Encantadia

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.

Rewatching both shows, there's just something about the 2005 version that cements "Encantadia" as an iconic series to this day. While its special effects may not be as polished as the 2016 version, the storytelling and intensity of the original kept audiences hooked from start to finish, so much that it sparked curiosity about its sequels and prequels, like Etheria and Pag-Ibig Hanggang Wakas.

Suzette Doctolero did an incredible job crafting both versions, making them equally remarkable yet distinct. However, as a fan of the 2005 version, it's hard not to compare their legacies, especially when it comes to performances. Sunshine Dizon's portrayal of Pirena was so powerful that it earned her a Best Actress award in America, while Iza Calzado's role in the series helped propel her career, along with Karylle. Meanwhile, Diana Zubiri's portrayal of Danaya as a strong, fearless warrior suited her perfectly and considering she was primarily known for sexy roles before this series. Encantadia proved that she had the talent and presence to be a true star. Jennylyn Mercado's portrayal of Lira/Mila was more memorable than Quintos' version, with her adorable comedic timing and her charming strong chemistry with Mark Herras.

The 2005 version premiered at a time when female characters were often relegated to damsel-in-distress roles and inlove with the idea of love. There was no Xena: Warrior Princess-type figure to embody true "girl power" in Philippine television. But when Encantadia came out, it redefined how women were portrayed in the industry, strong, independent, and capable of holding their own in battle.

Even today, the 2005 version continues to resonate with new generations of fans, especially children. Personally, I find its storyline even better. And for those who were devastated by the deaths of the original characters in the remake, you'll enjoy seeing the four Sang'gres kick ass together until the very end of the 2005 version and other sequels.

Hell no!

Yes, they have admitted that they have LOTR to thank for; because without the said film, they wouldn't know how to create a show in epic proportions.

Yes, this show is the most top-rated show on Philippine Television today. One of the reasons is that they have learned how to create lavish costumes, dreamy settings, and out of this world animatronic characters.

But this doesn't mean they copied LOTR! I mean, the story itself is different! LOTR's story involves a nobody carrying the world over his shoulders and ends up saving it in the end. While in Encantadia, it is partly the story of four sisters torn apart by one of the sister's greed; and partly the story of a young fairy princess brought to the mortal realm where she suffers tremendously. The story of Encantadia merely tells what is happening in our country right now. Not that our country is rich, in contrast, it clearly states how difficult it is to live in this country (or the world for that matter). I know it may seem a bit gloomy, but that's the reality. Life is difficult. But living life, is a job. Especially, if you have no one. All you can do is work hard, and hope for a better tomorrow. This is what Encantadia wants to show us: "perseverance is the key to survival".

Yes, i admit that an epic quest has yet to be shown. But there is more to a story than an epic scene! What matters more in a story is the HEART a writer puts in it. Like with LOTR, Tolkien gave his heart out in his novel. Likewise with the writers of Encantadia. Unlike in LOTR where the hero needs to travel away from his homeland in order to create a story, Encantadia has its story right there its lands, that's why there is no need to travel to distant places!

According to one opinion, Encantadia lacks the mythology that LOTR had. But why would Encantadia need a mythology, when Encantadia itself is the beginning of the mythology?! Unlike LOTR, Encantadia doesn't need a mythology to stand up on it's own. It has itself to stand up on.

And regarding its viewers being unintelligent. Well, i beg to differ! We may not know what 'The Silmarillion' is. But hey, do you know the world of Encantadia? As what my teacher said, a true genius knows that he knows everything and nothing at the same time. Don't call yourself intelligent when you're not! Encantadia is pure Filipino excellence, that's why Filipinos like me love them. Unlike you.

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!

I have heard in an interview somewhere that the production people of GMA's new fantasy soap opera 'Encantadia' admittedly watched the special features on the DVD release of the recent Blockbuster movie 'The Lord of the Rings' in order to get a grasp on how to create a full production in a high-fantasy setting.

Of course, their 'research' does not go unnoticed: 'Encantadia' is now the most watched show on Philippine TV. The people behind the show seemed to have caught the spirit of the movie it copied: colorful costumes, CGI settings, even the lovable animatronic characters were caught to a sharp T. There's only one problem though: Hello??? Universal storyline that applies to all humankind? Where are you? The producers caught everything from LOTR except the one thing that made it all special to millions worldwide: The solid themes of fellowship, perseverance, and corruption that leads to imminent danger.

Let me deliver a comparison: in LOTR, a simple, almost nobody-homebody proves that even the smallest person can change the course of the future as he goes through the toughest obstacles in his life to save the world.

in Encantadia: a royal family struggles to keep their power amidst the threats of destabilization from other groups. The story does have attempts at the usual 'universal storyline' themes (fairy princess/infant stolen and forced to live poor life, mortal falls in love with immortal, etc), but these petty events don't add up to the big picture. Wait a minute... What is the big picture anyway?? No epic quest, no test of friendship, no test of resolve or integrity, no character exploration; Just a series of soap operatic events. I guess in the end all we have to expect is that the hero royal family wins.

Storyline aside, the show works well anyway. The costumes and masks seemed believable enough. How about the mythology? What makes stories such as this is how this 'alternate world' came to be. Again, Tolkien turns over in his grave: the world of 'Encantadia' seemed to have popped out of nowhere. Unlike LOTR which originated from the creation story 'Ainulindale' from the unforgettable epic book 'The Silmarillion', 'Encantadia' does not provide a mythology which makes the story (like 'Mulawin' before it) unbelievable and a tad uninteresting.

Cheers to the network for creating a top-rater, and jeers to the shortcomings intelligent viewers cannot overlook.

By the way: who ever said intelligent viewers were the market of 'Encantadia'?