MANILA, Philippines — "Ch?denji Machine Voltes V," "Super Electromagnetic Machine Voltes V," or best known as simply "Voltes V" has been a part of Filipino viewing culture for decades.
The Japanese anime TV series, first aired in 1977, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year through a collaboration with international clothing brand Giordano.
The 40th anniversary collection, co-designed by Filipinos and is now available at Giordano stores nationwide, was recently launched in Manila with games inspired by the series and with cosplayers mimicking the series' iconic characters - Voltes V members Steve Armstrong, Mark Gordon, Robert "Big Bert" Armstrong, "Little" Jon Armstrong, and Jamie Robinson, as well as the antagonists, The Boazanian Nobility.
Created by Saburo Yatsude, "Voltes V" is the second part of "Robot Romance Trilogy" from the Super Robots genre that includes "Ch?denji Robo Combattler V" and "Tosho Daimos."
The English version of "Voltes V" was first aired in the Philippines on 1978 by GMA. The following year, shortly after the show's finale, then Pres. Ferdinand Marcos banned the show and other animes reportedly due to "excessive violence." There are speculations, however, that the real cause for the ban was because the show delves on themes of revolution and rebellion. In 2012, Ferdinand Jr., the late dictator's son, said in defense that his father banned the series due to pressure from other parents.
After Marcos was ousted in 1986, the show returned on multiple channels on Philippine TV. It even inspired parodies such as "Bubble Gang's" "Ang Dating Doon."
Today, "Voltes V" can be seen even in streaming services such as iflix.
Cosplayers recreating a scene from famous Japanese anime "Voltes V." Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Cosplayers recreating a scene from famous Japanese anime "Voltes V." Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Cosplayers mimicking The Boazanian Nobility from Japanese anime "Voltes V." Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Cosplayers mimicking The Boazanian Nobility from Japanese anime "Voltes V." Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Cosplayers recreating a scene from famous Japanese anime "Voltes V." Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Limited-edition Giordano collection marking the 40th anniversary of "Voltes V." Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Voltes V robots on display from private collections. Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo