Kids

The 10 Telefantasyas That Got Our Attention On TV

by Alexa Villano
June 19, 2025

Which one of these Telefantasyas were your favorites growing up?

The fantaserye genre gave viewers the chance to enter magical worlds far from reality. It expanded our imaginations and became part of many Filipino childhoods.

Now, the kids who grew up with these iconic shows are parents themselves—and many are introducing these fantaseryes to their children. It’s not just nostalgia; it’s about sharing a piece of their childhood and the values that came with it.

With the release of Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre, let’s look back at 10 fantaseryes that dominated our TV screens—and the life lessons they brought with them.

Marina (2004)

We all grew up watching Dyesebel, one of Mars Ravelo’s most beloved characters—and Marina was a reimagined take on the classic mermaid tale. The show stars Claudine Barretto as Cristina, a young girl cursed to become a mermaid after her father falls in love with her mother, spiting a vengeful witch named Victoria.

Adopting the name Marina, she dreams of returning to land and walking again. Given a magic necklace that grants her legs, she still transforms back into a mermaid with every full moon. Only a true love’s kiss can break the spell.

Why it’s Memorable

Marina came at the height of the country’s mermaid fever. And while the story was fantastical, Marina’s struggle with identity and belonging resonated with many young viewers.

Kampanerang Kuba (2005)

Kampanerang Kuba tells the story of Imang (Anne Curtis), a humble bell-ringer with a physical deformity. Through a magical candle, she transforms into a beautiful woman and adopts a new identity as Bernadette.

Why it Resonates

Most of us went through an “ugly duckling” phase, and Imang reminds us that what matters most is a good heart, not appearances.

Kokey (2007)

Based on the movie of the same name, Kokey follows the story of a friendly alien who crashes to Earth and befriends a boy named Bong. Together, they try to fix Kokey’s ship and recover a lost crystal being pursued by the villain Korokoy.

Why it’s Beloved

Kokey wasn’t just an alien—he was a symbol of kindness, found family, and unconditional friendship.

Lobo (2008)

Lobo stars Angel Locsin as Lyka, an aspiring fashion designer who discovers she is part of a powerful bloodline of wolves—and the fated “huling bantay.” Her life gets more complicated when she falls for Noah (Piolo Pascual), a soldier tasked with hunting werewolves.

Torn between love and destiny

Lyka’s story is one of self-discovery, empowerment, and the difficult balance between duty and the heart.

Bagani (2018)

Set in the world of Sansinukob, Bagani centers on five individuals from different tribes—farmers, traders, fishermen, hunters, and warriors—who are chosen to wield magical weapons and defend their world.

Why did it connect with viewers?

While it’s an ensemble show, Bagani mirrored many struggles Filipinos relate to: protecting what matters, fighting for what’s right, and uniting despite differences.

Mulawin (2005)

Often credited as the show that jumpstarted GMA’s fantaserye era, Mulawin featured Richard Gutierrez and Angel Locsin as Aguiluz and Alwina—two bird-like beings from a mystical race locked in battle with the evil Ravenas.

Looks can be deceiving

Alwina is mocked for being a kuba due to her hidden wings, but she later rises as a half-human, half-bird savior—a lesson in embracing your true nature.

Majika (2006)

Majika follows Sabina (Angel Locsin), who returns to the magical land of Saladin to search for her kidnapped parents. There, she learns magic and becomes a powerful force against the dark magician Balkan.

Family first

Sabina’s love for her family is what fuels her transformation from a sheltered girl into a fierce fighter and role model.

Ilumina (2010)

Rhian Ramos and Jackie Rice star as twin sisters on opposite sides of good and evil, both seeking control of Ilumina, a magical book of immense power.

Strong sibling bond

Beyond the epic battles, Ilumina explores the complexities of sisterhood, rivalry, and the hope for reconciliation.

Atlantika (2008)

In Atlantika, Dingdong Dantes plays Aquano, a hero tasked with finding two women—one he is destined to love, the other destined to destroy him. The show also features Iza Calzado, Katrina Halili, and Isabel Oli.

Family ties

At its core, Atlantika is about family—especially the journey of characters like Amaya and Helena, who are unexpectedly reunited with their parents.

Dwarfina (2011)

Heart Evangelista plays Dwarfina, a tiny girl navigating the human and dwarf worlds. Though small in size, her heart and bravery are anything but.

Size doesn’t matter

Dwarfina’s journey teaches kids that no matter how small you are, your courage and kindness can make a big difference.

A Magical Legacy

These fantaseryes weren’t just TV shows—they were vessels of wonder, hope, and life lessons. They taught us to fight for love, embrace our uniqueness, and believe in a world bigger than ourselves.

Now, as parents, we have the joy of passing that magic on to the next generation.