AVISALA, ENCANTADIKS!
In it’s 10th year anniversary, we are celebrating the most loved, the grandest and the most unforgettable telefantasya on Philippine TV, ENCANTADIA. The epic series was dubbed as the most ambitious and the most expensive local tv show at the time it was aired in May 2, 2005.
It launched the careers of Diana Zubiri as a wholesome actress, Karylle as a dramatic actress, Iza Calzado as a premiere leading lady and Sunshine Dizon as one if not the best bida kontrabida of her generation.
They gave life to the characters of the 4 Sanggres in the kingdom of Encatadia. Iza played Amihan the eldest of the 4 sisters and the keeper of the gem of air. She grew up in the mortal world and later on got introduced to her real world, Encatadia. Sunshine Dizon played the rebel out of the 4. She has always desired to rule the 4 kingdoms of Encantadia. Known as the fiercest of them all. She was the keeper of tne gem of fire. Alena was played by Karylle who was the keeper of the gem of water. She has always dreamed pf a lasting love. The youngest the most playful and opinionated of the 4 was Danaya, played by Diana Zubiri. She was the keeper of the gem of earth who later on became the queen of Encantadia.
Other important characters were Ybarro, played by Dingdong Dantes, the love interest of Alena and Amihan,Lira played by Jennylyn Mercado, the daughter of Amihan, Mira played by Yasmien Kurdi, the faughter of Pirena and Hagorn played by Pen Medina, the ruler of the Hathors. Mythical characters were also i troduced like Imaw, Banak and Nakba and Awoo.
Encantadia has 5 kingdoms. Lireo where the diwatas are from, Hathoria was inhibited by Hathors, Sapiro ruled by the Sapiryans, Adamya belonged to the Adamyans while the fifth kingdom Etheria was dominated by the powerful Etherians (the early people of Encantadia) and was later on erased from the map of Encantadia. ETHERIA the prequel was created to make the audience undertsand the legend of Encantadia.
The show revoled around keeping the peace and order in Encatadia and the power struggle of Queenship in the four kingdoms. The 4 Sanggres (Princesses) had their own interesting stories about love and conquering their own monsters, weaknesses and power. It is a show of epic proportions in terms it’s commercial impact. From the intrinsic costume designs, exotic locations, grand production settings and superb acting not to forget the flawless storytelling, it was indeed a Philippine gem. The talented Suzette Doctolero the headwriter also created Enchanta, the spoken language of denizens in Encantadia.
Words such as Avisala, Sheda, Pashnea and Ivo Live became part of Philipoine pop culture vocabulary and the chant by Bayang Barrios became a national mobile ringtone. Notebooks, pillows, mugs and shirts were some of the merchandise sold to fans all over the country and a shampoo commercial insoired by Encatadia was ecen shown on TV with the lead stars. It was dedinitely a commercial success.
The show has 3 books Encantadia, Etheria and Encantadia:Pag-Ibig Hanggang Wakas with a total of 258 episodes. It was critically acclaimed and has gotten various recognition both locally and internationally including Television Series of the Year at the Los Angeles-based Gawad Amerika and high honors from Asian Television Awards for Outstanding TV series, Outstanding Director for Mark Reyes and Outstanding Actress for Sunshine Dizon.
It also received one of the best reception from the Filipino audience as it is one of the All time highest rated TV shows in the Philippine with 51.2%. It solidified the Kapuso network’s dominance in the ratings game.
With the advent of remakes of the past hit shows like Anna Karenina, Villa Quintana and Pangako Sa’yo, fans can’t help but to scream for a remake of this legendary telefantasya. The clamor has been very strong and it will only get stronger. While it is not feasible for the original leads to play their roles, rumors have not died of a possible reunion on a movie with the director dropping hints. It is also a possibility to have a sequel to the 3rd book which would give birth to new characters. Or maybe a prequel to the first book with teen stats playing as Sanggres while an all-male gem keepers is what some fans are asking for. One thing is for sure, the ENCANTADIA spirit is still very much alive in the hearts and minds of Filipinos and Asians.
Happy 10th year anniversary. Relieve the magic. Relive the grandness. Relive the love. Relive ENCANTADIA. IVO LIVE, ENCANTADIA!
