B'T X and B'T X Neo | ABS-CBN's 90s Filipino-Dubbed Anime Retrospective

B'T X was a Filipino-dubbed Japanese animation that aired on ABS-CBN every weekend afternoon during the 90s in the Philippines. B't X, stylized as B'T X, was adapted from the shonen manga series, written and illustrated by Masami Kurumada which ran from October 1994 – January 2000. The 25-episode first season of the anime adaptation of B'T X ran from April 6, 1996 – September 21, 1996. It was followed by a 14-episode second season titled B'T X Neo that ran from August 21, 1997 – November 20, 1997 in Japan. Let's go down memory lane and remember the pilot of the badass B'T X in this alternate world of B'T X and it's sequel B'T X Neo.


B'T X - The Story
B'T X Series Plot

B'T X is set on an alternate Earth which is ruled by one faction called the Machine Empire. The Machine Empire pushed for a society of scientists which culminated in the creation of the B'Ts (pronounced "beat" in the Japanese version), mechanical beasts with artificial intelligence powered by human blood.

B'T X and B'T X Neo follows the story of Teppei Takamiya and the bond he formed with the titular B'T X, or simply X which was once of the strongest B'T of the Machine Empire. The story then delves deeper with the B'Ts and MAchine Empire. Secrets start to unfold as it becomes the a story of survival of the human race against the clutches of the Machine Empire and smack in between is Teppei and X, along with the comrades they gained along this journey.

B'T X Opening Theme
B'T X Series Intro





B'T X Lyrics

Maglalakbay ako patungo sa kawalan
Upang habulin ko pangarap sa buhay
At susuungin ko itong kadiliman
Makita ko lang ang liwanag
Ng katarungan

B’T X Closing Song
Alab ng Katarungan
ang pagmamahal sa ating kapwa
ang pag-ibig sa ating bayan
Handang ibuwis ang aking buhay
B'T X Legacy on the Filipinos

It is without a doubt that B'T X has become a part of the lives of Filipino kids who grew up watching this anime series every afternoon. Some have even made various tribute and covers remembering this aspect of their childhood. I now present you with the legacy of B'T X amongst the kids and Filipinos in general who grew up watching the series. Credits goes to the original authors. Kindly follow, like and support their channels which we'll also include below:

BTX opening theme (Tagalog/Japanese version)- Mavilon cover

Source: Mavilon's YouTube Channel B'T X Cover

BTX TAGALOG OPENING THEME Acoustic version 90's Anime | Sailing For My Dream Cover Rider Kikomi

Source: Rider Kikomi's YouTube Channel

A Retrospective on B'T X and B'T X Neo
A Look Back on B'T X and B'T X Neo


What can be said about B'T X's run in Philippine television back in the late 90s? Well, I don't really remember much about the plot of B'T X, only bits and pieces. I was only at around grade school back then when it first aired on ABS-CBN. It was Filipino-dubbed but I guess I wasn't paying much attention to the story, maybe more fascinated with what seemingly high octane action and the cool designs of the the B'Ts (Beats) back then. speaking of cool designs, I managed to archive a few snapshots from this nostalgic 90s series in my teks collection of B'T X. Maybe, I will make an unpacking and release scans of my teks collection (on a future post soon).




Being a 90s kid, my fondest memory of the series was me playing around with my grade school classmates shouting Teppei's iconic Messiah Fist and thinking that we were riding some of the iconics beats from the show. A fan favorite back then was Fou Lafine's B't J'Taime that had a phoenix (suzaku) design and opposite to him was Ron and B'T Raido with his dragon (seiryuu) design. I tend to favor the lead back then, even though I usually favor the main character, I remember favoring Hokuto and B'T Max (genbuu). I've managed to get a hold of the series now, but when re-watching the very first few episodes I can say that it really didn't age gracefully. Maybe it is my more mature taste when it comes to animation (but I do appreciate titles like Mob Psycho 100), but maybe a few episodes in more and I will warm up to the animation style. I will re-watch this series and hopefully will have a good time just like when I finished and re-watched Hell Teacher Nube.


How about you guys? How much do you remember about B'T X and B'T X Neo back in the days? What was your fondest memory, character, B'Ts, or moments from the series? Share your thoughts and experiences about B'T X in the comments section below and let's discuss more about it:

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

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


Magic Knight Rayearth - The Story
Magic Knight Rayearth Series Plot

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


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

Magic Knight Rayearth Opening Theme
Magic Knight Rayearth Series Intro





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

Kami'y narito
Asahan nyo'ng
Magtatanggol

Makikipaglaban
para sa
Kapayapaan....

Ang lahat ng nilalang dito
ay may karapatan

(sa magandang bukas)

Kung merong gumugulo
ay h'wag mag alala

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

Ang aming mga kapangyarihan
Alay sa karapatan

Kami'y narito
Asahan nyo'ng
Magtatanggol

Makikipaglaban
para sa
Kapayapaan at kaayusan

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



Magic Knight Rayearth Yuzurenai Negai Live Performance by Naomi Tamura



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




A Lookback on Magic Knight Rayearth


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


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

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

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


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

Raijin-Oh | Zettai Muteki Raijin-Oh | Absolutely Invincible Raijin-Oh | RPN 9's 90s English Dubbed Japanese Anime

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



"Dream Shift"
Performed by by Kinuko Oomori

Daiji na koto nante jibun de mitsukeru yo
kyooshitsu no mado kara miteru aozora no shita.
Yaritai koto bakari takusan ari sugite
tsukue no mae ni nante jitto shite irarenai.

Hijoo door o akeru tabi ni
mune ga naze ka dokidoki suru.
Atarashii sekai e tobidasu thrill
kimi ni mo oshietai yo.

Hitori ja nai sa*
kujikesoo na toki wa
tatakau yuuki o sasaete ageru yo.
Mirai wa itsumo
bokura ga hero
yume miru chikara wa zettai muteki Raijin Oh.

Ashita no chizu nante jibun de egakeru sa
kakedasu biru no machi kaze ga odotteiru yo.

Sabita fence tobikoereba
hazumu iki ga kirakira suru.
Hajimete no jibun ni deaeru shunkan
kimi ni mo tsutaetai yo.

Fushigi ja nai sa
mune ga atsui no wa
kokoro o tsunai da dareka ga iru kara.
Chikyuu ni ikiru
bokura ga kiseki sa
aisuru chikara wa zettai muteki Raijin Oh.

* Repeat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers | ABS-CBN 90s American Super Hero Kids Show

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers is a US live-action kids television show based on the Japanese Super Sentai series Kyoryu Sentai Zyuranger. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers aired in ABS-CBN (ABS-CBN Corporation) around the 90s (1993-1995). Just like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers' effect on children in the USA, Filipino children also welcomed the U.S. syndicated series of Japan's super sentai series with open arms. The series was something fresh that time and for people outside of Japan, it is only natural to be swept off from their feet by a super hero tv series that has long been entertaining Japanese children for decades.



The Might Morphin Power Rangers features five Angel Grove teenagers with attitude (Season 1: Austin St. John as Jason Lee Scott - the Red Ranger, Amy Jo Johnson as Kimberly Ann Hart - the Pink Ranger, Walter Jones as Zack Taylor - the Black Ranger, Thuy Trang as Trini Kwan - the Yellow Ranger and David Yost as Billy Cranston - the Blue Ranger; and later by Jason Frank as Tommy - Green/White Ranger) summoned by Zordon's robot assistant Alpha 5 to become Earth's mighty protectors against the band of evil group escaped from their 10,000 years confinement on the moon headed by Rita Repulsa. Each weekly episode features attempts of Rita Repulsa together with her minions Goldar, Baboo, Squatt, Finster, Scorpina ans they summon monsters together with the Putty Patrollers. Following the usual Super Sentai formula, after a human-size monster gets defeated, Rita turns it into a giant but the Power Rangers has their own giant vehicular mechs called zords, and in Might Morphin Power Rangers first season they were called DinoZords. Season 2 and 3 has a few change in terms of initial casts, additional villains, new swords, and different super sentai elements, but the most memorable were still the original five of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.



Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Opening Theme
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Season 1 Intro





Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Opening Theme
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Season 2 Intro



Mighty Morphin Power Rangers were the most popular kids show back in the 90s, toys sold like pancakes and movies were even created. But of all its commercial success, the most notable influence that it has over Filipino children, that it taught them values and gave them the opportunity to sharpen their English vocabulary, which not so many dubbed kids shows do these days by dubbing every kids show in Filipino/Tagalog.



Still remember Bulk and Skull? The only two Mighty Morphin Power Rangers side-character who have endured the test of time. The main Power Rangers cast might have been replaced (even adapted a totally different super sentai series) but these two characters remained.

What about you guys? What are your most memorable episodes, characters, monsters, zords, and merchandise on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers? Share your thoughts on the comments section below:

Voltes V | Chodenji Machine Voltes V | GMA 70s , MBS / NBN, RPN, ABS-CBN, IBC 80s , GMA 90s Dubbed Anime Series

Voltes V is "the mother of all mecha anime" in the Philippines. Voltes V is a Japanese animation (anime) television series first aired in TV Asahi on June 4, 1977.
Chōdenji Machine Voltes V 超電磁マシーン ボルテスＶ Chōdenji Mashīn Borutesu Faibu, which literary translates to "Super Electromagnetic Machine Voltes Five" was simply named Voltes V when it aired in the Philippines at around 1979. The series is the first ever anime (Japanese animation) to be aired in the Philippines. The series made its first debut via GMA Network on May 5 1978 but was cut short just before the series finished in 1979, more info later. It was later moved and re-aired on People's Television MBS-4 (Maharlika Broadcasting System Progress Television 4) which is now known today and NBN (National Broadcasting Network) in 1986, on ABS-CBN from 1987–1988 and IBC from 1989-1990, and back to GMA in the 90s.

Just when Voltes V was about to end in 1979, when president Ferdinand Marcos then issued a directive banning specifically Voltes V because of "excessive violence" and the inclusion of encouragement of people to rebel due to its subversive message With a totalitarian reign during the Marcos regime, even an animated show must be put to silence if it does spark the spirits of insurgence and cry for freedom. Voltes V later re-aired after seven years when Marcos was exiled in Hawaii.

When the series went back to GMA, GMA revived the program by first dubbing it in English, then in Filipino dub between Tagalog and Cebuano, in 1999. They have aired the program sporadically since, alongside Daimos. The anime series also got a theatrical release with Voltes V: The Liberation, a film compilation of the last five episodes of Voltes V which was what fans have always been looking forward to. Everyone needs closure especially to those who loved the series but was treated with constant re-airing and moving of well-loved anime series that seems to never show its conclusion.

Voltes V Cast
Little John (Green), Jamie Robinson (Yellow), Steve Armstrong, Big Bert Armstrong (Brown), and Mark Gordon (Blue)

Voltes V Opening Theme
Voltes V Anime Television Series Opening



"Voltes V no Uta" by Mitsuko Horie, Columbia Yurikago-kai and Koorogi '73

Voltes V Closing Theme Theme
Voltes V Anime Television Series Ending



"Chichi wo Motomete" by Ichiro Mizuki and Koorogi '73
Were you able to watch it during the Marcos Era or later in the 90s sporadic re-airing? What is your fondest memory of Voltes V? Share your nostalgic memories and experiences with Voltes V a very Retro Pilipinas anime.