VOLTES V Stalwarts Larry Chan, GMA Network Honored by Japanese Embassy

Watch VOLTES V LIBERATION for free at the Japanese Film Festival Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Feb 1-11, 2024, then SM Seaside Cebu Feb 16-25, SM Baguio, SM Iloilo and SM Davao from Feb 23-March 3, and back in the UPFI from Feb 22-March 2, 2024.

Written by

Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista

The man who brought VOLTES V to the Philippines in the 1970s, Telesuccess CEO Larry Chan, together with GMA Network Execs and VOLTES V LEGACY cast were given an Ambassador’s Citation by the Japanese Embassy last February 1, 2024.

From left: Japan Emb. Deputy Chief of Mission Kenichi Matsuda, Telesuccess Chairman & CEO Larry Chan. Watch the best animation and live action movies for free at the Japanese Film Festival, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Feb 1-11, 2024, then SM Seaside Cebu Feb 16-25, SM Baguio, SM Iloilo and SM Davao from Feb 23-March 3, and back in the UPFI from Feb 22-March 2, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista

Japanese Deputy Chief of Mission Kenichi Matsuda said, “We honor Japanese culture trailblazers in the Philippines. In this special moment we applaud and celebrate their remarkable contributions for the promotion of Japanese culture… We believe they will continue to be a bridge between our two countries.”

Watch the best animation and live action movies for free at the Japanese Film Festival – Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Feb 1-11, 2024, then SM Seaside Cebu Feb 16-25, SM Baguio, SM Iloilo and SM Davao from Feb 23-March 3, and back in the UPFI from Feb 22-March 2, 2024.

Shang Rila Plaza’s Grand Atrium in Mandaluyong was the prestigious venue for the ceremony. Which also happens to be the home of the Japanese Film Festival. The opening of the fest coincided with the awarding.

From left: Japan Foundation Manila Dir Ben Suzuki, FDCP Rep Marian Torres and Shang Rila Plaza Head of Operations Johnny Rios. Watch the best animation and live action movies for free at the Japanese Film Festival – Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Feb 1-11, 2024, then SM Seaside Cebu Feb 16-25, SM Baguio, SM Iloilo and SM Davao from Feb 23-March 3, and back in the UPFI from Feb 22-March 2, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista

VOLTES V LIBERATION, the final episode to the animation saga will be screened for free together with VOLTES V LEGACY CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE a live action version, proudly Philippine made. All 13 films in the Japan Film Fest will be screened for free in RED CARPET Cinemas in Shang Plaza Mall, from Feb 1-11, 2024, then SM Seaside City Cebu Feb 16-25, SM Baguio, SM Iloilo and SM Davao from Feb 23-March 3, and back in the UPFI from Feb 22-March 2, 2024.

To find out the many titles and schedules of the screenings log on to: https://japanesefilmfestph.jfmo.org.ph/

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VOLTES V’s Pinoy History

For many kids who are now grown-ups VOLTES V was the very first anime series to capture the imagination of the whole country. It became an obsession for so many kids in the 1970s. VOLTES V started the Japanese animation craze that then followed up with MAZINGER Z, DAIMOS which became NARUTO (2000s) to today’s SLAM DUNK.

Deputy Chief of Mission Kenichi Matsuda described the phenomenon in his speech, “In 1978, Mr. Larry Chan obtained the rights to the Japanese anime VOLTES V from Toei Company. Which was then broadcast on Philippine TV stations. It soon became an immediate favorite as Anime captivated audiences sparked a nationwide phenomenon. The wave of robot fascination that swept Japan now landed on Philippine shores with Voltes V.”

Japan Emb. Deputy Chief of Mission Kenichi Matsuda; Watch the best animation and live action movies for free at the Japanese Film Festival – Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Feb 1-11, 2024, then SM Seaside Cebu Feb 16-25, SM Baguio, SM Iloilo and SM Davao from Feb 23-March 3, and back in the UPFI from Feb 22-March 2, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista

Anime as Gateway

Anime is defined as Japanese style cartoon, that for many was an introduction to Japanese culture: movies, music like J-Pop etc. Anime has a wider market for both kids and adults in Japan that was adopted in the West and everywhere else.

From left: Japan Foundation Manila Dir Ben Suzuki, GMA Senior Project Mgr Helen Rose Sese, GMA VP for Drama Cheryl Ching Sy, Japan Emb. Deputy Chief of Mission Kenichi Matsuda, Telesuccess Chairman & CEO Larry Chan, Direk Mark Reyes V, Telesuccess VP Operations Teejay Del Rosario, Telesuccess VP Special Proj Larson Chan, GMA Exec. Prod Darling Pulido-Torres, Matt Lozano (Big Bert) and Radson Flores (Mark). Watch the best animation and live action movies for free at the Japanese Film Festival – Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Feb 1-11, 2024, then SM Seaside Cebu Feb 16-25, SM Baguio, SM Iloilo and SM Davao from Feb 23-March 3, and back in the UPFI from Feb 22-March 2, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista

Matsuda continued, “Since then for the past 45 years, VOLTES V has been loved by Filipinos. Capturing the hearts of many and transcending generations with its tale of family love, enduring friendship and timeless romance. Today, anime in particular serves as a gateway of Filipinos to Japanese culture. Mr. Larry Chan’s pioneering work stand as a legacy chapter in the history of cultural exchange between Japan and the Philippines.”

Watch the best animation and live action movies for free at the Japanese Film Festival -Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Feb 1-11, 2024, then SM Seaside Cebu Feb 16-25, SM Baguio, SM Iloilo and SM Davao from Feb 23-March 3, and back in the UPFI from Feb 22-March 2, 2024.

Larry Chan

Matsuda credited Larry Chan and his company Telesuccess Productions, “As being instrumental in bringing an array of captivating works to the Philippines. From iconic, super, electromagnetic machine, VOLTES V to the beloved SLAM DUNK and BOYS OVER FLOWERS and many more Filipino favorites. His contributions have left a lasting impact on the culture landscape.”

VOLTES FIVE LEGACY Awardees, from left: GMA Exec. Prod Darling Pulido-Torres, GMA Senior Project Mgr Helen Rose Sese, GMA VP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Japan Emb. Deputy Chief of Mission Kenichi Matsuda, Direk Mark Reyes V, Matt Lozano (Big Bert) and Radson Flores (Mark). Watch the best animation and live action movies for free at the Japanese Film Festival, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Feb 1-11, 2024, then SM Seaside Cebu Feb 16-25, SM Baguio, SM Iloilo and SM Davao from Feb 23-March 3, and back in the UPFI from Feb 22-March 2, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista

Chan, in his speech, acknowledged GMA Vice President Cheryl Ching-Sy and explained what he saw in VOLTES V all those years ago, “This year 2024, not only marks my 50^th year in the entertainment industry, it also marks a very dynamic business relationship with GMA Network… In 1977, when I first saw VOLTES V animation in the preview room of Toei Company. It was a goosebump inducing ‘wow’ moment. By the standard of yesteryear’s Voltes V, was a very excellent animation to a powerful and unique storyline that imparts and reflect our very own Filipino family values.”

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Telesuccess Pioneers Dubbing Industry

The need to dub VOLTES V from Japanese to English created a niche for Telesuccess. Chan said, “In those days, to help VOLTES V in the Philippines, dubbing to English was a necessity. Our company took up the critical challenge to pioneer the TV dubbing industry in our country.”

Telesuccess Chairman & CEO Larry Chan; Watch the best animation and live action movies for free at the Japanese Film Festival – Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Feb 1-11, 2024, then SM Seaside Cebu Feb 16-25, SM Baguio, SM Iloilo and SM Davao from Feb 23-March 3, and back in the UPFI from Feb 22-March 2, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista

Auspicious 555 GMA Debut

Chan remembered fondly the original time slot on GMA 7, Monday to Friday. But was unsure how the audiences would react. “Then Friday, May 5, 1978, fifth day of the week, fifth day of the month, fifth month of the year: 555. We were very lucky to receive the very enthusiastic response of our fans and TV audience. Our global animation soon captured the top spot, as the highest rated TV show in the Philippines.”

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Watch VOLTES V LEGACY THE CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE and other films for free at the Japanese Film Festival – Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Feb 1-11, 2024, then SM Seaside Cebu Feb 16-25, SM Baguio, SM Iloilo and SM Davao from Feb 23-March 3, and back in the UPFI from Feb 22-March 2, 2024.

Crediting Toei

TOEI Company Ltd, is not just a film and animation company, that produced VOLTES V and many others. It has become so successful in Japan it evolved to a conglomerate with interests in the Hotel industry, advertising, even real estate and most recently streaming.

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Chan shared that Naoki Shinozaki, Cine Manager of Toei Company, flew in from Tokyo to share the success of the Ambassador’s Citation, “We thank Toei Company Ltd. For entrusting us with this Live action remake of this very iconic robot show. I’m sure, Naoki-san can confirm we have more than met his highest expectation.”

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Chan was also grateful to his long-time friend and colleague Endo Masoyashi for granting permission for a live action version of VOLTES V, “Since 1977, when I first walked into Toei International office. The 5^th floor, of their building in Ginza. Toei Company has become so much a part of my life. All my early Toei friends are sadly gone now. And I remember them all. Especially, Endo Masayoshi, he was the managing director and a true gentleman. A very dear friend whom I first presented the VOLTES V live action series idea, more than 12 years ago. I am so sad he did not see the result of what we had started.”

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Dreaming of making VOLTES V LEGACY in PH

Creating a live action version of VOLTES V was a long term dream of Chan. But more than this is his insistence on it being produced in our country, “This dream became a reality after many years of persistent effort and attention. The single pride and achievement I have is spearheading this project that is purely 100% made in the Philippines. All the creative divisions, computer graphics, design ideas and concept, as well as the revised script for this project were done by enthusiastic and creative Filipino professionals who grew up with VOLTES V.”

From left: Radson Flores (Mark Gordon), Miguel Tanfelix (Steve Armstrong), Carla Abellana (Mary Ann Armstrong), Matt Lozano (Big Bert Armstrong), Raphael Landicho (Little Jon Armstrong) and Ysabel Ortega (Jamie Robinson). Watch VOLTES V LEGACY THE CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE and other films for free at the Japanese Film Festival – Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Feb 1-11, 2024, then SM Seaside Cebu Feb 16-25, SM Baguio, SM Iloilo and SM Davao from Feb 23-March 3, and back in the UPFI from Feb 22-March 2, 2024.

GMA: Show Must Go On

COVID, however, was a surprise that nearly derailed the project early in the production phase. To the point where Chan began to doubt if they could still pull it off, “It was a time of great uncertainty. I almost thought production could not push through. But the top management of GMA used a famous showbusiness adage: The show must go on. We thank with great admiration GMA Chairman Atty. Felipe Gozon, President Jimmy Duavit, GMA Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes for their unwavering support of this ground breaking project. I would also like to acknowledge our talented director Mark Reyes V.”

Miguel Tanfelix (Steve Armstrong); Watch VOLTES V LEGACY THE CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE and other films for free at the Japanese Film Festival – Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Feb 1-11, 2024, then SM Seaside Cebu Feb 16-25, SM Baguio, SM Iloilo and SM Davao from Feb 23-March 3, and back in the UPFI from Feb 22-March 2, 2024.

“I’m thankful for all the people involved in this project. We cannot find a better and warmer partner than GMA Kapuso Network. The birthplace and home of VOLTES V in the Philippines.”

Strengthening Japan-Philippines Bond

Chan’s goals have progressed from entertainment to a greater purpose, “I am grateful I have been given the chance and opportunity to bring our people many years of joy and happy memories of wholesome TV entertainment. Perhaps even making a difference in the lives of our fans. I am sincerely grateful. May this recognition inspire us to continue creating content that teaches culture, resonate with a diverse audience and strengthen the bond between the Philippines and Japan. Thank you for this incredible honor. Arigato Gozaimas! Maraming Salamat Po. Let’s Volt In!”

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