Encantadia, the much-awaited retelling-sequel of one of the most-watched fantaseryes in the history of Philippine TV returns tonight on GMA Telebabad battling against ABS-CBN's Ang Probinsyano, the undisputed leader on primetime raking a consistent 40%+ in nationwide ratings.
Despite its huge budget, all-star cast, spectacular production values, stunning CGI work and the social media hype, people behind the production still feels the pressure of making it big in the ratings game. They are hopeful that the show will once again capture the hearts of Filipino televiewers.
Encantadia features Kylie Padilla, Gabbi Garcia, Sanya Lopez and Glaiza de Castro in the much-coveted roles of Sang'gres Amihan, Alena, Danaya and Pirena as previously portrayed by Iza Calzado, Karylle, Diana Zubiri and Sunshine Dizon
Encantadia is divided into four kingdoms – Adamya, Sapiro, Lireo, and Hathoria, with each kingdom holding one of the four precious elemental stones that are integral to maintaining peace and order in the land.
In the series, Kylie Padilla is Amihan, the keeper of the gem of air. She is known for being mature and nurturing as she protects her loved ones no matter what. Raised by her father in the land of mortals, Amihan learned to be an independent thinker--a characteristic envied by her sisters.
Gabbi Garcia breathes life into the character of Alena, the third among the four, who keeps the water gem. Romantic and carefree, she lives to love and to find that one person who will complete her. She finds that love in Ybarro (Ruru Madrid), a charismatic Barbaro whose past is as much a mystery to him, as it is to her.
Meanwhile, the fearless and headstrong Danaya, portrayed by Sanya Lopez, is the youngest among the four. She keeps the earth jewel and has an unwavering sense of justice.
Pirena, the keeper of the gem of fire and the eldest of them, is played by Glaiza De Castro. Passionate and outspoken, the fiery young woman wishes to become the next queen of the diwatas. However, she feels neglected by her mother's decision to choose her sister, Amihan.
Completing the stellar cast are John Arcilla as Hagorn, Rocco Nacino as Aquil, Ruru Madrid as Ybarro, Sunshine Dizon as Adhara, Christian Bautista as Apitong, Rochelle Pangilinan as Agane, Vaness del Moral as Gurna, Pancho Magno as Hitano, Buboy Villar as Wantuk, Carlo Gonzalez as Muros, Kate Valdez as Mira, Mikee Quintos as Lira, Starstruck finalist James Teng as Pako, introducing Starstruck winners Klea Pineda as Muyak and Migo Adecer as Anthony, and Solenn Heussaff as Cassiopea.
Adding glimmer to the powerhouse ensemble are Julia Lee as Alira Naswen, Leandro Baldemor as Dado, Neil Ryan Sese as Asval, Ryan Eigenmann as Berto, Angelu de Leon as Amanda, Ana Feleo as Ades, Roi Vinzon as Arvak, Jestoni Alarcon as Armeo, with special participation of Max Collins as Amihan, the sister of Ynang Reyna Minea.
Holding strong values of forgiveness, acceptance, and responsibility, the requel will tell the story of sisterhood, family, and a great forbidden love that bridges two different worlds - that of humans and the magical world of Encantadia.
At the helm of Encantadia's requel is no less than director Mark Reyes, who also directed the original series. He shared that the well-planned preparation of Encantadia's comeback makes it one of the grandest television series to date. "There's so much more reasons to watch the show. Encantadia's requel is one of the biggest projects in Philippine television. It's the story that you're going to get. Ang naging paghahanda rito [The preparations for this]—from the costumes to the script to the set hanggang sa graphics, lahat [to the graphics, and everything else]—three times bigger sa unang version [is three times bigger than the first version]."\
Playing special roles are Kapuso Primetime King and Queen Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera-Dantes as Raquim and Ynang Reyna Minea, respectively.
Ang Probinsyano, meanwhile, remains cool and positive on this brewing competition as they are set to further provide thrilling scenes every night beginning July 18 with the inclusion of action star Cesar Montano in their top caliber cast.
Cesar will play Hector, a hitman hired by Tomas (Albert Martinez) and Don Emilio (Eddie Garcia), tasked to put down Cardo's (Coco Martin) grandfather Delfin (Jaime Fabregas) to stop him from further investigating their illegal business. Joining Cesar in pumping up the action are seasoned actors Eddie Gutierrez and Bembol Roco with Kapamilya actress Meg Imperial.
Which show do you think will reign supreme on primetime? Are you #TeamProbinsyano or #TeamAvisala?
