Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government announced that local senior citizens will be administered with bivalent COVID-19 vaccine shots after the local health workers, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government will administer the Covid-19 Vaccine Pfizer Bivalent as a third booster shot to senior citizens after hospital workers.
This was announced by City Health Office chief Dr. Juancho Bunyi on July 3 during the flag-raising ceremony at the Muntinlupa City Hall.
The city government rolled out the administration of the Covid-19 Vaccine Pfizer Bivalent or the Tozinameran+Famtozinameran (Comimaty Original/Omicron BA.4-5), to healthcare workers in hospitals on June 23.
“Pag nasaturate na po natin ang lahat ng healthcare workers na nagtatrabaho sa hospital, ibababa na po natin yan sa A2 category. Eto po yung mga senior citizens (If we finish saturating all healthcare workers working in hospitals, we will bring it down to the A2 category. These are the senior citizens),” said Bunyi.
At the city-run Ospital ng Muntinlupa in Alabang, a total of 62 healthcare workers have already been given the third booster shot.
Bunyi said the city government has already delivered the vaccine to private hospitals.
The Department of Health’s Metro Manila Center for Health Development initially allocated 726 vials or 4,356 doses for Muntinlupa for A1 or health workers in hospitals.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Are there any senior citizens in your local community who have been wanting to avail of the bivalent vaccine shots?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
It has been more than three years since a national emergency was declared in response to COVID-19 and in a recent ambush interview, new Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa said he would recommend the lifting of the nation’s emergency, according to a GMA Network news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news article. Some parts in boldface…
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said Monday that he would recommend lifting the country’s COVID-19 state of public health emergency.
In an ambush interview, Herbosa stressed that COVID-19 no longer posed an emergency and could be treated as any other disease that the Department of Health (DOH) monitors, like influenza, cough, and cold.
“Actually, wala nang emergency eh, ‘di ba? (there is no longer an emergency). I think I would actually ask the lifting of the public health emergency in the country,” he said.
Then-President Rodrigo Duterte declared a state of public health emergency during the onset of the pandemic in March 2020.
Under Proclamation 922, the state of public health emergency would remain in force and effect until lifted or withdrawn by the President.
In May, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that COVID-19 no longer represented a global health emergency.
Herbosa, however, said that the alert level system would remain.
“The alert level system will stay because that’s a system like the typhoon signal that stays. But actually hindi na siya (that’s no longer a) public health emergency. Wala nang (there’s no) public health emergency,” he added.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you believe that COVID-19 itself is no longer the tremendous health problem it used to be?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government officially launched the local rollout of bivalent COVID-19 vaccines starting with the health workers, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government rolled out the administration of the Bivalent Covid-19 vaccine on health workers on June 23.
Lithuania donated to the Philippines the Covid-19 Vaccine Pfizer Bivalent or the Tozinameran + Famtozinameran (Comimaty Original/Omicron BA.4-5).
The Department of Health (DOH) allocated 726 vials or 4,356 doses for health care workers in Muntinlupa.
The city-run Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) got an allocation of 540 doses while the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine had 1,524 doses intended for A1 (health workers) group.
A total of 36 healthcare workers were already vaccinated at OsMun as of this writing.
Under a DOH memorandum issued in March, the Bivalent Covid-19 vaccines will be administered as a third booster shot to people aged at least 18 belonging to priority groups healthcare workers (A1) and senior citizens (A2).
They can get the Bivalent vaccine at least four to six months after getting their second booster shot.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Are you interested in availing of a bivalent shot locally?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
As the issuance of bivalent vaccines for COVID-19 is going on nationwide, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa announced that the said vaccines are effective against the newest Omicron subvariant FE.1, according to a GMA Network news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news article. Some parts in boldface…
Bivalent COVID-19 vaccines remain to be an effective tool to protect people against the recently detected Omicron subvariant FE.1, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said Wednesday.
During the rollout of the bivalent COVID-19 vaccination in the Philippines, the newly appointed chief of the Department of Health (DOH) was asked if the bivalent jabs are also effective against the FE.1, which is a sublineage of the Omicron XBB subvariant.
“Yes. Generally, because this is still Omicron and nilagay na ‘yung Omicron doon sa bivalent vaccine, meron nang cross immunity ‘yan kasi ‘yung mga antigens pareho lang even if it’s a different subvariant. Hindi mahihinto ‘yan,” Herbosa said.
(Yes. Generally, because this FE.1 is still Omicron, and the Omicron has been put in the bivalent vaccine. There is already cross immunity because the antigens are the same even if it’s a different subvariant. It won’t stop.)
The first case of FE.1 or XBB.1.18.1.1 was found in the genome sequencing conducted on May 29 to June 12, 2023, based on DOH’s latest COVID-19 biosurveillance report.
The DOH said FE.1 was added to the list of variants under monitoring by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control on June 1, 2023, and was initially flagged “for its increasing global prevalence,” being detected in 35 countries so far.
The agency, however, stressed that currently available evidence for the subvariant does not suggest any differences in disease severity and/or clinical manifestations compared to the original Omicron variant.
While admitting that he is yet to familiarize with the characteristics of the FE.1, Herbosa said it may also exhibit the same symptoms as those with other Omicron subvariants.
“If you have upper respiratory symptoms [like] sipon, sore throat, ubo, ‘yan ang most common. Occasionally, kagaya sa Arcturus, meron sore eyes. Itong FE.1 I don’t know if ‘yun o pareho lang. Ma-identify dapat ng genetic studies,” he added.
(If you have upper respiratory symptoms like cold, sore throat, and cough, those are the most common symptoms. Occasionally, like Arcturus, there could be sore eyes. I don’t know if it’s the same with FE.1. It should be identified by genetic studies.)
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did anyone from your local community avail of the bivalent vaccine? Does your local government have bivalent vaccines already?
The bivalent vaccines for COVID-19 are being distributed in the National Capital Region (NCR) and other regions here in the Philippines, according to a news report by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). Specifically, the patients who are qualified to receive the shots are the elderly, individuals with co-morbidity, and health care workers.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
The Department of Health (DOH) has begun distributing the 390,000 bivalent coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines donated by the Lithuanian government.
“As we speak, I think they have already been redistributed to the different region(al offices) of the Department of Health,” Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said in a Palace press briefing on Tuesday.
Herbosa noted that most of the jabs went to the National Capital Region while the rest were distributed to the other regions.
The elderly, individuals with co-morbidity, and health care workers will be prioritized in the administration of the bivalent vaccines as booster shots.
The prioritized population must be vaccinated immediately as the bivalent doses only have a six-month shelf-life upon delivery.
“So, kapag binili mo iyan (if you buy them) out of the shelf, like this one, this donation, they end on November 23, that’s the expiry date,” he said.
Although the World Health Organization has already declared an end to Covid-19 as a public health emergency, Herbosa emphasized that the public must not be complacent in its fight against the virus and get vaccinated or receive booster shots.
He explained that getting infected could still lead to death, especially among individuals with co-morbidity.
Acknowledging that the donated doses are not enough, he said the DOH is negotiating to acquire more donations and considering procurement of additional jabs.
However, there are “snags and issues,” which may slow down the procurement process, he said.
“So, the issue of the vaccine is in terms of the EUA (emergency use authorization). So, to procure it, kailangan ma-i-rehistro sa ating (they have to be registered with the) FDA (Food and Drug Administration). But, we are trying hard to get all these bivalent (vaccines),” he said.
Earlier, the DOH reported that 1.002 million doses of Pfizer’s bivalent jabs from the COVAX Facility would arrive in March.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you qualified to receive a third booster shot? Has your local government been distributing the bivalent vaccines?
If you are qualified to receive a 3rd COVID-19 booster shot but you were unable to avail of it due to a lack of supply, then you might be happy to know that the new Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa declared he will acquire additional bivalent COVID-19 vaccines, according to a GMA Network news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news article. Some parts in boldface…
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa on Thursday vowed to acquire more bivalent COVID-19 vaccines as he admits that the country currently does not have enough supply.
In an ambush interview, the new chief of the Department of Health (DOH) said that the more than 390,000 doses of bivalent vaccines donated by Lithuania have already been rolled out, mostly in the National Capital Region (NCR).
“May programa tayo ngayon to acquire as many of the bivalent vaccines… Kulang ‘yung 390,000, we need to get more,” Herbosa said.
(We have a program now to acquire as many of the bivalent vaccines… The 390,000 doses are not enough, we need to get more.)
He, however, acknowledged that there are “technical difficulties” in obtaining the jabs that give protection against the original COVID-19 strain, SARS-CoV-2, and Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5.
“Syempre mahirap, may mga technical difficulties to acquiring the bivalents pero nandiyan tayo. We’re trying to get it and I will push for getting more of these, especially sa mga vulnerable, sa healthcare workers, kasi nagwe-wane na ‘yung dati nilang bakuna so kailangang mabigyan na sila ng bivalent. We’ll try to acquire that, promise ko ‘yan,” Herbosa added.
(Of course it is difficult as there are technical difficulties to acquiring the bivalent jabs, but we are there. We’re trying to get it and I will push for getting more of these, especially for the vulnerable, for the healthcare workers, because their previous vaccine is waning, so they need to receive the bivalent. We’ll try to acquire that, I promise that.)
Currently, only adults belonging to A1 (healthcare workers) and A2 (senior citizens) categories are allowed to receive the Pfizer bivalent vaccine as third booster dose. They need to wait at least four months after receiving their second booster shot before they take the next one.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you have already received four COVID-19 shots – including the two booster shots – do you really need an additional booster shot now? How long has it been since your 2nd booster shot was injected into your body?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
In the progressive city of Muntinlupa, the City Government’s health office announced that the total active COVID-19 cases in the city fell down by 45.8%, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Muntinlupa City’s total active Covid-19 cases continued to decrease in the past two weeks, dipping below 100.
According to the City Health Office (CHO), as of June 5, Muntinlupa has 52 active Covid-19 cases, down by 44 cases or 45.8 percent, compared to 96 tallied as of May 29. The city had 114 active Covid-19 cases as of May 22.
Of the 52 active cases, 13 were recorded in Barangay Putatan, eight in Tunasan, seven each in Poblacion and Alabang, six in Ayala Alabang, four each in Cupang and Sucat, two in Bayanan and one in Buli.
In the past week, Muntinlupa tallied 105 new Covid-19 cases with the confirmed cases totaling 47,110 from 47,005. There were zero deaths in the past week while recoveries totaled 149 from 46,245 to 46,394. There are 13 probable cases in Muntinlupa as of June 5.
The Department of Health (DOH) reported on June 5 that there were 9,107 new Covid-19 cases nationwide from May 29 to June 4, down by 22 percent compared to the total from May 22 to 28.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Do you feel safer or more confident now that the number of active COVID-19 cases in the city went down sharply? Are there still lots of unvaccinated people in your local community right now?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Motorists who wish to avail of the newest edition of vehicular stickers (2023-2024) from the Alabang Hills Village Association (AHVA) are welcome to apply for them – online or offline – starting with the non-resident/pass thru stickers. For a general reference, posted below is the AHVA’s image with details about the program.
This is to inform you that the AHVA Vehicle Sticker program for 2023-2024 will commence on Monday, May 15. Following is the schedule of the program by type of vehicle sticker:
• Non-resident / Pass Thru: starting May 15
• Commercial and Don Manolo Blvd (New Life Alabang, San Beda College Alabang): starting June 1
• Resident (Homeowners, Lot Owners, Tenants) and Bicycle/Motorcycle: starting July 1.
For orderly and timely processing and as a Covid-19 safety precaution, applications for Sticker Processing & Issuance will need to be done by appointment. Here are the alternative approaches by which you could apply for a vehicle sticker(s):
Click on the vehicle sticker category that you are applying for. Please take note of the start dates by vehicle category. The online system for each category will go ‘live’ a few days before each of the indicated start dates.
Download and print an application form and fill out as required.
Follow the online instructions, ensuring you pick a Processing & Issuance day and time that will work best for you.
6. You will see a Confirmation page after you successfully book an appointment. You will also receive a Confirmatory Email shortly thereafter.
Offline Application
A. AHVA Office Visit: If you cannot or have difficulty applying online, please drop by the AHVA Office during office hours and we will be happy to help you book an appointment. This facility will be available to both Seniors and non-Seniors.
B. Dropbox Submission: Alternatively, you can submit your vehicle sticker application form via dropbox. The Vehicle Sticker Application Form Dropbox will be located in the AHVA Office. Please allow our Sticker Processor a few days to call you to set up your appointment date and time.
You are required to wear a face mask and observe social distancing when you come to the Admin Office whether to apply for a sticker or to bring your vehicle for stickering.
Sticker Fees – Sticker fees will remain the same as last year’s except for the sticker fee for Don Manolo Blvd. An increase is needed to help the Association cover for increased maintenance expenses due to heavy wear and tear of this road.
For your convenience, posted below is the most recent application form from AHVA’s website…
For inquiries about this new development, visit https://alabanghillsvillage.com/ or call them at 88508254. You can visit their office at 1 Don Jesus Boulevard inside Alabang Hills Village from Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM. Always remember to follow their rules and speed limits whenever you are in the village.
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
As the number of new cases of COVID-19 infection continues to rise here in the Philippines, OCTA Research announced that the positivity rate in Metro Manila may peak next week, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news article. Some parts in boldface…
The Covid-19 positivity rate in Metro Manila may peak next week, but the 25 percent initial projection will not be reached, said OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David on Tuesday, May 9.
David noted that only a “slight” increase in the current Covid-19 positivity rate was observed in Metro Manila, which could indicate that the “increasing trend is slowing down.”
“Metro Manila’s seven-day positivity rate increased slightly to 22.9 percent as of May 7, 2023. It was at 17.8 percent on April 30,” David said.
“The increasing trend is slowing down, and the peak could happen within the next week or so. The positivity rate could also miss the 25 percent mark,” he pointed out.
On May 8, David said that the increasing Covid-19 cases, driven by the Omicron subvariant XBB.1.16, may begin to decline “hopefully by late May or June.”
Positivity rate refers to the number of individuals who yielded positive results from among those who have been tested for Covid-19.
The benchmark for the positivity rate set by the World Health Organization is 5 percent.
The Department of Health on Monday reported 1,545 new Covid-19 cases across the country, of which 677 cases were recorded in Metro Manila.
He said the country’s current positivity rate was down to 18.8 percent on May 8, from 19.9 percent on May 7.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did the recent increase of COVID-19 infection impact your living or your livelihood? Have been wearing a face mask more often over the past two weeks? Were you approached by members of the anti-vaccine community recently?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from watching the movie and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.
Welcome back, readers! For only the 2nd time since the COVID-19 pandemic affected the world, I managed to watch a movie inside the local cinema at SM Southmall in Las Piñas City. What is intriguing is that the movie I saw is actually a carefully edited compilation of footage sourced from an upcoming live-action series that is an ambitious Philippine adaptation of a certain giant robot anime from Japan. The movie I saw was Voltes V: Legacy – The Cinematic Experience. Behind it all, the movie is part of GMA Network’s strategy of building up awareness for the Voltes V: Legacy TV series set to launch on May 8, 2023.
For the newcomers reading this, the original Voltes V anime series (Japanese title: Chôdenji mashin Borutesu Faibu) was launched in Japan in 1977. Shortly after, it made its English language debut here in the Philippines (note: Japanese characters’ names were Westernized) and ultimately it became very popular and it made an impact on millions of Filipinos who saw it and replayed it in the many years that followed. I noticed that many Filipinos of my generation think of Voltes V first when anime comes to mind. While I myself never became a fan, I saw lots of Voltes V anime episodes on TV at a time when Internet access, video streaming and social media were not yet realized here in the Philippines. I even saw GMA’s edited Voltes V anime movie (containing footage of the final five episodes of the anime series) in the cinema in 1999.
In recent years, GMA Network and its local talents joined forces with Toei Company of Japan to create a live-action TV series adaptation of the anime and there will be eighty episodes (double the anime TV series’ episode count) for broadcasting nationwide. This is Voltes V: Legacy and already the local production team went through lots of hard work making the episodes, the sets, the props, the costumes and the computer-generated images (CGI) to bring the classic series into life in coordination with Toei which reviewed and supervised the production. A lot of money has been spent into Voltes V: Legacy which was felt in GMA’s increased production costs.
As for Voltes V: Legacy – The Cinematic Experience, the so-called movie contains varied footage allegedly from the first three weeks’ worth of TV episodes and it was exclusively screened in SM Cinema sites around the country for a limited time.
The story begins in the planet of Boazan where people with horns live in prosperity and privilege while those without horns have no choice but to live a hard, lower life. A gifted young Boazanian man named Hrothgar – who was born into royalty without horns and lived with his personal secret long enough into adulthood – was exposed by Zambojil’s group to be hornless and unworthy of Boazan’s throne. Sometime later, Hrothgar leads several fellow slaves and prisoners in an uprising against Emperor Zambojil’s authority. Before getting overwhelmed by the imperial forces, Hrothgar escapes into space with an Boazanian spacecraft and crashes into the sea on Earth.
He is discovered by Mary Ann and he gets introduced to Dr. Smith and Commander Robinson. Hrothgar informs them of his Boazanian origin and he expressed to them that Earth’s defenses are too weak to protect its people from alien invaders. As he adjusts with Earth life, Hrothgar changes his name into Ned Armstrong, marries Mary Ann and have children together. After several years on Earth, Ned Armstrong worked closely with Dr. Smith to prepare the people for future invasions…
Quality
The iconic Voltes V looks bulkier and more mechanical in CGI form and the good news is that the overall quality is great and there is a lot of fun seeing the giant robot in action. (photo source – the Voltes V: Legacy – The Cinematic Experience trailer)
To begin with, the creative team of GMA managed to establish a cohesive narrative for the cinematic experience which is not an easy thing to do considering all the content from many selected episodes that had to be edited and arranged properly. This involves the presentation of the story details, the live-action elements, the CGI-heavy shots and the human performances to create a narrative that was easy enough to follow and absorb in my experience. I noticed that the so-called movie moved at a medium-to-fast pace which is not surprising because the goal of GMA was to entertain moviegoers and convince them to anticipate the live action TV series. Considering the speed of the pacing, there were some moments when I felt that some scenes were missing which only reminded me that the slower and more dramatic moments were being saved for the TV series.
When it comes to adapting the classic anime’s elements into live action, the creative team did a pretty good job most of the time. The costumes of the five pilots were made with a more practical physical design (note: they are not body tight) while retaining the classic colors and the V logo. The interior set of the Camp Big Falcon operations room looked more futuristic complete with having many people simultaneously operating. The interior set showing Prince Zardoz and his trusted companions closely resembles that of the anime. There was one particular physical set that did not look convincing – the outdoor street market in Boazan early in the movie had that indoor feel which not even the lighting could hide and the CGI shot showing the rest of the outdoor area and the far distance did not match with the place.
More on the artistic side of the presentation, I enjoyed the way the production people emulated the classic anime designs of not only the characters but also the key structures (places) and the giant robots (Voltes V and the two beast fighters) into live action. The cinematic Prince Zardoz looks so much like his anime counterpart and the same can be said about Dr. Smith and Mrs. Armstrong. The two beast fighters here were rendered to look much like their anime versions but were animated in a way to emphasize mass and scale.
The strategic posing in this notable shot is a fun and honorable throwback to a key moment in the very first episode of the original Voltes V anime TV series. (photo source – the Voltes V: Legacy – The Cinematic Experience trailer)
There were some notable artistic discrepancies and flaws however. The cinematic Princess Zandra, Draco and Commander Robinson clearly did not quite match their anime counterparts. For some reason, Princess Zandra appeared with a very different costume displaying subtle sexiness instead of royalty. Could it be possible the creative team took inspiration from the Fatima Blush character (played by Barbara Carrera) in the 1983 James Bond movie Never Say Never Again while modernizing Princess Zandra? As for Draco, he does not look as intimidating as his anime version and he even looks more like a cosplayer! Commander Robinson here does not display the maturity of the anime version due to the questionable quality of the costume provided and the actor’s appearance. In my experience watching the anime series, Commander Robinson looked and felt like a military man in his early fifties which the live action version never captured.
Now I want to talk about Voltes V itself. The highlight of the CGI combined with really good art direction is the iconic giant robot, including the five vehicles that compose it. To begin with, the use of CGI emphasizing multiple moving mechanical parts to emphasize Voltes V is a very smart move done by special effects team. While each vehicle has a new visual aesthetic to match the live action approach, they still remained recognizable to me. The biggest visual highlight in the movie is the volt-in sequence when each vehicle combined to form Voltes V in robotic form. As each vehicle connected to each other, the classic sequence from the anime was replicated excellently. Given the artistic direction and the CGI’s emphasis of multiple moving parts, the volt-in sequence here is much more detailed than the anime version! I should state that it is very likely that the visual effects team worked overtime to achieve the high-level of detail, the vibrant colors and the impressive animation on Voltes V.
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With the approach on multiple moving parts, Voltes V itself looks bulkier in a mechanical fashion which I really admire. It should be stated that showcasing the iconic giant robot in action – complete with CGI presentation of the many Voltes weapons – is a visual feast complete with very vibrant colors! Each time Voltes V hits a beast fighter by punching or using a weapon, there is strong impact felt with each blow! The sound effects team really did good work adding weight and power to the action.
The work done by the special effects crew in this external shot of Jamie Robinson’s cockpit is very impressive and detailed! Ysabel Ortega acted convincingly to what happened. (photo source – the Voltes V: Legacy – The Cinematic Experience trailer)
Considering the high detail and strong animation on Voltes V, the two beast fighters shown in this movie had very similar visual qualities. There was no major discrepancy on visual quality between the iconic robot and the enemy during battles.
More on the CGI, I can declare that the locally produced visual effects (by GMA Video and Riot, Inc.) looked very good for the most part! Apart from the battles between the giant figures, the sequences of animating the Voltes V vehicles, the Boazanian flying saucers (with fast moving sharp edges that make them resemble motorized wood-cutting blades), the fighter planes and physical damage of places were nice to see. There were, however, several explosions that were badly rendered (note: even looking flat and out of place) in key scenes and there were moments when military vehicles looked more like they belong in video games from a few console generations ago. The formation of the blade of Voltes V’s laser sword clearly needs more work as it looks unpolished. In the post-credits scene, CGI for Octo 1 was badly done!
Apart from action scenes, the giant robots and their weapons, CGI was also used on established places or structures. Camp Big Falcon really looks magnificent while the floating mechanical Boazanian skull appeared very creepy. In shots showing the far distance, Camp Big Falcon in the background still looks good even though the visual quality falls short of capturing true photo-realism.
Considering the way GMA edited the footage and selected visual effects shots for this so-called movie, the overall quality of the CGI literally landed some notches short of photo-realistic levels. That’s not criticism at all but a confirmation that Filipino-produced CGI showcased here is the best I have seen yet! All in all, an impressive ton of work by the special effects teams using computers.
As for the human performances, I can say that the cast collectively did a good job bringing the characters to life and this includes paying special attention to details from anime while adding certain elements that reflect modernization. Zardoz was portrayed to be sadistic and obsessed on conquering planet Earth which reflects his imperial task and the pressure that comes with it. Sometimes, Zardoz looked and acted even psychotic. Mary Ann Armstrong is the definitive mother figure here and the producers emphasized her more with scenes showing her as a very focused authority during crisis as well as a tender and loving woman during her time with the family. In some ways, Mary Ann Armstrong is almost like the protagonist of this so-called movie and the live action version looks deeper than the anime version. While the live action Commander Robinson needs a lot of improving, Dr. Smith here really looks and feels like he was instantly ripped off the anime resulting in a very straightforward version fans will recognize. The live action Ned Armstrong here has some elements that deviate from what was portrayed in the anime (note: a very skilled fighter whose moves were so obviously choreographed during an action scene) while retaining key elements that still made him recognizable.
The actors who played the five pilots of Voltes V performed nicely. Even with all the layered Tagalog expressions (including gestures that we Filipinos are familiar with), Steve, Big Bert, Little Jon, Mark and Jamie are all very recognizable not in terms of looks but through the dialogue, character details and acting. The production team really worked hard to not only balance their respective shares of the spotlight, but also get good enough performances from the actors. Take note that apart from the on-set dramatization, the actors of the Voltes V team had to perform accordingly in their respective cockpit scenes (note: the special effects teams painstakingly provided all the CGI to specifically reflect what had been happening with the pilots and with their machines) and this includes internal communications between the members. What we have right now are the best actors available portraying Steve, Big Bert, Little Jon, Mark and Jamie and making them recognizable in terms of characterization.
With regards to the music, I can say that this one clearly needs improvement. There is orchestrated music in this cinematic experience that played new tunes while also redoing/recycling classic tunes from the anime TV series. When the anime tunes were played by the orchestra with a modern approach, they were recognizable to my ears but the power and essence of the original tunes were not replicated successfully. Sometimes, I just wished that the anime tunes were played more while the orchestra focused more on providing new music.
As for the famous Voltes V theme song, the new version performed by Julie Anne San Jose is a letdown! I’m not saying San Jose is a bad singer but her version – which even used the Japanese lyrics – lacked impact compared to the original version. While the volt-in sequence proved to be a grand visual feast for the fans and viewers who love great looking CGI sequences, its cinematic impact was brought down a bit by San Jose’s version of the theme song. How I wish that the movie producers just used the classic song from the 1970s anime series!
This original theme song should have been used in Voltes V: Legacy instead of the new version.
Conclusion
As expected, Voltes V: Legacy – The Cinematic Experience has a mix of strong points and flaws. The good news is that the good outweighed the bad and I pretty much enjoyed this cinematic version of the live action adaptation done by GMA, its strategic partners and the local talents. As this so-called movie was a mix of content from several episodes edited to form a suitable narrative, it succeeded in entertaining and engaging me. Yes, there were flaws and there were some parts showing weaknesses but those things did not damage the viewing experience too much. There is a good amount of fun with this so-called movie.
Obviously this cinematic version is part of GMA Network’s strategy to build up anticipation for the upcoming TV series (which has a declared 80 episodes for broadcasting). While some people will perceive Voltes V: Legacy – The Cinematic Experience as a blatant form of marketing or even as corporate gimmick, I personally see it as a worthy showcase in the local cinema (note: cinemas here in the Philippines are still recovering from the massive damage of COVID-19) and it just might not be repeated. Let me remind you readers that this newest Voltes V adaptation highlights the peak of Filipino-produced CGI visuals and the Filipinos’ collective efforts to really make a worthy live action adaptation of a foreign entertainment property. This so-called movie is clearly not perfect (note: it is not deserving of perfect 10/10 scores that others gave it) but it is pretty good to watch in the cinema.
Voltes V looks better than ever and made a big entertaining impact in the cinema. How will Voltes V: Legacy turn out on TV given the fact that there are so many episodes set for broadcasting?(photo source – the Voltes V: Legacy – The Cinematic Experience trailer)
As mentioned earlier, I’m not a fan of the Voltes V anime and I’m not exactly anticipating the Voltes V: Legacy TV series. I do confirm that the long-lasting legacy Voltes V is clearly thriving here in the Philippines and the new TV series could potentially make a deep impact on Filipinos who love entertainment and possibly replicate what happened in the 1970s and 1980s when the classic anime TV aired on TV nationwide. How the new TV series will turn out is clearly GMA’s own problem.
Overall, Voltes V: Legacy – The Cinematic Experience is recommended.
Author Carlo Carrasco 