Calling all fans of the Super Sentai and Tokusatsu series of the 70s, 80s, and 90s, we have a Filipino-made Tokusatsu series called Carpioman which now gains popularity around social media. The show's 1st Episode was uploaded a week ago, giving an homage to the Japanese shows we grew up to with a mix of our own heritage. You can watch the video below.
What's a Tokusatsu?
It translates to special filming, a Japanese term for live-action film or television drama that uses heavy special effects. From lasers, explosions, and transformation sequences. It often deals with various genres and it can be shown on both film & television.
The most popular was called Kaiju which means monster films such as the Godzilla franchise. Superhero series like the Kamen Rider franchise, the Metal Hero series like Gavan, Sharivan, Shaider, Juspion, Spielvan, Jiban, Janperson, but there are a lot to mention. Ultraman and the Super Sentai (Power Rangers from the U.S.) series are also part of Tokusatsu.
Premise of Carpioman
The setting is from a distant province somewhere in the Philippines, where an ancient titan defends our nation against the forces of evil. It follows the story of Nardo (portrayed by Jerald Napoles), a single father who was chosen to be Carpioman, the Giant Archipelago Defender.
He must defend his town against fearsome enemies, and also other errands like taking her daughter to school on time, help out a local store as he and his daughter lived a simple life on a nipa hut along with their mini-farm.
Based on our mythology story Bernardo Carpio. Created by former drummer of Spongecola and YouTuber Chris Cantada (Chris Cantada Force), and Directed by Miko Livelo (Blue Bustamante) & Mihk Vergara (Patintero: Ang Alamat ni Meng Patalo).
Will there be another episode?
No confirmation yet if more episodes will be uploaded on Chris' channel. The moment I watched it, it brings me back to the good old days aside from anime where the Super Sentai series, the Metal Heroes, even Ultraman dominated our local channels back then. I am looking forward to watch another episode of Carpioman.
The special effects tho. I expected more, I was hooked until I see the mob :D