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.

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:

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:

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:

Ang TV | An ABS-CBN 90s Youth-Oriented Variety Gag Show Retrospective

Ang TV was a Filipino youth-oriented (kids') gag variety show that aired in ABS-CBN during the 90s. Ang TV originally aired from October 19, 1992 to January 3, 1997 with a 30-minute show format airing on a daily afternoon 4:30 schedule. The show was notable for it's opening line "4:30 Na! Ang TV na!", and gags opening up with "Esmyuskee" (a play of the word "excuse me") and "Nge!" after the delivery of the punchline. Let's go down memory lane Ang TV, the iconic kids gag show that created most of the most notable ABS-CBN stars as of late.


Ang TV - The Show
About Ang TV

Ang TV ("The TV") was a kids' "gag-variety" show in the Philippines from ABS-CBN. Prior to 1992, Director Johnny Manahan enlisted a group of multi-talented kids (& pre-teens) to create the first ever gag-variety show for youngsters in the Philippines.


Most of the country's (ABS-CBN) celebrities can point their humble beginnings to Ang TV. Claudine Barretto, Angelu de Leon, Jolina Magdangal, Rica Peralejo, Paula Peralejo, John Prats, Camille Prats, John Prats, Paolo Contis, Angelica Panganiban, Patrick Garcia, Christopher Roxas, Jan Marini, Victor Neri, Kaye Abad, Roselle Nava, Maybelyn dela Cruz, Katya Santos, Carol Banawa, Baron Geisler, Kristine Hermosa, Anna Larrucea, and Vandolph Quizon are some of the most notable stars that jump-started their careers as mainstays of the variety show. A few adults drops in from time to time to join in the craziness of the show which includes Winnie Cordero, Joji Isla, Giselle Sanchez, and Joy Viado.

Ang TV Opening Theme
Ang TV Series Intro



Ang TV's theme: "Do Wah Diddy Diddy"
Manfred Mann


Luckily there is a clip on Youtube that captures what Ang TV was like back in the days.
Check out this Ang TV show clip:






While most GMA Network talents and celebrities have That's Entertainment to thank for, ABS-CBN's have Ang TV. It features some of the most notable celebrities as of the featuring of this blog dedicated to the show (2015). Some of the names have been included on the "About" section of this look back. There are a personal few favorites like Lailani Navarro and Lidsay Custodio for their sheer majestic beauty; and Jolina Magdangal, Roselle Nava, and Carol Banawa for their singing prowess. It is quite entertaining to bee able to see how celebrities grow up and see how their career unfolds in front of the television (or film) screen. I am talking about how such innocent and adorable young looking kids as these kids are will eventually become the next iconic stars of tomorrow in various fields of entertainment (theater, singing, film, television) and outside of it (politics). Of course since I am not big into those kinds of stuf as a 90s Filipino kid back in the days, I remember Ang TV for its very short skits and gags. Well what do you expect for a 30 minute long show with many television commercials in between. Going Bulilit is probably one of its spiritual successor but to most growing up during the 90s this is the definitive kids' gag-variety show.


How about you guys? What do you think about this iconic ABS-CBN youth-oriented gag variety show? Do you have any favorite moments on the shows run back in the 90s? Any favorite celebrities making an appearance or a mainstay? What's your fondest memory of the show? Share your thoughts about Ang TV 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:

Turboranger | Kosoku Sentai Turboranger | IBC-13 90s Filipino Dubbed Super Sentai Series

Turboranger was a Filipino dubbed super hero kids show which first aired in IBC-13 every weekends around the late 90s. Turboranger is originally Kousoku Sentai Turboranger (高速戦隊ターボレンジャー Kōsoku Sentai Tāborenjā), the first super sentai of the Heisei period in Japan and was the 13th entry of Toei Company's Super Sentai series. Kousoku Sentai Turboranger originally aired on TV Asahi from February 25, 1989 to February 23, 1990 with a total of 51 episodes


Kosoku Sentai Turboranger - The Story
Turboranger Premise

Twenty thousand years ago, a Fairy race assisted humans in a battle against the evil Bōma Tribe and was eventally sealed away by Sacred Beast Rakia - a white-maned, winged holy beast defender of Earth, and the keeper of peace and guardian of fairies who sacrificed himself to seal away the tribe with him ultimately transforming into a constellation to watch over the world along with the Turboranger. Unfortunately, due to modern day pollution brought by man's destruction of nature, the power of Fairy magic has weakened, allowing the seal to be broken allowing the once sealed tribe to escape. The last of the living fairies and with the help of Dr. Dazai, Seelon, five Japanese high school seniors were summoned. These chosen high school seniors were special as they were once showered with the "flames of spirit" of the fallen fairies in a forest back when they were still children. They are then able to hear Seelon's voice. Thanks to the collaboration between Seelon's magic and Dr. Dazai's science, these five become the Turborangers.

Riki Honoo as Red Turbo in Kousoku Sentai Turboranger; Daichi Yamagata as Black Turbo in Kousoku Sentai Turboranger; Yohei Hama as Blue Turbo in Kousoku Sentai Turboranger
Kosoku Sentai Turboranger Opening Theme
Turboranger Series Intro





"Kousoku Sentai Turboranger" (高速戦隊ターボレンジャー Kōsoku Sentai Tāborenjā?)
Lyrics by Ikki Matsumoto
Composed by Yoshimasa Inoue
Arrangement by Ryō Yonemitsu
Artist: Kenta Satou
Kosoku Sentai Turboranger Closing Theme
Turboranger Series Outro





Shunsuke Hino as Yellow Turbo in Kousoku Sentai Turboranger; and Haruna Morikawa as Pink Turbo in Kousoku Sentai Turboranger
"Zigzag Seishun Road" (ジグザグ青春ロード Jiguzagu Seishun Rōdo?, "Zigzag Youth Road")
Lyrics by Ikki Matsumoto
Composed by Yoshimasa Inoue
Arrangement by Ryō Yonemitsu
Artist: Kenta Satou




Turborangers was another memorable Filipino dubbed super sentai series of the past. I remember seeing it back-to-back with a rerun of Masked Rider Black on a Sunday afternoon or morning ( probably the prior but can't be sure, please correct me if I am wrong) in IBC-13. I have a few recollection of this sentai series since I believe it came later during the 90s or me growing out of my childhood. I mostly remember the highlights mainly that this sentai main's theme (for suits) which is automobiles, fairies, and the monster of the week being sealed first in an overgrown nail. If I am not mistaken this is one of those sentai series that was eventually cut from its Philippine television run ultimately frustrating and putting the kids (including myself) who watched it in a state of indefinite cliffhanger (good example being Masked Rider Black). Why is it those classic retro super sentai shows has such a memorable and catchy opening and closing themes? Is it merely nostalgia or do they simply have better music back then? In any case Turboranger has both of its opening and closing themes as catchy as any other.


How about you guys? What are your fondest memories of Turboranger? Any special merchandise; memories of episode, characters (protagonists or villains), experience you remember in connection with Turborangers? Share your thoughts about Kosoku Sentai Turboranger in our comments section below:

Beakman's World | RPN 9's 90s Educational Children's Show

Beakman's World was a popular educational children's show that locally aired (initially) every Sunday afternoon at around 5:00 on RPN-9 during the 90s. Beakman's World which was based on the Universal Press Syndicate syndicated comic strip "You Can with Beakman and Jax" created by Jok Church that originally run from September 18, 1992 – December 6, 1997 distributed by Sony Pictures Television in the U.S. and in other countries. The edutainment show premiered on The Learning Channel (TLC) cable network and was later moved to CBS Saturday morning children’s block on September 18, 1993. Just like any kids show of the past, it suddenly came to a halt as it was cancelled around 1998 but not without leaving a mark to the countless of kids who grew up watching this very educational and entertaining world of Science through the eyes and world of Beakman. The series ran for 4 Seasons with each Season featuring more humor and four female assistant changes. Let's take a look back on this very educational and entertaining Beakman's World from the 90s.


Beakman's World - The Show
About Beakman's World

Beakman's World featured an eccentric Scientist called Beakman (played by Paul Zaloom) who answers generally Science-related mail by televiewers where he then gives a thorough and comical explanation, demonstrations, and experimentation.


Throughout the series run, Beakman's female assistant has been changed with Josie (played by Alanna Ubach) for season 1; Liza (played by Eliza Schneider) for seasons 2 and 3; and Phoebe (played by Senta Moses) for season 4. Besides the lovely female assistant, one show staple is that clueless guy in the rat suit a.k.a "Lester The Rat" (played by Mark Ritts). There is also unseen cameraman "Ray" (played by prop-master Ron Jancula's hands) occasionally assists beakman and is very "handy" and "Beakmon" (played by actress Jean Stapleton) which rarely appeared on the show as Beakman's mother. There are also two "lovable" puppet penguins Don (voiced by Bert Berdis) and Herb (voiced by Alan Barzman) who are usually seen at the beginning, before or after commercial breaks and end of the show commentating in their home at the South Pole watching Beakman on their television.


Beakman's world is memorable for its many colorful characters usually played by Paul and Mark (e.g. when they bring in famous and generally deceased scientist to explain about their theories). There is also "The Beakman's Challenge", a show's regular segment where Beakman challenge Lester to do a stunt that he clumsily can't execute but will later be flawlessly executed by a basic scientific feat.

Beakman's World Opening Theme
Beakman's World Series Intro



Beakman's World Theme
Composed by Mark Mothersbaugh
As a kid growing up in the 90s, Beakman's World was awesome! It was perfectly placed in the afternoon Sunday time slot. I usually tune in to the funny antics of Beakman and Lester and the many characters the cast plays. This was the show that got me hooked up to Science which I eventually adored all the way up to high school but then it suddenly became way tougher come College with Chemistry and Physics XD. Now that I am an adult in the real world, it is fun going back to this world of Science initially introduced to me by Paul Zaloom and the rest of the Beakman's World cast.


I mostly remember the fun brought by the show. The characters like Art Burn, Meekman, Don and Herb, and the many guest Scientists also portrayed by Paul Zaloom. I also grew fond of expressions like "Ba-Da-Bing... Ba-Da-Bang... Ba-da-Boom!" and "Zaloom!" usually muttered by Beakman.


I love how Beakman has opened up the wondrous world of Science to kids (like myself back in the days) in a fun and unique way. The humor that the show has can still be appreciated up to this day and I can say is in par with some troll humor (highly subjective by I find most of them really funny) of today. Beakman has truly left a lasting impression to me. Although there have been quite a few contemporary local Science-related edutainment shows, nothing comes close to what Beakman has left in my mind. Kids might be more hooked to AHA!, I Bilib, or Matanglawin. Probably it is a generation thing or my nostalgia talking.


Ever wondered what happened to the cast of Beakman's World or what is it like to work behind the scenes? Well, wonder no more! There are a series of Youtube videos featuring Paul Zaloom touring around the world and speaking in conventions talking about Beakman's World. Check out these series of clips from The Funday Pawpet Show's Megaplex 2010 Weird Weird Science! featuring Paul Zaloom as a special guest and just like Beak Mania, he answered them all in an unadulterated honest to goodness manner (Just like Beak's):











How about you guys? What are your fondest memories, favorite episode(s), characters, or segment on Beakman's World? Share your thoughts and experiences about this popular 90s edutainment children's television show called Beakman's World 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: