Great news Filipino anime fans! Synergy88’s long-awaited anime series, Barangay 143, is finally airing this October nationwide on GMA 7! Announced back in 2016, Barangay 143 is the first-ever Filipino-made Anime series, and of course it has a story about basketball.
The anime tells a coming-of-age story of a young Korean boy whose search for his father brings him to the Philippines. Once he arrives at the country, he bonds with an unlikely band of misfits who aim to bring glory to their hometown through basketball.
Barangay 143 is co-produced between Synergy88, TV Asahi (Japan), and August Media Holdings (Singapore). The anime series is just one part of Synergy 88’s overall plan for Barangay 143 to be a fully-fledged IP, complete with comics, merchandise, and mobile games (which is out right now).
From L-R: Takahiro Kishimoto (TV Asahi), Jackelin Chua (Synergy88), Jyotirmoy Saha (August Media Holdings), and Joey Abacan (GMA7).
“Within the series, comic strip, and even the game, we have tried to capture the real-life experiences of the Philippines through the art and the sounds.,” said Jackeline Chua, Managing Director and co-founder of Synergy88 Digital.
Star-Studded Voice Cast
Barangay 143 is looking to be a must-watch not only because it’s made in the Philippines, but also because of its all-star voice cast. Renowned Filipino actors such as Cherie Gil and John Arcilla for example, are the voices of Barangay 143 characters Coach B and Sophia respectively.
Up-and-coming actors are also part of Barangay 143’s cast, including Julie Ann San Jose, Kelley Day, Migo Adacer, and Ruru Madrid.
During the launch event of the anime, the actors revealed that most of them have not done voice acting much, if at all. Though they remarked that it was a great experience; especially for actors Migo and Ruru, who are self-confessed anime fans.
Barangay 143 will air on GMA 7 this October 2018. For more information on the anime, visit the Barangay 143 official website and Facebook page.