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:

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:

Fiveman | Chikyu Sentai Fiveman | ABC - 90s Tokusatsu Filipino Dubbed Kids Show

Fiveman was a Filipino dubbed super hero kids show that aired in Associated Broadcasting Company or ABC-5 (now TV5) back in 1994. Fiveman is originally Chikyu Sentai Fiveman (地球戦隊ファイブマン Chikyū Sentai Faibuman), a Japanese tokusatsu television series and the 14th super sentai series title which originally aired on TV Asahi from March 2, 1990 to February 8, 1991. The popularity of the Japanese super sentai series amongst the Filipino television audience (adults and children alike) that started with the Tagalized version of Hikari Sentai Maskman was inherited by ABC-5's Fiveman. This is the Super Sentai Series that helped ABC-5 gain additional televiewers.

Fiveman - The Story
Chikyu Sentai Fiveman Plot

Doctor Hoshikawa was researching a technology on how to transform the dessert-like planet Sedon into a green, lush world, testing it by attempting to grow flowers. On the day the first flower bloomed, the Zone Empire launched an assault on the planet, he and his wife were separated from their five children. Arthur G6 took the five children back to Earth and raised them there.

Twenty years later, the five are now grownups. teachers in New Town School. They pose as teachers at New Town School, planting a garden of Sidon Flowers which they brought from planet Sidon. The Zone Empire now prepares to invade Earth as its thousandth target and as they begin the attack, three vehicles appear and counter the offensive, five warriors descend from the vehicles and confront Zone.

The Hoshikawa siblings have been developing the Fiveman technology and training hard upon the possibility of Zone invading Earth. Now the five siblings are ready to battle with the familiar foes as Fiveman. The Fivemen are five siblings of the Hoshikawa family (three brothers and two sisters) mainly Gaku Hoshikawa (Five Red), the eldest and leader of the team at 27 years old, and a Science teacher skilled in kendo; Ken Hoshikawa (Five Blue),the second born at 25 years old, second leader to the team, a Physical Education teacher skilled in judo; Fumiya Hoshikawa (Five Black), the fourth born, youngest son and twin brother of Remi at 20 years old, a Japanese teacher skilled in karate; Kazumi Hoshikawa (Five Pink), the third born and oldest daughter at 23 years old, a Math teacher skilled in fencing; Remi Hoshikawa (Five Yellow), the twin sister of Fumiya and the youngest of the Hoshikawa siblings at 20 years old, a music teacher skilled in kung fu.

Fiveman Opening Theme
Chikyu Sentai Fiveman Intro



"Chikyu Sentai Fiveman" (地球戦隊ファイブマン Chikyū Sentai Faibuman)

Lyrics by Masao Urino.
Composition by Yasuo Kosugi.
Arrangement by Kenji Yamamoto
Artist: Kenji Suzuki (鈴木 けんじ Suzuki Kenji)

Fiveman Ending Theme
Chikyu Sentai Fiveman Outro






"Fiveman, Ai no Thema" (ファイブマン、愛のテーマ Faibuman, Ai no Tēma, "Fiveman, Theme of Love")

Lyrics by Masao Urino.
Composition by Yasuo Kosugi.
Arrangement by Kazuya Matsushita (松下 一也 Matsushita Kazuya).
Artist: Kenji Suzuki.

Fiveman is probably one of the most adorable super sentai series shown in the Philippines in terms of the show's main heroes are all siblings, and teachers out to protect Earth. I want to believe that in some strange way that children who watched the series gained a few degree of respect towards their grade and high school teachers. There are some very mushy and touchy episodes in Fiveman including Fiveman's beloved robot Arthur. I also remember having a young crush on the Zone Empire's Galactic Empress Meadow.

What about you guys? What's your fondest memory of Fiveman? Any favorite episode, character, or moment in the Philippine dubbed super sentai series? Share your thoughts about Chikyu Sentai Fiveman in the comments section below:

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe | GMA - 80s , ABC 90s

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe was a US cartoon series aired on Philippine television network, GMA Network on the late 80's and later in ABC (Associate Broadcasting Company) now known today as TV5. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe was an American action adventure animated television series produced by Filmation based on Mattel's successful toy line Masters of the Universe that first aired 1983-1985 in the USA.

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe - The Story
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Synopsis

The show takes place on the fictional planet of Eternia, a planet of magic, myth and fantasy. The show's lead character is Prince Adam, the young son of Eternia's rulers, King Randor and Queen Marlena. Whenever Prince Adam uses the Power Sword, and when he holds it aloft and says the magic words "By the Power of Grayskull, I HAVE THE POWER" he is transformed into He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe. Together with his close allies, Battle Cat (who undergoes a similar transformation from being Adam's cowardly pet tiger Cringer), The Sorceress, Teela, Man-At-Arms and Orko, He-Man uses his powers to defend Eternia from the evil forces of Skeletor. Skeletor's main goal is to conquer the mysterious fortress of Castle Grayskull, from which He-Man draws his powers. If he succeeds, Skeletor would conquer the whole of Eternia, and possibly the whole universe.

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Opening Theme
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Intro

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe first aired in the Philippines via GMA Network in the late 80's. Thanks to fellow blogger Mark Santos, author of Heerosan's Den and Robot Pilipinas for the info. I personally became aware and got familiar with the animated series on its Sunday afternoon run on ABC-5 back in the early 90s. And if my memory still served me right, the Filmation produced cartoon show aired alongside The Pink Panther (1993-1996 US Run), Taz-Mania (Warner Bros. Tazmanian Devil animated series 1991-1993 US Run), and She-Ra: Princess of Power (1985-1987 US Run). He-Man and the Masters of the Universe has a pretty strange set-up looking at it now, it has fantasy elements but there are also spacecrafts and lazer guns. It is a chaotic mix of sci-fi and medieval fantasy. Looking back at it, Prince Adam's transformation to He-Man is as absurd as when Clark Kent changes to Superman. Well at least with the Man of Steel we have those glasses and hair to cover up his Clar Kent alter-ego, but just look at He-Man? He is just Adam stripped down only wearing a wrestling outfit with little change to what he looks like whatsoever. Oh well, at least it was a fun ride to the mindless kids of the 90s including myself. It was entertaining, has moral lessons (forced after each episode), and some "kid-friendly" censored out violence. Today He-Man has now became a cult classic and have been use as material in internet memes and various jokes.

What about you guys? Doyou still remeber He-Man and the Masters of the Universe? Share your thoughts about this kids show that ran on ABC Channel 5 back in the days on the comments section below:

Eezy Dancing | An ABC 5's 90s Dance Show Retrospective

Eazy Dancing was a Philippine television dancing show back in the 90s from the Associated Broadcasting Company or ABC (ABC-5 for the Greater Manila Area back then, today known as TV-5). Eezy Dancing ran from 1996-2001 The show aired every Sunday night and was hosted by different celebrities each season mainly Charlene Gonzales, Maribeth Bitchara, Giselle Toengi, and Nina Ricci Alagao to name a few. Every episode featured various dance numbers from professional dance instructors, performers, celebrities and sometimes even politicians. The dance show later adapted the title Eezy Dancing Non-Stop.

Here are some clips of Eezy Dancing back in the days gathered from the internet:



Charlene Gonzales with Charlene Gonzalez, Ralion Alonzo, Franco Laurel



Sherilyn Reyes dance number on Eezy Dancing



Amanda Page and Vina Morales dance number on Eezy Dancing



Eezy Dancing Non-Stops' Giselle Toengi (G. Toengi)



Maricel Morales and Nina Alagao dance number on Eezy Dancing

Do you still remember this Sunday night variety (dance) show from ABC 5? Share your memories of the dance show on the comments section below: