Meet the voices behind your favorite Tagalog-dubbed anime and K-dramas shows

For all the good anime and K-drama shows that have been popping up lately, the Tagalog-dubbed classics continue to hold a special place in Filipino's hearts.

But did you know that the voices behind you age-old faves also found roles in more modern shows, particularly the all-Pinoy Netflix show "Trese"?

In an interview on GMA Digital Specials, these veterans shared what it was like to work on "Trese," and how they approached their characters.

One of them is Apollo Abraham, who voiced Captain Guerrero in the animated series.

You might know him better as the voice behind Krillin, Frieza, and Cooler in the anime "Dragon Ball."

Apollo, who has a background in theater acting, said that he was able to relate with Captain Guerrero because he was portrayed as an older person who was very tired.

"Nakakarelate ako sa karakter na 'yun kasi medyo ganun 'yung pakiramdam ko ngayong pandemya. So lahat ng tension na 'yun na nararamdaman ko sa totoo kong buhay, e nilagay ko lang sa character ni Captain Guerrero," he said.

("I could relate to the character because that's how I feel during this pandemic. All the tension I feel in my real life, I projected onto the character of Captain Guerrero.")

Another "Trese" voice actor is Steven Bontogon, who portrayed the role of Jobert, which he said was an honor to do.

"Na-excite ako bigla kasi isang karangalan 'yun, e. Malaking palabas 'yun kumbaga. So talagang sobrang saya na nakasama ako sa ganitong proyekto," he said.

("I got excited because it was an honor. It was a big show. So I was really very happy that I was able to be part of that kind of project.")

He was also the voice behind Toshiro Hitsugaya in "Bleach."

Equally as thrilled to be part of "Trese" is Ely Martin, who played Ibwa, Prince Dominic, General Villar, and Sigbin.

He had voiced characters in classic anime shows like "Bleach," "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," "Dragon Ball," and even characters in Koreanovelas.

But for him, "Trese" was a big deal, not just for him, but for the other Pinoy voice actors who joined the cast.

"[I am] grateful, thankful, excited at the same time, because I was part of a big project with Netflix that showcased Filipino culture," he said in a mix of English and Filipino.

He added that his experience in theater helped him tap into his characters.

Nica Rojo, who previously voiced Nami, Chopper, and Robin in "One Piece," was also the voice behind Ramona in "Trese."

She said that as an anime and comics fan, she'd already been very familiar with "Trese."

"Ngayon lang magkakaroon ng comics na based sa local, ano. Tapos magagawa pa for Netflix. So siyempre go na tayo agad du'n, 'di ba?" she said.

("It's only now that a show will be made bade on local comics, right? And it's for Netflix. So of course, I was ready to go, right?")

She also shared how exciting it was for her to see the anime in the works.

"Bawat makita naming frame, 'Uy. Ortigas 'yun. Uy, ganito 'yun. Uy, parking lot ng ano 'yun'... Ang saya lang na makita siya sa anime," she said.

("Every frame we see, 'That's Ortigas. That's the parking lot there'... it was fun to see them in anime.")

Like Nica, Bryan Allan Encarnacion was already familiar with "Trese" prior to the project.

In fact, it was because of the comic that he started studying martial arts.

He voiced Datu Talagbusao in the show, but previously, he was part of the Tagalog voice cast of the Korean drama "Dr. Romantic 2."

Christian Velarde meanwhile played a rather iconic part in "Trese" — he was Nuno.

He shared that he found amusement in the fact that his character exemplifies the chismosa culture in the Philippines, which became clear to him when he saw the memes.

"Sobrang tawa ako nang tawa... Ang saya lang sa feeling na naging markado 'yung karakter ko then naglalagay sila ng memes. To think na 'yung character niya is medyo basta e, parang nakakatakot pero I guess because of Tsoknut. Sobrang nagkaroon siya ng charm," he said.

("I laughed so hard. It felt great that my character was inserted into memes. To think that the character is supposed to be scary, but I guess because of Tsoknut, he had charm.")

He called the character "iconic," saying that it's another highlight in his career.

In the past, he already voiced the iconic Naruto in "Naruto: Shippuden," and Komatsu in "Toriko." —JCB, GMA News