animated series? Any particular episode, characters, or memory you have regarding the show? Share your thoughts and opinion about Juuni Senshi Bakuretsu Eto Ranger in the comments section below:

Yaiba | Kenyuu Densetsu Yaiba | ABC 90s English Dubbed Anime Retrospective

Legend of the Swordmaster Yaiba or commonly known here in the Philippines as Yaiba was an English dubbed Japanese animated series (anime) that aired in ABC-5 (now known as TV5) during the 90s. Yaiba (Ken'yū Densetsu Yaiba) was first a manga created by Gosho Aoyama the same creator and artist who brought us two other popular manga/ anime with Kaito Kid and Detective Conan. The Yaiba anime aired simultaneously on TV Tokyo (where it was titled as Kenyuu Densetsu YAIBA), TV Hokkaido, and TV Aichi from April 9, 1993~April 1, 1994 with 52 episodes. Let's take a look back at the adventure of the legendary swordsman, Yaiba Kurogane here at Retro Pilipinas.


Yaiba - The Story
Yaiba - Series Plot

Yaiba Kurogane is a samurai-in-training living together with his father (Kenjurou) and his two animal friends (Kagetora and Shonosuke). One day they were attack by gorillas where they barely escape and eventually found themselves in the big city where Yaiba found out that he is a legendary warrior's incarnation able to wield the Raijin-ken or commonly known in the English dubbed series as "Sword of Thunder God" and has to be Onimaru. He is then set on a quest to become the Samurai that he has always dreamt of through the power of the legendary sword and its powers.

Yaiba Opening Theme
Yaiba Series Intro





"Yuuki ga Areba" (If You Have Courage)
Performed by Kabuki Rocks

tatakau kotoba ikiru sadame dato iu naru
kachi tsuzukeru koto dake tada hitotsu no nozomi

kami ga ataeta shiden o koete
henka no PAWAA furishi boru sa

* yuuki ga areba dekiru hazu
yume to iu na no katana o nuite
tatakae! subete no chikara de kimi o mamotte miseru

kaze kiru kata ni tooku tobi satta ano koro
tsuyoku naritai dake tabidatta kokyou

furi kaeritai toki mo aru kedo
henka no PAWAA yomi ga eru sa

* repeat

kami ga ataeta shiden o koete
henka no PAWAA furishi boru sa

tatakae! subete no namida to kaeranu toki o sutete
yuuki ga areba dekiru hazu
yume to iu na no katana o nuite
yuuki ga areba wakaru hazu
ai o shinjiru koto o
Yaiba Closing Theme
Yaiba Series Outro



"Shinjigakunaki Tatakai" (Battle Without Theosophy)
Performed by Kabuki Rocks

Nna yatsu inai yo doko datte
MAKUNBA kamashita onna no ko
TAFUna yarou ga daisuki na no
Hanfuku yokotobi kimeteru ze!

Aaa nan darou kono yume dou yuu kokoro
Aaa senazaiishiki no araware nanda na
JUNG fuu ni kaishaku suru naraba

TORA TORA UMA TORA TORA UMA
RIBI-LIBIDOU (RIBI-LIBIDO)
KOGI KOGI KOGI KOGI KOGI KOGI
KOGI KOGI COGITO (ERGO SUM)
Nna koto bakkari no tamau hima nado
Samurai nya nai no da!

Nna yatsa inai yo doko datte
KOKKURI uto-uto onna no ko
CARISMA yarou ga daisuki na no
Fumitai shoukou kimeteru ze!

Aaa nan darou kono yume wo dou yuu kokoro
Aaa shinsou shinri no araware nanda na
KAFKA fuu ni byousha wo suru naraba

TORA TORA UMA TORA TORA UMA
RIBI-LIBIDO (RIBI-LIBIDO)
KOGI KOGI KOGI KOGI KOGI KOGI
KOGI KOGI COGITO (ERGO SUM)
Nna koto bakkari no tamau yatsu nado
Samurai nya narenai!

TORA TORA UMA TORA TORA UMA
RIBI-LIBIDOU (RIBI-LIBIDO)
KOGI KOGI KOGI KOGI KOGI KOGI
KOGI KOGI COGITO (ERGO SUM)
Nna koto bakkari no tamau hima nado
Samurai nya nai no da!




Yaiba is one of the many masterpiece which came from the brilliant mind of Gosho Aoyama who is also the creator of Kaito Kid, and one of the longest running anime Detective Conan (Maitantei Conan). There is a special anime episode in Detective Conan where Yaiba, Conan, and Kid were featured. You can check it out here:


What is there to NOT say about The Legendary Brave Swordsman Yaiba? It is only just one of the most kick ass anime series of the 90s!!! Okay, I've calmed down. I plan to re-watch the series online again to see as how well it lives up up to this day. I am also thinking of getting this on DVD or Bluray as part of a collection. So what made Yaiba so great? It is probably the Dragon Ball-esque like elements where Yaiba and the crew starts hunting magical spheres or orbs to power up the "Sword of the Thunder God" (Raijin-ken) to defeat the forces of Onimaru and Princess Kaguya (last arc). It started light-hearted and later became more action-packed which is perfect for a growing 90s boy like myself at that time. I also remember doing the "whirlwind sword technique" a.k.a. Senpūken, in which Yaiba spins the sword like a lawnmower blade by inserting his fingers in the hole where the orbs would usually go then twirls it, using everyday household materials just to emulate Yaiba's technique. I usually use a clothes hanger for this deed. I like at how some villains eventually became Yaiba's most trusted friends like Spiderman, Frogman, Slugman, Starman, and Grasshopperman (Wew! and I haven't rewatched it and I still remember them). I also love the twist in the Princess Kaguya story in the end. If ever there is something that local television station like GMA, ABS-CBN, and TV5 should pick up again, it is Yaiba.


How about you guys, what are your fondest memory of Yaiba? Do you have any favorite episode(s), memorabilia, and experiences with the Gosho Aoyama masterpiece? Share your thoughts about the phenomenal 90s English-dubbed anime Yaiba in the comments section below:

Jetman | Chōjin Sentai Jetman | RPN & ABC 90s Filipino Dubbed Super Sentai Series

Jetman was a Filipino dubbed super hero kids show which first aired in RPN-9 every Sunday evening at around 6PM or 7PM in 1997, and later every weeknights on ABC-5 (now TV5) in 1998. Jetman was originally Chojin Sentai Jetman (鳥人戦隊ジェットマン Chōjin Sentai Jettoman), a Japanese tokusatsu television series by Toie Company and Bandai which is the 15th super sentai series. Chojin Sentai Jetman which translates to Bird Task Force Jetman originally aired on TV Asahi from February 15, 1991 to February 14, 1992 with a total of 51 episodes. Jetman pays homage to the Science Ninja Team Gatchaman 1972 anime series using a bird as its motif and some setup with its characters. Like most old school heisei series, Jetman was way ahead of its time with its darker tone, tragedies, and its emphasis on romance (love triangles). Let's go down memory lane as we look back at Jetman.


Chojin Sentai Jetman - The Story
Chojin Sentai Jetman Series Plot

The story starts in Sky Force, an Earth Ship command center where scientists have developed "Birdonic Waves" technology which gives its subject superhuman abilities. The experiments was called the "J-Project" was successful with Ryu Tendoh, one of the Sky Force officers successfully being exposed to the Birdonic Waves and making him the first Jetman - the Red Hawk. The J-Project was lead by Director Aya Odagiri who chosed five elite Sky Force officials from Earth to use this technology.


However, the Earth Ship gets suddenly attacked by Vyram, an evil outer-dimensional organization bent on inter-dimensional domination. Vyram successfully destroy the ship, apparently killing Ryu's lover and fellow candidate member Rie. In the process, the remaining Birdonic Waves for the other four official candidates were scattered on Earth, hitting four civilians. Odagiri and Tendoh successfully escape and begin searching on Earth for the four remaining Jetman, training them to aid them in stopping Vyram's plans of conquering Earth.

Kotaro Tanaka as Jetman Red Hawk Ryu Tendoh; Toshihide Wakamatsu as Jetman Black Condor Gai Yuki; and Rika Kishida as Jetman White Swan Kaori Rokumeikan.
Jetman Opening Theme
Chojin Sentai Jetman Series Intro



"Chōjin Sentai Jetman" (鳥人戦隊ジェットマン Chōjin Sentai Jettoman)

Lyrics by Toyohisa Araki
Composition and Arrangement by Gōji Tsuno
Artist: Hironobu Kageyama


Ikko Tadano as Jetman Yellow Owl Raita Oishi and Sayuri Uchida as Jetman Blue Swallow Ako Hayasaka
Jetman Closing Theme
Chojin Sentai Jetman Series Outtro



"Kokoro wa Tamago" (こころはタマゴ?, "The Heart is an Egg")

Lyrics by Toyohisa Araki
Composition by Kōji Tsuno
Arrangement by Kenji Yamamoto
Artist: Hironobu Kageyama
Jetman was one of those super sentai shows that treat kids with respect and the seriousness they deserve with its dark and serious tones. I was a 90s kid who grew up watching tokusatsu shows and Jetman combined all those elements and added darker elements setting up an 11-year old kid on what life would probably be like in the not so far off future. It was a different time back in the 90s... it was awesome! Kids show started waning when Philippine television companies started patronizing more US kids shows and local teledramas than borrowing from our neighbor Japan. I can even say we can even blame media for making kids such drama kings and queens nowadays, Hahahaha. Looking back at it now, it sure is one of those nostalgic super sentai series that has always painted a smile on my face.

My favorite Jetman is Jet Blue or Blue Swallow Ako. It has been somewhat ingrained in my head an episode focusing on her and this cup noodle (ramen) monster. I like blue and she was also very cute. My 11-year old television infatuation. I also clearly remember playing a Jetman game on a gaming rental shop back in the days for the Family Computer (known in the US as the Nintendo Entertainment System or NES). I remember it was tough as hell coz I suck a bit at platforming back in the days (never finished a megaman or rockman game EVAR! Hahahaha). I have dug some footage of Jetman the Game online and here is what the game was like.



What about you guys? What are your fondest memories, favorite episode, character or merchandise from Jetman? Share your thoughts and experiences about 90s Chojin Sentai Jetman in the comments section below:

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

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:

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

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:

Ispup | ABC-5 90s Philippine Television Comedy (Gag) Show

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 90s 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:

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

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. The show featured early CGI and video effects (to show the "Virtual Reality") mixed with Japanese stock footage from three different Metal Hero Series: Superhuman Machine Metalder, Dimensional Warrior Spielban and Space Sheriff Shaider. Let's go down memory lane and remember VR Troopers back in ABC Channel 5 Philippines.

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 90s.

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

As a kid growing in the 90s, 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:

Tropang Trumpo | ABC - 90s Philippine Television Comedy (Gag) Show

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-90s 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 90s 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 90s 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 90s, "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 90s, 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 90s 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 90s gag show from ABC-5. Share your thoughts on Tropang Trumpo on the comments section below: