The first week of Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre on GMA Network delivered a dazzling blend of nostalgia and innovation, reintroducing the beloved fantasy saga to its loyal fanbase while inviting new viewers into its enchanting universe.
This opening salvo is both a tribute to the franchise’s storied past and a bold step toward its future, weaving intricate world-building with breathtaking visuals. The pilot week masterfully balances reverence for the original Encantadia lore with fresh narrative threads, introducing the icy kingdom of Minea-ve and its ruthless ruler, Mitena, while rekindling the magic of iconic characters like Danaya (Sanya Lopez), Pirena (Glaiza de Castro), Alena (Gabbi Garcia), and Amihan (Kylie Padilla).
From the opening frames, Sang’gre announces its visual sophistication, a testament to how far the franchise has evolved with modern technology. The vibrant colors, intricate set designs, and sweeping cinematography elevate the storytelling, immersing viewers in a world brimming with wonder. The introduction of Minea-ve, a realm of icy mystique, is a visual triumph, its ethereal grandeur stealing the breath of even the most seasoned fantasy fans. At the heart of this new kingdom is Mitena, portrayed with ferocious intensity by Rhian Ramos. Ramos commands the screen, embodying Mitena’s descent into darkness with a performance that’s both chilling and captivating. Her backstory, enriched by Siena Stevens’ compelling portrayal of a young Mitena, unveils the pain and betrayal that forged her into Encantadia’s greatest villain yet. Stevens is a revelation, grounding Mitena’s arc with emotional depth that makes her transformation both heartbreaking and believable.
The narrative also revisits familiar faces with fresh stakes. We learn Amihan is dead, and Cassandra (Michelle Dee) has ascended to Lireo’s throne as the temporary keeper of the Air Gem. Solenn Heussaff’s Cassiopeia returns, her powers reaffirmed but now tinged with vulnerabilities that foreshadow her demise. The week’s darker turn follows Danaya and her family—Aquil and their young daughter Geiea—sent to the mortal world by Cassiopeia to fulfill a prophecy. This twist, meant to avert Cassiopeia’s death while ensuring the rise of Terra (Bianca Umali), the next Earth Gem keeper, sets a grim yet intriguing tone. Sanya Lopez shines as Danaya, her graceful action sequences sparking calls for her to take on Darna next. Her performance, blending strength and vulnerability, anchors the week’s emotional core.
However, Sang’gre’s first week isn’t without flaws. Netizens have pointed out plot holes that disrupt the continuity with the original lore. Questions linger: Why can’t Cassiopeia, now a Bathaluman, heal Imaw? How did Aquil, a skilled warrior, fall so easily to human hands? And why are there modern tire tracks in a fantasy realm—a likely editing oversight? The most glaring issue is Mitena’s campaign to destroy Encantadia. Despite her fiery resolve, her small band of followers seems ill-equipped to challenge a kingdom of powerful warriors and magical beings. The absence of sprawling army shots, which could have amplified the stakes, feels like a missed opportunity.
Despite these hiccups, Sang’gre’s first week is a triumph of ambition and artistry. Ramos’ Mitena and the mesmerizing Minea-ve elevate the series, while Lopez’s Danaya and the promise of Terra’s arrival keep viewers hooked.
With a few narrative tweaks, Sang’gre could solidify its place as a worthy successor to Encantadia’s legacy, blending nostalgia with a bold new vision.
