How was the time of 90’s kids watching educational TV shows? How it leads to the growth of their moral and intellectual capabilities? Should popular 90’s educational shows be brought back? Let’s remember some of the popular educational TV shows that probably every 90’s kid knows.
Being a student in the year 2020 is an odd experience. During the eruption of Taal Volcano in January, classes in Metro Manila and adjacent provinces were temporarily halted. (We know, it seems like an eternity ago.) Two months later, everyone was urged to stay at home as quarantine restrictions were imposed because to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although there is no indication that this will cease very soon, the government is committed to starting the school year in August, whether through the Internet, television, or radio. The Department of Education refers to this as “blended learning,” although the notion isn’t new to some of us. As the suspension of classes continue, students finding their way to give or make themselves busy. Students lose their chances to get new learnings. Instead of reading books and other related educational stuff, they fall into watching inappropriate show like what was on tiktok and other social media platform.
Viewing educational TV shows was linked to improved school preparedness and academic ability. Watching educational TV shows may be an essential way for children to gain some early learning that can make a meaningful impact. Their time in school is limited during the outbreak, which results in limited learning.
Educational TV shows from the 90’s should be brought back to life to fill the holes in children’s development at home. Let us all recall about every ETV show that shaped our values, morality, and creativity as children.
Here’s a list of some of the most popular 90’s Educational TV shows
1. BATIBOT
Local schoolchildren watched Batibot on weekdays at 10:30 a.m., as though they were watching Sesame Street. Philippine Children’s Television Foundation produced this long-running show, which was co-created by Filipino dramatist and children’s literature author Rene O. Villanueva. Pong Pagong and Kiko Matsing, based on Jose Rizal’s The Monkey and the Turtle, were included. Not to mention Kuya Bodjie and Ate Sienna. From the alphabet to moral ideals, the show covered a wide range of topics. From 2010 to 2013, TV5 relaunched Batibot with a new cast of characters; repeats are still available as of this writing.
2. SINESKWELA
Sineskwela made a significant contribution to our generation’s children. You’ll enjoy not only being delighted by characters like Agatom, Anatom, Palikpik, Kulitsap, Ugatpuno, Kuya Bok, and Ate Winnie, but also studying and finding more about Science. Listening to the show’s catchy OST will also make you sing along.
3. HIRAYA MANAWARI
Hiraya Manawari is another important and memorable television program from the 1990s. These phrases signify “achieve your goals,” and I only recently learned about them (lol). Anyway, this show is an educational program aimed at instilling moral values and teaching youngsters the most important life lessons. Each episode includes a brilliantly written and easily understandable Filipino short tale. All of the stories and adventures were extremely inspirational, and they left a lasting impression on the minds of young people.
4. MATH TINIK
Math-Tinik was a mathematics-focused instructional program created by the late Gina Lopez. It used role-playing and plays to teach kids how to multiply and divide, fractions and geometry through interesting experiments, and other difficult math topics through music and animation. For some, mathematics is a challenging subject, which is why most pupils dislike it. Studying numbers, fractions, and decimals became more intriguing and exciting when Math Tinik aired on ABS-morning CBN’s lineup. Do you recall how Charlie and Patricia relished the opportunity to solve Math problems with the assistance of their teacher, Miss Math Tinik?
5. EPOL APPLE
Children in primary school may study English in “Epol Apple” and continue to learn Filipino reading and grammar in “Wikaharian,” a unique blend of 2D animation, catchy melodies, humorous puppets, and fascinating stories that encourage youngsters to read. Luis, played by Bodjie Pascua, was one of the show’s primary characters, alongside Porfirio, the friendly horn bill. This program attempts to improve Filipino children’s English language abilities, reading, and writing. Grace, Rap-rap, Otep, and Kenneth are some of the show’s other characters.
6. ATBP
Awit, Titik, Bilang na Pambata, or Atbp (At Iba pa) is a Batibot-like dish. It also teaches kids how to count, read, and sing a number and letter song. Ate Remy, Mang Berting, and Bb are some of the characters in this show. Kapitan Bilang, Karunungan, Kuya Miguel, Pipo at Tingting
7. PAHINA
This is the first ETV show dedicated to Filipino literature. This program follows the same format as Bayani, but the intended audience is mostly high school students. This presentation seeks to encourage young people to embrace Filipino literature and learn about Filipino writers and poets. Carlo Aquino portrayed the main role, Francisco Baltazar, also known as “Balt.”
8. 5 AND UP
5 & Up, a telemagazine hosted by a group of young reporters ranging in age from 9 to 12, contains sketches and light documentaries that appeal to young viewers. The first episode of this show aired on the investigative TV programme “The Probe Team.” After getting positive response, they decided to create a spin-off of the “junior probe team” based on the original concept, which they dubbed “5 and Up.” Former kid reporters Atom Araullo, Maxene Magalona, Chynna Ortaleza, Rayver Cruz, and Rodjun Cruz are now well-known celebrities.
9. WANSAPANATAYM
Wansapanataym is a critically acclaimed fantasy drama anthology that premiered in 1997. Because of the fantastic journey and lesson-filled stories it gives, it was a tremendous hit with all sorts of viewers. “Ang Mahiwagang Palasyo” was the title of the pilot episode, which starred Judy Ann Santos and the late Rico Yan. Wansapantaym is still available to view every Saturday evening.
10. SUPERBOOK
Superbook, an anime television series, initially broadcast in Japan and the United States in 1981, but it wasn’t until the 1990s that it made its way to the Philippines via GMA—dubbed in Tagalog, of course. It told Bible stories, starting with Adam and Eve and on to the history of the Israelites, through Christopher—a young boy who discovered the magical “Superbook” and journeyed back in time with his buddy Joy and the red-colored robot Gizmo to the days of the Old and New Testaments.
