Voices Behind Japanese Cartoons

Their business is to make a new soundtrack, which specifically requires adding voices to a film, broadcast or recording. They are "Instant Voices." More often, they are called "dubbers."

Way back in the 70's when Voltes V, Daimos, and Mazinger Z hit, the television Filipino audiences became more entertained. Now the latest craze - dubbing in English and Tagalog voices - have given birth to new dynamics of art.

Oftentimes, great shows emanate from great dubbing. Dubbers breathe the heart and soul to the characters. Like acting, they give life and emotion to the individualities of the cast. It is acting to the voice with limited space because the video is already made. Gestures help them in the voice performance.

Dubbers can produce many voices. Some of them at most, produce three-low pitch, normal pitch, and high pitch. Others produce seven depending on the creativity of the dubber, his experience and background. "We grow from one voice to several voices," adds Veron Calaguas in soft tones.

This playful art calls for responsibility. The 30-minute cartoon shows are dubbed around four or five hours. "It is really dedication but I never get bored." "The thrill is enhanced when the program is perfectly dubbed. It feels real. It's a joy. It's a team. We all feel good when it succeeds, and know that we've touched people especially kids," dubbers say.

This is the future. And of course, people needs entertainment to battle on stress. As the prophetic Shakespeare said, "All the world is a stage." Be it music, drama, fine art, comedy, and now dubbing - arts will always occupy a lofty place in our universe.