Batibot
Encyclopedia
Batibot is a children's television program from the Philippines
, based on Sesame Street
. Premiering in 1984
, with the name Sesame!, and eventually renamed Batibot several years later. Batibot in Filipino
means "small, but strong and robust". As Sesame!, the program used both English and Filipino as the media of communication, but after evolving into Batibot, the show became a completely Filipino language
children's educational show.
It was produced by the Sesame Workshop
(Children's Television Workshop) and Philippine Children's Television Foundation, Inc. (PCTVF). CTW broke this relationship with PCTVF in 1989.
Batibot was formerly a thirty-minute show. It aired from Monday to Friday, from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m., and used the magazine-on-television format, employing variety, humor, original Filipino music and stories, animation, black theater, muppets, short live action films and features. Batibot was broadcast nationwide from Monday to Friday on the Philippine television networks Radio Philippines Network (RPN)
from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. and on People's Television (PTV) (now National Broadcasting Network
) from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. In 1991, the show switched to ABS-CBN
but switched back to RPN in 1994 after the former decided to produce its own set of children TV programs through the ABS-CBN Foundation. In 1995, PCTVF signed a contract with GMA Network
and Batibot was shown at its original morning time slot. In 1996, Batibot won its 8th Gawad CCP Award as one of the Ten Best Television programs in the Philippines, although it never enjoyed the luxury of government funding even in its earliest years of programming.
It has been recognized as a significant contribution to national early childhood care and development efforts since it first became every Filipino child's playmate. It is based on an educational curriculum which addresses all aspects of early childhood growth and development, namely physical, moral, emotional, socio-cultural, and intellectual values, as well as the child's physical environment, whether natural or man-made. It is specifically designed for four to six year olds. In contrast, its thirty-minute radio version, Radyo Batibot, is specifically designed for seven to twelve year olds. The approaches and the content differ precisely because of the differences in the age-group's characteristics, needs and interests to TV5
.
Batibot became the longest-running educational television program of PCTVF apart from other children-oriented projects. The major ones, other than Batibot, include Radyo Batibot that aired on the radio station DZAM
(now DZAR) and Pinpin, a weekly, one-hour Chinese-Filipino program for four to six-year olds. Pinpin employs both Filipino
and Chinese languages. The other projects are children's books publications, cassette-tape productions of Batibot songs, live shows that focus on environmental protection, studio visits and language-learning tapes and videos. Batibot actually has an address that children could recite on cue: "12 Saint John Street, Cubao, Quezon City. Ang zip code namin ay 1119." The latter translates to "Our zip code is 1119".
In 1996, Batibots TV audience started to decline. Rapid development of cable TV in the Philippines led to the popularity of youth-oriented channels like Cartoon Network
, Nickelodeon
and Disney Channel
. Tough competition from ABS-CBN Foundation over its morning TV programs after airing foreign cartoons, and also the death of Pong Pagong and Kiko Matsing was also a factor. PCTVF was forced to cease airing of Batibot a year later through the recommendation of its host network, GMA. It made a brief comeback in 1998 on RPN but was forced to cease again for the same reason.
's TV program "Kapuso Mo: Jessica Soho" featured a memorable segment about the all-time favorite children's show, where some of its original cast members were reunited for the first time since the program was shelved after almost 20 years of providing educational and wholesome entertainment to kids of the 80's and 90's generation. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxDhvAlnkHU
Newscasts
This Sign (*)That are Puppets was aired on November 27, 2010 on TV5.
, lyrics by Rene O. Villanueva, arrangement by Mel Villena
, and ethnic instrumentation by Kontemporaryong Gamelang Pilipino (Kontra-Gapi). The closing theme, called "Closing Billboard", is an arrangement by Alamid.
has actually has released many books not directly related to Batibot, listed in their article.
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
, based on Sesame Street
Sesame Street
Sesame Street has undergone significant changes in its history. According to writer Michael Davis, by the mid-1970s the show had become "an American institution". The cast and crew expanded during this time, including the hiring of women in the crew and additional minorities in the cast. The...
. Premiering in 1984
1984 in television
This article is a list of television-related events in 1984.-Events:*January 9 – Wendy's "Fluffy Bun" ad first airs, which propels Clara Peller and her "Where's the beef?" catchphrase to national prominence....
, with the name Sesame!, and eventually renamed Batibot several years later. Batibot in Filipino
Filipino language
This move has drawn much criticism from other regional groups.In 1987, a new constitution introduced many provisions for the language.Article XIV, Section 6, omits any mention of Tagalog as the basis for Filipino, and states that:...
means "small, but strong and robust". As Sesame!, the program used both English and Filipino as the media of communication, but after evolving into Batibot, the show became a completely Filipino language
Filipino language
This move has drawn much criticism from other regional groups.In 1987, a new constitution introduced many provisions for the language.Article XIV, Section 6, omits any mention of Tagalog as the basis for Filipino, and states that:...
children's educational show.
It was produced by the Sesame Workshop
Sesame Workshop
Sesame Workshop, formerly known as the Children's Television Workshop , is a Worldwide American non-profit organization behind the production of several educational children's programs that have run on public broadcasting around the world...
(Children's Television Workshop) and Philippine Children's Television Foundation, Inc. (PCTVF). CTW broke this relationship with PCTVF in 1989.
History
PCTVF was formed in 1984. It was organized by the same team that worked together on the Philippine Sesame Street Project (Sesame!) in 1983. The latter is a co-production with the U.S.'s Children's Television Workshop. Striking out on its own a year after, PCTVF's sole directive was to produce a television program for pre-school children that would supplement their education and at the same time make the children appreciative of their culture and heritage, resulting in the show called Batibot.Batibot was formerly a thirty-minute show. It aired from Monday to Friday, from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m., and used the magazine-on-television format, employing variety, humor, original Filipino music and stories, animation, black theater, muppets, short live action films and features. Batibot was broadcast nationwide from Monday to Friday on the Philippine television networks Radio Philippines Network (RPN)
Radio Philippines Network
Radio Philippines Network, Inc. is a broadcast television network in the Philippines co-owned by the Government Communications Group, Solar Entertainment Corporation, Far East Managers and Investors Inc., and private sectors. This station studios are located at Broadcast City, Old Balara, Capitol...
from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. and on People's Television (PTV) (now National Broadcasting Network
National Broadcasting Network
People's Television is the flagship government television network owned by the Philippine Government through People's Television Network, Inc. . Its head office, studios and transmitter are located at Broadcast Complex, Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City .-History:The country's government...
) from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. In 1991, the show switched to ABS-CBN
ABS-CBN
ABS–CBN Corporation is a Philippine-based media conglomerate. It is the Philippines' largest media and entertainment conglomerate. The corporation was the merger of Alto Broadcasting System which at that time owned by James Lindenberg and Antonio Quirino, and the Chronicle Broadcasting Network ...
but switched back to RPN in 1994 after the former decided to produce its own set of children TV programs through the ABS-CBN Foundation. In 1995, PCTVF signed a contract with GMA Network
GMA Network
GMA Network is a major commercial television & radio network in the Philippines. GMA Network is owned by GMA Network, Inc. a publicly listed company...
and Batibot was shown at its original morning time slot. In 1996, Batibot won its 8th Gawad CCP Award as one of the Ten Best Television programs in the Philippines, although it never enjoyed the luxury of government funding even in its earliest years of programming.
It has been recognized as a significant contribution to national early childhood care and development efforts since it first became every Filipino child's playmate. It is based on an educational curriculum which addresses all aspects of early childhood growth and development, namely physical, moral, emotional, socio-cultural, and intellectual values, as well as the child's physical environment, whether natural or man-made. It is specifically designed for four to six year olds. In contrast, its thirty-minute radio version, Radyo Batibot, is specifically designed for seven to twelve year olds. The approaches and the content differ precisely because of the differences in the age-group's characteristics, needs and interests to TV5
Associated Broadcasting Company
The Associated Broadcasting Company, Inc is a television network in the Philippines, with main broadcast facilities and transmitter located at 762 Quirino Highway, San Bartolome, Novaliches, Quezon City. The network was previously known as the , Associated Broadcasting Company remains the legal...
.
Batibot became the longest-running educational television program of PCTVF apart from other children-oriented projects. The major ones, other than Batibot, include Radyo Batibot that aired on the radio station DZAM
DZAR
DZAR Sonshine Radio is an AM station owned and operated by Sonshine Media Network International in the Philippines. The station's studio is located at Jollibee Plaza, F. Ortigas Jr. Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, and its transmitter is located at Dampalit, Malabon City...
(now DZAR) and Pinpin, a weekly, one-hour Chinese-Filipino program for four to six-year olds. Pinpin employs both Filipino
Filipino language
This move has drawn much criticism from other regional groups.In 1987, a new constitution introduced many provisions for the language.Article XIV, Section 6, omits any mention of Tagalog as the basis for Filipino, and states that:...
and Chinese languages. The other projects are children's books publications, cassette-tape productions of Batibot songs, live shows that focus on environmental protection, studio visits and language-learning tapes and videos. Batibot actually has an address that children could recite on cue: "12 Saint John Street, Cubao, Quezon City. Ang zip code namin ay 1119." The latter translates to "Our zip code is 1119".
In 1996, Batibots TV audience started to decline. Rapid development of cable TV in the Philippines led to the popularity of youth-oriented channels like Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network is a name of television channels worldwide created by Turner Broadcasting which used to primarily show animated programming. The channel began broadcasting on October 1, 1992 in the United States....
, Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon (TV channel)
Nickelodeon, often simply called Nick and originally named Pinwheel, is an American children's channel owned by MTV Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom International. The channel is primarily aimed at children ages 7–17, with the exception of their weekday morning program block aimed at preschoolers...
and Disney Channel
Disney Channel Asia
Disney Channel Asia, a franchise of Disney Channel, airs in most parts of Southeast Asia.- Programming :Disney Channel Asia airs a variety of shows, aimed particularly at children and teenagers. Most of the programming is similar to the American counterpart with some shows exclusive to the Asian...
. Tough competition from ABS-CBN Foundation over its morning TV programs after airing foreign cartoons, and also the death of Pong Pagong and Kiko Matsing was also a factor. PCTVF was forced to cease airing of Batibot a year later through the recommendation of its host network, GMA. It made a brief comeback in 1998 on RPN but was forced to cease again for the same reason.
Batang Batibot & Koko Kwik Kwak
The PCTVF revived Batibot under its new name, Batang Batibot (Batibot Kid) in 1999 in a block-time partnership with GMA Network & Roy/Bashman Productions. Months later, PCTVF launched Koko Kwik Kwak, another Batibot-themed educational program for kids. However, the shows consistently got poor ratings and so did not attract advertisers. By 2000, GMA finally decided to remove the two shows after a major reformatting scheme.Original Cast Reunion
Back in 2007, GMA NetworkGMA Network
GMA Network is a major commercial television & radio network in the Philippines. GMA Network is owned by GMA Network, Inc. a publicly listed company...
's TV program "Kapuso Mo: Jessica Soho" featured a memorable segment about the all-time favorite children's show, where some of its original cast members were reunited for the first time since the program was shelved after almost 20 years of providing educational and wholesome entertainment to kids of the 80's and 90's generation. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxDhvAlnkHU
Batibot Revival
However, on March 26, 2010 the said children show will be back on air on TV5 and will be started on November 27, 2010. Every Saturday from 8:30AM to 9:00AM and a 5-Minute short segment from Monday-Friday 8:55am after Handy Manny and 2:55pm after Phineas and Ferb. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnkzrJyXA5M Then with a host of batibot,kuya fidel and ate maya.Batibot have new two segments "Kwentong Batibot" with former human characters,and "Balik-Batibot" which comeback to 80's & 90's of children show.In May 7, 2011 Batibot Will be a New Season.Muppet characters
- Koko Kwik-Kwak, or Koko* for short, is a four-year-old bird-child inspired by Pag-asa, the first Philippine eaglePhilippine EagleThe Philippine Eagle , also known as the Monkey-eating Eagle, is an eagle of the family Accipitridae that is endemic to forests in the Philippines. It has brown and white-coloured plumage, and a shaggy crest, and generally measures in length and weighs...
hatched under laboratory conditions. Koko symbolizes hope, the future and a cleaner and greener world. Koko also represents every Filipino child, the young population who shall inherit the earth and hopefully will do a better job in caring for the environment. Five feet and ten inches tall, he wears an ethnic-inspired beanie cap with a propeller made of green leaves. When Koko becomes excited, the propeller spins. He also wears an orange, long-sleeved turtleneck with a letter K in front of his shirt, as well as a moss green pair of puruntong shorts with dark, geometric figures or, sometimes, an apple green long pants, combined with lavender high-cut rubber shoes. Like any healthy, active four-year old, Koko is very confident and likes to play, sing, dance, listen to stories, explore the world and discover things, places and people. He is full of curiosity. And he likes green, leafy vegetables, fresh organic food, fruits and nuts.
- Manang Bola* , (Madam Bola) the forgetful fortuneteller. Although she still relies too much on her crystal ballCrystal ballA crystal ball is a crystal or glass ball believed by some people to aid in the performance of clairvoyance. It is sometimes known as a shew stone...
, she still, however, ostensibly helps children and other guests in finding answers to questions by helping themselves on their own. Her "Bola" name, literally "ball" in Filipino, is a possible reference to the slang for "flattery" or "puffery." She calls her crystal ball "perlas na bilog," or round pearl. She divines the future by chanting "perlas na bilog, huwag tutulog-tulog; sabihin kaagad sa akin ang sagot" and "ba-be-bi-bo-bu", teaching vowels in the process. Manang Bola is one of the original muppets of the show.
- Kapitan Basa* , a superheroSuperheroA superhero is a type of stock character, possessing "extraordinary or superhuman powers", dedicated to protecting the public. Since the debut of the prototypical superhero Superman in 1938, stories of superheroes — ranging from brief episodic adventures to continuing years-long sagas —...
that loves to read. He solves language-related problems caused by his arch-nemesis, Patlang-Palit.
- Sitsiritsit and Alibangbang, two inquisitive space aliens who take delight in discovering things, places and people around them. Inspired from the nursery rhyme "Sitsiritsit, Alibangbang".
- Ningning and Gingging* , the sisters. Ningning is the eldest girl, the serious type, while Gingging is younger and the playful one between the two siblings.
- Irma Daldal, a stage-struck, faddish, shallow and cheap actress, although she believes she is the most talented person in show business. Her name is a word play on madaldal, which is the Filipino for "talkative."
- Tikyo Tiktilaok is Irma Daldal's usual male partner. He and Irma are part of the original muppet cast of the show.
- Direk, a movie-and-television directorFilm directorA film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
, who tries everything to make a star out of his main protégé, the actress Irma Daldal. Appearance and occupation inspired by Batibot's real-life director, Kokoy Jimenez.
- Sultan Parachibum, a datuDatuDatu is the title for tribal chiefs, sovereign princes, and monarchs in the Visayas and Mindanao Regions of the Philippines. Together with Lakan , Apo in Central and Northern Luzon, Sultan and Rajah, they are titles used for native royalty, and are still currently used in the Philippines...
or chieftainTribal chiefA tribal chief is the leader of a tribal society or chiefdom. Tribal societies with social stratification under a single leader emerged in the Neolithic period out of earlier tribal structures with little stratification, and they remained prevalent throughout the Iron Age.In the case of ...
who, with the help of his grandchildren acting as his official advisers, always tries his best to solve the many problems in his sultanate known as Agamanyog.
Newscasts
- Noli de Kasyo, the journalistic reporter and interviewer who because of taking himself too seriously, always ends up doing all sorts of interviews about various objects, muppets and people. Inspired from a TV anchorman and former Vice PresidentVice President of the Philippines-Description:The Vice-President is the first in the Philippine line of succession, assuming the Presidency upon the death, resignation, or removal by impeachment and subsequent conviction of the incumbent. The position was abolished by Martial Law in 1972, and was not included in the original text...
Noli de CastroNoli de CastroManuel Leuterio de Castro, Jr. , better known as Noli de Castro or "Kabayan" Noli de Castro, was Vice President of the Philippines ....
.
This Sign (*)That are Puppets was aired on November 27, 2010 on TV5.
Former characters
- "Pong PagongPong PagongOmpong Pagong was a character in the Filipino children's show Batibot. Ompong was in the form of a turtle standing on its hindlegs. Like Big Bird of Sesame Street, Ompong was an enlarged small-animal character, standing over six feet tall and towering over human co-stars and aged to be around six...
", a clumsy, pink full-body turtle wearing a baseball cap. - P0KFY, a cute fiddler crab who's always looking for fun. Sponge Bob's Mr. Crab version.
- Kiko Matsing, a brown monkey version of Sesame Street's Oscar.
- Kuya Derms, a host of "Negoshowbiz" (from the GMA-7's show, "Negosiyete"). Inspired from a TV-host German MorenoGerman MorenoGerman Moreno, also known as Kuya Germs or the Master Showman , is a Filipino television host, actor, comedian and Talent Manager popular during the 1980s...
aka "Kuya Germs". - Angelique Baso, a host of "Balitang Bituin". Inspired from a TV journalist Angelique Lazo.
Human characters
- Kuya Bodjie (Big Brother Bodjie), played by Bodjie Pascua, is Batibot's resident story-teller.
- Ate Sienna (Big Sister Sienna), played by Sienna Olaso, a college student.
- Kuya Mario (Big Brother Mario), played by Junix Inocian
- Ate Isay (Big Sister Isay), played by Isay Alvarez-Seña
- Kuya Ching (Big Brother Ching), played by Ching Arellano†, is Batibot's resident jeepney driver.
- Kuya Elmar (Big Elmar), played by Elmar Llaneras, is Batibot's Barangay Chairman and a matinee idol.
Music
The show's theme song is with music by Louie OcampoLouie Ocampo
Louie Ocampo is a Filipino composer and arranger best known for his association with Martin Nievera. His numerous hits, mostly collaborations, include Tell Me, Kahit Isang Saglit, and You Are My Song....
, lyrics by Rene O. Villanueva, arrangement by Mel Villena
Mel Villena
Mel Villena, a Filipino musician, composer and musical director who has worked with various artists such as Sharon Cuneta, Pops Fernandez, Martin Nievera, Lea Salonga, The CompanY, and Mitch Valdez...
, and ethnic instrumentation by Kontemporaryong Gamelang Pilipino (Kontra-Gapi). The closing theme, called "Closing Billboard", is an arrangement by Alamid.
Cassettes
- Kaibigan Ko Ang Buong Mundo
- Mga Awiting Batibot
- Kumanta at Magsaya sa Batibot
- Mga Kuwento sa Batibot
- Walang Magawang Tambay sa Kanto
- Walastik na Unggoy
Books
The Philippine Children's Television FoundationPhilippine Children's Television Foundation
The Philippine Children's Television Foundation is a non-profit organization that partnered with Sesame Workshop to create Sesame!, later known as Batibot.-Books:...
has actually has released many books not directly related to Batibot, listed in their article.
- Makatang-makata
- mga tula ni Rene Villanueva at Roger Poblete, guhit ni Ruben de Jesus
- Sina Elephas at Estegodon Noong Unang Panahon
- ni Rene O. Villanueva, guhit ni Mel A. Silvestre
- 1,2,3 Sama-sama Tayo
- ni Rene O. Villanueva, dibuho ni Joji B. Pamintuan
- Okaka-okaka, Ang Batang Palaka
- ni Rene O. Villanueva, guhit ni Joji Pamintuan
- English translation included
- Ang Pamilya Ismid
- English translation included
- nina Ramoncito Serrano at Rene O. Villanueva, guhit ni Sammy Esquillon
- English translation included
- Si Inggolok at ang Planeta Pakaskas
- English translation included
- nina Rene O. Villanueva at Lem Garcellano, guhit nina Bernard Bunag at Jojo Topacio
- English translation included
- Ang Alamat ng Araw at Gabi
- English translation included
- nina Lem Garcellano, Ronald Mina at Chuck Escasa, guhit ni Joji Pamintuan
- Sina Linggit Labay kay Barakuda
- muling pagsasalaysay nina Tom F. Agulto at Rene O. Villanueva, guhit ni Boboi Calleja
- Katuwaan sa Batibot
Related links
External links
- Batibot profile
- An Article focusing on Batibot by Feny de los Angeles-Bautista, Executive Director and Research and Curriculum Director of Philippine Children's Television Foundation, Inc.
- Batibot Muppets Homepage
- Philippine Children's Television Workshop, Inc.
- Batibot Song Lyrics Archive
See also
- List of shows previously aired by Radio Philippines Network
- List of shows previously aired by ABS-CBN
- List of shows previously aired by People's Television Network
- List of shows previously aired by GMA Network