The Brat Pack. “That’s Entertainment.” Neon bangles, MTV, cassette tapes, joysticks, John Hughes coming-of-age flicks.
Anyone who says the 1980s is baduy will probably get punched in the face by those who actually grew up in that era. Granted, there are things from that decade we’d rather forget (like shoulder pads and stirrup pants).
But beyond the kitschy fashion and the hairspray overdose, we saw the rise of some of the most enduring trends, influential personalities, and game-changing innovations known to man.
The thing responsible for this welcome wave of nostalgia was the National Geographic Channel’s latest offering, “The ’80s: The Time of Our Lives,” launched at the Amber Ultra Lounge at The Fort Strip. The event was hosted by “That’s Entertainment” alums Jojo Alejar and Chuckie Dreyfus, with a surprise appearance by actress Carmi Martin. Activities included a mini-trivia night, a Michael Jackson dance-off, a Madonna voguing contest, and the advance screening of the six-part miniseries “The ’80s: The Decade that Made Us.”
Narrated by ’80s heartthrob and Brat Pack member Rob Lowe, the miniseries not only explores the wild, outrageous fashion and music trends, but also the pivotal events that shaped technology, sports, politics, and pop culture in that decade. It shows the beginnings of Madonna fever, where a feisty young lady first shocked the world with her performance of “Like a Virgin” in a wedding gown.
There’s the invention of the mobile phone, the Coke-Pepsi wars, the discovery of AIDS, and the birth of the “Valley Girl” phenomenon (to whom today’s nasal “colegiala” accent probably owes its existence). The series also has commentaries by a host of ’80s icons such as Michael J. Fox, Steven Tyler and “Dynasty’”s Joan Collins, to name a few.
“The ’80s: The Time of our Lives” premiered May 20, 10 p.m. on the National Geographic Channel. Visit https://natgeo.tv.com/asia for schedule.
