Forget love triangles and revenge plots — Filipino audiences are once again craving enchanted kingdoms, mythical beasts, and heroines who wield elemental powers while serving face in full glam. The fantasy genre, long thought to be fading into nostalgia, is roaring back with a vengeance. And leading the charge is Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre, GMA Network’s dazzling spin-off of its beloved 2005 saga.
The show didn’t just premiere — it exploded. On June 16, 2025, Sang’gre debuted with a commanding 13.7% people rating, dethroning the long-reigning action-drama juggernaut FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, which scored 12.9% across its multi-network airing. For GMA, this was more than a ratings win — it was a cultural moment. After years of trailing behind Coco Martin’s gritty Manila saga, Sang’gre proved that Filipinos still believe in magic.
A Spellbinding Premiere
Led by Bianca Umali as Terra, the show blends nostalgia with fresh fantasy. With returning Encantadia veterans like Glaiza de Castro and Sanya Lopez, plus new faces like Faith Da Silva and Kelvin Miranda, Sang’gre delivers high-stakes drama wrapped in jaw-dropping visuals. Fans flooded social media with praise:
“this is literally a cinematic masterpiece I’m so sorry to those who don’t get it like the setting the music the dialogue the cliffhanger it all comes together to make something so beautiful and ill keep talking abt it” tweeted @girlmeetadelena
“The costumes, the locations, the CGI and the fight choreography are all giving. Worth the wait talaga,”
Ganito kagarbo, kaganda, at kalaking production for FREE TV? GMA lang ang nakakagawa nyan!
Basta usapang historical/cultural drama, d ka talaga titipirin ng GMA from story, casts, wardrobe at set! Usually, sa pelikula lng tayo nakakapanood ng ganito kalaking production! “added @kapusoleague_
Even minor critiques — like the missing glow effect on Cassiopeia’s forehead — couldn’t dim the excitement. The hashtag #SanggreWorldPremiere trended nationwide, and the livestream drew over 330,000 peak concurrent viewers across YouTube and Facebook.
The Ratings Battle: Sang’gre vs. FPJ’s Batang Quiapo
While Sang’gre won the opening round, Batang Quiapo quickly bounced back. On June 17, it reclaimed the lead with 13.3%, edging out Sang’gre at 12.1%. The battle continued on June 18, with Batang Quiapo holding steady at 13.3%, while Sang’gre dipped to 11.4%. But here’s the twist: on single-channel ratings, Sang’gre consistently outperformed Batang Quiapo on GMA-7 versus TV5.
This tug-of-war is more than numbers. It’s a clash of genres, generations, and storytelling philosophies. Batang Quiapo thrives on gritty realism and street justice. Sang’gre offers escapism, mythology, and a female-led narrative. And clearly, both have their loyal armies.
The Fantasy Renaissance
Sang’gre isn’t alone in reviving Pinoy fantasy. Other recent shows have tapped into the genre’s enduring appeal:
- Lolong: Bayani ng Bayan returned in 2025 with Ruru Madrid battling crocodiles and corrupt officials. Its second season introduced a magical gem quest, blending action with folklore.
- Mga Lihim ni Urduja (2023) reimagined the legendary warrior princess with a modern twist, starring Kylie Padilla and Gabbi Garcia. Though short-lived, it reignited interest in historical fantasy.
- Voltes V: Legacy (2023) brought anime nostalgia to life with mecha battles and family drama. Despite mixed reviews, its ambitious production raised the bar for local CGI.
Even upcoming titles like Makiling and Athena promise more mythical mayhem, proving that networks are doubling down on fantasy as a ratings weapon.
Why Fantasy Works — Again
So why the sudden surge? It’s not just nostalgia. Fantasy offers:
- Escapism: In a country grappling with inflation, political scandals, and climate anxiety, enchanted realms provide a break from reality.
- Empowerment: Female leads like Terra, Urduja, and Cassiopeia aren’t just love interests — they’re warriors, queens, and chosen ones.
- Visual spectacle: With improved CGI and costume design, fantasy shows now rival international productions in aesthetic appeal.
- Multigenerational appeal: Parents who watched Encantadia in 2005 are now watching Sang’gre with their kids — a rare cross-generational bonding moment.
The Streaming Factor
Fantasy also thrives online. Sang’gre’s digital viewership shattered records, proving that younger audiences — who may not tune in to free TV — are still hungry for magical content. Platforms like Kapuso Stream, iWantTFC, and Viva One are giving fantasy shows a second life beyond primetime.
The Magic Lives On
Sang’gre may not hold the ratings crown every night, but it has already won something bigger: cultural relevance. It reminded Filipinos that fantasy isn’t just for kids — it’s a genre that can tackle real emotions, complex characters, and national identity.
As the battle between enchanted kingdoms and Manila’s underworld rages on, one thing is clear: fantasy is no longer a relic. It’s a revolution. And Sang’gre is leading the charge, one spellbinding episode at a time.
