Kids

Encantadia at 20: Why a New Generation of Families Still Believes in Magic

by Alexa Villano
May 6, 2025

The telefantasya Encantadia celebrates 20 years with the sequel Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre, scheduled to air mid-year

On May 2, 2005, Philippine primetime television was forever changed by the debut of Encantadia, a groundbreaking fantasy epic inspired by Filipino mythology and folklore. Families, especially children, were captivated by the mythical world of Diwatas, Adamyans, Hathorians, and Sapiryans.

But more than just a magical tale, Encantadia explored complex family dynamics through the story of four sisters—Pirena, Amihan, Alena, and Danaya, each tasked with guarding elemental gems: fire, water, air, and earth. As their paths unfolded, so did themes of love, jealousy, sacrifice, and the burdens of leadership—including their evolving roles as daughters, sisters, and eventually, mothers.

Screenshot from GMA Network

A Legacy Begins

The original 2005 cast included Sunshine Dizon, Iza Calzado, Karylle, Diana Zubiri, and Dingdong Dantes. Now, mothers themselves, Iza and Diana, reflected on the show’s legacy in heartfelt anniversary messages to fans.

“Unang Teleserye ko ang Encantadia, wala pa ako masyado ka alam alam dito pero minahal niyo ang ako. Happy 20 years mga Ashti! Avisala Eshma,” Diana wrote.

Photo from dianazubirismith

Iza meanwhile said: “Can’t believe that it’s been 20 years. Hasne Ivo Live, Encantadia!”

Encantadia 2016: A Reimagining for a New Era

In 2016, director Mark Reyes reintroduced the Encantadia universe through a retelling that brought fresh faces: Glaiza de Castro, Kylie Padilla, Gabbi Garcia, and Sanya Lopez as the next generation of Sang’gres.

Photo from gmaencantadia

Nostalgia hit hard as original cast members Sunshine, Diana, and Dingdong returned in pivotal roles. The storyline deepened: Mine-a was now shown to have a sister named Amihan, tying the lore more intricately across generations.

What stood out most, though, was the focus on motherhood and legacy. Amihan, the second daughter of Mine-a, with Prince Raquim of Sapiro, became a mother to Lira, unaware that the child’s father, Ybrahim (later revealed to be Ybarro), was also the love interest of her sister, Alena. Amihan finds herself torn between duty and love, as she also endures the hatred of her sister Pirena.

Pirena’s path to motherhood was more vengeful. Hoping to usurp Amihan’s throne, she bore a daughter, Mira, and exchanged her with Lira to secure her lineage. Her transformation—from near-infanticide to eventual reconciliation with her daughter and sisters was among the show’s most emotionally layered arcs.

Alena, always the most romantic of the sisters, bore Khalil with Ybarro, her true love. But tragedy struck when their son died at the hands of Danaya, sparking heartbreak and estrangement. Yet, even in grief, Alena’s maternal devotion endured.

Though Danaya was not yet a mother, her influence as an aunt to Lira and Mira showed her deep capacity for love and protection.

Encantadia Chronicles Sang’gre: A Story Passed On

Now in 2025, the much-awaited sequel to Encantadia, Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre, is set to be shown, revolving around the children of the Sang’gres.

Bianca Umali steps into the spotlight as Terra, daughter of Danaya. But fans quickly noticed: it’s not Aquil (Rocco Nacino) by Danaya’s side at Terra’s birth, but a human played by Martin del Rosario. Is Terra the child of two worlds?

We’ll also meet Adamus (Kelvin Miranda), son of Alena and Memfes, the Gunikar leader of Adamya. As a hybrid of royal and warrior bloodlines, how will he navigate his identity and protect his people from the growing threat of Mitena?

There’s Flamarra (Faith Da Silva), Pirena’s second daughter, born of Lirean, Hathorian, and Punjabwe descent. Will she inherit her mother’s fire—and her wisdom?

Finally, Deia (Angel Guardian), a mysterious figure skilled in archery and hailing from the elusive realm of Mine-a-ve, is revealed as the new keeper of the air gem. What binds her to the Sang’gres remains to be seen.

Photo from GMA Network

Magic That Endures

As Sang’gre prepares to air, fans, some now parents themselves, are preparing to pass on the stories that shaped their childhoods. After two decades, Encantadia remains more than a fantasy epic. It’s a legacy of sisterhood, sacrifice, and love that continues to resonate with families today.

At its core, Encantadia reminds us that the strongest magic isn’t just in gems or kingdoms—it’s in the bonds we share across generations. For many Filipino families, that’s what makes it truly timeless.