(Partial) Memories Of An 80's Childhood part two

Signing on

Just because I was a kid doesn't mean that I do not watch shows starring material and flesh and blood actors at all. Heck, I do remember watching Iskul Bukol and was laughing at the antics of the Escalera Brothers and their latest caper that usually ends in disaster, for them at least. I also loved T.O.D.A.S ( Joey De Leon, Val Sotto, Spanky Rigor, Frieda Fonda, Maribeth Bichara and later, Jimmy Santos) especially their knock-knock jokes, gags and sketches. That show lasted for, I think 11 years before Bubble Gang broke their record just recently. How about Champoy with Subas Herrero and Noel Trinidad? I loved that show. Bet most of you remember Ora Encantada, shown every Sunday with Luz Valdez playing storytelling grandmother. Following that was Happy House, a family sitcom starring Tito Sotto, Sandy Andolong, Isabel Granada, Aga Muhlach and Laura Hermosa. Then when nine o' clock strikes it time for my all time favorite comedy show of all time: Sic O' Clock News, with "anchormen" Jimmy Fabregas and Ces Quesada, together with Junix Inocalla, Wilson Go, Rene Requiestas (deceased), Errol Dionisio (also deceased), Ching Arellano and other names I couldn't remember.

That's Entertainment? Well, I remember that, but sorry, I'm no fan of love teams; most of my female cousins are. Eat Bulaga? Of course! Tito, Vic and Joey? they're my heroes then. Drama? Hmm, the only drama that I remembered was Lovingly Yours, Helen with the late Helen Vela. How could I forget that: my mom watches that every Sunday afternoon right after GMA Supershow. Wait! there was also Maricel Drama Special in channel 2. How could I forgot about that. Okay, hmm I think I'll mention Discovery Drama Special hosted by newscaster Angelique Lazo. You know, the show that works like a some sort of a laboratory for up and coming actors. Well, the only actor who I can still remember is Dennis Balthazar. I wonder where are the rest are doing now? Sitcoms? Aside from Iskul Bukol which I had mentioned, I remember Chicks to Chicks, Sitak ni Jack, Barrio Balimbing, Manok ni San Pedro, and... and... darn, that's all that I could recall!

Superseryes has become a regular staple in today's TV, but to be frank, it's not a new, novel idea. Let's be honest: some of us recall Kapitan Kidlat and Darna over PTV 4. Twinbill? I'm not a Kapamilya, for your information, and I am very aware that rabid Kapusos out there will come out and lynch me for this, but as I recall ABS-CBN came up with a similar format, a short-lived one, if I recall correctly ( I hope), starring Robin Padilla ( as a superhero whose moniker I no longer remember) and Manilyn Reynes (as a dead girl turned guardian angel). Fantaseryes? Hmm, aside from Ora Encantada, most agree that Okay Ka, Fairy Ko was the prototype of the fantaserye, and I hope that I'm right. Horror Stories? Gosh, Regal Shocker (GMA) and that other show on channel 13 scared the ghost out of me (no pun intended).

Hey, how about shows that came from the other side of the world? GMA used to air a lot of them during that time, especially on primetime. I loved watching Knight Rider just because I was amused with the talking car KITT. Punky Brewster: occasionally. A Different World, St. Elsewhere, Miami Vice, China Beach, Baby Boom, Scarecrow and Mrs. King, Knot's Landing et al. : never watched a single episode. The Cosby Show: watched once, never followed; couldn't fathom the humor. All Star Professional Wrestling:OOPS! That was on channel 13; but that was my first time that I watched grown men in their underwear "beat the hell out" of each other. That's where I was introduced to Hulk Hogan, Iron Sheik, Andre the Giant, Ricky Steamboat, Tito Santana, Ric Flair, Don Muraco, Ronnie Garvin, etc. McGyver: I wished I had his improvisational ingenuity. Imagine building an aircraft out of bamboo and motor, making bombs using common household cleaning materials, or turn a fountain pen into a gun. That's so cool.
(to be continued)

Signing off