Rocko's Modern Life

It's very lucky to see a classic Nicktoon like Rocko's Modern Life. Premiered in 1993, Rocko's Modern Life is the fourth Nicktoon that air on Nickelodeon and created by Joe Murray. The show tells about the anthropomorphic wallaby named Rocko and his life around O-Town. Rocko's life does go into different situations and mishaps in living in the modern life in a cartoon way.

The plot centers or follows the life of Rocko from Australia and moved to America after graduated in high school. Together with his pet dog named Spunky, Rocko encounters different situations and various problems along the way. What else the solution without his big best friend Heffer Wolfe the cow and other characters who are Rocko's neighbors like Mr. and Mrs. Bighead, Filburt the turtle and others.

I started watch this series since few months ago in TV5 and I notice something about this show. The drawing style seems to be bent but with a feel too. There are also many parallel lines in building designs and also it's environment. According to the staff especially Joe Murray, they did those designs including the characters because it shows it's "twisted version in real life" in portraying the modern life in many people. As living in the fictional city in O-Town, Rocko is related to a person who lives in the city and also who encountered different problems around him. What really surprises me that each of their episodes there are some few adult-themes were present such as sexual innuendos, social commentaries and others that I could not explain. I guess the writers during those years of producing that cartoon were allowed to do them unlike today's Nicktoons. Maybe it was really intended for entertaining children and even adults who later enjoyed the show. Rocko's Modern Life maybe still reair on Nickelodeon Network but unlike before, some episodes we're re-edited just for the sake of the viewers. I've seen some character designs that portray gross humor but it shows to be funny. Some episodes like "Love Spanked" showed to be proven that Rocko is single that ended up with Heffer as his love partner in a game show. I thought it messages something wrong about that episode though but ended up to be a funny one. Another one is this video in Youtube which explains well... a message you will find out if you watch that one. In the old days,Nickelodeon allowed to show scenes that are potty or gross but later continued it's tradition to Ren and Stimpy which was another old Nicktoon.

I've been searching in the internet for Rocko's Modern Life fan sites or any fandom stuff like this one here and until there is a fansite dedicated to Joe Murray here. I guess many people probably quite or still recognize that classic Nicktoon show until Youtube suddenly showed up it's old clips. You can hear the old opening theme song here. As of this year, Rocko's Modern Life was chosen to set and release in DVD's in Amazon. com entitled "The Best of Rocko's Modern Life" which it has two DVD volumes available. Rocko's Modern Life is an awesome cartoon from Nickelodeon show, that is.

Networks In The Philippines - Part 5

I still wrap up and continue the "Networks in the Philippines" segment. The three previous posts I've posted was intentionally to think about the other local channels. It's not easy to discuss them simultaneously but it seems I'll have to rant about them this time.

Q (Quality Television Network)
Launched in late 2005, like in the previous post I've discussed Q replaced by ZOE-TV under the agreement of two key personnels from GMA Network and ZOE-TV. Q became the current sister channel of GMA Network much like ABS-CBN's sister channel Studio 23. At the first early years of the network, Q was first called QTV or Quality Television Network and originally intended to show programs mostly for women. In their later years, that network is now available for general viewers. Then last year, QTV later changed into Q for some sort of reasons.

Q is best known for showing lifestyle and foreign-produced programs. Of course, shows for children are intended to. There is a current block called "Funbox" where Q shows cartoons every weekday and weekend mornings. They show some good children's programs from their own like Care Bears, Tom and Jerry Kids, Prince Mackaroo, and Poochini. Some shows like Make Way for Noddy, Cardcaptor Sakura, Battle B-Daman, Dragon Tales and Anne and Green Gables are all borrowed from GMA Network. They also got good programming schedules in the weekend afternoons and evenings. I've relly enjoyed the anime shows they aired like Hakugei: The Legend of Moby Dick (I've posted a review about that). Whatever does Q have, at least they got good shows as Q means "quality".

Studio 23
There's something really enjoying about this network. Studio 23 launched around 1996 as ABS-CBN's sister channel. Studio 23 notch the great shows for everyone including young adults because of their imported and new episodes from North American shows and English programming like Oprah and Charmed. Not only they air English-language programs, they also air Filipino-demographic shows. In the later years, Studio 23 also targeted shows for teenagers like the Pinoy Dream Academy and Pinoy Big Brother. Sports events like UAAP and NCAA really targeted among high school and college students. Studio 23 is also the home of other ABS-CBN cable channels like Myx.

Judging from their cartoon and anime shows they air, like in Q they also borrowed shows from ABS-CBN mostly anime like Samurai X and Yu-Gi-Oh. They also aired good classic shows like Superman: The Animated Series and the 1987 version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Studio 23 was also known to air the Pinoy-anime series Barkada Trip. Well, at least that's the station I catch up anime shows unlike when they're in ABS-CBN before.

A Kim Possible Stuff

It's just a wallpaper I got from toon-wallpapers.com. Man, I really like this Kim Possible wallpaper. (from left to right) Rufus, Wade, Kim, and Ron made a peace sign. Maybe it symbolizes no more criminal habits all over the world. It's really funny and adorable to see those four main characters much. Oh yeah, yesterday I felt like I went to Kim Possible fandom again after watching few episodes from season 2 to season 4 (I already watch season 1 before). Should any local networks air Kim Possible episodes again here? I watch few of those in ABS-CBN every weekday mornings around 2 years ago but they got only one season. There's a bunch of Kim Possible episodes on Youtube available this time but since our headphone's here is broken, it makes me fuzz watching those on silent mode. At least there's something surprise in season four.

Me Bought A Funny Komiks Issue!

Funny Komiks Blg. 1407

I just bought the latest issue of Funny Komiks since last Friday. I saw this issue in a newspaper stand somewhere in Cainta and I decided to buy this one. It's in issue #1407 and the last time I read old Funny Komiks issue was when I was in first year high school. Funny Komiks still use their traditional ink-coloring like in their past issues but it's very cool to see something entertaining stuff for kids and kids-at-heart like me. I caught the picture with my digital camera because I don't have computer scanner. Guess what, one of the classic Funny Komiks characters return in this issue-Superdog!

I don't know if I'll have to start collecting new Funny Komiks but a one issue wouldn't mind. It's not really embarrassing for an adult or a teenager to buy comics that seems fit only for kids like FK but as long as the reader appreciate the drawings. Maybe I'll have to buy more as long as their comics are interesting to read.

Monster Allergy

Are you a person who thinks getting hallucinations by seeing monsters around you? If you are, you and a young boy in that picture have in common. Monster Allergy proves to be another adventures by dealing other monsters. Monster Allergy is based on a comic book series created by Disney Italy (same does as W.I.T.C.H.) around year 2003. Then around 2006, it's series turned out to be animated series produced and directed by Iginio Straffiti under Rainbow S.p.A Productions, and ironically the creator of Winx Club.

The story of this series started when a young girl named Elena Potato moved to Old Mill Village together with her family. There, he met a young boy named Ezekiel Zick or"Zick" as his nickname who later showed that he possessed powers by controlling monsters. Unfortunately, Zick suffers from all sorts of allergies which it also helps seeing the monsters around. Together as best friends, they embark different sorts of adventures which deals the secret of the world of monsters, which they usually overcome them. They are aided by a cat named Timothy-Moth, Zick's cat,"tutor" and the guardian of imprisoned monsters who has unusual powers and ability to speak human language.

I swear I really miss this series despite that I never complete it's collection. The comic book series was released in September 2004 here in the Philippines by the Summit Media. It's issues contain great storyline and art created by some artists and writers from W.I.T.C.H. . What cool about it's comic series is that they have a guide about the world of monsters known as "Monster Tamer's Manual" and "Monster Keeper's Manual" which included every issue. Unfortunately, they stop publishing at #14. I didn't complete or buy it's past issues but instead, I donate my incomplete collection for my English project when I was in high school around early 2006. Few months later after that, while checking some random stuff in the internet I decided to search Monster Allergy until I found out that there was animated series about it. It really surprises me that they produced it for TV's. It bummed me later on that I won't be able to watch that animated because it only air in cable's only. Around 2007, Disney Channel Asia announced that Monster Allergy will premiere in the Philippines. Although I got nostalgic about the comic series, it's fine for me never to watch that because I've seen few episodes on Monster Allergy in Youtube but they got rid of it later on.

I was saying about the animated series not only the storyline much follows it comic series, it also emphasizes the look and design of the characters much like in their comic counterparts. You picture different monsters in the way through the Detention Oasis, Bibur-si through the world of evil monsters. Speaking of monsters, there are good and bad monsters that are invisible. Good monsters in the series like the bumbling Bombos, energetic Snyakutz and other monsters I couldn't remember. Bad or evil monsters like the Black Phantoms and Magnacats are the examples. There's a lot of mystery inside the world of Monster Allergy, including Zick's heritage and his own destiny to become a "Tamer". In the comics and animated series, "Tamers" are actually humans gifted with special powers to control and trap monsters with the use of canisters known as "Taming Box" and their Dom powers (gestures). Tamers aren't much consider as monsters however. Zick together with Elena expected more of their adventures to investigate the relation between monsters and humans. I don't know how many episodes that Monster Allergy produce but they got an opening theme in a different language. Even this series got their official site but it seems to be still under construction for one and a half years. Merchandises of it's series would be hit too like getting their official Monster Allergy TCG. Aside from their official site and stuff, fans made a dedication to it's comic and animated series called "The Unofficial Monster Allergy Forum". With it's good series, Monster Allergy really shows it's really, let's say "fantastically addicting" to watch. Getting ready to deal with monsters now....

Luckily, some staff from Monster Allergy show their original artworks and few strips on DeviantArt as a part of Italian artists project. You can view samples here, here, and here.

Networks In The Philippines - Part 4

I'll still wrap up and short summarize some of the networks that are still active here in the Philippines. The other minor and major networks will be discussed in the next entry.

RPN 9-
Launched in 1960, before RPN the network was originally called Kanlaon Braodcasting Network after the name of a volcano located in Negros. It later changes into Radio Philippine Network in 1975 with it's official red logo that still use today. In that network, there are plenty of good cartoons during those times. Also,RPN 9 became the first Philippine network station to introduce anime including Macross, Astroboy and Voltron. In that network were first introduced Dragon Ball series before GMA Network and IBC 13. There are also cartoons from the US that aired such as Defenders of the Earth, Popeye, and Garfield & Friends. Although not exactly for what I remember then but it got lot's of cartoons and anime for the weekend block. Around 2003, I watched cartoons from Nickelodeon in that station such as Spongebob Squarepants, Invader Zim, Hey Arnold! and As Told By Ginger which aired until around 2005. Then around 2006 to 2007, RPN 9 aired cartoons from Cartoon Network like Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, Ben 10, Puffy AmiYumi, etc. But as of present time the name of RPN changed into C/S 9 which airs reality shows from US and sports events. They don't air shows for children then. : (

SBN 21-
It seems they only or never show any programs for children. Southern Broadcasting Network may be provide any reasonable excuse for not airing children show's. I don't know if my thoughts about here is true but I remembered there is a cartoon in that channel and that is Sonic Adventures aired around 90's. As of 2008, SBN has been partnership with Solar Entertainment Network for incorporating the channel ETC Entertainment Central. At least they air good teen shows like Friends and One Tree Hill.

NBN 4-
I've never notice any animation nor anime shows in that channel but rather educational shows. NBN 4 was first called GTV Network from 1974-1979 but the later changed into PTV 4 after the following the People Power Revolution in 1986. In 2001, the network later changed into National Broadcasting Network and for showing new programs on that station. They are also known to broadcast sports events. Although, I've never seen any cartoon or anime shows in that station I became fascinated to that network when they aired Eskwela ng Bayan series. The top-notch children shows they aired was Batibot before moving to other netwrok.

RJTV 29-
Known as Rajah Broadcasting Network Inc..During the 90's, I've seen good children's programs in that station especially classics like Felix the Cat,Betty Boop and Mighty Mouse. Also, I saw good cartoon shows out there like Dinosaucers, Madelline and Biker Mice from Mars. I don't know what's the the status now of that station. Probably they turn in with 2nd Avenue channel.

ZOE Broadcasting Network-
Launched in 1998, ZOE Broadcasting Network or Zoe TV was used to air a lot of religious programs and they're in channel 11 before GMA Network's sister channel Q. In the old days, I've seen few shows for children mostly the theme's about religion like Colby's Club House, Kids Againsts Crime, Psalty the Bible Show, and Kids on the Move. The network also showed anime programs that have religion themes like Superbook and Flying House. As of now, ZOE Tv move to channel 33 and currently active with their religious programs.

Networks In The Philippines - Part 3

IBC 13-
Premiered in Febuary 1,1975 IBC 13 or Intercontinental Broadcasting Network 13 would probably tell how much changes the network made. In this present time, I've never seen any children's programming stuff around that network but by looking the history of that network here, it has up's and down's in history of their improvement. IBC 13 was known also to get good shows on TV since 80's and during those times they are the one's who got higher ratings than the rest of the networks. During the year 1988 to 1993, IBC 13 started to lose the support from advertisers because of the network's problems but the shows they aired were remain still. In 1994, IBC reached it's demanded ratings because of their new shows in the past. Also during those times, a lot of good shows aired including anime, cartoons, and tokukatsu shows. Those were IBC 13's glory days. I still reach that time although I have a little broad mind about them. I've seen a lot of good cartoons especially anime like Ghost Fighter and Super Pig. They also show tokukatsu shows that were merely popular like Bioman, Maskman, and Turboranger. IBC 13 continued to improve ratings until about 2003. The network show last few children's programming such as Y2K: Yes to Kids and Retro TV. The last anime shows I've seen was Cyborg Kurochan and Crayon Shin-chan that aired every weekday evenings back in the year 2002.

Like I said, there are changes in that station. For now, I've seen only few entertaining stuff about that network because they neither show children's shows nor getting reruns unlike GMA and ABS-CBN did. They seem just show shows for adults. At least, reruns of Japan Video Topics entertain me.

Networks In The Philippines - Part 2

ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation-
Launched in June 13 1946, this channel proves to be the first channel in Asia and also one of the top-rating channels in the Philippines. The term ABS-CBN literally means Alto Broadcasting System-Chronicle Broadcasting Network. This channel had a lot of programming shows for all audience and got it's long improvement dates since during the Martial Law area. In the old days of ABS-CBN, there were lot of shows that became popular and turns out in other networks such as Eat Bulaga! and Mel & Jay. Since then, the network produced a lot of shows and receive positive impacts among the viewers.

But enough from the history, instead about the network's children's programming. I considered ABS-CBN had a better teen and children shows in the past even today. They released anime shows for the weekend morning and afternoon schedules since early 80's and 90's like the classic Akazaukin Chaha, BTX, InuYasha, Magic Knight Rayearth OVA, and among others. ABS-CBN offered a lot of children shows such as Bananas In Pajamas, Maggie and the Ferocious Beast, Madelline and others. During the 90's, there are few live-action shows that aired every Friday evenings like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and Mystic Knights of Tir Na Nog. I wouldn't exactly tell how much I'm impressed about the network's performance before.It's just that they have a philosophy that "children has more population than adults". ABS-CBN offered a lot of local educational shows like Bayani, Sineskwela, Epol Apple ,etc. Those educational shows reached into the network's another terrestrial channel E-TV and Knowledge Channel. The expansion of the network comes with it's sister channel called Studio 23 launched in the year 1996.

In their 50th anniversary back in the year 2003, ABS-CBN launched the current slogan called "The Kapamilya Network" or simply called "Kapamilya". In that anniversary, the network showed the classic shows that made them success especially classic teledrama series. Also at the same year, a lot of viewers became fascinated to the phenomenal hit Taiwanese drama "Meteor Garden" which helps ABS-CBN gain higher ratings. Since then, dramas in Asia such as from Taiwan and Korea are used to span viewer's attention. Although many viewers watch their favorite new and classic shows which seems fresh, many of them though it was the start of competition against the network's rival, GMA Network. I can't really explain about the competition between two networks because I'm a viewer and a viewer only make constructive criticisms.

As of now, ABS-CBN airs anime cartoon and anime shows in the weekday and weekend mornings left. They also promote the afternoon schedule for anime programming but not the same as before. Just like in GMA, ABS-CBN showed it also jumped the shark. At least, the network shows better programs like before in order to get the viewers serving.

Networks In The Philippines - Part 1

I admit I can also say about the networks are available in the Philippines today. Just as I thought aside reviews from cartoon shows and anime. While living here in the Philippines, these days I watch TV for some time now not always because I'm very busy in my college studies. But I still have at least few good knowledge about the networks. I rather focus about the animation than the local programs in discussing each networks.

While getting back drops about the children's programs and teen shows air today, I'm not really informed when it comes to big channels especially networks that operate in cables. I would admit I don't have any cables or satellite dishes but I still know at least few channels out there from magazines and commercials.I even have an entry here discussed about anime shows in the past but I rather decide to discuss more about them including cartoons. If you want broad and more information about the network channels, you can search them in Wikipedia.So, I'll try to discuss about the networks in the Philippines as much as I remember.

GMA Network-
Formally known as Global Media Arts or GMA. Launched in March 1,1950, GMA is one of the highest rating networks in the Philippines today ever since late 90's. During the past years, GMA pinched up a lot schedules for animated programs and anime. Compare today, GMA seems that cartoon shows and anime mostly fit in the weekends only. GMA has a lot of good cartoon shows borrowed from Disney Channel in the late 90's such as Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers, Mighty Ducks, Aladdin, Recess, Timon and Pumba, etc. and all aired in Saturday mornings. The network also aired cartoons shows from Cartoon Network such as Powerpuff Girls and Johnny Bravo after the defunct of airing Disney Channel cartoons from the year 2001 to 2002.

GMA offered a lot of teen and children's programming than the rest of other networks. Sure, they offered a mix of American-produced cartoons in the past but the network became popular when they aired anime shows in evenings and afternoons back then. I'm not really sure when exactly the year the anime for evening block started but I rest assured they made a block for them. Back in the year 2000, GMA made a primetime schedule for airing anime shows in the evening that became popular such as Hunter x Hunter,Ghost Fighter, Lupin III,Voltes V,Daimos and others. I think the schedule began for about 7:00 'till 9:00 PM which you can probably tell the network believe the children's population gained more than the adults in the country. Not only evenings but they also aired anime shows in the afternoons in the past. Good examples are Slamdunk,One Piece,Bleach,etc.

In the past,GMA Network is the first channel I learned about anime. With it's good logo with the rainbow called the Rainbow Network and the "Where you belong!" slogan, it's pretty ironic that the network gained demand ratings. I still remember my childhood days that after answering my school assignment I sit on our old family couch, get the remote control, wait and watch anime shows in the afternoons until evenings. There are also a lot of previous shows that you can remember by looking at the Wikipedia article about GMA old shows.

While many children's programming fits in the network in the past, today they seem only lined up in weekend mornings. Probably believe that many kids are not in school during Saturdays. Yes, I even notice that there are a lot of changes today. The evening schedules of anime got cut-off when the GMA Telebabad shows and Asianovelas rise it's popularity. At the same time, GMA Network got it's new logo and the new slogan "Kapuso, Anumang Kulay ng Buhay". The term Kapuso was used during the time the new logo showed even today. Even fans and people are called "Kapuso" when they watch GMA shows.

Has GMA Network jumped the shark? Yes, you can really notice that after the popularity of GMA Network. The network seems to get a lot of upcoming projects and a short run of GMA Telebabad shows. Currently, the old anime and cartoon shows in the mornings are in reruns which might gives senseless taste for viewers. The various productions all lined up against their rival network ABS-CBN. GMA turns out to get more ratings in Mega Manila when they launch telefantasya shows then later adaptations from the Filipino comics. What result about the network is very side-by-side fact with it's competition today than their previous network years. You can't tell GMA Network cares only about their business and ratings, but rather being a shadow of a conflict.

Mickey Mouse - In The Beginning

Ever thought how Mickey Mouse was born?We all know the fact that Mickey Mouse was created by Walt Disney but there's a lot of information aside from that. There's a video in Youtube where you can watch a short history about Mickey Mouse. Click the title below.

It All Started With A Mouse

New Anime Shows On TV5

Enjoy these new anime shows that will air on TV5 starting tomorrow. They are now four and replacing the time schedule of Shakugan No Shana and Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge (sniff). The anime block will start about 6:00-8:00 P.M PST. Hmm, those anime shows seems to be fresh which is more likely be exciting to watch. :D

Maihime (6:30-7:00 P.M )

Code Geass (7:30-8:00 P.M)

Noein (7:00-7:30 P.M)

This may be the good news out beside these new anime shows. For those who want more dibs in Shakugan no Shana, the season 2 will be open in 6:00-6:30 P.M tomorrow! It was really confirmed in the TV5 ad.In Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge on the other hand, will probably run in Saturdays and Sundays only in the respective schedule as replays or never air. Now how's that? Galing talaga ng TV5 na mamili ng anime.Go TV5!

Eyecatchers

You may notice something after the end of the commercial break in an animation program with some drawing illustrations and pictures. They're are called "eyecatch". Eyecatch are very common in cartoons especially in anime and tokukatsu shows and considered as commercial bumpers instead of showing manufactured advertisements. Eyecatches shows for about 2 to 5 seconds long depending for the audience. I may notice that eyecatches children's shows are much longer than the shows for adults.

There are two purposes in eyecatches in cartoons. One, is to show the development of a cartoon,anime or tokukatsu program and two, part of the merchandise. The first purpose is that some characters are showing themselves or with other of their supporting characters in order to identify them. Examples of those eyecatches are from Yu-Gi-Oh! GX which shows the main characters with their main monster cards, and another Shakugan no Shana which also shows different main characters of that show. The second purpose in the other hand, is only support the merchandise of the show by knowing many characters on a eyecatch. Example of that is Pokemon where each eyecatch in all episode show's the "Who's That Pokemon?" where the children guess a Pokemon who's in the silhouette in order to be familiar in the anime's video games. There are also anime or cartoon shows which there are no eyecatches in every episode.Examples are FullMetal Alchemist and the Big O.

Some examples of eyecatches in anime....

An eyecatch from the Japanese version of Pokemon Advanced featuring May,Max,Brock and Ash with the legendary Pokemon at the background.

Another eyecatch from the another anime entitled "Moetan" featuring Ink.

Kai, his beyblase and his legendary beast named Dranzer in Beyblade Revolution.

Madagascar 2: Escape 2 Africa

The main characters of Madagascar are back with it's sequel. Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe,Gloria the hippopotamus, King Julien and the four penguins are set to the new journey...by going to Africa. In Madagascar 2:Escape 2 Africa, the main characters discovers the wildest place that the four animals from the Central Perk zoo belongs-Africa. While discovering their roots, their family and culture in the continent there's a trouble that will encounter. Can Africa be a greater place to them than the Central Park Zoo?

Madagascar 2:Escape 2 Africa set to release on November 7th this year worldwide. So get ready to watch this new journey of a sequel from DreamWorks Pictures.

(Source: Wikipedia)