ABS-CBN Under Negotiations with Toei Animation for Sailor Moon?

An on the job trainee of ABS-CBN named, Ronnel Sanchez mentioned on the popular Pinoy forum, PinoyExchange.com that they are "digitalizing" the classic 90's anime Sailor Moon and some episodes are now on the dubbing process.

It is not sure if this claim is true or not since the said series is still under negotiation between Toei Animation and ABS-CBN. If this is true, it is said that it will end up on HERO TV or Studio 23. Please take it with a grain of salt since after he leaked this info, I am sure ABS-CBN is now "cleaning" the mess he did... and get scolded about it.

The entire Sailor Moon franchise once aired on ABC now known as TV5 during the 90's and early 2000 era. The said anime never had a rerun after it completed its run.

Source: Philippine TV Ratings via AnimePH

Hayate the Combat Butler Taiwanese Drama to Air on ABS-CBN!

The Taiwanese drama adaptation of Kenjiro Hata's popular manga, Hayate the Combat Butler (Xuan Feng Guan Jia/旋風管家), is set to air on Philippine shores via ABS-CBN! The Philippines is the first country to air the drama outside Taiwan.

The acquisition of the title was confirmed via ABS-CBN's official Asian Drama Multiply account in which they left a teaser image for the show with the words, "Serves breakfast with a side of butt-kicking!"

Hayate the Combat Butler is about Ling Qui Sa/Hayate Ayazaki (played by George Hu) is buried by his parents debt and no way to pay it back to their debtors. So Qui Sa thought that he might just go to the dark side and kidnap someone. But instead of kidnapping, he ended up saving a rich girl named Xiao Zhi/Nagi Sanzeyin (played by Park Shin Hye) from being kidnapped. Xiao Zhi then hired Qui Sa as his butler and later, falls in love with him.

Air date for the said series is not yet revealed as of the moment.

Source: Philippine TV Ratings FB via AnimePH FB

Rumor: Pinoy Liveman Adaptation?!

Renowned Pinay cosplayer, Alodia Gosiengfiao announced on her official fanpage that she will quit cosplay because she wants to continue studying for "school" but most of her fans know that she graduated her university years ago! Some say that she will enter acting school or graduate school but one rumor has surfaced that she will enter a different school, called Academia Island.

To those who are familiar with this school, you might have watched the 12th entry of the Super Sentai franchise, Choujuu Sentai Liveman! It is rumored that she will play the role of Megumi Misaki aka Blue Dolphin which will be called Meg Morata in the adaptation. Along with Alodia, Vhong Navarro is rumored to play Yusuke Amamiya aka Red Falcon and Zanjoe Marudo is rumored to play Joh Ohara aka Yellow Lion.


To those who are not familiar with the series, it is about three students from Academia Island - an elite school funded by the U.N. for the purpose of researching space flight - are tempted by the promises of power from the evil Great Professor Bias. They kill two of their classmates in cold blood and flee.

Two years later they return as officers of an evil organization called Volt - having changed their bodies, minds and names- and destroy Academia. Three of their former classmates use cutting-edge power suits originally designed as a new form of space suit to fight against Volt as Liveman.

It is said that this series will be released within the third quarter of the year to revitalized the tokusatsu boom that happened during the 80's and early 90's. The question is, will it work considering that most Pinoy tokusatsu fans have mixed feelings with Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan (Zaido: Space Police)?

Also, from all the eight Super Sentai shows that aired in the Philippines (namely, Goranger/Star Rangers, JAKQ, Google V, Bioman, Maskman, Turboranger, Fiveman and Jetman), why adapt Liveman? I guess they do not want to attract the nostalgia crowd!

TV5 & Animax, Big Winners on Otaku's Verdict 2010!

...and the results are in!

Last January 16, Sunday, ZEN Otaku Honbu has released the results of Otaku's Verdict 2010 via their results show. Even with some technical issues, they were able to pursue with the job of telling us the winners of OV 2010 and here is the lowdown of the winners! You can check the list of nominees, you can check it here. This is by the way, the fifth year of Otaku's Verdict.

Terrestrial TV

- TV5 won as Channel of the Year for Terrestrial TV. This is the third time they won this award.

- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood on TV5 won Anime of the Year, Platinum Category

- D.Gray-Man on TV5 won Anime of the Year, Gold Category

- My Bride is a Mermaid on Studio 23 won Anime of the Year, Silver Category

- Twin Princess of Wonder Planet on Q Channel 11 won Anime of the Year, Bronze Category

- Clannad on TV5 won Teen/Drama Anime of the Year

- Kamen Rider Hibiki on TV5 won Tokusatsu/Live Action Series of the Year

- Naruto Shippuuden SEASON 2 is ABS-CBN/Studio 23's Anime Rerun Pick

- Special A is TV5's Anime Rerun Pick

- Hayate the Combat Butler is GMA/QTV's Anime Rerun Pick

Cable/Satellite TV

- Animax Philipines won Channel of the Year

- K-ON!/K-ON!! on Animax Philippines won Anime of the Year, Platinum Category

- Code Geass on Hero TV won Anime of the Year, Gold Category

- Hayate The Combat Butler SEASON 2 on Animax Philippines won Anime of the Year, Silver Category

- Pokemon Diamond and Pearl on Cartoon Network Philippines won Anime of the Year, Bronze Category

- Kaichou wa Maid-sama on Animax Philippines won Teen/Drama Anime of the Year

- Kamen Rider Dragon Knight on Cartoon Network Philippines won Tokusatsu/Live Action Series of the Year

Miscellaneous

- Angel Beats won Japan's Newest Anime Title

- Kamen Rider W won Japan's Newest Tokusatsu/Live Action Title

- One Piece on GMA won Philippines' Master of Epic Fail

- Kekkaishi on GMA won Most Improved Tagalog Redubbed Anime

- Toradora! on TV5 won Philippines' Most Improved Anime Record for completing the series last year

- Mark Munoz who dubbed Lelouch Lamperouge of Code Geass on Hero TV won Male Dubber of the Year

- Nica Rojo who dubbed Edward Elric of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood on TV5 won Female Dubber of the Year

- Wendy De Leon who handled the dubbing of Clannad on TV5 won Anime Dubbing Director of the Year

- Setsuna F. Seiei of Mobile Suit Gundam 00 won Male Anime Character of the Year

- Lenalee Lee of D.Gray-Man won Female Anime Character of the Year

- Ozine Fest 2010 won Events/Convention of the Year - Major Anime Events Category for the 2nd time

- Otaku Expo 2010 won Events/Convention of the Year for the -Minor Anime Events Category

- Level-Up! Live 2010 won Events/Convention of the Year - Gaming Conventions Category for the 2nd time

- Grand Chase III won Online Game of the Year for the 2nd time

- PERIOD by Chemistry from Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood won Anime Theme Song of the Year

- Scandal's Shunkan Sentimental won Japanese Music Video of the Year

And for the first time in the history of Otaku's Verdict, the Anime Status Rating for 2010 was rated EXCELLENT by Pinoy anime fans! Most fans have mixed reactions with the result considering the year we have in terms of anime. Like, Nick on ABS-CBN, TV5 ANiMEGA in a state of comatose but gave us amazing titles this year and the like.

Aside from that, Federico "Freddie" M. Garcia (FMG) is awarded by Otaku's Verdict as the 1st OV IMPACT Award winner for 2010 for his contribution in the Philippine Anime Scene. This OV IMPACT Award was voted and debated by the executive committee of Otaku's Verdict along with some of its partners (to be exact, Orends: Range). Wondering what is his contribution and who are the other nominees with this award? Just wait for the full article that will be written by ZOH!

Garcia was cited for his invaluable achievement for Philippine Anime scene when he was the head of GMA-7 during the Marcos Era when the network aired Voltes V. He was also the first to initiate the use of Filipino language on all foreign series, which includes anime.

Special thanks to zenjamibu via Twitter for the complete list of winners! Updated with ZOH's statement about FMG.

Matanglawin Features Anime and Cosplay!

He leally, leally liked it!

This Sunday, Kuya Kim Atienza's popular educational show, Matanglawin will feature anime and cosplay! Aside from the usual Matanglawin fare of telling us info regarding the said topic, prominent cosplayers such as: Jin Joson and Kapamilya, Alodia Goseingfiao with the CSCentrl Brigade!

Here are some pictures during the shoot of this episode courtesy of Cscentral.com's Facebook Fan Page!

This episode of Matanglawin airing this January 16 at 9:30am only on ABS-CBN! Now, when will I see Kuya Kim cosplay as Ultraman?

Special thanks to Jan Michael Buensuceso for the tip!

Metal Fight Beyblade Sked Confirmed!

Courtesy of sandies, he has a screen capture of this show being aired on local shores.

It seems it will fight against Mazinger Z. I prefer a giant robot though!

Two Anime Titles Coming on Free TV this October!

By two titles, a new title per TV station! First, on ABS-CBN. This October, the 4th series of the Beyblade franchise spins on free TV, Metal Fight Beyblade is coming, and the promo has just posted on ABS-CBN Animation's fanpage!

While on the other station, GMA, on a short teaser trailer, Shin Mazinger Z, one of the titles they promised to air this year is said to premiere this October.

Knowing these two stations, I am sure, these titles will air on a morning slot with underage children watching it and some students who will just download the episodes or buy the pirated DVD's due to them cutting a lot of scenes for the sake of selling more ads!

Gundam vs. Gundam NEXT: ANiMEGA Edition!

Last time, I plurked or tweeted (To those who are following my Twitter account), that since TV5 now has Gundam 00, they are now ready to start the real network wars, Gundam style!

To those who don't get it, GMA aired Gundams Wing, G and X while ABS-CBN aired SEED and SEED Destiny. Because of the Plurk feature that allows the user's Plurks to be automatically posted in Facebook, kevinkun saw that comment and made this.

In the TV5 Corner, Gundams Exia and Virtue on the GMA-ABS-CBN Alliance, Wing Zero and Freedom! Let the battle begin!

The game used is the PSP game, Mobile Suit Gundam: Gundam vs. Gundam Next. Kudos to kevinkun for making this video!

Anime Compression in a Nutshell

 This article in pictures

Anime compression, it’s a process of shortening an anime program that last for 20-24 without commercials into 15-20 minutes at minimum to put more spaces for ads not related to the show… such as laundry soap or soap opera commercials. Unlike abridging whose purpose is to shorten the anime program while keeping the theme and putting some pop culture references for the sake of fun, compression is about placing as many episodes as possible and air it on one episode.

The only way for you to watch the extracted version is if the company releases official DVD’s or re-air the title on their sister station. Here is the brief history about it. In case you want to add something in here, just post your comment.

Its roots can be traced sometime in the early Y2K decade in which some titles such as Yu Yu Hakusho had its opening and ending credits shortened within 30 seconds. I was happy back then since I want to see more action and not listen to the Japanese OP and ED. It was the practice on most anime titles that aired. Until Pokemon Master Quest came into picture.

The first episode of the said Pokemon season, an episode that was suppose to air just for one day aired for two days. The reason for the delay, 15 minutes of advertisements and 15 minutes worth of the show. This was the practice on Pokemon until they decided to eliminate the OP sequence and ED sequence. But still, it doesn’t satisfy their standards!

Pokemon was just the experimental stage, same with the other new titles that aired on the said station. The one who perfected it was their rival… yes they perfected it.

If you haven’t watched the original Japanese airing of Katekyo Hitman Reborn, you will not notice the amount of cuts they made for them to fit two episodes of KHR in one sitting. It was clean single episode if you are a mindless 4 or 7 year old kid who watched it but if you are an otaku, you’ll easily notice it. This later happened on Eyeshield 21 and Naruto Shippuden with Naruto, based on the comments found in the internet had 3 episodes aired in a 30-minute timeslot!

About their rival? They were able to air four anime titles in a one-hour timeslot, namely, from 9:30-10:30am.

This is not an accurate history since I only based it on my personal experience while watching anime on free TV.

Sure, there is cable but not all people can afford cable. Sure, there is the net but it is illegal unless you watch it on Crunchyroll but not all people can afford to rent a PC for 3-5 hours just to watch all the episodes that the TV station compressed in one sitting. Why I still and most people watch anime on free TV?

The reason why still people who have watched the anime that aired on TV even if they got the chance to watch it back then it is because they are supporting the official release. Since they know what they are doing is a form of piracy which steals the efforts the animators did and they watched it on the wrong place, namely not on their TV with ads streaming after an eye catch. In addition, they also knew that there are no plans on releasing the official DVDs which is another way on supporting the title.

I know that advertisements are the blood that runs the TV station but do not let the number of ads suffer the quality of programming you will give to your audience. To be honest, it felt like the big guns are cheating on their consumers. I mean, these people in the eyes of almost everyone are credible in airing high quality programming! Why don’t you give this kind of quality to your anime audience that still supports you even if they know that they are cheated with their time because they get less of what is suppose to be more.

Hana Yori Dango Returns This Weekend

Last time, I wrote an article about Hana Yori Dango being secretly promoted on a reality show... and just earlier while watching Eyeshield 21, I saw an advertisement about Hana Yori Dango.

Yes folks, HYD is back on ABS-CBN. Based on the dub, they are using the same dub that was used years ago when it first aired here in the Philippines. Aside from that, HYD has this tagline, "The Original F4 Story" found at the bottom of the name of the show. Will this tagline help attract Boys Over Flower fans and Meteor Garden fans?

Hana Yori Dango airs every Saturday at 8:45am and Sunday at 8:30am on ABS-CBN.

FMA: B Today + Eyeshield 21 Update.

Today on Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood... Will you do anything just to protect the one you love even if the price is your arm? Plus, we will meet a new character!

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood...

Today at 7:30pm on PRIME TIMES 5 of TV5!

Source: TV5 Animega FB

ABS-CBN Animation has just posted yesterday on their Facebook page the official promo for Eyeshield 21. Eyeshield 21 Season 2 premieres next week at 8:45 am replacing Katekyo Hitman Reborn.

Source: ABS-CBN Animation

Ya Ha! Eyeshield 21 Returns on ABS-CBN!

Sena and the rest of the Deimon Devil Bats team are back with a new season on ABS-CBN! Yes, Eyeshield 21 returns with all new episodes, more American Football action and more Hiruma madness. To those who remembered, Eyeshield 21 ended its first season here in the Philippines during the match between Poseidon and Deimon. Its second season premiered earlier on ABS-CBN's cable anime channel, Hero TV.

Eyeshield 21 Season 2 premieres on June 7, replacing Katekyo Hitman Reborn.

On their sister station, Studio 23, Dear Boys premieres on June 2, replacing Gunparade March.

New ABS-CBN Weekday Morning Anime Schedule!

Just recently, ABS-CBN Animation's Facebook Account has officially released the new schedule starting May 24!

Note: This schedule is for those who don't have ABS-CBN Regional Network in their place. Schedule is subject to change in areas part of ABS-CBN's Regional Network Group.

Katekyo Hitman Reborn (Season 3) 8:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.

Naruto Shippuden (Season 3)  9:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

Simply KC  9:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Later this year, Eyshield 21 Season 2 will replace Katekyo Hitman Reborn in the 8:45am timeslot. The 4th season of the said show might air next year, or later this year. Keep your fingers cross, KHR fans!

Hana Yori Dango Secretly Promoted on PBB?

I've been watching Pinoy Big Brother since its first season and I noticed its declining quality, but it didn't stopped me in watching this reality TV show. This week on PBB, I've notice something that caught my attention. They are using footages from the Hana Yori Dango anime for their sort-of house gossip segment thing. There are three things that came into my mind when I saw this. First, gossiping is bad, second, the dubbing is bad considering it is done my amateurs and third, is ABS-CBN secretly promoting HYD? I mean, they can use other titles they have such as Naruto Shippuden or any shojo title ones like Fruits Basket (If they still have it) or School Rumble.

Here's a sample of those gossip scenes from PBB.

For those who don't know, Hana Yori Dango already aired in ABS-CBN back in the time that Meteor Garden, the Taiwanese adaptation of the said series is being aired. Because it aired on weekends AND the popularity of Meteor Garden is at its peak, the anime was quite underrated.

A couple of months ago, Hero TV aired Hana Yori Dango for cable viewers and promos for the return of Hana Yori Dango was released on ABS-CBN. Is this the sign of the upcoming return of Hana Yori Dango? You decide.

Double Dose of Naruto Shippuden Starting Next Week!

You heard that right folks, starting next week, the 5th season (Japanese terms)/3rd season (Philippine terms) of Naruto Shippuden will also air at 9am on ABS-CBN's Team Animazing block! Based on this move, it will be axing out of the sked Katekyo Hitman Reborn. According to the latest advertisement, the 9am block will start on the first episode of the season that aired last Wednesday.

Naruto Shippuden airs at 9am and 5pm starting on May 24 only on ABS-CBN.

Naruto Shippuden Season 3 Update!

It's official the third season of Naruto Shippuden will air next week replacing Pilipinas Got More Talent in the 4:15pm timeslot next Tuesday, May 11.

For now, here's the third promo for this season.

Like I mentioned earlier, this third season is the Japanese fifth season of the said series.

Naruto Shippuden Season 3 Second Teaser.

Based on the new teaser, it would really focus on the anime's fifth season. I also observed some changes in the VA's. Gamakichi's VA is quite different and Sai's voice acting has improved.

Naruto Shippuden Season 3 Teaser Trailer.

Based on the teaser, ABS-CBN will broadcast the last few episodes of the fourth season and the entire fifth season of the original Japanese broadcast. Not sure if ABS-CBN's Shippuden Season 3 will cover Jiraiya's tale.

Signs That You Are A Pinoy Watching Anime, The Sequel. (Toku Included)

The sequel from my original post, because of extreme boredom, I decided to think of other signs that you are a Pinoy Watching Anime… with a little Tokusatsu. With no further adieu, here is the sequel.

But first, I will define the terms used in this post.

+ Endless Eight - an 8 episode arc from the anime, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. It is about the SOS Brigade stuck in an endless loop of events on their last day of summer. In terms of TV, it is an endless loop of reruns.

+ Henshin - Japanese word which means transform and is frequently used on the Kamen Rider franchise.It is a word first said by the hero before transforming into a Kamen Rider. Other variations include, "By the Power of Greyskull!" and "Ectophase, Activate!"

Now, it's SHOWTIME!

• You were surprised that Jeremiah (Genkai) of Ghost Fighter (Yu Yu Hakusho) is a girl after you watched the episode about her ability to change her appearance. Surprised because he I mean, she sounded like an old man and in another dub, an old Chinese man.

• You noticed that most bishounen characters in the Filipino dub sounded the same… you later on found out that they are voiced by JEFF UTANES!!! XDDD

• You at least know three dubbing companies here in the Philippines.

• You were surprised when you first found out that there is a Toei Animation Studio here in the Philippines.

• Speaking of Toei Studios, you kept on wondering why even though we have a Toei Studio here, we only aired one Pretty Cure show and One Piece is stuck on the Water 7 Arc for over 2 years.

• GMA is the only station that aired anime OVAs on free TV. 

• The first Animax block here in the Philippines didn’t air anime but aired Beast Machines, a Godzilla cartoon and *gasp* Jackie Chan Adventures.

• You were surprised on how big the promotion of Ragnarok the Animation. How big you ask? Its been featured on magazines, featured on a Showbiz talk show, a future 2NE1 member with 4 other celebrities sang the translated version of “We Are the Stars”, the opening theme of the show and its merchandise appear on instant noodles and chocolate milk brands. Oh, a local game manufacturing company made board games based on the anime.

• You are sick of reruns coming from one station (or stations). After the show had its fourth or fifth rerun, you lost count on how many times the show aired.

• Speaking of reruns, the shows that are on an Endless Eight are: Yu Yu Hakusho (aired 10-12 times), Flame of Recca (aired 8-10 times), Slam Dunk (aired 8-10 times), Duel Masters (Season 1 is on an extreme Endless Eight, lost track in counting). 

• On the new titles being aired on TV lately, the highest was Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge (Lost count. Stupid fan girls.). Followed by Toradora! (5 times before it took a rest).

• You were surprised that for the first time in Philippine Free TV Anime History, TV5 was able to air Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood while the anime is currently airing in Japan… and back then, it had a 2-3 weeks gap from Japan! Until it went on an Endless Eight after episode 7.

• For one station to fit 15 minutes worth of commercials, you noticed that the opening and ending credits are cut short and only 15 minutes of the episode is being aired... if watched with no commercials. It is evident on the first episode of Pokemon Master Quest. 

Now, for the tokusatsu part.

• All the Kamen/Masked Rider shows that aired here didn’t say “Henshin” as their Henshin phrase but… “RIDER CHANGE!”

• Speaking of Kamen Rider, the first KR show that aired here was Kamen Rider BLACK and you refer Kotaro Minami as Robert Akizuki. KUYA ROBERT!!!!

• So far, the maximum Kamen Rider shows being aired in one station is 2. To be exact, BLACK aired on IBC-13, Ryuki aired on ABS-CBN, Hero TV and Studio 23, 555 aired on GMA and Hero TV, Blade aired on GMA, Hero TV, Cartoon Network and TV5 and Hibiki aired on TV5. Recently, Kabuto aired on Cartoon Network.

• Most of the tokusatsu shows after Shaider didn’t finish its run on local TV.

• If you were a 90’s kid, you think that Jetman and Fiveman are Power Ranger rip-offs.

• If you were an 80’s-70’s kid, you might think that the Power Rangers are a Star Rangers, Bioman and Maskman rip-off.

The Results Are Out! Otaku's Verdict 2009 Results are Out!

In their Twitter account, ZEN OTAKU HONBU has released the official results of the annual year end Anime poll, and with no further ado, here are the results.

LOCAL TV

Platinum Anime of the Year - The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (TV5)

Gold Anime of the Year - Katekyo Hitman Reborn (ABS-CBN 2)

Silver Anime of the Year - Hayate The Combat Butler (QTV 11)

Bronze Anime of the Year - Pokemon (GMA 7)

Local TV's Teen/Drama Anime of the Year - Special A (TV5)

Tokusatsu/Live Action Series of the Year - One Liter of Tears (GMA 7)

ABS-CBN 2 Rerun Anime - Naruto/Naruto Shippuden SEASON 1

TV5 Rerun Anime - Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R1

GMA 7 Rerun Anime - Hunter X Hunter

QTV 11 Rerun Anime - Initial D
Local TV Network of the Year - TV5

CABLE TV

Platinum Anime of the Year - Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (Animax Philippines)

Gold Anime of the Year - Shakugan no Shana SEASON 2 (Animax Philippines)

Silver Anime of the Year - Katekyo Hitman Reborn (Hero TV)

Bronze Anime of the Year - Mirmo De Pon SEASON 4 (Hero TV)

Tokusatsu/Live Action Series of the Year - Masked Rider Kabuto (Cartoon Network Philippines)
Cable TV Network of the Year - Cartoon Network Philippines

MISCELLANEOUS

Japan'e Newest Anime Title - K-On!

Japan's Newest Tokusatsu/Live Action Title - Kamen Rider Decade

Philippine Anime Hall of Phail - Les Miserables: Ang Pangarap ni Cosette (ABS-CBN 2)

Most Improved Philippine Anime Record - Pokemon (GMA 7/Cartoon Network Philippines)

Male Anime Dubber of the Year - Jefferson Utanes

Female Anime Dubber of the Year - Rona Aguilar

Anime Dubbing Director of the Year - Jefferson Utanes (Black Blood Brothers, TV5) 

Pinoy Cosplayer of the Year - Sara Pezzini

Major Pinoy Anime Event/Convention of the Year - Ozine Fest 2009

Major Pinoy Online Gaming Event/Convention of the Year - Level Up! Live 2009

School-based Anime Event/Convention of the Year - AME no Jidai

Online Game of the Year - Grand Chase

Male Anime Character of the Year - Tsunayoshi Sawada (Katekyo Hitman Reborn)

Female Anime Character of the Year - TIE between Haruhi Suzumiya and Taiga Aisaka Anime Theme Song of the Year - O2 (Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2)

Japanese Music Video of the Year - Journey Through The Decade (Gackt)
Philippine Anime 2009 Rating - Good

To all the winners, congratulations! 

Note: Reposting of results must require permission to ZEN OTAKU HONBU. For more info, click this link.