A blast from the past! (How well do you remember the ’80s and the ’90s?)

MANILA, Philippines - It’s always nice to look back on TV programs that had entertained us. Some made us laugh, others made us cry, some scared us and a lot opened our eyes to the world out there. Whether local or international TV shows, they have become part of our lives and that’s why whenever we talk about them, it gives us a feeling of excitement and nostalgia. So, how well do you remember them? Take this quiz and find out how good your memory is.

1. What is the name of Dr. Doogie Howser’s best friend?

a. Rey Stand    

b. “Vinnie” Delpino

c. Tony Walsh   

d. Marc Morris

2. Beverly Hills _______ is a TV series about a bunch of teenagers living fabulous lives yet having their fair share of hardships.

a. 90210           

b. 12345          

c. 00001           

d. Cop

3. What is the title of the TV series that features fit lifeguards in red shorts or swimsuits? The series made a lot of viewers dream of becoming lifeguards. (And who could ever forget the theme song?)

a. Tiger Shark     

b. Miami Vice   

c. Knight Rider

d. Bay Watch

4. Put him anywhere and he can sure survive. He is the “all-in-one” survival kit you need, especially if a lot of people are out to get you.

a. McGyver      

b. Mr. Belvedere           

c. CSI

d. He-Man

5. In The Perfect Strangers, what are the names of these two best guy pals (and also cousins) who live in Chicago?

a. Larry and Balki   

b. Annie and Shaider

c. Joey and Chandler

d. Tom and Jerry          

6. The cartoon show is about five youngsters who are tasked to protect and save the planet from being harmed. Each of them has a special magical ring.

a. Comic Strip        

b. Visionaries       

c. Care Bears         

d. Capt. Planet and the Planeteers

7. The cartoon featured cute bears who are full of love and care. Each of them has a symbol marked on their tummy which has magical powers. (Note: They were originally created for greeting cards.)

a. Care Bears      

b. Transformers

c. Rainbow Bright          

d. He-Man

8. Dai Sawamura, popularly known as Shaider, is a space sheriff who is tasked to protect the Earth from the evil ________.

a. Skelletor

b. Decepticons

c. Fuma Ley Ar     

d. Takeshi

9. How well do you remember the numbers and colors of each character in Bioman? (Advice: Recalling and saying it, you’ll get it!)

a. Red 1, Yellow 2, Blue 3, Green 4, Pink 5        

b. Red 1, Green 2, Blue 3, Yellow 4, Pink 5

c. Pink 1, Yellow 2, Blue 3, Green 4, Pink 5        

c. I give up!

10. Whenever Prince Adam raises his sword, he utters, “By the power of ______, I have the power.” (Clue: If you still don’t get it, he is He-Man.)

a. The universe    

b. Greyskull     

c. Neverland           

d. Master

11. What is the name of the game show that tests your skill for words/phrases? What’s fascinating are the giant letter buttons in front of the players. The magic word is “Give me an/a (letter you desire).”

a. Wheel of Fortune      

b. Win, Lose or Draw                

c. Text Twist    

d. One Million Dollar Chance of a Lifetime

12. The children’s game show requires each team to find things or pictures in different categories.

a. Finders Keepers        

b. Jeepers Creepers      

c. If the Price is Right         

d. Family Feud

13. If you’re good in music, then this game is right for you. Just say, “I can name that tune in…”

a. Guess the Song        

b. Name that Tune        

c. Play that Tune          

d. Out of Tune

14. Everybody likes to try their luck on the “______ of _______.” (Clue: A lady in shimmering dress would turn the letter boards for you.)

a. Circle, Life         

b. Game, Luck

c. Wheel, Fortune   

d. Chance, Luck

15. The funny Japanese game show gives its contestants challenging tasks to reach the castle. Whose castle is it?

a. Sakamura’s Castle    

b. Takeshi’s Castle       

c. Fuma’s Castle   

d. Disney Castle

16. What is the name of the afternoon Pinoy TV show that features new showbiz talents. They are grouped according to the days of the week, and would sing and dance. It was hosted by a popular talent manager.

a. That’s Entertainment 

b. Ang TV        

c. Pinoy Got Talent       

d. Eat, Bulaga!

17. _________ Thriller is a local TV program that tells scary stories.

a. Regal           

b. Original        

c. Lovingly       

d. Pinoy

18. In the comedy show Iskul Bukol, what is the name of the famous lady professor?

a. Ms. Pisa        

b. Ms. Tapia           

c. Ms. Tapis       

d. Bb. Bale

19. What is the name of the famous educational quiz show that inspired schools to encourage their students to study hard and be on the top? (Note: My alma mater St. Stephen’s High School was a grand champion — I remember having no classes!)

a. The Weakest Link     

b. Deal or No Deal                    

c. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire

d. Battle of the Brains

20. Complete this line from the theme song of Batibot.  “Mga bata sa Batibot, __________, ____________.”

a. maganda, masaya     

b. maliksi, malakas       

c. maliksi, masigla        

d. matalino, matangkad

Test Result:

1-5 points. It’s either you’re too young for this quiz or you just need to be re-oriented of the wonderful TV programs we had in the past.

6-10 points. More or less, you know your history. Concentrate more and ask around. This is a good memory exercise.

11-15 points. Hey, you still remember them quite well. Good for you. It’s always fun to look back. Why not share it with your friends?

16-20 points. Either you have a time machine or you’re really just a TV addict. In either case, congratulations! You are unbeatable.

Answer Key:

1.) b 2.) a  3.) d  4.) a  5.) a  6.) d  7.) a  8.)c  9.) b  10.) b  11.) d 12.) a 13.) b 14.) c 15.) b 16.) a 17.) d 18.) b 19.) d 20.) c