Batibot 2010 by Chuck Smith

Kapitan Basa, Manang Bola, Gingging at Ningning and Koko Kwik Kwak

After years of absence, the children’s show “Batibot” returns on air this week.

Premiering in the early 80s as “Sesame,” the Filipino version of “Sesame Street,” “Batibot” left the television screens in 2002, after 18 years on local television. During its almost-two-decade run, the show was aired by almost all the major local channels in the country including ABS-CBN and GMA.

Now, the iconic show has found a new home in TV5.

“Batibot” executive producer Feny de los Angeles said the show’s latest incarnation will feature some familiar characters from the original “Batibot” shows.

Among those making a return to “Batibot” are the muppets Kapitan Basa, Ningning and Gingging, and Manang Bola.

Koko Kwik-Kwak, first introduced when “Batibot” aired on GMA 7, will be the show’s main muppet.

As previous reported, the show’s most popular characters—the muppets Pong Pagong and Kiko Matsing—will not be part of TV5′s “Batibot” due to licensing issues with the Children’s Television Workshop (now known as the Sesame Workshop), who owns the rights to the characters.

Kakki Teodoro and Abner Delina are the new hosts. De los Angeles said that original “Batibot” hosts Sienna Olaso and Bodjie Pascua will return as guests. The show will also feature some occasional celebrity guests.

In order to sustain the interests of and to remain relevant to today’s children, De los Angeles said “Batibot” will place emphasis on essential life skills and issues relevant to children rather than focus on the usual ABCs and 123s. She clarified, however, that “Batibot” will remain an educational show despite the changes.

“Filipino children need a companion and a guide. (“Batibot” is) something like vitamins that help them in their lives. For some children, it’s probably basic nutrition,” said De los Angeles. She also added that “Batibot” will also discuss serious contemporary issues such as one-parent families and HIV/AIDS, among others, but in a children-friendly manner. “We have to (discuss those issues). It’s our responsibility. It’s our job,” she said.

“Batibot” will premiere this Saturday, November 27, at 8:30 in the morning, on TV5.