Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo’s Trese remains the top entertainment pick on Netflix Philippines. Majority are amused with the Philippine anime-influenced streaming series and most are curious with the may folklore and mythical Filipino elementals that serve as the integral parts of this make believe universe and narrative.
Based on the Filipino komik series of the same name, the anime incarnation was first released on June 10 on Netflix in the United States, which was followed by a global release the next day on June 11.
Alexandra Trese, the series’ heroine, is voiced by Liza Soberano (Filipino), Shay Mitchell (English), and Ryoko Shiraishi (Japanese). The komik character is a modern-day babaylan-mandirigma who serves a protector of humanity from supernatural beings from the underworld.
Soberano, though initially hesitant in doing the role a, was officially handpicked by the anime’s director. She remarked in an interview that voice acting is a different game from acting and that, being the voice of this kickass guardian maiden who holds the key and balances the world of the living and elementals, she thoroughly enjoyed it.
And while Soberano seems to have a great time, viewers are having a great time, too. Who wouldn’t? Filipino folklore and mythical creatures take center stage in the story is the number one reason of course.
We get to know the origin of the “White Lady sa Balete Drive,” the power of the pounded bones of sirenas, the majesty and royalty of the tikbalangs, and tiyanak’s longing of maternal love and a nuno sa punso whose bribe of choice is a chocolate bar that happens to be the favorite of Generation X.
The many locales and sites in Manila were used as the backdrop of the story, from the Metro Rail Transit, the obvious edifices of an electric company and a broadcast network, and informal settler areas.
Apart from Munting Trese, many root for the Pinoy wonder Kambal, Basilio and Crispin, the seasoned parak with the heart of gold, Kapitan Guerrero and the nemesis Datu Talagbusao.
As expected, with the global acceptance and love given to the series, suddenly voice, anime, foklore and mythical creatures are flooding social media with their “critica; reviews” and “two-pesos worth” of opinions about the latest online anime sensation.
Let’s be frank about it. I am certain that most of the highly opinionated denizens only knew about Trese now are not even aware of when it was first published and made available for the comic market consumption.
That is why it is indeed a puzzle why they continue to raise points as if they are the consultants and pundits on the matters.
With regard to the hatred and vitriol thrown at Liza Soberano, most especially her “voice acting” and the part of Alexandra should have been given to another actress or professional voice talent, let me throw this fact to all the naysayers, Soberano’s premium is stellar actress. And no offense meant to the other names being heralded as better choices, but Soberano is the best choice.
The heads of the online entertainment platform chose the lovely Soberano. Yes, there were no auditions. She was handpicked by the producers and the director. With these facts out of the proverbial bag, all who are so aghast and against the casting of Soberano, please seal your lips, shut up since your opinions do not hold any bearing and gravitas.
If you are fully convinced that this or that actress or voice talent, is the best voice talent, then, by all means, gather your own resources and produce an anime series for these talented individuals.
Accepting that Soberano is the Filipino voice for Alexandra Trese, the heroine in the animated series on Netflix will free you from all the anger and hate. And believe, that is a more wonderful place to be in.
What I look forward to after this first season's success is A Trese Season 2. And definitely the biggest ambition, a Trese live-action film.
