Finally.
After a long, long, long wait, “Voltes V: Legacy,” GMA’s live-action adaptation of the phenomenal Japanese ‘70s anime “Voltes V” will finally make a huge splash on TV.
The network recently announced that the show, headlined by no less than five of Sparkle’s most sought-talents, Miguel Tanfelix (as Steve Armstrong), Ysabel Ortega (as Jamie Robinson), Matt Lozano (as Big Bert Armstrong), Radson Flores (as Mark Gordon), and Raphael Landicho (as Little Jon Armstrong), is to make its highly-anticipated premiere on GMA Telebabad on May 8.
To satiate fans longing, a special “cinematic” edit composed of the first few episodes has been made available in theatres.
We caught a glimpse of it and we’re happy to announce that the beloved anime of our youth is in good hands indeed.
Acclaimed local animators from GMA’s Post Video Graphics and Audio team and Riot Inc. handled the CGI and other visual effects with aplomb.
According to director Mark Reyes, “Voltes V: Legacy” could well be the most expensive and biggest TV production to date.
“I was actually surprised that GMA green-lighted this,” he said. “Pero I think it’s about time. We’ve been talking about making world class shows, productions. Now, here it is. I think this is a game changer.”
He added, “Close to 1,000 people ang nagtulungan para malikha itong buong series in a span of 3 to 4 years. It was a long, complex, pandemic-stricken challenge for everyone involved. Pero I can proudly say that the whole team succeeded with a 100% Pinoy-made production that will entertain audiences not only locally, but also globally.”
Of course, many of us know the basic story.
It follows three brothers – Steve, Big Bert, and Little Jon and their friends Jamie and Mark – as they fight together the Boazanian forces who are out to invade Earth.
But how did it end? It is something most of us wondered about for years after then President Marcos yanked it from the air.
Now, we will all know.
Miguel believes it is high time.
He said, “Gusto naming ma-experience ng Gen Z ang naramdaman noon ng mga magulang nila nung kabataan nila. ‘Yung feeling na uuwi ka galing school tapos mahu-hook ka sa kuwento ng magkakaibigan at pamilya. Gusto naming ipa-feel sa kanila ‘yung tuwa, lungkot, excitement, takot at lahat ng emosyon.”
Ysabel boasted about the world-class standard of their show: “We’re all fans of Hollywood movies na high quality ang graphics and ‘Voltes V: Legacy’ is like that except the fact that it’s made entirely in the Philippines. It’s something to be proud of and curious about. At the same time, it’s a story of our age and kung ano ang mga pinagdadaanan nila in everyday life.”
Matt, on the other hand, recounts the early days of their taping and how their friendship eventually evolved: “This is my first lead role kaya grabe ang kaba ko nung una. Pero sobrang masaya ako kasi nandiyan ‘yung co-actors ko at si Direk Mark Reyes para mag-guide. Minsan naiisip ko parang magkakapatid na talaga kami, parang totoong pamilya at ‘yun ang best part ng show.”
Radson also admits that he was pressured to star in this huge project: “Proud po talaga ako nung nakuha ko ang role ni Mark Gordon. Bilang newbie actor, mahirap makakuha ng project and mahirap siyang i-sustain. So may halo ring luck and hardwork na nakuha ko ang role. Kaya kahit anong mangyari, lagi kong ipagmamalaki na naging part ako ng project na ito.”
Meanwhile, Raphael shares how much he can relate to his character as Little Jon: “Marami po kaming similarities like pagiging bibo, makulit, mahilig sa gadgets at higit po sa lahat, ‘yung pagiging mapagmahal sa magulang. Kailangan po itong panoorin ng kabataan dahil tungkol ito sa importance ng family. It will also teach everyone to be brave, strong, independent, matured, and kind.”
Others in the cast: Dennis Trillo as Ned Armstrong; Max Collins as Rozalia; Carla Abellana as Mary Ann Armstrong; Gabby Eigenmann as Commander Robinson; Albert Martinez as Dr. Smith; Martin del Rosario as Zardoz; Liezel Lopez as Zandra; Epy Quizon as Zuhl; Carlo Gonzales as Draco; Chanda Romero as Contessa; Christian Vasquez as Emperor Zambojil; Ryan Eigenmann as Barron Zander; Dion Ignacio as Obgen; Carlos Siguion-Reyna as Emperor; Bibeth Orteza as Fadsa; Juan Rodrigo as Baden; Mike Lloren as General Watson; Jamie Wilson as Garth; Brent Valdez as Magus; Nico Antonio as Oslak; Khaine Dela Cruz as young Zardoz.
Completing the powerhouse cast are the members of Camp Big Falcon: Neil Ryan Sese as Dr. Hook, Elle Villanueva as Eva; Crystal Paras as Judy; Jamir Zabarte as Tomas; Kyle Ocampo as Amira; Migs Villasis as Apable; Kimson Tan as Tadao; Sophia Senoron as Ally; Julia Pascual as Anna; Dave Duque as PJ; Joaquin Manansala as Sergeant Major Edwards; Angela Alarcon as Chief Kelly; Marx Topacio as Master Chief; Kokoy de Santos as Harvey Perez; Sharmaine Arnaiz as Luisa; Jon Lucas as R.S. Ignacio; Marinella Sheen Del Pilar as Dr. Alonzo; JR Calinoc as EDF soldier; Seth dela Cruz as young Steve; Steven Canja as young Big Bert.
Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose was tapped to sing the official Japanese theme song of “Voltes V: Legacy.”
The live action series is produced by GMA Network in partnership with Toei Company, Ltd. and Telesuccess Productions Inc.
“Voltes V: Legacy” is to air weeknights, 8pm on GMA Telebabad and at 9:40 p.m. on GTV.
