Batibot

Who doesn't know the educational, fun and lovable Batibot, especially children in my era (80's) who doesn't want to go to school so as not to miss an episode of Batibot. To those who doesn't know, it is a first Filipino educational children's program that franchised a muppet from the popular CTW in the US.

I can still remember the famous songs they sing in each episode such as Batibot Theme, "Alin-alin ang Naiba", "Ako ay Kapitbahay", "Pagsama-samahin ang Pare-pareho". The very entertaining hosts led by Kuya Bodjie, Ate Siena, Kuya Dwight, Ate Joji and Ate Isay. The adorable muppets made specially by the famous Children's Television Workshop who made Sesame Street in the US - Pong Pagong, and Kiko Matsing. If my memory serves me right, Sesame was it's first title when it was first shown on Philippine television until it became Batibot from an old Tagalog word meaning "small but strong and robust". They added new characters such as Manang Bola, Ging-Ging and Ning-Ning, Sitsiritsit and Alibangbang, Irma Daldal and Kapitan Basa.

When Philippine Children's Television Foundation, Inc. and its partnership with CTW ended, they returned Pong Pagong and Kiko Matsing to the US producers. I remembered crying when I saw the last episode where they last appeared. The PCTFI came up with a new muppet in the name of KOKO KWIK-KWAK, a four year old bird-child inspired by Pag-asa, the first Philippine eagle hatched in Palawan by the Philippine Eagle Foundation, Koko symbolizes hope, and tomorrow's cleaner and greener world.

Batibot may have ended but it will remain in the hearts of the Filipino children. I wish that one day it will be back on air to inspire the children of coming generation.

Thanks to Batibot and www.philonline.com where i got these pictures.