Nostalgia of the 90s and 2000s: Video City, CD-R King, and the Loss of a Collection to Typhoon Ondoy

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

"Mas addict kami sa Video City rentals at collecting Marvel and DC comics plus graphical novels. 

Noong mauso ang CD-writers around year 2000, more on CD-R and CD-RWs ang collection of MP3s ko..some burned from original audio CDs...but for movies, bumibili talaga ako ng original or nanghihiram sa mga friends at classmates para kopyahin ko on CDs... Lahat yata ng CD-R King designs ay nabili ko na..sangkatutak pa kung bumili ako.

Lahat ay nasira dahil nabaha noong Ondoy noong 2009."

During the 1990s and early 2000s, renting movies from Video City and collecting Marvel and DC comics, along with graphic novels, were an integral part of many Filipinos’ lives. These activities brought entertainment and joy to countless people.

Video City: The Nation’s Favorite Video Rental Shop

Founded in 1986 by Viva Home Entertainment, Video City became the go-to destination for movie lovers in the Philippines. At its peak in the 2000s, it had nearly 300 branches nationwide. Its affordable rental fees and vast collection of films—from local classics to international blockbusters—made it incredibly popular.

However, the rise of pirated VCDs and DVDs, followed by high-speed internet and streaming services, led to its decline. By 2015, Video City closed its remaining branches, marking the end of an era in the Philippine video rental industry. (PLDTHome.com)

CD-R King: The King of Affordable Technology

CD-R King made its mark in 1997 as the go-to store for affordable CD-Rs and CD-RWs, which were the popular storage media of that time. Over the years, the company expanded its product line to include various electronic gadgets, computer accessories, and more.

Many people were drawn to their low prices and wide variety of products. However, with the rise of e-commerce platforms like Lazada and Shopee, along with the availability of higher-quality products at competitive prices, CD-R King’s popularity declined. By 2020, most of its branches had shut down, signaling the end of its operations. (Wikipedia)

The Tragedy of Typhoon Ondoy

On September 26, 2009, Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) struck Metro Manila and nearby provinces, causing massive flooding. Countless homes were submerged, and along with them, collections of comics, graphic novels, and other valuable possessions were lost. This disaster was a heartbreaking loss for collectors and served as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding treasured items.

Looking Back and Keeping the Passion Alive

While technology and media consumption have evolved, the love for comics and films remains strong among many Filipinos. Today, digital copies of favorite comics and movies are readily available on various online platforms. However, the nostalgia of renting movies at Video City, collecting comics, and buying gadgets from CD-R King remains a cherished part of Philippine pop culture history.

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