Avisala Sang’gres of Encantadia, Telefantasya

For quite a while, the trend in the Philippine TV revolve around dramas and love teams. It’s very few that we see different flavors and stories that will tickle our imaginations.  Well, with the requel (retelling sequel) of Encantadia the wait is indeed over. It's one of the most successful shows and Filipino Fantasy series a decade ago.

Francis Libiran designed the mesmerizing gowns of four Sang'gres  

Encantadia 2016 is considered as a requel or reteling sequel of its 2005 version.  If we remember that show, which top billed by Sunshine Dizon, Diana Zuburi, Karylle, and Iza Calzado; it brought a mind-blowing production. It led us to a fantasy world where places of Hathoria, Adamya, Sapiro, and Lireo existed. Each kingdom had appealing characters and feels thanks to creative geniuses of behind the show like directors Mike Reyes and scriptwriter Suzette Doctolero. Doctolero is also the creator of other top rated Kapuso shows such as My Husband’s Lover, Indio, The Rich Man’s Daughter, and Amaya.

Kylie Padilla as Amihan , the protector of Jewel of Air

Bring back the telefantasya!

More than ten years ago, fantasy series were the in thing in the primetime and called either “Telefantasya” or “Fantaserye” depending on which network. ABS-CBN called Marina [starring Claudine Barretto] and Krystala [of Judy Ann Santos] as Fantaserye and GMA categorized Mulawin [Angel Locsin and Richard Gutierrez] and Darna [Angel Locsin] as telefantasya.  These came before Encantadia, but this series and its prequel Etheria and sequel Encantadia: Pag-ibig Hanggang Wakas proved there’s more to explore. In fact, its story, designs, and creatures which perhaps were not even existed in Pinoy comics and books before.

If it came out powerful at that time, this 2016 it's also a game-changer with modern touch, and different elements.  By the way, the language used in Encantadia is "Enchant" and the royal gowns of Sang’gre [means royal blood] are designs of well-known Filipino Fashion Designer Francis Libiran.  

Glaiza de Castro as Pirena

New Challenges, New Face

The four lucky ladies to reprise roles of four Sang’gres are  Kylie Padilla as Amihan, keeper of the Jewel of Air; Gabbi Garcia as Alena, keeper of the Jewel of Water; Sanya Lopez as Danaya, keeper of the Jewel of Earth; and Glaiza de Castro as Pirena, keeper of the Jewel of Fire. They all went through auditions, look tests, and rigorous training to nail their respective characters.

Notice that except Gabbi Garcia [whom paired with Ruru Madrid in some projects and here], the other three don’t have perennial love teams.  What exciting about it?  There’s strong possibility that the series don’t only tackle cliché love problems, but also diverse issues such as leadership, importance of family, repentance, humility, and passion.  Ruru is the modern Ybarro, which originally played by Dingdong Dantes.

Glaiza is considered veteran among the four with her years in showbiz and number of projects. If in her most recent past projects she’s usually played supporting or villainous roles, the 28-year old versatile actress already top billed shows such as Grazilda and Kaputol ng Isang Awit. Same with Kylie, who experienced starring roles through The Good Daughter and Adarna. Another edge of Kylie is her innate sporty trait and being a longtime Muay Thai practitioner. Indeed, Robin Padilla’s daughter is suit to play a warrior princess. 

Gabby Lopez as Alena

Meantime, playing Danaya reintroduced Diana’s career in different market since she’s popular doing adult films. Today's Danaya Sanya is maybe the biggest star in the making because of this character. The 19-year old stunner is the freshest face compare to her co-stars and so far known in her stints in Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman and The Half-Sisters.

Encantadia also features Kapuso Primetime King and Queen Dingdong Dantes [Raquim] and Marian Rivera [Ynang Reyna Minea], John Arcilla [Hagorn], Rocco Nacino [Aquil], Mikee Quintos [Lira], Kate Valdez [Mira], Migo Adacer [Anthony], Pancho Magno [Hitano], and Solenn Heussaff [Cassiopeia].  

Sanya Lopez as Danaya

Photos by: GMA Network