Magandang Gabi, Bayan | ABS-CBN 80's News Magazine Program

Magandang Gabi, Bayan (also Magandang Gabi... Bayan) was one of the longest-running and top-rating ABS-CBN News & Current Affairs' news magazine program initially hosted by "Kabayan" Noli de Castro (hosted from 1988 to 2004) that originally an from August 21, 1988 to December 31, 2005. Magandang Gabi, Bayan (abbreviated as MGB) was an ABS-CBN consistent top-rating early fringe (late-afternoon)show initially aired every Saturdays at 6:00 PM that features various topics like contemporary national issues, poverty, crime, corruption, scandals, various inspirational and uplifting real life Filipino (sometimes international) stories. Let's go down memory lane as Retro Pilipinas takes a look back on Magandang Gabi, Bayan.

Magandang Gabi, Bayan - The Show
About Magandang Gabi... Bayan! (MGB)

Magandang Gabi, Bayan (directly translates to "Good Evening Nation!") started on August 21, 1988 with its first anchored by Manuel Leuterio de Castro, Jr., better known as "Kabayan" Noli de Castro (2004–2010 former Vice President of the Philippines). Magandang Gabi, Bayan or simply MGB aims to expose illegalities of some Philippine government officials as well as to render public service to the Filipino people. Initially intended to be a news magazine program it later evolved into a hardhitting investigative journalism program. The now defunct show continues to hold the title for the leading and longest public service program in the Philippines.
After De Castro's won the 2001 Philippine senatorial elections, the program brought in new hosts Katherine "Kat-Kat" de Castro (De Castro's daughter), Erwin Tulfo and Henry Omaga-Diaz. The show returned for one episode (hosted by De Castro) on October 2011 for a Halloween Special via ABS-CBN's Sunday's Best.

Memories of Magandang Gabi, Bayan!
Remembering Magandang Gabi... Bayan! (MGB)

The best memories I had (being a 90's kid) of Magandang Gabi Bayan or MGB was with their annual Halloween special episodes. If the coming Staurday is close to November 1, then the avid Filipino couch potatoes are in for a spooktacular treat by Magandang Gabi... Bayan's Halloween specials.

Magandang Gabi Bayan 2004 Halloween Special
Here is a sample of what we have experience back when MGB was still the king!

Don't get me wrong, MGB was a pioneer when it comes to investigative journalism in the Philippines with its interesting episodes each week, but the one that everyone will truly remember is the scary halloween specials. Thanks to Philippines rich culture and tradition, Filipinos will always have some spooky experience to share. Whether you believe it or not, MGB was there to make sure to re-tell and feature these real-life stories of supernatural horror. MGB used well-done re-enactments which can be compared to a good Filipino horror flick. Creepy atmosphere, terrifying scoring, believable make-up and practical effects is what Filipinos usually see on a MGB Halloween Special. Those who made MGB part of their Saturday television routine can probably say that the year won't be complete without a Magandang Gabi... Bayan Horror episode.

Magandang Gabi... Bayan's Halloween specials made me the horror genre fan that I am today. How about you guys? What is/are your most memorable episode or story remembered featured from this ABS-CBN long-running and top rating news magazine program? Share your thoughts about Magandang Gabi... Bayan in the comments section below:

Raijin-Oh | Zettai Muteki Raijin-Oh | Absolutely Invincible Raijin-Oh | RPN 90's 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 90's. 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

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:

Are You Afraid of the Dark? | ABS-CBN 90's Horror Anthology Television Series

Are You Afraid of the Dark? was a joint Canadian-American horror/fantasy-themed anthology television series around the 90's which was locally aired in the Philippines on ABS-CBN every Friday nights. Are You Afraid of the Dark? originally ran in Nickelodeon (in the US) and YTV (Canada) from October 31, 1991 to June 11, 2000. This iconic American horror anthology series featured a group of teenagers called the Midnight Society sharing light-hearted to disturbing tales of suspense and horror with frequent elements of moral values. Let's go down memory lane with Are You Afraid of the Dark?.

Are You Afraid of the Dark? - The Show
About Are You Afraid of the Dark?

Are You Afraid of the Dark? revolves around a group of teenagers who referred to themselves as "The Midnight Society". Are You Afraid of the Dark's Midnight Society (on the first Season) comprised of Gary (portrayed by Ross Hull), An unassuming, bookish looking boy. The founder of the Midnight Society; Betty Ann (Raine Pare-Coull), A vibrant girl who has an open and eager passion for the bizarre and twisted; Kiki (Jodie Resther), A spunky, tomboyish girl who often makes fun of others; Frank (Jason Alisharan), A punkish teenager with an in-your-face attitude; Tucker (Daniel DeSanto), Gary's younger brother, and the youngest member of the Midnight Society; Samantha (Joanna García), A shy girl with an obvious mutual crush on Gary, which becomes one of the highlighted arches of both their developments in the series; Kristen (Rachel Blanchard), A girl who though squeamish about much else, has a fondness for ghost stories and fairy tales; David (Nathaniel Moreau), A quiet boy with a mysterious expression; Eric (Jacob Tierney), ric is portrayed as a diminutive teenager with visible Irish ancestry that influences his first story; and Stig (Codie Wilbee), His nickname may come from the term stigma, as he is marked an outsider for his notable lack of hygiene, Stig is the last initiate to be entered into the Midnight Society's generation at the time.

Every week The Midnight Society meets at a secret base located in the woods where one member would tell a scary story to the group. Each storyteller (per episode) would begin their story by saying "Submitted for the approval of the Midnight Society, I call this story..." at which point he or she would toss a handful of "midnight dust" from a leather pouch into the campfire to heighten the flames and produce an eerie white smoke. The storyteller would continue by announcing its title "The Tale of..." with the title of week's episode. Each story was displayed to the television viewer. The story was shown between the group's arrival at the site and their departure.

The themes of the stories usually revolves around a variety of paranormal phenomena such as ghosts, goblins, magic, dragons, haunted houses, magical curses, aliens, witches, vampires, etc. Usually, the episodes were either filmed in the woods, in abandoned houses, or in public places like schools or libraries. Sources of these tales vary in different ways; many were adaptations of public domain fairy tales and short stories or urban legends. Sometimes, the stories were inspired by a certain event in the life of the storyteller. In the episode "The Tale of the Crimson Clown", for instance, Tucker blackmailed his brother Gary with a poem he had found, which Gary had written for Samantha. Gary then told a story in which a naughty younger brother was punished cruelly for his evil deeds. At the end of the episode, Tucker gave the poem back to his brother. At the end of most episodes, one character would conclude the Midnight Society's meeting by throwing a red bucket of water onto the fire, stating "I declare this meeting of the Midnight Society closed." and the group would leave the campsite, thus ending the storytelling and episode.

Are You Afraid of the Dark? Opening Theme
Are You Afraid of the Dark? Series Intro

Are You Afraid of the Dark? was one of the most popular television series back in the 90's amidst its scary nature. This anthology series could also be the reason why I am personally into horror movies as an adult.

The family would usually tune in to ABS-CBN that Friday night just to get spooked out of the week's episode. Although the opening and closing credits didn't feature any lyrics in it, its creepy tune and imageries become the signature trademark, well besides that midnight dust throwing in the beginning of each stories. Thinking of it now, those kids were really gutsy to first have a secret base deep set up in the woods in the middle of a dark night only to share tales of horrors. I vaguely remember each episode now, but there was this one episode that seem to planted itself firmly on my consciousness everytime I remember the series. I can't remember the exact episode title but it is the story where a group of people were trapped underground and there was this monster that kills (the show never actually shows the killing of the victims) or takes each of them away. With the last part of the story ending with them seeing a light at the end of this cave only to find themselves trapped and the monster on the same area. So if you guys still remember it, you can share that episode's title.

How about you guys, what's your most memorable Midnight Society storyteller, moment, episode or stories in this popular 90's horror anthology television series? Share your thoughts about Are You Afraid of the Dark in the comments section below:

Ultraman | ABS-CBN 90's Dubbed Japanese Tokusatsu Show

Ultraman was a Filipino dubbed super hero kids show which aired in ABS-CBN around the early 90's. Ultraman (Urutoraman) was a Japanese tokusatsu television series following up to the television series Ultra Q. Ultraman was was produced by the Tokyo Broadcasting System and Tsuburaya Productions, and was broadcast on Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) from July 17, 1966 to April 9, 1967, with a total of 39 episodes. Let's go down memory lane and reminisce that original Super Hero Giant Alien, Ultraman.

Ultraman - The Story
Ultraman Series Plot

Ultraman is set on the near future when sinister aliens and giant monsters constantly threaten civilization during the said period. The only Earth organization equipped to handle these disasters is the Science Special Search Party also known as S.S.S.P. (SSSP), a special worldwide police force equipped with high-tech weapons and vehicles, as well as extensive scientific and engineering facilities. The branch of the Science Patrol that is focused on in the series is located in Tokyo, Japan. Led by Captain "Cap" Toshio Muramatsu, the Science Patrol is always ready to protect the Earth from rampaging monsters, but sometimes it finds itself outclassed. When the situation becomes desperate, Shin Hayata, the Patrol's most capable member, holds the key to salvation in the form of a power-object and artifact called the "Beta Capsule," which, whenever activated, allows him to transform secretly into the super-humanoid-powered giant from space, who becomes known to the people of Earth as Ultraman.

Despite Ultraman's many amazing powers, Ultraman has one main weakness. Since Earth's atmosphere leeches away his solar energy, Ultraman can only physically exist on Earth for approximately three to five minutes of Earth time. To signal this, a warning light in Ultraman's chest (called the Color Timer) starts out at blue. At the 1 minute mark it starts to blink, and then turns red and blinks faster at the two minute mark. If the Color Timer/warning light stops, Ultraman will "never rise again." Obviously, at whatever point the blinking begins, Ultraman typically has only a short amount of time left to defeat his foe and return to his human host. However, Ultraman has occasionally been able to extend his operating time by flying towards the Sun and "recharging."

Ultraman remains until the threat is neutralized and then flies away to revert back to Hayata. Ultraman's victory is never assured, however, as Ultraman's powers and, indeed, his very life force, come from rapidly depleted, stored solar energy. At the beginning of each transformation from Hayata-to-Ultraman, the "warning light" on the giant's chest begins as a steady blue color. Yet as Ultraman exerts himself, the "Color Timer," as it is also called, turns red, then blinks--slowly at first, then with increasing rapidity--as his energy reserves get closer to exhaustion.

Ultraman Opening Theme
Ultraman Series Intro



Check out additional footage and fan-made opening for Ultraman.

Ultraman holds a special place in my childhood memory. Before all my fascination with other tokusatsu and super sentai series of the 90's, there was first the Ultraman. Although I vaguely remember the schedule of the show, what I do remember is watching it together with father. I usually mimicked the Ultra moves and finishers ala Crayon Shinchan. I also vaguely remember getting creep out with certain scenes and monsters from the series as they are not the usual "child-friendly" images that you use to see here in the Philippines.

How about you guys, what was the Ultraman series to you? Any favorite episode, scene, merchandise, or monstres of Ultraman? Share them along with your thoughts about the Original Ultraman in the comments section below:

Takeshi's Castle | IBC 90's Dubbed Japanese Game Show

Takeshi's Castle was a syndicated game show originally from Japan which was Tagalized (dubbed in Filipino) hosted by Anjo Yllana as Takeshi and Smokey Manoloto as "Iwakura" providing the commentary with a gravelly Japanese accent. Takeshi's Castle or Showdown! Takeshi Castle originally Japanese game show that aired between 1986 and 1989 on the Tokyo Broadcasting System which featured Japanese actor Takeshi Kitano a.k.a. Beat Takeshi as a count who owns a castle and sets up difficult challenges for players to get to him. Let's check out this comic and phenomenal game show that took the world by storm. Let us go down memory lane with Takeshi Castle Philippines.

Takeshi's Castle - The Show
About Takeshi's Castlet

Takeshi's Castle is a comic game show which involved between 100 and 142 contestants whom General Tani "forced" into a series of batch physical challenges, eliminating many who fail to meet its requirements. Each show finished with a "Final Showdown" where Count Takeshi will face the remaining contestants. In early episodes the finalists (contestants) would storm the castle itself and engage in a short-range water gun assault. Later episodes introduced carts with paper rings, and eventually lasers and light-sensitive targets. If the contestant's gun penetrated the paper ring or hit the sensor on Takeshi's cart, against such weapons as a large water gun and a laser-armed plane, Takeshi's cart was deactivated, the castle was "taken" and the game "won". The player who stopped Takeshi won one million yen which at the time, amounted roughly to 8,000 US dollars. However, because of the seemingly unbeatable challenges issued by the show, there were only a handful of nine winners during the show's run.
The series featured extensive landscaping of a fixed campus at TBS-owned Midoriyama The final regular episode aired on April 14, 1989 followed by several one off specials.

In the Philippines, Takeshi's Castle was first shown on the Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation TV network in October 1990 as a Tagalog-dubbed show. Later episodes contained interludes shot on a studio with actors Anjo Yllana as Takeshi and Smokey Manoloto as "Iwakura" providing the commentary with a gravelly Japanese accent, which was later dropped in favor of their natural voices. The Filipino production crew also developed on the relationship of the commentators, with Iwakura often trying to trick Takeshi on several occasions. The show was later re-run with with new commentators like in Takeshi's Castle 2006 QTV rerun featuring new characters giving commentary. QTV's Takeshi's Castle included fictional characters like Shogun Shintaro "Taru" Gokoyami (Joey de Leon) who is Takeshi's right hand man and sumo wrestler Kakawate Takehome (Ryan Yllana - brother of the original Filipino version of Takeshi's Castle, Anjo Yllana), the leader of the Takeshi Gundan.

Best of Takeshi's Castle
Takeshi's Castle Gameplay Series

As a kid growing up in the 90's I can still remember how the whole family was entertained by the localized version of Takeshi's Castle. Thanks to the power of the internet we can repeatedly go down memory lane and re-watch segments of the popular classic game show. Almost every challenges are hilarious in their own right. Avalanche throws the contestants in a big challenging climb where they should evade incoming boulders through a number of "crevices" or cracks on the side of this foamy slope. There was also the Devil's Maze which was also known with a few names (internationally) like the Square Maze or Honeycomb Maze where the participants need to pick the right door and to stay up their feet to evade the demons out to oust them from play. There is also the Bridge Ball which requires great balance and wits to overcome. Evade the rubber canon balls blasted at you while you make your way on a narrow wooden bridge. Then there is the very nauseous Flying Mushroom. The Final Fall before the Final Showdown is a game of chances to pick three right holes leading to the final showdown challenge with the risk of entering the wrong hole leading to a disqualification from the game. Then there's the Final Showdown.

I've always wondered if how did the show managed complaints from its participants or to whether they got sued or something for various physical injuries the participants received from the show, but I guess it was part of the contract the participants signed if there were any. Takeshi's Castle is still up to this day one of the best and hilarious game show where shows like Wipe Out draw inspirations from. How about you guys, what's your most memorable challenge or skit from the Philippine Takeshi's Castle? Share your thoughts about Takeshi's Castle in the comments section below:

Batibot | PTV 80's Educational Show for Children

Batibot was a popular Filipino children's television program based on Sesame Street. Batibot, a Filipino word which directly translates to "small, but strong and robust" premiered in May 14, 1984, with the name Sesame! which was eventually renamed to Batibot several years later. Batibot used both English and Filipino as the media of communication back when it was still Sesame! but became a completely Filipino language children's educational show once it transitioned to Batibot. Batibot broadcast nationwide from Monday to Friday on the Philippine television networks Radio Philippines Network (RPN) from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. and on People's Television (PTV) (now National Broadcasting Network) from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. In 1991, the show switched to ABS-CBN but switched back to RPN in 1994 after the former decided to produce its own set of children TV programs through the ABS-CBN Foundation. In 1995, PCTVF signed a contract with GMA Network and Batibot was shown at its original morning time slot. It ran from May 14, 1984 – June 30, 2002 and later came back on TV5. Let's go down memory lane as we remember Batibot.

Batibot - The Show
About Batibot

Batibot featured both humans, muppets, and mascots as its main cast of characters. batibot is one of the Philippines' longest running educational kids program. The original Batibot human cast included Kuya Bodjie, (played by Bodjie Pascua), Batibot's resident story-teller know for his opening line "Mga Bata..." when starting with his stories; Ate Sienna (Sienna Olaso) a college student; Kuya Mario (Junix Inocian); Ate Isay (Isay Alvarez-Seña) popular for her "Kapit-bahay" music; and Kuya Ching (Ching Arellano), Batibot's resident jeepney driver.

BATIBOT Television Special and Original Cast Reunion

In 2007, A Batibot Reunion and Tribute Special was featured in a segment in Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho. Check it out here fellow Batang Batibot(s).

Some of Batibot's most notable muppet/mascot cast included Pong Pagong, a clumsy, pink full-body turtle wearing a baseball cap from Jose Rizal's story of "Ang Pagong at ang Matsing"; Kiko Matsing, a brown monkey version of Sesame Street's Oscar which is also Ang Pagong at ang Matsing; Koko Kwik-Kwak, or Koko for short that wears an ethnic-inspired beanie cap with a propeller made of green leaves; Manang Bola, the forgetful fortuneteller who still relies too much on her crystal ball named "perlas na bilog,". She divines the future by chanting "Bolang bilog, huwag patulog-tulog; sabihin ang sagot" and "ba-be-bi-bo-bu", teaching vowels in the process; Sitsiritsit and Alibangbang, two inquisitive space aliens who take delight in discovering things, places and people around them. Inspired from the nursery rhyme "Sitsiritsit, Alibangbang"; Ningning and Gingging*, the sisters. Ningning is the eldest girl, the serious type, while Gingging is younger and the playful one between the two siblings; and Kapitan Basa*, a superhero that loves to read. He solves language-related problems caused by his arch-nemesis, Patlang-Palit.

Batibot Opening Theme
Batibot Show Intro



Batibot Theme Song Lyrics

Pagmulat ng mata,
Langit nakatawa
Sa batibot,
Sa batibot
Tayo nang magpunta
Tuklasin sa batibot
Ang tuwa, ang saya

Doon sa batibot
Tayo na, tayo na
Mga bata sa batibot
Maliksi, masigla. (2x)

Dali, sundan natin
Ang ngiti ng araw
Doon sa batibot (2x)

Tayo nang magpunta
Tuklasin sa batibot
Ang tuwa, ang saya

Doon sa batibot
Tayo na, tayo na
Mga bata sa batibot
Maliksi, masigla. (2x)

I am one of those Batang Batibot Kids who usually takes a break from the usual censored violence of US animated shows and Japanese anime(s). Everyday was Batibot Day with Kuya Bodgie reading us stories with matching illustrations, the angelic voice of Ate Isay, the gruff voice of Kiko, and the playful Pong. 90's kids connected and related to Batibot because that is one of the only educational shows presented in Filipino which make it stand out from Sesame Street and the countless of animations which are usually dubbed in English. Well, this is probably just me growing up fascinated with puppets but back then they were really a good source of rich colorful information and imagination. Well we now have the internet for that. For people who grew up with Batibot, they will forever be in our hearts and minds. How about a home video compilations to give our kids a chance?

How about you guys, were you a Batang Batibot? Any favorite muppet, mascot, human character, segment, music, story or mercandise you want to share? Let us here your thoughts about Batibot in the comments section below:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles | 90's ABS-CBN American Animated Series

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or TMNT was an American animated television series that began back in December 28, 1987 starting as a 5-part miniseries and later becoming a regular Saturday morning syndicated series on October 1, 1988 with 13 more episodes. TMNT the cartoon series originally ran from December 28, 1987 to November 2, 1996. Contrary to its original Mirage Studios comics source that was created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series placed a much stronger emphasis on humor than the comics. The series was produced by Murakami-Wolf-Swenson Film Productions Inc (later Fred Wolf Films). Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon series originally aired in various syndicated channels in the United States from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The cartoon series also fell victim to heavy censorship that time, In the UK, TMNT was released under the name Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles aired in ABS-CBN around the 90's on a Saturday-Sunday morning block. Let's take a look back at the well loved turtles in a half shell, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - The Story
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Series Plot

An honorable ninja master named Hamato Yoshi, banished from the Foot Clan in Japan was exiled and moved to New York where he was forced to live in the sewers. One day he found four turtles, recently bought from a pet store by an unnamed boy who accidentally dropped them in the sewer. After exploring the sewers along with his friend rats, Toshi found the turtles covered with a strange glowing ooze that caused the turtles (most recently exposed to Yoshi) to become humanoid, while Yoshi (most recently exposed to sewer rats) became a humanoid rat, and started going by the pseudonym "Splinter". Yoshi adopts the four turtles as his sons and trains them in the art of ninjitsu. He names them after his favorite Italian renaissance artists: Leonardo da Vinci (Leonardo), wears a blue mask and wields two Katana; Donato di Niccolò di Betto Bardi (Donatello), wears a purple mask and wields the bō staff; Raffaello Sanzio (Raphael), wears a red mask and wields a pair of sai; and Michelangelo Buonarroti (Michaelangelo), wears an orange mask and wields a pair of nunchaku.

Oroku Saki, the man who deceived and disgraced Yoshi's name left Japan and tracked Yoshi to New York City, where he intends to destroy him once and for all. He become associated with Krang, a disembodied alien brain who has been banished from his home, Dimension X. Saki then took a new persona, donning a suit covered with razor spikes, complemented by a long cape, and a metal mask over his mouth. He has also taken on the pseudonym "The Shredder". The two is later joined by Bebop and Rocksteady, two street thugs morphed into an animal humanoid form by exposure to the Shredder's mutagen; and a small army of robotic Foot Soldiers. Their aim is try to destroy the Turtles and take over the world. In their quest to restore their master's honor, Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michaelangelo begin to take on the role of vigilante crime-fighters against any criminals. The team is later joined by Channel 6 reporter April O'Neil who usually needs rescuing from Shredder and later with another vigilante Casey Jones.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Opening Theme
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Series Intro

The idea of anthromorphic group of teenage mutant ninja turtles protecting the world from evil was very entertaining to kids growing up in the 90's, myself included. It featured brothers bounded by a common cause who still have time to be jolly and happy. Looking back at it now, it sure has some phased out 90's funny moments but it doesn't hold well if you compare them with a much more serious tones of animated series nowadays. Well it was a different time back then and even if they followed the original serious tone of the comic source it was based from, it might eventually get censored out.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was purely for kids who won't dare to ask us what could have happened to the people living in that apartment that the Technodrome just destroyed. Well it was fun while it lasted. The show made me crave for pizzas back in the days. For a kid living in a small suburban provincial neighborhood, pizza became that dream snack. It made me ask who are those famous people behind the name of the four turtles making me know that besides being artists in their time, they were also scientists. There are also later incarnations of the Teenage Mutant ninja Turtles, but this one holds a special memory as this is the first TMNT animated series which the film also took inspiration from.

How about you guys, what's your fondest memory, episode, characters, or memorabilia of the 90's US cartoon show? Share your thoughts about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in the comment section below:

Samurai X | Rurouni Kenshin | 90's Studio 23 Anime

Rurouni_Kenshin or more popularly known here in the Philippines as Samurai X was first an English dubbed Japanese animated series that first aired in Studio 23 at around the late 90's (Oktubre 18, 1998). Samurai X a.k.a. Rurouni Kenshin originally Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story (Ruroni Kenshin Meiji Kenkaku Romantan) like many other anime series was first a popular manga series before its animated television series adaptation. Rurouni Kenshin was written by Kikuhide Tani and illustrated by Yoshihiro Kuroiwa released by Shueisha publication and Monthly Shōnen Jump from April 11, 1994 – November 4, 1999. The manga was later adapted into a ninety five episode anime television series that ran from January 10, 1996 – September 8, 1998 in Studio Gallop for episodes 1-66 and in Studio Deen for episodes 66 onwards in Japan. Let's take the road down memory lane and remember at this once brutal Battousai: The Slasher (Hitokiri Battōsai) who later became the beloved warrior of peace Kenshin Himura.

Samurai X - The Story
Rurouni Kenshin Series Plot

Samurai X (Rurouni Kenshin) tells the story of a wanderer named Himura Kenshin, formerly known as the assassin "Hitokiri Battosai" who after participating in the Bakumatsu war walked away. Kenshin later wanders the countryside of Japan offering protection and aid to those in need as atonement for the murders he once committed as an assassin. His travels lead him to Tokyo in the 11th year of the Meiji era, where he befriends Kamiya Kaoru, a female Kendo master; Sagara Sanosuke, a brawler and a former Sekihō Army member; Takani Megumi, a doctor; and Yahiko Myojin (Yoshi Myojin in English dubbed Samurai X). Together they fight off various enemies surfacing from their inescapable dark past.

Some of the Rurouni Kenshin's (Samurai X) most notable villains include the group of Oniwanbanshou Shinobi(s), Shinomori Aoshi, Saito Hajime, and Shishio Makoto.

Samurai X Opening Theme
Rurouni Kenshin Series Intro



"Sobakasu" (Freckles)
Music by Judy & Mary

Samurai X Closing Theme (English)
Rurouni Kenshin Series Outro



"Tactics"
Music by The Yellow Monkey

Well, what to say about Samurai X? As a kid, I was one of those kids who were kinda left off with the discussion of this series. Our television back then was that classic TV with a tuner knob which has limited television reception. Ibelieved that it was only up to TV station IBC-13 that our tv set can receive, so that was a bummer. Later in the early 2000, we upgraded our television set where I finally saw the re-run of the Samurai X in Studio 23 which was still dubbed in English.

Samurai X had a rocking and memorable opening and closing themes. Besides Sobakasu, a personal favorite of mine is Rurouni Kenshin's sixth closing theme entitled "1/3 no Junjo na Kanjou" (1/3 True Feelings) by Siam Shade. Want to know why? I'll let you hear it for yourself and you be the judge:

Let's throw n the full song for Siam's 1/3 no Junjo na Kanjou in the process:

Besides the rocking theme, Rurouni Kenshin is considered to be one of our generation's greatest anime series for of how it build on its characters and great storyline. For me The most notable and diabolical villain of the Japanese samurai series was Shishio Makoto who stood by his twisted philosophy that only the strong will live and the weak shall die. Well, the series would not be that successful if we do not have a rocking protagonist. A seemingly happy nomad with a dark and brutal past. Well, it can be considered pretty generic when compared to today's standards, but hey it works!

How about you guys, what's your fondest memory, merchandise, character, episode, OVA, or movie of Rurouni Kenshin a.k.a Samurai X. Share your thoughts about Rurouni Kenshin in the comments section below:

Big Bad Beetleborgs | ABC-5 90's American Super Hero Kids Show

Big Bad Beetleborgs was a syndicated live action show produced by Saban Entertainment (the same creators of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series) and originally aired in Fox Kids block from September 7, 1996 and March 2, 1998. The Big Bad Beetleborg series adapted combat footage from the Metal Hero Japanese tokusatsu series Juukou B-Fighter on the first season and B-Fighter Kabuto on its second season. In the Philippines, the Associated Broadcasting Company (now known as TV5) aired Big Bad Beetleborgs on a weekend afternoon block.

Big Bad Beetleborgs - The Story
Big Bad Beetleborgs Series Plot

In a town called Charterville, three "typical average kids", Drew (played by Wesley Barker), Jo (Shannon Chandler/Brittany Konarzewski), and Roland (Herbie Baez), enter the supposedly haunted Hillhurst Mansion after accepting a dare from rich snob kids. The three later found out that the house is indead the home of real monsters. The kids accidentally bump a pipe organ, releasing a phasm named Flabber (Billy Forester) that granted them with one wish like a genie. Just like normal geeky children, the three wish to become their favorite comic book heroes, the Big Bad Beetleborgs. This however also brought the Beetleborgs sworn enemies to life: the Magnavores led by the evil Vexor with his three main henchmen Typhus, Noxic, and Jara. Vexor who summons monsters from the comic books to battle the Beetleborgs.

Original Source

Andrew "Drew" McCormick is the Blue Stinger Beetleborg who stand as the leader of the Beetleborgs. He was granted with the ability of telekinesis by Flabber, that he activates by pointing at an object and nodding his head. Roland Williams is the Green Hunter Beetleborg. His family owns a local comic book shop named Zoom Comics, where he, Jo, and Drew usually hang out. He was granted with the ability of super speed by Flabber, which he activates by snapping his fingers. Josephine "Jo" McCormick is the Red Striker Beetleborg. She is Drew's little sister, and was granted with the ability of super strength by Flabber, which she simply activates by cracking her knuckles. The trio was later joined by Josh Baldwin, the White Blaster Beetleborg. He was granted the ability of invisibility by Flabber, which he activates by dusting his hands. He was on the team for a very short period of time.

Big Bad Beetleborgs Opening Theme
Big Bad Beetleborgs Series Intro

If my memory serves me right, I believed that the Big Bad Beetleborg aired every Sunday nights at either on a 5:30 or 6:00 PM schedule which was followed up by Janperson on the Associated Broadcasting Company or ABC-5. The show also had a nice ring to its opening theme, but looking at it now I can surely say that the Power Rangers have a more serious tone to it which is probably why more kids prefer it, but the Big Bad Beetleborgs has more charming characters which sometimes can be the show's double edge sword. Sadly the Big Bad Beetleborg's Philippine television run ended with the Shadowborg and wasn't even resolved. The show was eventually cancelled here in the country and we were not able to watch the Beetleborgs Metallix, the show's second season. But hey it fun while it lasted. I am no purist then, and was not even aware that the show just utilized clips from a Japanese Metal Hero series. As what I have proven now as an adult, the original source material will always be better than the Americanized version, but since I was not able to see the original source material back then, then these American kids show still holds a much better place in my mind and heart. They may look ridiculous and corny now, but one time in my life I make sure to be home and tuned into ABC-5 just to watch the Bid Bad Beetleborgs.

How about you guys, have you watched the Big Bad Beetleborgs back in ABC back in the days? Any favorite episodes, memorabilias, characters, or merchandise that you have on the Americanized kids show? Share your thoughts in the comments section below: