Wazzup Pilipinas!?
Voltes V is a classic anime series that first aired in Japan in 1977. Created by Tadao Nagahama and produced by Toei Animation, the show quickly became a global sensation due to its exciting storyline, colorful characters, and iconic mecha designs. In the Philippines, Voltes V gained a massive following during the 80s and 90s, becoming a cultural touchstone for an entire generation of fans. In 2020, GMA Network, one of the country's biggest television networks, announced that they would be producing a live-action adaptation of Voltes V, much to the excitement of fans around the world.
The story of Voltes V follows a group of five young pilots who must band together to fight against an evil alien race that has invaded Earth. The pilots, who are siblings, are the children of a renowned scientist who created the titular mecha, a giant robot that can transform into five separate vehicles. With the help of their loyal robot assistant, they must use their unique skills and abilities to defeat the invaders and save humanity from destruction.
The anime series became a massive hit in the Philippines during the 80s and 90s, becoming a cultural phenomenon that spawned countless merchandise, comic books, and even a hit theme song that is still widely recognized today. The show's popularity in the country is due in part to its themes of heroism, family, and unity, which resonated deeply with Filipino audiences.
In 2020, GMA Network announced that they would be producing a live-action adaptation of Voltes V, which would be directed by Mark Reyes and written by Suzette Doctolero. The series, which was tentatively titled "Voltes V: Legacy," would be a retelling of the original story, with some updates and changes to make it more relevant to modern audiences.
The announcement was met with mixed reactions from fans, many of whom were excited to see their beloved childhood show brought to life on the small screen, while others were skeptical of the network's ability to do justice to the original series. Despite the concerns, production on the show began in late 2020, with casting announcements being made in early 2021.
The main cast of the series includes Radson Flores as Steve Armstrong (the pilot of the Voltes V head), Miguel Tanfelix as Mark Gordon (the pilot of the right arm), Ysabel Ortega as Jamie Robinson (the pilot of the left arm), and Matt Lozano as Big Bert Armstrong (the pilot of the torso). The series also stars Sophie Albert as Dr. Smith (the children's mentor and the designer of Voltes V), and Martin del Rosario as Prince Zardoz (the leader of the invading alien race).
The show's production values are impressive, with the mecha designs and special effects being a particular standout. The mecha itself is a faithful recreation of the original design, with some minor tweaks to make it more modern and realistic. The special effects used to bring the mecha and the alien invaders to life are also impressive, with the battles between the two being some of the most exciting and visually stunning moments of the series.
The series also makes some changes to the original story to make it more relevant to modern audiences. For example, the characters of Mark and Jamie are given more prominent roles, with their relationship being explored in more depth. The show also touches on themes of identity, belonging, and prejudice, with the alien race being portrayed as a group of refugees who are seeking a new home after their planet was destroyed.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
