Currently popular mainstream, but will this show became an icon in the near future?
Anime has been around here in the Philippines since the 70’s and since then, we have seen numerous titles from giant robots until love stories. From the over 100 titles that was aired on terrestrial TV, some of them were iconic and remains as one of the most recognizable anime titles that ever stepped in the Philippines.
My criteria in choosing these top 5 shows is via the age group that was born during or before the 90’s, which is considered by most as the Golden Age of Anime here in the Philippines. Other criteria include the recall factor of the show and its impact on pop culture or otaku culture here in the Philippines. If you have reactions, kindly post your comments. :D
5. Rurouni Kenshin/Samurai X
This show made a huge wave in the anime scene here in the Philippines. Aside from the fact that this show aired here in its English Sony dub in which Kenshin sounds like a certain Cloud Strife, it’s the only English dubbed anime aside from Pokemon that is unforgettable to the public.
Sidenote: This show was dubbed in ABS-CBN back then but the dub is not as popular as the English dub.
Sidenote: This show was dubbed in ABS-CBN back then but the dub is not as popular as the English dub.
4. DragonBall Z
What made this show iconic is aside from the battles, is Jefferson Utanes’ voice acting as Son Goku with his trademark, “Kamehame Wave” scream echoing on your TV. Aside from that, we have this, Mr. Satan best known here as Master Pogi and Majin Buu.
Master Pogi because he is one of the most recognizable voices in the DBZ dub, I mean, you will smile once you heard his voice along with that is Majin Buu, the fat one. Put them together, these two became one of the most iconic duos we have ever scene in TV.
3. Slam Dunk
When it first aired back in ABC (now known as TV5), it was not well received by the audience. Fast forward sometime between 2003-2005, this time dubbed, this show in my opinion, became the standard on comedy anime dubbing. Aside from the good translation of the script and making the show closer to the masses, the mass appeal of Basketball to us Filipinos made this show memorable.
2. Yu Yu Hakusho/Ghost Fighter and Flame of Recca
I had a haaard time thinking which of the two is more iconic, Eugene or Recca. Both headlined GMA’s anime block, both shows are constantly being re-aired on the said station. Both have epic fights, both shows had a memorable dubbing crew; kids were imitating both shows. Gaah! It is hard to decide which is more iconic than the two!
1. Voltes V
This is the obvious choice. Its one of the shows back in the 70’s that is still haunting Filipinos everywhere. It is the only anime that has the most station jumps. Its one of the shows back in the Martial Law era that was banned because it is too violent and it affects the studying of children.
It is part of Pinoy pop culture this show’s theme song and its phrase before combining all the mecha. You can see this song on karaoke machines along with Ghost Fighter’s Opening theme.
Special Mention:
+ Pokemon
One word, Jejemon. LOL.