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:

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:

Bioman | Choudenshi Bioman | ABS-CBN 80s, IBC 13 - 90s English Dubbed Tokusatsu

Bioman was an English dubbed super hero kids show which first aired in ABS-CBN back in 1986 and later in Intercontinental Broadcasting Company (IBC) around the 90s. Bioman was originally Choudenshi Bioman (超電子バイオマン Chōdenshi Baioman), a Japanese tokusatsu television series by Toie Company and the 8th super sentai series title which originally aired on TV Asahi from February 4, 1984 to January 26, 1985. Bioman was the last super sentai series that got an English dubbed, the localized sentai series that followed are all dubbed in Filipino. Even in its 90s rerun, it was still dubbed in English. But it was the series that most 90s Filipino kids are familiar with and has the same charm as Maskman. Let's go down memory lane as we look back at Bioman.

Choudenshi Bioman - The Story
Choudenshi Bioman Series Plot

The once prosperous Bio Star is destroyed after a world war erupted over the use of a scientific discovery called "Bio Particles". The Bio Star Peacekeeping Alliance, which sought to use Bio Particles for peaceful purposes, sends the giant robot Bio Robo and an assistant robot named Peebo in order to prevent the same tragedy from happening to Earth. Bio Robo arrives on 15th century Japan, where it showers Bio Particles on five young individuals. Centuries later, the descendants of these individuals, infused with Bio Particles, are chosen by Peebo and Bio Robo to become the Bioman team: Shiro Go became Red One, Shingo Takasugi became Green Two, Ryuta Nanbara became Blue Three, Mika Koizumi, who was later replaced by Jun Yabuki became Yellow Four, and Hikaru Katsuragi became Pink Five.

The Bioman team are asked to protect the Earth from the Neo Gear Empire, an organization led by the cyborg mad scientist Doctor Man from his Neo Grad fortress at the South Pole. Doctor Man believe that Neo Gear Empire to be a technologically advanced society with the right to rule Earth. Big Three (Mason, Farrah, and Monster), Farrah Cat, Prince and Mecha Clones.

Bioman Opening Theme
Choudenshi Bioman Series Intro





"Choudenshi Bioman" (超電子バイオマン Chōdenshi Baioman)

Lyrics by Chinfa Kan.
Composition by Kunihiko Kase.
Arrangement by Tatsumi Yano.
Artist: Takayuki Miyauchi

Takayuki Miyauchi Live Perfomance of Bioman Opening Theme
Takayuki Miyauchi Sings Choudenshi Bioman - Series Intro






Bioman Closing Theme
Choudenshi Bioman Series Outro



The only Bioman Closing Theme I found that showed the original TV Ending Theme Sequence. This Closing Theme is in French but stayed true to its original arrangement.

"Biomic Soldier" (バイオミック・ソルジャー Baiomikku Sorujā)

Lyrics by Chinfa Kan.
Composition by Kunihiko Kase.
Arrangement by Tatsumi Yano.
Artist: Takayuki Miyauchi.


Takayuki Miyauchi Live Perfomance of Bioman Closing Theme
Takayuki Miyauchi Sings Biomic Soldier - Series Intro

For a 90s kid, I have considered Bioman as the "bio brain" of all super sentai series during its run. Of course this was not true, but you really can't blame a kid who has just started to grow awareness about his surrounding during the 90s. We don't have Wikis or the internet to inform us that time, so this was really my first exposure to the super sentai (tokusatsu) series. Besides the usual storyline, monsters, mechas and story, Bioman's greatest and lasting influence was both its memorable catchy opening and closing themes. As a sign of its lasting influence, I still seldom randomly hear its theme everytime I'm out doing my regular stroll. Whether it is in a form of a ring tone or a music being played in a CD, Bioman truly has became a part of everyone (mostly its male audience) who grew up with the series. I am bit ashamed to say that I never really got into the series due to the fact that it was dubbed in English and it has erratic airing television schedule back in IBC-13. I believe I have never seen the show's finale. I preferred Maskman later, because of the obvious... being in Filipino. I somewhat understood Maskman "more" back then(?). I wasn't that fully into Star Wars back as well, so Peebo was my first lovable gold robot. CRPO was just a runner up. Bioman became memorable a series and probably a part of my childhood now. Thus it always brings me back to the worry-free moments of my life when I was just watching retro tokusatsu shows in our local Philippine television.

What about you guys? What's your fondest memories, favorite episode, character or merchandise about the Bioman? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below:

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

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

Fiveman - The Story
Chikyu Sentai Fiveman Plot

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

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

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

Fiveman Opening Theme
Chikyu Sentai Fiveman Intro



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

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

Fiveman Ending Theme
Chikyu Sentai Fiveman Outro






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

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

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

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

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:

Laser Squadron Maskman | Hikari Sentai Maskman | An IBC 13's 90s Tokusatsu Series Retrospective

Laser Squadron Maskman was a Philippine dubbed super hero kids show that aired in Intercontinental Broadcasting Company or IBC (IBC 13 for the Greater Manila Area) back in 1989 all the all the way up to 1999. Originally from Japan with the title "Hikari Sentai Maskman" (光戦隊マスクマン Hikari Sentai Masukuman), this tagalized super sentai series gained the hearts of Filipino children and adults alike during the 90s which up to this day holds a great sense of nostalgia to those who grew up with the series.



Laser Squadron Maskman or simply Maskman follows the adventures of five teenagers mentored by Commander Sugata, a scientist and sage who excels in mental reinforcements and is a master of every martial art. After discovering an ancient underground empire that plans to conquer the surface, it is up to Sugata to teach and train five youths in the ways of the mystical "Aura Power" energy which later gave them the power to become Maskman.


Filipino children growing up from the 90s will probably remember MAskman with its Tagalized (Filipino-rendered) opening and closing theme which was performed by singer/composer Mr. Norman Caraan. Mr. Caraan was featured in a special "Maskman" episode in the July 09, 2011 Episode of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho.


See the Tagalized opening and closing theme for Maskman here:

Laser Squadron Maskman Filipino Dubbed Opening Theme



Maskman Tagalog Opening Theme
Performed by Norman Caraan

Laser Squadron Maskman Filipino Dubbed Closing Theme
Maskman Tagalog Ending Theme



Maskman Tagalog Closing Theme
Performed by Norman Caraan
These Tagalog version of this popular Filipino-dubbed and performed opening and closing theme are based from the original opening themes:



Hikari Sentai Maskman Opening Theme (Japanese)



"Hikari Sentai Maskman"
Performed by Hironobu Kageyama.

Hikari Sentai Maskman TV Closing Theme (Japanese)



"Ai no Soldier"
Performed by Hironobu Kageyama.



One of the most notable characters in Maskman is a particular monster named Okerampa (originally Okelamp in the Japanese Maskman) whose only purpose is to raised human-sized monsters into giants for the Maskman mechs to pummel through. Okerampa usually leaves witty remarks after he has done his sole task.


Maskman will be forever in the hearts of most 90s kid growing up with such great kids show. I personally have fond memories where we have rubber bands and mimic or emulate that from Maskman. Looking back at it now, I can say it was pretty gutsy showing the five protagonists in white bathing suit in one of the transformations scene in a particular episode which was later cut.



What are your fundest memory watching this Filipino-dubbed super sentai series from Japan? Share your thoughts about Maskman in the comments section below: