Filipino anime fans are in for a treat as video-on-demand streaming service POPTV Philippines introduces “Bento,” an all-new anime channel that offers hundreds of anime titles including simulcasts fresh from Japan.
This move is part of POPTV’s vision of becoming the ultimate one-stop entertainment service for Filipinos. After offering a slate of local blockbuster movies and Filipino-dubbed Asian content via POPTV, and Filipino-dubbed kid shows via POPTV Kids for the mass market Filipino families, the Singapore-based streaming service now has its eyes set on hardcore anime lovers.
“Filipinos are among the top consumers of anime content in the world. Bento has been created to address that market. A comprehensive Anime service that makes titles available easily and cheaply (or for free) is the best defense for anime IP owners against widespread piracy. Our launch slate of over a hundred titles will continue to grow through the next few quarters until we become the ultimate destination for Filipino anime fans,” said Jyotirmoy Saha, Founder & CEO of POPTV.
With Bento, POPTV is also introducing AVOD and PVOD packages that offer both ad-supported and premium viewing. In its premium tier, users can access premium titles including weekly simulcasts.
Headlining this new anime service are simulcast airings of hit anime series “Spy Family Part 2,” “Beast Tamer,” and “Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun Season 3.”
Bento also offers hit titles like “Mob Psycho 100,” “Assassination Classroom,” “Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures,” the Filipino anime series “Barangay 143” as well as Filipino-dubbed versions of “Jujutsu Kaisen,” “Sing Yesterday for Me,” and “Horimiya.”
“We want Filipinos to have effortless access to the best anime in the world. We want to enable anime fans to be able to express their love for anime and get fulfillment without having to rely on dubious sources. Lahat ng ginagawa namin ay para sa Pinoy anime fans kaya sana suportahan at tangkilikin nila ang Bento. We have a lot in store for the community that we will progressively roll out over the months to come.” added Jackeline Chua, COO of POPTV.
POPTV Bento will be available from Oct 26. To experience Bento, download the POPTV PINAS app on Google Play, Huawei App Gallery, Samsung Galaxy store, and Apple App Stores. Subscriptions can be purchased via load deduction through SMART or Google Pay; or may be transacted via credit/debit card or GCash app. It is also available on Shopee, Lazada, all branches of M L’huillier and RD Pawnshops nationwide, and in sari-sari stores in key cities in Luzon.