Captain Barbell, GMA TV Show

Captain Barbell, GMA TV Show a superhero drama television series based on a character of the same name created by Mars Ravelo. It was aired on Philippine television by GMA Network during weeknights on its primetime block. The series premiered on May 29, 2006, and last aired on January 12, 2007. It also aired worldwide, with a three week delay on GMA Pinoy TV.

Richard Gutierrez plays the superhero, Captain Barbell and his alter ego, Teng. His archnemesis Viel Villian, is played by Richard Gomez.

The show will return to Philippine TV as it marks a sequel this 2011, Captain Barbell (2011 TV series).Captain Barbell first appeared in the series finale of Darna. He wore the usual hero's spandex costume with the big CB logo on his chest. However, neither the actor's face was shown nor was he credited, since the producers had not decided yet who will take the role. It was intentionally done to drum beat the promotions for the upcoming series.

Different actors were considered, and several others voiced out their interest on the role. Even Richard Gutierrez wasn't sure it will be him, so after wrapping up Sugo, he went for a month-long vacation. GMA Network made its final announcement on April 11, 2006.

Richard Gomez specifically requested his role because he wants to play a dark character which he finds more challenging.

Several negotiations and concessions were made between the Ravelos and the producers team. Rita Ravelo wants the story to stay as much as possible to her father's original character. The production team on the other hand, wanted to make the series more updated and entertaining to present viewers. Barbell, Barbanium & Askobar

Barbell - a palm-size golden medallion-barbell plate with "CB" engraved on its center. The name "Captain B" is also depicted on the medallion. Teng twists the medallion and it forms into a barbell, he then raises it and shouts "Captain Barbell" to transform himself into the superhero. As Captain Barbell, the medallion is depicted on his chest; he grabs it back to transform to his alter ego, Teng. The medallion is said to be made from barbanium.

Barbanium - a powerful fictional element discovered in the year 2016 by scientist in the Philippines.

Askobar - "Asido Kontra Barbanium" is the only equally powerful fictional element that can counter barbanium's power. It can be crystallized and used in many ways. It is used to power a cyborg, and also molded into a bullet which deteriorates anything it touches. Coincidentally, Viel also called the element Askobar, but with a different meaning, "Asido Kontra Barbell".

[edit]The General and The Villains

A logo of two Vs aligned vertically inside a circle can always be found on the General's creations like Captain and Mrs. B. This very same logo, on the other hand, this is also the Villians logo. This led to the conclusion that the General will emerge from the bloodline of Villian family.

LIVE Corporation is the name of the General's conglomerate during the time of Neo Metropolis (a futuristic Philippine city). The word LIVE is an anagram of both Viel and Levi, members of the Villian family, so it therefore leaves to either one of them who will be the General in the future.

It's now known that Viel Villian is the General. As to how he became the general is yet to be revealed.

[edit]Captain Barbell's Origin

Captain Barbell is a Filipino earthling who came from the Philippine's distant future, and was sent back to the past.

His real name was Arell, the son of Captain B and Mrs. B.

He was renamed Potenciano "Teng/Enteng" Magtanggol by the elderly couple who found him.

[edit]Captain Barbell's Abilities

Flight - the power to fly.

Strength - an extraordinary strength.

ESP - extra-sensory perception.

[edit]Captain Barbell's Suit

Captain Barbell's suit was designed by Filipino artist Reno Maniquis and was constructed in Hollywood by Miles Teves. He was commissioned by Zaldy & Gina Ravelo of Mars Ravelo Marvelous Characters, Inc. to design the new look to make it CB’s official costume.

Miles Teves, a renowned Filipino-American costume maker in Hollywood. Teves constructed the Batman, Robocop and Superman costume. It was Dominic Zapata who suggested to the producers to have the costume made by Teves.

The updated suit is a far cry from the Superman inspired spandex tight fitting suit in shades of yellow, blue and red. The present suit is inspired by the muscular Batman's costume, minus the mask and in shades of yellow for the suit, gold for CB logo and other embellishments, and red for the cape.

The suit has a built-in cooling mechanism, so Richard Gutierrez is very comfortable inside it, to the point where he apparently lounges around the set wearing it, even between takes.

The suit reportedly costs $50,000 excluding the charges for repairs in case of damages, making it the most expensive costume ever made for a single character in a Philippine movie or TV series, for that matter.

GMA Network was so secretive about how the Captain Barbell costume looked that on the first taping day, Richard Gutierrez was made to put on a robe on top of the suit. It was only when he had to face the camera as Captain Barbell that everyone on the cast and crew had a chance to see the costume for the very first time.[1]

[edit]Captain Barbell's Enemies

Ordinary humans who had somehow direct or indirect contact with barbanium and askobar became mutants with different powers.

Cyborgs which are half-human/half-machine powered by askobar. At present, there are four known cyborgs: Commander X, Cyborg 5564, Cyborg 5566, and Ex-O.

The General is the mysterious villain of Captain Barbell whose identity is Viel Villian.

Every week or so, a new villain is being introduced whose participation could last a week or more, depending on the story arc.

cabtain barbell was very strong and very clever.

[edit]Captain Barbell's Filming Locations

Futuristic Philippines/Interior shots of Villian's mansion, laboratory and technopark is being shot in the former soundstage of Encantadia. Observant fans of Encantadia could noticed how some of the original set was recycled for the present series.

Town of Marravelos - is the fictional childhood town of Teng. ??? is being used as location for the scenes depicting it.

[edit]