Encantadia

I guess GMA just don't want to stop. From the crap Mulawin, wrentched Darna and now, here's Encantadia. There is obviously no story line in this TV series, the acting was still dumb, lousy special effects and oh, a copy of Casshern and the dumb DEVILMAN. This TV series will only waste your time. There is some good points in this, cause it has Iza Calzado. She manages her emotions, like her award winning performance in The Echo. Still, a big waste of time. Whoever taught that a un-talented Karylle will be one of the leads is out of his mind. Actually,the only makes this series bad is because it has no premise, like it has no storyline. It's really a bad attempt.

Will GMA ever produce great TV series someday?

1/10 stars

Encantadia is the only local TV show that got me hooked! Since it's airing -- the show earned good reviews. This is the only show i know (as reported by agb and other independent stat agencies) that got the ab and c crowd (the elite and educated pinoy crowd)interested (before enca.. they do NOT watch tagalog movies or TV). No wonder Encantadia is NOW the number show in the Phil! It's understandable. Enca has a good storyline or premise (Not a ripped of LOTR, mind you. jeesh-- where'd u get that?). Great characters(tough, highly principled women/sang'gre's, they show greatlove for their kingdom). It's fast paced storytelling and plot twist are very very unpredictable. Though it's fx needs improvement but who cares?

We watch encantadia because it brings out the child in us (the sense of magic and wonderment)-- and THAT's what FANTASY is all about!

My FINAL thoughts about this series....

First, I'm not a big "Telefantasya" but I give the writers, directors, actors, and the entire staff for bringing this in Philippine TV. I don't expect this show to be original in terms of concept co'z the fact the matter is every single tale or story can inevitably crosses path in terms of similarities and coincidence. Encantadia is not great but not bad. The main goal of the producers are to entertain the majority. We all know how bad the situation in the Philippines right now, politically and economically. Obviously it's about ratings and exploiting (I mean in a good way) their actors to fame.

Second, Encantadia revolves around the four elements and the four Sangres. Their battle against the forces of evil. It sounds typical and yeah...predictable but at the end day what do you expect from Telefantasya stories...nothing. The actors and their chemistry are tolerable. Though, Sunshine Dizon is the one for me that really stands out the most. I like this show because this time the women are kicking as*. It's not the same old, traditional premise, like men saving the world.

Third, the ending was little dry. They could have done better with the battle scenes but I guess it was reasonable in a sense of anticipation of Encantadia's prequel Etheria.

Fourth, I appreciate GMA7 (TV network produces this series) for everything. They stick with their homegrown writers, um, giving them jobs, trusting them, rather not depending on foreign concepts just to produce innovative television.

And lastly, the theme song is pretty good.

Encantadia's story is fueled by the rich folklore of the Filipino people about fairies and deities that lives in the forest. This kind of story has been told for generations to Filipino children by their lolo's (grandfather's) and lola's (grandmother) right before they sleep at night which fueled their imaginations about kingdoms of fairies and demi-gods that according to the old folks,lived long ago..before man set foot to our lands Although one might say that it is a rip-off of LOTR, but in my point of view, in order to make a good "tele fantasia" or a soap, you must benchmark with the best in the field, like LOTR and other movies. GMA really put their best into this because if you watch this soap, you will see the intricate design of their costumes.The design is very Filipino and one might imagine if these were like the costumes and dresses they use (if they are real). Although the CGI is not that good, but it is an improvement, a great improvement from the fantasy movies here in the Philippines before where you can see the lines that hold the actors and stuff like the actors more looked liked they are literally pasted on the background.

No wonder this soap is said to be the no.1 watched soap in the Philippines. because it really captures the imagination of Filipinos, adults or children. It poses the question "what if they are real?" "what if there really are fairies living among us?". It captures the mind of the Filipino viewers who has a great culture and heritage

Overview: "Encantadia" is a groundbreaking Filipino fantasy television series that first aired in 2005. Created by Suzette Doctolero and directed by Mark A. Reyes and Gil Tejada Jr., the series is the first installment in the "Encantadia" franchise. It tells the story of four sisters - Pirena, Amihan, Alena, and Danaya - who are guardians of the elemental gems that keep the magical world of Encantadia in balance.

Strengths:

1. World-Building and Lore One of the most notable aspects of "Encantadia" is its ambitious and richly detailed fantasy world. The show introduces its own mythology, language (the constructed language "Enchanta"), and geography, which was rare and innovative for Philippine television at the time. The attention to detail in creating the realms of Lireo, Hathoria, Sapiro, and Adamya impressed viewers and created a solid fanbase.

2. Costumes and Production Design For a local production in 2005, the show's costume and set design were commendable. Although there were limitations due to budget, the visual presentation - from royal armors to mystical landscapes - showed creativity and passion. Many praised the elaborate costumes worn by the diwatas and the Hathors.

3. Story and Themes The series combined elements of family drama, betrayal, love, and war, all set within a fantasy framework. The dynamic between the sisters - especially Pirena's jealousy and Amihan's sense of duty - added emotional weight. Themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and power resonated with many Filipino viewers.

4. Strong Female Leads "Encantadia" stood out for its focus on strong, complex female characters. The four Sang'gres each represented different values and personalities, with actresses Iza Calzado (Amihan), Sunshine Dizon (Pirena), Karylle (Alena), and Diana Zubiri (Danaya) delivering notable performances that became iconic in Philippine TV history.

Weaknesses:

1. Visual Effects (By Modern Standards) While impressive for its time, the CGI and visual effects are dated by today's standards. Some of the fight scenes and magical elements can appear clunky or overly ambitious, given the technology and budget constraints in 2005.

2. Pacing and Length As with many teleseryes, some parts of the series suffered from slow pacing and filler episodes. Certain story arcs could have been tighter to maintain momentum throughout the show.

3. Supporting Cast and Dialogue While the leads were strong, some of the supporting characters were less developed, and certain dialogue sequences occasionally bordered on melodrama - a common feature in local dramas of that era.

Legacy and Cultural Impact:

"Encantadia" is widely regarded as a landmark in Philippine fantasy television. It sparked a renewed interest in the fantaserye genre and led to several spin-offs and reboots, including a 2016 reboot that introduced the series to a new generation. It also helped raise the bar for local productions in terms of ambition and creativity.

Final Verdict:

Rating: 9/10

"Encantadia" (2005) is a pioneering fantasy epic that captivated Filipino audiences with its rich lore, memorable characters, and imaginative world. Despite technical limitations, its emotional core and strong storytelling helped it become a cult classic and a defining work in Philippine television history.