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

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


Calvento Files - The Show
About Calvento Files

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

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

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

Source: ABS-CBN via Wayback Machine

A Retrospective on Calvento Files
A Look Back on Calvento Files

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



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


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

Calvento Files: The Movie

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

Soure: IMDB

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


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

Oki Doki Doc | An ABS-CBN 90s Sitcom Retrospective

Oki Doki Doc was a Filipino sitcom from ABS-CBN starring Aga Muhlach as Dr. Agaton Villaluz or simply Doc Aga, Agot Isidro as Alex, Babalu as Don Robert Makunatan or Mang Berto, Carmina Villaroel as George, Claudine Barretto as Toni, Jimmy Santos as Godo, Camille Prats as Camille, Alfons Martinez as Fonzie, and Paolo Contis as Paoli. Oki Doki Doc aired every Saturday nights and ran from 1993 to 2000.

Oki Doki Doc - The Show
About Oki Doki Doc

Oki Doki Doc revolves around the adventures and misadventures in the life of Dr. Agaton Villaluz or simply Doc Aga, a young veterinarian who has inherited his brother's children. Aga was leading a normal single life and was quite enjoying his bachelorhood when his brother-in-law lost his job. Because of this unfortunate situation, his brother-in-law is forced to take on a job abroad which required him to bring his wife along with him leaving their children behind. Being the only relative who has a respectable status, Aga is entrusted with the responsibility of taking care of his sister's two children, Camille (Camille Prats) and Fonzie (Alfonso Martinez) which cuts short his life as a bachelor and catapults him into the status of being a parent/guardian to his niece and nephew.

Dr. Aga opened his animal clinic in a middle-class subdivision with plans of having a successful career as a veterinarian. He lives with his best friend and college classmate who he also treat as family, Godo in the duplex that is in a compound owned by Don Berto Makunatan a.k.a. Babsy (Babalu). His duplex unit doubles up as his vet office while the other unit is used by Babsy and his three children, Paolo, Alex (Agot Isidro) and Toni (Claudine Barretto). Mang Berto has an inherent hatred over Godo and dislikes Aga for his daughter Alex. Mang Berto can't stop the two from falling in love and eventually (in the series run) got married. As call of endearment Alex calls Aga "sugar", while Aga calls Alex "cupcake".

Oki Doki Doc Opening Theme
Oki Doki Doc Show Intro Lyrics

Ang Tito Aga kong beterinaryo,
laging kapiling mga pusa’t aso
kung minsan ay loro
kung minsan ay kuwago
Meron ding baka, manok, at kabayo… Ang tito ko!

Oki Doc, Oki Doc
Oki Doki Doki Doc
Oki Doc, Oki Doc, Oki Doc

Ang Tito Aga kong beterinaryo,
napakagwapo nakakaloko-loko
Kay dami daming chicks na nagkakagusto
pati na yata mga pusa't aso ng tito ko

Oki Doc, Oki Doc
Oki Doki Doki Doc
Oki Doc, Oki Doc, Oki Doc
Sweet Moments of Doc Aga (Aga Muhlach) and Alex (Agot Isidro) in ABS-CBN's Oki Doki Doc

ABS-CBN got tons of great situational comedy under its management during the 90s. While Home Along Da Riles focuses more on the family man Kevin Cosme, Oki Doki Doc is not far behind but instead of a dedicated father, we now have a dedicated uncle and bachelor. The introduction of love story between Aga and Alex in the show added more charm and humor to the series. ABS CBN's Oki Doki Doc was one of those popular 90s ABS CBN situational comedy that I grew up watching. It spun one comedy film with the same title in 1996. The ABS CBN sitcom's 1993 to December 2000 has followed the love story of Aga and Alex; and has seen a lot of changes from both its cast, schedule, and humor.


The most notable characters to me was the late-Babalu as the overprotective father and Roderick Paulate's gay (stereotype) portrayal in the series length. As a child growing up in the 90s I liked how Oki Doki Doc had these various brief animations that served as interlude featuring animals (since Doc Aga is a vet) cutting to the commercials, and from commercials back to the show.

How about you guys? What's your fondest memory of the charming veterinarian and his sweet flight attendant of a love interest? Any favorite character, episode, or guest from the show? Share your thoughts about Oki Doki Doc in the comments section below:

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

Hiraya Manawari was a popular educational television show for Filipino children from ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. in cooperation with the Department of Education Culture and Sports (DECS) back in the 90s. Hiraya Manawari aired during the 90s alongside Bayani from on Philippine television network, ABS-CBN. Hiraya Manawari is a weekly episodic educational television show aimed for Filipino kids that featured moral values with a usual fantasy setting.

Hiraya Manawari Educational Philippine Television Show - The Show
About Hiraya Manawari

ABS-CBN's Hiraya Manawari, a highfalutin Filipino word that translates to “reach your dreams” featured episodes revolving around good moral values and life lessons. Each episode is different from the other with each episode that deals with issues about love, family, respect, honesty, discipline, etc. Most of its episodes is set on a fantasy and fictitious setting which aid in emphasizing the episode's lesson of the day. If Bayani was a Sibika at Kulture, History or Social Studies in Philippine television, Hiraya Manawari on the other hand is like a Good Moral and Right Conduct, or Values Education class for Philippine television.

Hiraya Manawari Opening Theme
Hiraya Manawari Series Intro



Hiraya Manawari
Theme Song Lyrics

Gusto kong abutin ang tayog ng ulap
Gusto kong sisirin ang lalim ng dagat
Gusto kong akyatin ang tuktok ng bundok
Tuklasin ang hiwaga, sa puso ko'y bumabalot

Hiraya Manawari, Hiraya Manawari
Mga pangarap natin ating abutin
Ang kapangyarihang nasa puso natin
Hiraya manawari ating abutin

Kaya kong pakawalan ang hiwaga sa aking puso
Kaya kong hawakan init ng aking pangarap
Kaya kong isabog liwanag na aking taglay
Liwanag na nagsisilbing tanglaw ko sa patutunguhan

Hiraya Manawari, Hiraya Manawari
Mga pangarap natin, ating abutin
Sa lakas ng isipan at busilak na kalooban
Hiraya manawari ating abutin

I grew up in the 90s and this is one of the most memorable educational television series that ABS-CBN has ever come up with. It teaches and preaches about values education presented in a fairy tale like manner with episodes in a mysterious, magical, mystical, and sometimes creepy settings.

There is one particular scene in an episode of Hiraya Manawari that has seemingly engraved itself in my memory. It was an episode that featured insects, mainly butterflies. That particular episode had a scene where butterflies are just flying around a garden full of flora that prompted a musical segment with lyrics like "tsuwari wariwap... maglaro maglaro." I vividly recall what happened to that episode but I believed that it was due to its weird and upbeat tune that made it so nostalgic. There were also some really serious and disturbing scenes from some episodes of Hiraya Manawari. Maybe it was ahead of its time or it was so effective that it was too much for some children (like me) to handle. I remember having a few nightmares with some of its creepier episode. But all in all nobody can deny that it was one of the best educational shows under joint effort by ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. and the Department of Education Culture and Sports.





How about you guys? What is/are your most memorable episode, story, or character you remembered from this ABS-CBN educational show? Share your thoughts about Hiraya Manawari 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:

That's Entertainment | GMA 80s Filipino Teenage Variety Show

That's Entertainment or simply known as "That's" was a Filipino youth-oriented talent and variety show that aired in GMA Network from January 6, 1986 – March 23, 1996. That's was hosted by German Moreno together with Ike Lozada. Let's go down memory lane with That's Entertainment here at Retro Pilipinas.

That's Entertainment - The Show
About That's Entertainment

That's Entertainment launched on January 6, 1986 by GMA Network and first aired from the old GMA building in EDSA, but later moved to the GMA Broadway Centrum in 1987 to accommodate it's increasing studio audience and fans. The Filipino youth variety show used song "That's Entertainment" as its main theme song. That's Entertainment was written by Arthur Schwartz with the lyrics of Howard Dietz which was written especially for the 1953 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer musical film The Band Wagon. Hosted by German Moreno together with Ike Lozada, That's gained popularity almost overnight among young Filipino audiences.




That's Entertainment ushered in new stars whom most have become the Philippine industry's finest. The youth-oriented variety show grouped their talents into five: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday groups. Every Saturday, all of the said five groups were joined together to performed various production numbers. The show paired up various talents to serve as love teams that usually illicit feelings of "kilig" to most of the show's female audiences. The pairing eventually transcended the show and some eventually hooked up in real life. The show was a star maker, those who were exceptional and offered something fresh became the industry's finest celebrity idols. Nobody can be young forever. That's members eventually moved on with their lives. Some got their much needed industry break making them the industry's popular actors, comedian/comedienne, actors, singers, dancers, and performers. Some decided to pursue a much fulfilling and private lives completely vanishing from the radar of the ever scrutinizing eye of the public. The show also catapulted different dance group to popularity, The Maneouvres, Streetboys, Abztract Dancers, Kids at Work, UMD all became the Philippines' premiere dance group because of the show. German "Kuya Germs" Moreno was recognized as the Philippine's star maker because of the said show.

That's went off the air at the height of its popularity back in March 23, 1986. The last episode of "That's Entertainment" was shown on Saturday primetime (9:00 pm) with former members reunited in a TV special entitled "That's The Reunion".

A Fan Tribute Video to That's Entertainment:

I wasn't really that into That's Entertainment that time. I was but a kid back then and had really no interest in an afternoon variety show. But I have to give credit to the show for discovering and launching the career of their talents who most have become the popular celebrities, politicians and professionals in the Philippines and even abroad. I was really not a That's kid, but it will forever have a special place in the hearts of those who supported the show.

What about you guys? Were you a fan of That's Entertainment? If you were, then what's your fondest memory, favorite love teams, favorite talent and general thoughts on the iconic star maker of a variety show from GMA Network back in its 80s-90s run? Share your thoughts on That's Entertainment on 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:

Okey Ka, Fairy Ko! | An IBC 80s, ABS-CBN 80s - 90s, GMA Network 90s Filipino Sitcom Retrospective

Okey Ka, Fairy Ko! was a popular Filipino television situational comedy (sitcom) that first premiered on the Intercontinental Broadcasting Company or IBC 13 and ran from 1987-1989, transferred and continued its run on ABS-CBN from 1989-1985, and finally getting cancelled after two years of its GMA Network run when the show transferred there. The show focuses on the Kabisote family mainly Enteng and Faye as they struggle with everyday normal life and the magical life of Faye being the Princess of the land of faeries, Engkantasya. Let's go down memory lane and reminisce this phenomenal Philippine retro sitcom about family, magic, and the never-ending fight of good versus evil.

Okey Ka, Fairy Ko! - The Story
Okey Ka, Fairy Ko! Synopsis

Vicente Kabisote, Jr a.k.a Enteng Kabisote (played by Vic Sotto) was trying to outrun a woman who is forcing him to marry her through the threats of her muscled brothers. To escape this persistent woman, Enteng adopted a street-child named Aiza (Aiza Seguerra) and pretended that he already has a daughter from a previous marriage, but even so, the obsessed woman still pursued Enteng. Unknown to the Enteng, he is being watched from a by the magical kingdom Engkantasya's fairy Princess Chloroteam who will later be known as Faye (Alice Dixson). She immediately fell in love with the nimble mortal and magically transported him to Engkantasya while he sleeps. Like Faye falling for him, the same happened to Enteng after seeing Faye. They later returned to the mortal world to get married with Aiza as the loving couple's witness. As much as the queen of Enkantasya's Ina Magenta (Charito Solis) disapproves of Chloroteam (her heir to the throne of Engkantasya) marrying a nimble mortal, she knows that he is a man who truly loves her daughter and her daughter loves him as much. She usually meddles with the affairs of the couple now trying to live as magic-free as possible but it can not do so as forces of evil from Engkantasya tries to overthrow Magenta by hurting her one and only daughter, Faye and her family.

Each episode features the everyday struggles of Enteng, Aiza and Faye as they deal with everyday family issues and from the evil of Luka, and reyna ng kadiliman (Luz Valdez). To add up to the magical world of Okay Ka, Fairy Ko! are some few supportng characters. Amy (Ruby Rodriguez), the nosy yet trustworthy housekeeper of the Kabisotes who usually gets her memories constantly erased by the show's fairies (mainly Faye and Magenta) everytime she discovers the magical nature of the people she work for. Bale (Jinky Oda), the store-owner just adjacent to the Kabisote's house is a friend of Amy who she usually share a lot of gossips with. Pipoy (Larry Silva) is Enteng's bald and beer-bellied assistant in his repair shop. Prinsipe ng Kahilingan or Prinsipe K (Bayani Casimiro Jr.) is a tap dancing and blunder of a wish-granting fairy known on the series for his outrageous tap dancing entrances whenever he is called.

Okay Ka, Fairy Ko's main theme song is "Fireworks" by Alan Menken from Walt Disney's film adaptation of The Little Mermaid. It is hard to come by any online of videos of the the original epsiodes or even the theme of Okay Ka, Fairy Ko! so here is "Fireworks" by Alan Menken and just imaging the show opening with it.

Okey Ka, Fairy Ko! 80s - 90s Sitcom Television Theme
Okey Ka, Fairy Ko! Theme from Alan Menken's "Fireworks" (The Little Mermaid)







Okay Ka, Fairy Ko! Classic Movie Posters from Video48.
Check them out for a more in-depth look on classic Filipino films.

I liked the show back in the 90s and this is probably why up to today I am still able to enjoy the absurdity of this era's Enteng Kabisote film series. I literally grew up watching this series and fell in love with a sitcom that focused on family, love, and a fantasy world of fairies, witches and magic. To someone who never knew other foreign shows back then like the classic Bewitch US series, which I think might probably be the show where this Filipino sitcom draws its inspiration from, Okay Ka, Fairy Ko! was a good sitcom for a growing up 90s boy. The Faye that I am familiar with is the Tweetie de Leon and the Roderick Paulate version. Fans of the series knew that the series was known for changing its female lead and the show made up this lore that fairies usually undergoes this "makeover" which doesn't always bear good results. This has later been carried out in the Enteng Kabisote film series. Okay Ka, Fairy ko! has two movies back in the 90s and like today, both are heavily marketed on the longest running noontime show Eat Bulaga. My most memorable Okay Ka, Fairy Ko - Eat Bulaga contest was probably with the movie where Pipoy was eventually turned into a human-turtle as a means of transportation. They used some pretty clever use of the Pipoy "animatronics" head as it is attached to the life-size turtle's fake body. Okay Ka, Fairy Ko! will forever be remembered as one of the best Filipino sitcoms of all time.

What about you guys? What are your fondest memory of Okay Ka, Fairy Ko! ? How about the two movies it spun back in the 90s? Any favorite episode and characters? Share your thoughts in the comments section below:

Bayani | An ABS-CBN 90s Educational Show Retrospective

Bayani was a popular educational television show for Filipino children from ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. in cooperation with the Department of Education Culture and Sports (DECS) back in the 90s. Bayani aired from 1995-2001 on Philippine television network, ABS-CBN. Bayani, as the title state is a weekly edutainment kids show that follows the adventure of two children as they magically travel back in time to retrieve historical items from the collection of a from a mysterious old person living in a cave.

Bayani ABS-CBN Foundation's Educational Television Show - The Story
Bayani Plot

ABS-CBN's Bayani follows two elementary school students Noli (played by child actor Angelo Cometa) and Aya (Celine Lirio) as they accidentally stumbled on a mysterious cave to evade a group of school bullies after them. They saw a mysterious light which lead to a similarly mysterious old man played by Rolando Santos Tinio who tells them that he is the guardian of the mysterious cave which holds the memories of Philippine history and the spirit of the country.

The old man tells them that they were destined to discover the cave and are chosen ones of pure heart to access the Aklat ng Kasaysayan (Book of History). The old man asks them for their consent to go on this magical adventure through time to retrieve various lost and stolen historical items from different time periods. Bayani's pilot episodeis entitled "Abaniko" (fan) which follows the adventure of Noli and Aya back in Andres Bonifacio's timeline to retrieve the first fan the the national hero created he created. On later episodes, Rolando Santos Tinio was replaced by various actress and later with Caridad Sanchez as "Lola" (grandmother) in Bayani. Lola also guided the children and gave them missions on what items to retrieve back in various points in Philippine history.

Bayani ABS-CBN Foundation's Educational Television Show Opening Theme
ABS-CBN's Bayani Intro

Praise ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. for creating an entertaining educational television show Bayani for Filipino children back in the 90s in Philippine television network, ABS-CBN. As a student, the show did what it is suppose to, and in flying colors... to teach history to kids in a fun and effective way. I personally learned new things about the lives of some of our national heroes which sometimes were not taught in school. The show also introduced more national historical heroes besides what we (students) knew that time. Having quality television shows like this, I can say that I am happy and proud to grow up in the 90s.

What about you guys? What do you think about ABS-CBN's Bayani? What are your most unforgettable and memorable episode in the educational show? Share your thoughts about Bayani on the comments section below:

Ober Da Bakod | A GMA 90s Sitcom Retrospective

Ober Da Bakod was a popular GMA Network sitcom produced by Viva Television and co-produced and broadcast by GMA Network from 1992–1997. The weekly situational comedy features the misadventures of two brothers Mokong and Bubuli as they successfully overcome every devious plans created by the sinister and filthy rich father of the two girls that they are courting. Let's go down memory lane and reminisce this hilarious Philippine retro sitcom.

Ober Da Bakod - The Story
Ober Da Bakod Synopsis

The brothers Mokong (Janno Gibbs) and Bubuli (Anjo Yllana), sons of Lucring Dayukdok (Malou de Guzman) have feelings for the rich sisters Honey Grace (Gelli de Belen) and Barbie Doll (Donita Rose), daughters of the infamous Don Robert Dinero (Leo Martinez); Mokong for Honey Grace and Bubuli for Barbie Doll. Don Robert doesn’t like the brothers because they are poor. In order to freely court Honey Grace and Barbie Doll, Mokong and Bubuli climbs over the fence and thus the title Ober Da Bakod (Over the Fence).

Don Robert, usually with the aid of his blundering fool of a right hand man, Brownie (Danny Pansalin) always makes plans to prevent Mokong and Bubuli to get close to his daughters. Nonetheless, he fails due to the intervention of his mortal enemy and former girlfriend, Aling Lucring who happens to be Mokong and Bubuli's overprotective mother. As a result, total mayhem ensues between the two families. A running gag of the series is that in the end of every episode, two policemen, Officers Tedera and Officer Ginto, arrest Don Robert fbased on whatever schemes he had concocted. As Don Robert tries to explain his way out of this arrest, the police officers always tell him, "Sa presinto ka na lang magpaliwanag." ("Explain everything at the precinct.") Those words have now become a semi-common Filipino catchphrase.

Ober Da Bakod has a hip and catchy opening theme also entitled "Ober Da Bakod" was written and performed by 90s popular comedic actor and Filipino rapper Andrew E. I can not find the exact opening theme for the popular Philippine sitcom, only this movie theme song of Ober Da Bakod:

Ober Da Bakod 90s Sitcom Television Theme
Ober Da Bakod written and performed by Andrew E

The sitcom spun two movies under its 90s run mainly Ober Da Bakod: The Movie (1994) and Ober Da Bakod 2 (1996). I personally consider this as one of the most hilarious 90s sitcom. The chemistry amongst the comedy show's cast flowed naturally which made the humor much more natural, if not effortless. Aling Lucring was the perfect representation of a probinsyana Filipino tiger mom usually to her elder son Mokong whom she usually smacks her mischievious son at the back of his head (accompanied by a hitting a frying pan sound effects) everytime Mokong commits a mistake, teasing his younger brother Bubuli, or just to complete her day. I can somehow relate to Mokong although my mom didn't hit me in the head to discipline me back then, she sure is a probinsyana tiger mom. Just like Aling Lucring's signature frying pan hit, every episode would not be complete without Don Robert getting arrested. If there was something that the show thought us (children in the 90s) it was that crime or doing harm against people will always get you in trouble with the law, specifically the police. Even in the two Ober Da Bakod movies, Don Robert was still man-handled by the two arresting police officers before the film cut to its ending credits.

Here is an idea of what Ober Da Bakod was like back in the days, a Youtube clip of best of Ober Da Bakod the Movie. Although the TV sitcom was way much better than its movie counterparts.

What about you guys? What are your fondest and most memorable momments of the GMA Network sitcom Ober Da Bakod? share your thoughts in the comments section below:

Pintados | GMA 90s Filipino Superhero Show

Pintados, Painted Ones is a Philippine action-adventure super hero television series from GMA Network which ran from September 1999 – April 2000. Pintados follows five ordinary teenagers from all walks of life who also came from families victimized by heinous crimes. The five teenagers were trained in various armed and technological combat and ultimately became part of a secret crime fighting group to preserve, protect and fight for justice.

Pintados - The Story
GMA Network's Pintados Plot

After several rich Filipino families become victims of terrible crimes, they agree to set up and fund a foundation to battle the criminals. Under the command of "Guro", an unsanctioned agency of the government sets up a clandestine crime fighting unit. Each of the members is themself a victim of hideous crimes. This elite unit taken from all walks of life take a leaf from Filipino warriors of old, and cloak themselves in armour, ethnic war paint and tattoos, gaining the name "The Pintados" (Painted Ones). Opposing Pintados is the army of the human/reptile hybrid Katana.

The Pintados are mentored by Guro (Robert Seña). The Pintados is comprise of Daniel Cervantes a.k.a. DATU (Michael Flores), a swordsman with Kris as his main weapon, a master of Jui-Jistu, and is able to project an energy wave "Enerhiyang Alon" that is capable of knocking people out or blasting through objects; Reewa Zulueta a.k.a. DIWATA (Angelica Dela Cruz), skilled thai kick boxer, has a neutraliser whip as her main weapon, and uses the "Salaming Salamanka" Holographic Imager that is capable of emitting both convincing holograms and holographic force fields; Antonio Sto. Domingo a.k.a. TATTO (Vandolph Quizon), computer expert and genius, uses a Taser Blaster and a Titanium Yo-yo, he uses his stealth shield generator, the "Kalasag ng Hunyango" Chameleon Shield; Maya Feliciano a.k.a. MAYUMI (ASSUNTA DE ROSSI), skilled in Aikido, uses of Nunchuks and is also armed with a yellow laser -the Yellow Flame; and Pido Zapata a.k.a. KIDLAT (Sherwin Ordoñez), specialist in street fighting, armed with the "Latigong Kidlat" Electromagnetic Pulse Blast which can disrupt any electronic or mechanical devices in it's blast radius. Their villains roster includes Anak Araw - Albino Crime Syndicate leader, Manananggal, Katana - a human-reptile hybrid, Dr. Virus, Damarama, Uno Dos Tres, and Thundara.

Pintados could very well be the first time that GMA Network adapted the fantasy series genre, not to mention adapting the popular super sentai series format of Japan. Just look at them, a group comprises of five teenagers transforming into crime fighters. Pintados also featured a kick-ass opening theme from Philippine's Master rapper himself, Francis Magalona. Too bad as I haven't seen any Pintados opening theme videos over at Youtube.

What are you fondest memory or how about most memorable episode of Pintados? Share your thoughts about Pintados in the comments section below:

Home Along Da Riles | An ABS-CBN 90s Sitcom Retrospective

Home Along da Riles is the longest running comedy sitcom (situation comedy) from ABS-CBN (ABS-CBN Corporation) that ran from 1992-2003 which primatily stars Philippines' comedy king Dolphy as Kevin Kosme, Smokey Manaloto as Bill Kosme, Gio Alvarez as Bob Kosme, Claudine Barretto as Bing Kosme, Vandolph as Baldomero Kosme or Baldo, Boy2 Quizon as Estong Kosme, Nova Villa as Corazon Madamba or Ason, Maybelyn de la Cruz as Maybelyn Madamba, Dang Cruz as Roxanne, Carding Castro as Elvis, Babalu as Richy, Tommy Angeles as Tomas, Cita Astals as Hilary Lagdameo, Bernardo Bernardo as Steve Carpio, Ericka Fife as Nonie, and Joymee Lim as Linggít.

Home Along Da Riles - The Story

Home Along Da Riles follows the lives of the Kosme headed by Kevin Kosme (Dolphy) widowed by Sion (also played by Nova Villa) leaving him with their four children (Bill, Bob, Bing and Baldo), and later an adopted son Estong. It depicts with struggles of the everyday poor-middle class family, but eventually finds refuge and fulfillment with the love of their family. It usually follows the exploit of the head of the household Kevin with his positive outlook in life amidst the bothersome twin sister of his deceased wife and her brothers, and an ellitist gay superior in the office, and a unstable house that seems to fall apart everytime the train passes through.

Home Along Da Riles Opening Theme
Home Along Da Riles Intro

The creation of the ABS-CBN sitcom Home Along Da Riles was inspired by the Hollywood film Home Alone starring Macaulay Culkin as "Kevin McCallister" and thus the Home Along resemblance in the title and Dolphy named after the movies main character, Kevin. Home Along Da Riles spun two comedy movies under Star Cinema during the sitcom's run. Home Along Da Riles reflect the everyday struggles of most of the impoverishes masses living in uncertainty of poverty but still manages to survive thanks to the love reigning in their family. Many Filipinos relate to Dolphy as Kevin Kosme. He became the image of the middle/working class individual, the dedicated and responsible father, and a friend to count on.

What are your fondest and most memorable moments of the series? How did you find the sitcom itself? Share your thoughts in 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: