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MANILA, Philippines — The gems have officially been passed on, and a new generation of sang’gres — played by Bianca Umali, Faith Da Silva, Angel Guardian and Kelvin Miranda — has emerged. From the looks of it — or at least, based on the trailer — GMA Network’s 20-year-old franchise, “Encantadia,” is in good hands.
But it’s been quite a long journey. After two years of filming, with major production changes in between, “Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre” finally debuts tonight at 8 on GMA. And for the lead cast, the moment is both a dream come true and a torch passed on to them from their predecessors in the 2016 edition and the original 2004 series.
Having to take the lead in the spinoff of one of Philippine TV’s most beloved fantaseryes comes with weight — and pride. For Bianca, Faith, Angel and Kelvin, stepping into the mythical world of “Encantadia” certainly meant more than donning the iconic warrior costumes, memorizing “ancient” words or mastering fight choreography. It meant honoring a legacy built over decades, with the guidance and blessing of the former cast members.
The keeper of Air Gem, Deia, played by Angel Guardian, is an 'honorary' Sang’gre and kind-hearted denizen of Mine-ave.
“Coming in here, malaki talaga yung pressure,” admitted Faith, who plays Flamarra, the keeper of the Fire Gem. “There was a time na it felt like parang nalulunod ako sa pressure.”
That pressure eased only after speaking to the past “sang’gres,” particularly Glaiza de Castro, who is also reprising her role as the 2016 flame keeper Pirena in the new series.
“Siya yung nagbigay sa akin ng magagandang advice for me to be able to portray the character of Flamarra. Ang sinabi lang niya sa akin, ‘You were put into that position because kaya mo yan,’” said Faith.
Bianca Umali as Terra, the keeper of Earth Gem, the daughter of Danaya and a human named Theo.
Angel, who plays the air gem bearer Deia, shared how she had the good fortune of working with Iza Calzado (the original Amihan) on a Regal Entertainment film. That unexpected meeting also led to some words of wisdom and the surprising discovery that her character was actually named after Iza’s daughter.
“She was very generous in sharing and giving motivational words. Nakatulong talaga siya sa akin… Lalo na po na galing sa anak niya ‘yung pangalan ng character ko — another pressure po ‘yun for me,” Angel said. “So thank God na nakausap ko si Miss Iza. Kahit papaano, nabawasan ng kaunti ‘yung pressure na nararamdaman ko.”
Flame keeper, Sang’gre Flamarra, is played by Faith da Silva.
Kelvin, who plays Adamus, the keeper of the Water Gem, also reached out to almost all the past sang’gres for guidance. “It was also out of respect. Ginagawa talaga namin ito hindi lang para sa amin. Kumbaga, ginagalingan namin kasi ginalingan nila noong mga nauna,” he said.
“‘Encantadia’ is really a difficult project to do. It’s not a normal teleserye. May ibang mundo, may imagination kang kailangang paganahin habang may dala kang emosyon. Ang lawak.”
He continued, “Kaya bilang respeto, nagtatanong kami — kumokonsulta kami sa mga nauna. Para rin makahingi ng gabay, para mas magawa namin nang pulido kung ano ang dapat naming adjustments for the new generation.”
For Bianca, who portrays Terra, the Earth Gem’s keeper and daughter of Danaya and a mortal man, the experience of becoming a sang’gre was emotional from the start.
The keeper of the Water Gem, Diwang Adamus of Lireo and Adamya, is played by Kelvin Miranda.
The first time they donned their costumes, she recalled, was unforgettable. It took a year of filming before they even got to wear them.
“We were emotional the first day (of fitting). But it gave us another boost of energy for another year of filming,” she said. “Aside from all the noise around us — good and bad — tinapos po namin ito nang buo kami. At alam namin na ginawa namin ito ng buong puso at buong isip, na may kalakip na pawis at dugo.
“Now, finally, after a long wait, we’re about to show everything we worked hard for — and we really can’t wait. We can’t even describe exactly how we feel.
“(During the journey) sometimes, we cried out of happiness. Sometimes, we cried because of the pressure. We would check on each other, asking, ‘Are we okay?’
“Despite everything — the pressure and challenges — here we are now. And we feel even more grounded knowing that we gave it our all,” said Bianca.
Meanwhile, “Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre” also marks the onscreen comeback of the 2016 lead cast of — Glaiza de Castro as Pirena, Kylie Padilla as Amihan, Sanya Lopez as Danaya and Gabbi Garcia as Alena. Rhian Ramos, on the other hand, portrays the main villain, the ice queen Mitena.
Adding to the story are characters from the human world: The late Ricky Davao as Governor Emil Salvador, Manilyn Reynes as Mona Reyes, Buboy Garovillo as Javier Reyes, Benjie Paras as Kapre, Sherilyn Reyes-Tan as Katrina Salvador, together with Martin Del Rosario, Therese Malvar, Vince Maristela, Matt Lozano, Paolo Paraiso, Shiela Marie Rodriguez, Pam Prinster, Moi Bien, Lotlot Bustamante and Heath Jornales.
“Encantadia Chronicles: Sanggre” also introduces a new kingdom called Mine-A-ve with special characters played by Gabby Eigenmann, Bianca Manalo, Jon Lucas, Jamie Wilson, Shuvee Etrata, Mika Salamanca, Billie Hakenson and Hailey Dizon.
Completing the powerhouse cast are the characters from the world of “Encantadia,” Solenn Heussaff back as Cassiopeia, Luis Hontiveros as Soldarius, Cheska Inigo as Mashna Mayca, Gab Gueco as Mantuk, Kiel Gueco as Tukman and Noel Urbano the voice of Imaw.
Ruru Madrid, Rocco Nacino, Michelle Dee, Mikee Quintos, Kate Valdez, Derrick Monasterio, Elle Villanueva, Ysabel Ortega, Lexi Gonzales, Buboy Villar, Radson Flores, Wendell Ramos, Ashley Rivera, Maxine Medina, Carlo Gonzalez, Marx Topacio, Jay Ortega, Skye Chua, Larkin Castor, Brianna Bunagan, Cassandra Lavarias and SB19’s Justin De Dios will have a special participation.
