Voltron Man

Voltron Man is a 2014 Philippine action superhero drama television series directed by Monti Parungao, starring the action star AJ Muhlach as the title role character known himself as Voltron Man, a crime-fighting superhero. The action superhero-drama series will broadcast on IBC on August 11, 2014 airing after Express Balita during weeknights on its primetime block Kapinoy Primetime. It is also broadcast worldwide on Global IBC.

It is the fourth television drama made by IBC to be filmed in high definition.

On July 25, 2014, IBC unveils its Voltron Man billboard on EDSA at AJ's appearance as Voltron Man costume.

Production
It is under the production of IBC Entertainment TV headed by Laurenti Dyogi whose projects in the trend-setting fantasy series as Kapinoy Fantaserye in the same league of My Batang Momay, Carita de Angel, Janella in Wonderland, My Little Janella, Batang Genius and Janella: A Teen Princess become the huge success.

The action series is broadcast in full high definition and dubbed to be the "most expensive action-packed superserye" to date, IBC proudly present another milestone in Philippine primetime television history by bringing you the newest action superhero-drama series.

Voltron Man combined the perfect mix of soap opera, action, superhero, family, fantasy, thriller and romance, top-billed by the leading men AJ Muhlach in the title role, with Coleen Garcia. He wore the hero's spandex costume with the big VM logo on his chest.

The pilot episode got rave reviews from IBC top management, so taping went full steam ahead to written, shot, edited and cored. But the biggest hurdle was when the all succeeding episodes got rejected because they were too "gothic." The producers saved what they could of the original taped episodes, and shot new takes, which has been the trilogy, laser, defence, fight, prison, rescue, strong force, unleashed and iron.

Production Team
This is the first Pinoy superhero created by Mars Ravelo which was made into TV series by IBC.
 * Script/Story: Mars Ravelo for title character, RJ Nuevas for TV series
 * Creative Consultant: Rita Ravelo
 * Custome Design: Voltron Man's Yellow and Blue Modern costume was designed by artist Reno Maniquis. He was commissioned by the Mars Ravelo Marvelous Characters Inc. to design the new official costume of the action superhero series on IBC.
 * Costume Maker/Manufacturer of Voltron Man's suit is Miles Teves (the design of Reno Maniquis)

Synopsis
The story follows Marlo de Guzman (AJ Muhlach), a men who will had the Voltron Man costume with the love and resurrection who transforms into a superhero as Voltron Man by becoming a super power donning a suit being with an extraordinary power. Voltron Man grants him powers that a super hero.

Despite being a fight, Voltron Man will fight and kill the evil imposter Styker (Paolo Ballesteros) with the villains becoming angry and destroy the rampaging monster Incredible Monk (Jovic Monsod), who is planning to take over the world. At this time, Voltron Man sacrifices himself to save the world. His love interest was named girlfriend Louise Santos (Coleen Garcia), an ordinary girl in the world for the love interest.

The world will need a hero when an asteroid hurtles toward Earth to the entire world in order to gain the world domination will packed at the storm. It will fight some of enemies, evil and villains in the forces who will define Voltron Man's strategy. The amazing super powers and by saying "Sa kapangyarihan ng super powers, ako ang inyong superhero, Voltron Man", he was made to turn the full-fledged superhero known as Voltron Man. At the lab on the path to becoming a superhero.

The left arm of the suit has a panel that flips open to reveal a display that contains a mission log in the wrist area to record history and provide records. The right arm contains the weapon system which projects an unusually strong and powerful laser out of the small cannon on the wrist. His superhero suit, appears to the level as Voltron Man himself the superhero costume had the superheroes to fly, invisible boy, superhuman speed in the flash, strength, durability and flight as they fight the evil and attack the villains to get the crime.

Voltron Man reveals his secret to the superhero, accepted with great enthusiasm, gets a statue in the capital of every country, and dating with Louise.

Main Cast

 * AJ Muhlach as Marlo de Guzman / Voltron Man - A men who will had the Voltron Man costume with the love and resurrection who transforms into a superhero as Voltron Man by becoming a super power donning a suit being with an extraordinary power. Voltron Man grants him powers that a super hero uses advanced technology to give himself equivalent abilities. The left arm of the suit has a panel that flips open to reveal a display that contains a mission log in the wrist area to record history and provide records. The right arm contains the weapon system which projects an unusually strong and powerful laser out of the small cannon on the wrist. His superhero suit, appears to the level as Voltron Man himself the superhero costume had the superheroes to fly, invisible boy, superhuman speed in the flash, strength, durability and flight as they fight the evil and attack the villains to get the crime.
 * Coleen Garcia as Louise Santos - An ordinary girl in the world for Marlo's love interest.
 * Raymond Bagatsing as Machete
 * Lance Lucido as Miguel de Guzman / Batang Man - Marlo's first young child brother
 * Harvey Bautista as Lancer de Guzman / Young Boy - Marlo's second young child brother
 * Jackie Lou Blanco as Winnie de Guzman - Marlo's mother
 * Joel Torre as Noel de Guzman - Marlo's grandfather

Supporting Cast

 * Freddie Gutierrez as Dennis Lo / Graba Man
 * Cacai Bautista as Kikal Sanchez - A maid and nanny in de Guzman family.
 * Andrei Felix as Edwin Francisco / Frozone - Marlo's best friend, who has the ability to form ice from the humidity in the air.
 * Pia Magalona as Ms. Jerine - Miguel and Lancer's teacher
 * Yves Flores as Idol Boy - The superhero idol of the world.
 * Miel Cuneta as Abby Gonzales
 * Nathan Bareera as Nathan Santos - A boy and who has special powers murdered.
 * Virginia Pozon as Sharlos Lee - Voltron Man's seductive right-hand woman and possible accomplice in the murder of many "supers" with her agent who lures their super, she appears to have extensive computer and espionage skills. In her video-tablet message to Voltron Man, Mirage mentions that, according to the government, neither of them officially exists.
 * Matt Edwards as Jonathan Velayo
 * Kat Alano as Black Hola Hola - a crippled woman who can turn into a flying superhero
 * Mon Castro as Pareng Jamar - Marlo's new boss
 * Maribeth Bichara as Gloria Soriano - Marlo's nanny when he was young and the head maid of the household.
 * Jovic Monsod as Incredible Monk - The rampaging monster
 * Stephanie Henares as Step Montero
 * Edward Mendez as Atty. Andre de Guzman - Marlo's friend and attorney.
 * Alicia Alonzo as Alicibeth Sanchez
 * Gary Lising as Gary Tam - Miguel and Lancer's school
 * Jericka Martelle as Jerika Fernandes
 * Val Sotto as Val Paras - Marlo's employee.

Villains

 * Paolo Ballesteros as Joel / Stryker - A men with the ability to absorb the powers of other supernatural beings  with his weapon in a gun. He is the villain action archenemy can use the powers that he absorbed. A subsequent showdown when Voltron Man threatened, showing him as a amoral person with very little regard for human life. Furthermore, he is depicted as a frustrated and spiteful character. Sadly, after Bob categorically refused to grant Joel's favor, the future Stryker has developed much rancor. This obstacle and the lack of real superpower gave him the overcome superheroes, until aspiring to eliminate them, in order to a "self-made" hero. Sryker's personality describes him with a lack of conscience, a direct result of sociopathy, making him a mad scientist.
 * Caleb Santos as Nikap
 * Joross Gamboa as Super Z - The evil the main villain in the series. (The villains)
 * Jiro Manio as Darius - Man with the superspeed ability as well as fighting skills sufficient enough to land several painful blows to our superheroine (The villains)
 * Pamu Pamorada as Nievous

Evil

 * Kent Malunda as Men Rey
 * Ai dela Cruz as Warla
 * Jang Amparna as Dirdy Bubble (voice)
 * Kiro Rivera as Barnicle Mad

Extended Cast

 * Lilia Cuntapay as Lilita Yaman
 * Earl Ignacio as Officer John - The police officer
 * Maureen Larrazabal as Officer Nancy - The police officer
 * Bonel Balingit as Franco the Guard
 * Miguel Rodriguez as New Prison Recruit
 * Bob dela Cruz as Officer Bob - The police officer
 * Henry Omaga-Diaz as Himself (Cameo) - Watching TV news anchor on IBC's Express Balita
 * Snooky Serna-Go as Herself (Cameo) - Watching TV news anchor on IBC's Express Balita
 * Ralf Rivas as Himself (Cameo) - reporter from IBC
 * Jinky Baticados as Herself (Cameo) - reporter from IBC

Recurring Cast

 * Aki Torio as Daniel Velario - Marlo's friend
 * Josh Padilla as William Lorenzo - Marlo's friend

Guest Cast

 * Eraserheads as Himself

Production crew

 * Executive In-Charge of Production: Ginny Monteagudo-Ocampo
 * Headwriter: Agnes Gagelonia-Uligan
 * In-Charge of Production: Gina P. Borinaga
 * Director: Monti Parungao
 * Executive Producers: Rowie Valencia and Lorna Feliciano
 * Creative Director: Deo Endrinal
 * Writers: Renato Custodio Jr,. Mark Gil "Volta" delos Santos, Renee Patricia Dimla and Mark Adrian Ho
 * Production Designer: Chris Ecker De Guzman
 * Musical Score and Sound Design: Rommel Villarico and Mark Bunda
 * Producer: Ramel L. David
 * Make-Up Artist: Rowena Legaspi
 * Creative Consultant: Rita Ravelo
 * Editor: Ben Panaligan and Annabelle Macauba
 * Cinematography: Richard Arellano

Powers/abilities

 * Power Blast - Energy blasts that shoot out of her hands
 * Superhuman strength
 * Power to flight and speed
 * Power shield
 * Ability to create earthquakes
 * Teleport to other worlds
 * Skilled in martial arts
 * Invisible Boy

Items/weapons

 * Marlo de Guzman - Marlo uses to transform into Voltron Man and back again.
 * Power shield
 * Gun
 * Bow and arrow
 * Blade
 * Sword
 * Cape - near-indestructible, and could contain a mighty explosion if draped over a bomb

Production and development
Voitron Man launched the exclusive behind-the-scenes and interviews of the cast of the hit action superhero series and crew in the network's website.

Ratings
According to data from Kantar Media Philippines, Voltron Man's pilot episode debuts on primetime slot and consistently took the number 1 in daily nationwide ratings, earning an average rating of 29.8% on its opening night compared to its rival network’s counterparts, Hawak Kamay which earned an average rating of 26.1% and Niño got a rating of 16.6%, cementing Voltron Man as a successful hit among Philippine televiewers especially in Mega Manila and national ratings where IBC started to gaining its hold of the area. This caused many viewers to the government-sequestered TV station IBC remains on top as number 3, jump to the rival's ABS-CBN and GMA Network, while Channel 13 continues to led in the national TV ratings.

By the time, the action superhero series was at number 1 slot along with the network's pre-primetime feel-good teen-oriented fantaserye Janella: A Teen Princess and the longest-running primetime teleserye Your Heart, My Love. The show consistently tops the ratings against its rival show on the same time slot.

Since then, Voltron Man's ratings which has been the #1 superserye on Philippine TV, according to Kantar Media/TNS Total Philippines (Urban+Rural Households) ratings, while Janella: A Teen Princess is also the #1 early primetime fantaserye on Philippine TV and Your Heart, My Love is the #1 primetime teleserye on Philippine TV history, also the strongest (ratings-wise) series on IBC PrimeTastik slot.

Critical and commercial reception
The director of Voltron Man is the award-winning TV, film and indie movie director is Monti Parungao, tagged AJ Muhlach as the leading men now hailed as the primetime prince as well based on his portrayal as the superhero Voltron Man. He said that: "Sa kapangyarihan ng super powers, ako ang inyong superhero, Voltron Man," himself this fantaserye is a superserye would surely rate.

The show received mainly positive reviews both from viewers and critics. Review by Philippine Entertainment Portal, they praised AJ's performance saying, "Playing a character as the superhero boy." Such is the range of AJ's acting process." They also commended Coleen when seen "holding her own against AJ Muhlach."

On October 2, 2014, in the scene with Voltron Man flying from the Guadalupe Bridge and Pasig River in Makati City, that's actually a crime-fighting superhero. He enjoyed the rush so much that he requested an extra take just to fly. Pareng Jamar (Mon Castro) was brought in for the Guadalupe Bridge scene. One of the most rescues ever recorded live on Philippine television.

Promotions
The show gains endorsements and brand promotions from companies. The advertisements airs during and after the commercial breaks of the show.

Mall tour
After its successful premiere and the viewers' watching, AJ and the cast launched Voltron Man Mall Tour. The cast will also included Ito'ng Bagong Channel at 54 on August 22 at the Glorietta 3 Tent and Kapinoy 54 Birthday Kiddie Party this coming on August 28 at the Active Fun Play & Party Center at SM North Edsa. On September 6, AJ and the cast visited SM City Lucena. On September 20, the cast continues their appreciation stopping at SM City Iloilo. In October 4, AJ and the cast continued the tour in Gaisano Mall of Davao Atrium and was followed by a tour at SM City Cebu in August 30.

Merchandise
The Kapinoy Network is adventage of the show's popularly to the partnerhip with Sari-Sari Kapinoy as the merchandise Voltron Man Items, the merchandise that produce a toys, action figures, i-pods, cellphones from Globe, My Phone and Cherry Mobile, t-shirts from Bench, video games, tumbler, notebooks, pencils, crayons, eraser, keychain, fan, bag, ballpen, caps, coin banks, watches, rain gear, umbrella, mug, sticker, among others are also being sold available in the makret of supermarkets, supermalls, malls and so much more in Mega Manila and other provinces nationwide in very affordable prices.

Voltron Man: The Official Soundtrack
The Voltron Man: The Official Soundtrack is a music album was released under the music recording company IBC Records on August 11, 2014. The show's original soundtrack, which features the theme song sung by Marlo Mortel singing the theme song, which was released the series' Grand Fans Day.

The album's main single Saan Na Nga Ba'ng Bakada released along with a official music video directed by Monti Parungao. The soundtrack also became the number 1 top-selling OPM album in the Philippines which also serves as the action series' original sound track. It was released for IBC's superserye Voltron Man and is now available in physical and digital formats in various music stores.

According to composer Mark Bunda, it will also be recording the action superhero's theme song.

Track listing

 * 1) Saan Na Nga Ba'ng Barkada (composed by Mark Bunda) - Marlo Mortel
 * 2) Lilipad (composed by Ely Buendia) - Eraserheads
 * 3) Kapangyarihan (composed by Raymond Abracosa) - Abra
 * 4) Sa May Bintana (composed by Christian Martinez) - Miguel Aguila
 * 5) Ang Huling El Bimbo (composed by Ely Buendia) - Eraserheads
 * 6) Hindi Kita Iiwan (composed by Vehnee Saturno) - Veejay Aragon
 * 7) Ang Isang Pangarap (composed by Freddie Saturno) - Cayleen Villamor
 * 8) Himig Natin (love theme) (composed by Ely Buendia) - Eraserheads (for AJ and Coleen)
 * 9) Laban Voltron Man (composed by Raymond Abracosa) - Abra
 * 10) Ligaya (composed by Ely Buendia) - Erasereads

Voltron Man: Umaawit ng Pasko
The Voltron Man: Umaawit ng Pasko is a Christmas music album was released under IBC Records on December 1, 2014. The show's original soundtrack, which features the theme song sung by Marlo Mortel singing the theme song.

The album's main single Merry Christmas Break na Tayo released with a music video. The soundtrack also became the number 1 top-selling Christmas album in the Philippines which also serves as the action series' sound track. It was released for IBC's superserye Voltron Man and available in physical and digital formats in various music stores.

Track listing

 * 1) Merry Christmas Break na Tayo (composed by Ely Buendia) - Marlo Mortel
 * 2) Pagdating ng Pasko (composed by Jose Mari Chan) - Arvin Ventanilla
 * 3) I Love You Na Lang (composed by Ely Buendia) - Eraserheads
 * 4) Tanging Hiling sa Pasko (composed by Louie Ocampo) - Veejay Aragon
 * 5) Nakaraang Pasko (composed by Tito Cayamanda) - Cayleen Villamor
 * 6) Ang Aming Pasko (composed by Raymond Abracosa) - Abra
 * 7) Dalangin sa Pasko (composed by Christian Martinez) - Aria Clemente
 * 8) Pagsapit ng Pasko (composed by Ely Buendia) - Eraserheads
 * 9) Ang Aking Pamasko (composed by Freddie Saturno) - Miguel Aguila
 * 10) Araw ng Pasko (composed by Ely Buendia) - Eraseheads

DVD Release
IBC has released Voltron Man on DVD. The DVD set contains all episodes from volume 1-10.

Voltron Man mobile game
In August 2014, a mobile game was released IBC Interactive after the launch of Voltron Man.

The first mobile game that is based on a Philippine television series. It also plans to make more mobile games based on the popular Philippine television shows of IBC such as Sandy's Romance, Born to be a Superstar, Happy TODAS, Maya Loves Sir Chief, Iskul Bukol Men, Sic O'Clock News Naman, The Million Second Quiz. Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, KapinoyLand, Carita de Angel, Janella in Wonderland, Killer Karaoke, Batang Genius and Janella: A Teen Princess are becoming the huge success of the show.

Anak TV Seal Awards

 * 2014 Anak TV Seal Awardee (Most Well-Liked TV Program) - Won

PMPC Star Awards for Television

 * 28th PMPC Star Awards for Television (Best Action Star) - Won (AJ Muhlach)
 * 28th PMPC Star Awards for Television (Best Primetme Action Series) - Won

Catholic Mass Media Awards

 * 36th Catholic Mass Media Awards (Best Action Series Actor) - Won (AJ Muhlach)
 * 36th Catholic Mass Media Awards (Best Action Series) - Won

Eduk Circle Awards

 * 2014 Winner, Best Action Star (AJ Muhlach)

Trivia

 * This action superhero series marked AJ Muhlach's comeback of solo primetime series on IBC after 1 year and 16 month hiatus (with the family drama 5 Girls and Daddy).
 * This is Muhlach's sixth project for IBC. He has been Viva Artist Agency contract star and now is one of IBC's contract superstar thru Kapinoy Talent Center.
 * It became Coleen Garcia's first team-up with Muhlach.