SELECT movie theaters in the metro are screening “Mazinger Z: Infinity” and I’m surprised the film isn’t getting more love from Gen X’ers.
That generation will recall what a huge phenomenon it was for television back in the ‘80s, when Japanese mecha anime shows burst on the scene—Voltes V, Daimos, Mazinger Z, Grendaizer, and Mekanda, just to name some coming from one blocktimer, Telesuccess Productions.
Among the mechas, Mazinger seems to have retained the affection of Japanese fans, even starring in a TV commercial about retirement. Now, Toei Animation brings the narrative alive again in a full-length film that sees the characters all grown up.
Koji Kabuto and Sayaka Yumi are now respected scientists, the latter in charge of the country’s photon energy agency. The other characters are just as gainfully employed, with Shiro and Tetsuya still piloting giant robots. This era of peace is shattered by the reappearance of arch-villains Doctor Hell and the original ‘Ma’am-Sir’ Baron Ashura.
The film suffers somewhat from jerky scene transitions, deus ex machinae, and trite panderings to masculinity (the ‘Mazingirls’? ugh), but is otherwise an interesting nod to nostalgia.
One excellent aspect of production was the English dub. The voice actors’ dynamism and dedication to giving the narrative life gave depth to the characters and continuity to the storyline.
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The Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, the longest-running and most prestigious literary contest in the country now on its 68th year, is now accepting entries to its regular categories as follows:
English Division—Short Story, Short Story for Children, Essay, Poetry, Poetry Written for Children, One-Act Play, and Full-Length Play;
Filipino Division—Maikling Kuwento, Maikling Kuwentong Pambata, Sanaysay, Tula, Tula Para sa mga Bata, Dulang May Isang Yugto, Dulang Ganap ang Haba, and Dulang Pampelikula; and
Regional Languages Division—Short Story-Cebuano, Short Story-Hiligaynon, and Short Story-Ilokano.
The Kabataan Division, open to persons below 18 years of age as of May 31, 2018, has for its theme this year, “How will you encourage the Filipino youth to read more books?” (Kabataan Essay) and “Paano mo hihikayatin ang mga kabataang Pilipino na magbasa pa ng mga aklat?” (Kabataan Sanaysay).
All submissions must be printed copies and on CD/USB. The Carlos Palanca Foundation Inc. will not accept online or email submissions for all categories.
Contestants may submit only one entry per category. Published/produced works, which were first published or first produced between May 1, 2017 to May 31, 2018, and/or unpublished/unproduced works may be entered in the contest.
Only unproduced works may be entered in the Dulang Pampelikula category. A work which has been awarded a prize in another contest before 12:00 midnight of May 31, 2018 is not qualified for the awards.
The deadline for submission of entries is on May 31, 2018.
For official contest rules and forms, visit the Palanca Foundation office at G/F Greenbelt Excelsior Bldg., 105 C. Palanca Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City, or email cpmawards@gmail.com. For details call (632) 843-8277.
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Congratulations to the National Book Development Board for its successful 9th Philippine International Literary Festival held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Dubbed “(AUTHOR)ities,” the event showcased many talks, fora, and activities, including the launch of 75 new titles by Ateneo de Naga University Press and a plenary talk by Fil-American author Elaine Castillo about her debut novel “America is Not the Heart.”
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Kudos as well to the Spanish Embassy’s cultural arm, Instituto Cervantes, and other organizers of the 2018 Día del Libro festival held at the Ayala Triangle yesterday.
Booksellers and publishing houses offered 20 percent discounts and a free rose for each purchase, drawing from a Día del Libro tradition in Spain of people exchanging roses and books.
There were also displays of street art, book presentations, poetry recitals, free Spanish classes, and activities for children, as well as a free ‘concierto en el parque’ by the Manila Symphony Orchestra.
A commenter on Twitter asked, “Why isn’t there a Día del Libro in Cebu?” and that’s a very good question. The same is asked about other events including the recent Big Bad Wolf Booksale.
Understandably it is a matter of resource allocation and logistics, but hopefully organizers will include other Philippine cities when planning such festivals. There is interest, there is demand, and if we are talking about promoting books and reading, let’s not neglect the writers and readers outside Manila.
Dr. Ortuoste is a writer and communication consultant. FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO
