Post 8: Anime Dubbing in the Philippines

Anime has conquered Filipino TV. Popular local TV channels like ABS-CBN, GMA, TV 5, RPN 9, IBC 13 and even Studio 23 are now participating with the anime craze with their own versions of anime titles. But since originally Anime series are dubbed with Japanese they are now obliged with dubbing the series with our local Filipino language.

According to MMX's The History of Anime in the Philippines, Anime wasn't really noticed upon its arrival to Philippine Television. Local channels at the time were airing American cartoons and somehow they just mix up, leading the viewers to think that they are watching cartoons. The very first anime series to grace television was 'Mecha' series like Voltron, Mazinger Z, Voltes V and Daimos. They were amongst the most popular anime shows ever aired, especially Voltes V and Daimos which are still being aired to this day, care of GMA 7.





As the 'Mecha' series era eventually passed, another genre of anime caught the eyes of the public. Drama titles like Sarah: Ang Munting Prinsesa, Cedie: Ang Munting Prinsipe, Charlotte, Heidi and Daddy Long Legs, became popular to the masses (especially kids and their yayas) as Filipinos are naturally attracted to drama.

But as years go by, Anime styles and plots change, eventually the quality of dubbing comes and goes with it. Nowadays, Filipino dubbers are beginning to slip, Otakus who often watch anime on local television  notice the bad dubbing of the characters. The usually meek and sweet voices of quiet characters  are now replaced with bold, gruff voices. In addition, there is the airing time, the originally allotted 30 minute time slots are cut to 15 minutes, also the beautiful and entertaining opening and closing songs are cut short, leaving viewers unsatisfied.

As an overview, channel-wise:

ABS-CBN: Anime status has changed little for no good. ABS had a line up of good anime titles but it was such a waste, since they cut their time slots and eventually there are just 1 to 2 anime titles airing everyday.

TV 5: TV 5 had a good start in the Anime industry. Airing anime titles like Shakugan no Shana, D. Gray-man, Code Geass and Special A with good quality dubbing, they were at some time the Anime Center for local television. But as the newly appointed channel grew and started getting more celebrity talents, Anime shows were shortened and eventually died down. But I commend TV 5, because for the short time period they have shown Anime they finished the said titles with accuracy.

GMA 7: The channel that really changed the status of anime in Philippine TV. GMA 7 saw the potential of anime for high ratings ,so using their slogan “We are Anime”, they brought back great anime hits in the Philippines like Ghost Fighter and put anime in primetime slots. We have yet to see other channels if they will try to emulate what GMA did. GMA 7 also aired the ever popular Gundam series (Gundam W and Gundam G). But the problem with GMA 7 is that they tend to repeat their titles, exhausting the viewers. Currently repeated titles are: Dragon Ball, Slam Dunk, Voltes V, Pokemon, Ghost Fighter and Flame of Recca.

RPN 9 and IBC 13: The two channels who first aired those anime hits that GMA 7 is slowly bringing back today. So far, these two channels have been quiet in the anime scene. RPN 9 aired Sweet tales of St. Tail but without success. IBC 13 tried with small time animes but also to no avail. We know they have taste in animes but only time will tell if ever they will air another anime hit here in the Philippines.

Studio 23: Studio 23 (owned by ABS-CBN) had initiative to air anime series. Studio 23 aired Samurai X(Ruroni Kenshin) and Zenki, which, to the dismay of viewers, they didn’t finish.

The Philippines also launched their own Anime Channel, Hero. All anime titles, aforementioned are now being aired to the said channel along with new Tagalog-dubbed series. In brief information by the blog of Hero:

"Reminisce and relive the magic of your childhood with classics such as Voltes V, Combattler V, and even Shaider. Sink your teeth into the most popular titles to-date - Naruto, Beyblade, Gate Keepers, and Tokyo Underground. Then, marvel at up and coming programs that will be sure to blow your mind : Crush Gear Nitro, Beyblade V-Force, Captain Kuppa, Gransazers, Rocket Kidz, and D.I.C.E., to mention a few."

With Hero's Tagalog-dubbed titles, Filipinos can now fully understand the difference between Anime and Cartoons. Also, since Hero, is a channel whose sole purpose is to show Anime-related shows all day long, Otakus, like myself can now relish old and new anime 24/7. Giving Filipinos time to watch Anime to watch it like back in the days.