Characters and Costumes

8 comments
Welcome to Encantadia

Enchanting is the word, indeed, as members of the media and special guests were ushered into the magical realm of Encantadia during a press
conference Tuesday evening.

Warriors clothed in full war regalia set the tone for the evening. Swords clashing to the tune of battle cries entertained the media before they were invited to enter the huge studio that currently house the show's sets. The same soldiers acted as ushers upon entering their domain.

Details of the costume designs, the puppet drawings and the like were displayed along the walls that roughly tell how much effort has been put into this production. Director Mark Reyes acted as the tour guide, giving the guests an exclusive behind the scenes glimpse of this fantasy world.

Banak and Nakba looked adorable as they greeted the media. Making the land of Encantadia even more interesting are these lovable creatures from Adamya. There was also Awoo and Imaw. The use of animated puppets is a first in Philippine television history.

It is obviously GMA's biggest and most ambitious production to date. The story of the four gems and the struggle for the peace of the land is riveting enough. Add the sheer scale of the production and attention to details, any jaded viewer will be suitably in awe.

However, it is not the precious stones that will truly captivate everyone's fancy. Even more riveting are the beautiful muses of each kingdom that are the true jewels of this show: Sunshine Dizon as Pirena, Iza Calzado as Amihan, Karylle as Alena and Diana Zubiri as Danaya. They were introduced and presented to the guests in elaborate
costumes. Dawn Zulueta as Ynang Reyna outshone everyone as she quietly showed her fairy-like demeanor. The brave warriors of Adamia, played by Ding Dong Dantes, Polo Ravales and others majestically captured the ladies' fancy.

The story will revolve around the classic struggle between love and hate, power and helplessness, friendship and betrayal that will shape the various facets of this tale. So, enter Encantadia, the Filipino fantasy that has come to life.

Encantadia will air beginning May 2 during GMA's primetime Telebabad block. [source]

Who is who

11 comments
Meet the characters of Encantadia

The world of Encantadia where the realms of peaceful Adamya, steadfast Sapiro, enchanted Lireo, and cruel Hathoria can be found, will soon unfold before you.

Get to know the colorful characters -- the powerful fairies, brave warriors, lovable and mythical creatures, and ferocious fiends -- that inhabit this magical land.

Principal among them are the Fairies of Lireo. They are ruled by Mine-a, Queen of The Fairies, played by the beautiful Dawn Zulueta. Mine-a has four daughters, all of them gifted with special abilities. Each of Mine-a’s four daughters play crucial roles in the balance of power that continues to threaten the world of Encantadia.

Eldest is Pirena (Sunshine Dizon) who has the ability to change into any humanoid shape. In turn, the youngest Danaya (Diana Zubiri) has the ability to become any plant or animal of her choice. Third daughter Alena (Karylle) has a powerful vocal tool that can either kill a being or make them fall in love. And then there is the braveAmihan (Iza Calzado), raised as a human and skilled in battle.

The rest of this stellar cast includes young stars Dingdong Dantes as the great warrior Ybarro; Jennylyn Mercado as Lira/Milagros; Mark Herras as Anthony, Milagros’ love interest; Yasmien Kurdi as Mira, Pirena’s daughter and unwitting pawn in an evil scheme; Polo Ravales as the fearless Lireo warrior Hitaro; Nancy Castiglione as Muyak, an adorable pixie; Alfred Vargas as Aquil, chief of the forces of Lireo; and Jay Aquitania as Banjo, best friend to Milagros.

Providing acting experience to the show are Pen Medina as Hagorn, the evil Hathor leader; John Regala as the loving human Apitong; Pinky Amador as Carmen, Anthony’s socialite mother; Irma Adlawan as Amanda, evil stepmom of Milagros; Girlie Sevilla as Gurna, Pirena’s dama; Leila Kuzma as the Hathor Agane; Gayle Valencia as Dinna, Milagros’ cruel stepsister; and Ehra Madrigal as Gigi, friend of Milagros.

Al Tantay, Ian Veneracion, and Allan Paule also lend their special participation to the epic drama.

And to make Encantadia even more astounding, Richard Gomez plays a very special guest role as Raquim, Amihan’s father. No one could have been better to play the father that teaches Amihan to be a fierce swordswoman. Richard Gomez, after all, has had extensive training in the art of fencing.

Making the world of Encantadia even more colorful are the lovable creatures from Adamya: Awoo, a humongous dog-like creature, the cute twosome of Banak and Nakba, and the wise Imaw, serene leader of Adamya.

Be ready to enter the extraordinary world of Encantadia soon. [source]

Warm Welcome

No comments
A WHOPPING P3 million was what it cost GMA 7 to turn a 1,900-sq.m. warehouse in the heart of Metro Manila into a surreal paradise we will henceforth know as "Encantadia."

It is also the network's latest fantaserye, hot on the heels of "Darna."
DAWN Zulueta as Inang Reyna
DAWN Zulueta as Inang Reyna

"Actually, this is only one of four sets. This is just the castle," explained director Mark Reyes as he ushered Inquirer Entertainment into the air-conditioned warehouse in Pasig. "It's so big, though. What you're seeing is just the royal chamber, the garden and the main hall. We just don't want it to look too messy... and we also wanted to keep it a secret."

Reyes pointed out that "Encantadia" is divided into four kingdoms-Adamya, Lireo, Hathoria, Saphiro-each bearing the gems that represent the four elements, wind, water, fire and earth.

Later, he said the Adamya set is in Calatagan, Batangas, while the Hathoria set is in Kalinawan Cave in Tanay, Rizal. The forest of Lireo is around Daranak and Batlag Falls, also in Rizal.

Reyes said "Encantadia" was originally a movie for GMA Films. Viewers had a sneak peek into mythical worlds in the hit series "Mulawin," also on GMA 7.

"The movie was supposed to be an entry to last year's Metro Manila Film Festival. In fact, we started working on it as early as May 2004," Reyes revealed. "But we were not able to assemble the cast that we wanted, and the network became busy with so many other things. Management decided to put it aside... until it reincarnated into a soap series."

To come up with the final look, Reyes said, he consulted with designers Rodell Cruz, Chito Zamora and Benny Batuctoy.

Fantasy-soap

In the world called Encantadia, balance is destroyed when Hathors become greedy and attempt to steal all the gems that represent the four kingdoms. Encantadas in Lireo are charged with guarding the gems, but they are rendered helpless in the face of another attempt, this time a successful one. Unless the four stones are brought back together, peace will continue to elude Encantadia.

The story, which revolves around the characters of Karylle and Dingdong Dantes, Jennylyn Mercado and Mark Herras, is "multi-layered," said the director.

"This is a merging of tele-fantasy and the traditional soap," Reyes explained. "It starts with Jennylyn's character who realizes, 'Oh, I'm not just a mortal. I have a secret.' And then Lireo comes into the picture. Here, we will introduce characters like Menandres, the god-figure in Encantadia, and the creature called Imaw, one of the most complicated animatronic creatures ever done for Philippine television. He is our Yoda. And then we have Awu, an eight-foot creature that walks on its own."

Reyes said the job of his team is to make the audience believe that Encantadia is real, even the fairies and encantados.

Inquirer Entertainment recently visited "Encantadia" and asked the cast members about their roles.

Jennylyn Mercado

"I play the role of Milagros. I'm an encantada who grows up in the world of mortals. Cinderella-like ang kwento ko. The character of Allan Paule adopts me. I grow up with a scheming stepmother (Ira Adlawan) and stepsister (Gail Valencia).
"Anthony (Mark Herras) is my childhood sweetheart. We get separated when we are young, but meet again when I decide to work as a maid in their household. We make a vow to love each other forever.
"I discover my ability to control the wind while growing up. There's this one time when I get so angry at a playmate that she is blown away."

Mark Herras

"I play the role of Anthony here. I am Jennylyn's (character) childhood best friend. Then I go to the States to study. When I come back, I'm all grown up and I don't remember her, even when she becomes one of our housemaids. Milagros, on the other hand, remembers me. I am a mortal here. That's why I wear ordinary clothes."

Karylle

"I am Alena. I am one of four daughters of Inang Reyna (Dawn Zulueta). I have the power to control water and the ability to hypnotize. I am the only daughter who has no desire to become queen of Lireo.
"I'm a warrior, just like my other sisters. I'm skilled in fighting, using a long sphere. I'm independent and I don't need a man to defend me. I'm not interested in finding my knight in shining armor."


Dingdong Dantes

"My character's name is Ybarro. I'm a warrior. Warriors are like the royal subjects here. We live outside the palace.
"I don't have special powers here but I am Encantadia's bravest and strongest warrior. Karylle is my love interest here but there is also a love triangle between Karylle, Iza and myself.
"I have four layers of costume here. Unlike the royals, I only have one costume. I play another character named Ibrahim... but I am not allowed to talk about him."

Iza Calzado

"I portray the character Amihan. I have the power to command the wind, and the ability to float in the air. I am also skillful with the sword. My father (Richard Gomez) trains me well.
"I'm second to Pirena, who is the eldest among the four daughters. The scheming Pirena plays an important role in my life. She will attempt to claim what is rightfully mine. Amihan has a good heart. She is very patient. She believes that Pirena will eventually change her ways."

Diana Zubiri

"I play Danaya. I am the youngest of the four children of Inang Reyna (Dawn Zulueta). I am the youngest but I'm the most fearless. But I'm not really a kontrabida.
"I'm now wearing my warrior costume. I also have a royal gown. Putting on costumes is kind of hard. Part of the preparations was for us to learn martial arts. Since my character bears the power of the earth, the weapon given to me is arnis. The others have swords."

Sunshine Dizon

"I play the role of Pirena and I hold the crystal of fire. Pirena is not really bad. She is just brainwashed by Gurna, her guardian. You'll understand, as the story goes along, the reason why Pirena becomes evil.

"This (points to her warrior costume) is just one of my three costumes. I also have a gown and a cloak. Instead of the usual fitting, I had to undergo body casting for this one. Pati ulo ko binuhusan. That freaked me out. It takes time to wear just this one costume. This looks like it's only one piece but there are actually 10 separate pieces, the footwear alone consists of four pieces.
"Our costumes were created by Benny Batuctoy and are made of fiberglass."

Nancy Castiglione

"I play Muyak. I was first seen in the soap series 'Mulawin,' but here I look different. I am a little fairy. I think my character has been patterned after Tinkerbell.
"While I'm in Encantadia, I'm always around Inang Reyna and Alena (Karylle's character). I'm Alena's guardian.
"One day, I see Pirena stealing Amihan's daughter; she brings the baby to the mortal world. So since my character is also like a curious George, I also go into the vortex. When Amihan finds out that Pirena has gone to the mortal world, she closes the vortex. In the mortal world, I'm invisible to everyone except the baby, who is Milagros. So I'm stuck with Jennylyn's character who grows up in the mortal world. I'm the only one who really knows for now about the secret. Ako yung susi."

Dawn Zulueta

"Inang Reyna is the heiress to the throne of Encantadia. She has four daughters, who are actually the lead characters in the series. "Inang Reyna's role is really to mediate in the squabble between the four daughters. Some of them want to be queen.
"The encantadas have basic powers but they each have specialties. They inherited these from Inang Reyna and their fathers.
"As Inang Reyna, I have several powers, one of which is the ability to change my figure and form."

Girlie Sevilla

"I'm Gurna, an ordinary diwata. I am Inang Reyna's lady-in-waiting. But I'm faithful to Pirena only because she's my ward. My character is actually the one responsible for bringing out the bad side of Pirena. I am also a spy of the evil forces of Hathoria here in Encantadia."

Era Madrigal

"I am Gigi. I'm Milagros' best friend. She runs to me whenever she's depressed. We're neighbors. We're both poor and live by the railway."

Gail Valencia

"I play the role of Dina, Milagros' wicked younger sister. I'm always mean to her because I blame her for the death of our father. I call her names and ask her to do all the household chores at home."

Pinky Amador

"I am Anthony's mother, Carmen. I am very strict because I raised him by myself. I'm a single parent.
Anthony and Milagros are childhood sweethearts here. When Mark comes back from the US, as fate would have it, they get back together. I make Milagros' life miserable, too. I don't want my son to end up with her because she's poor."

Polo Ravales

"I'm the warrior Hitaro. I work hand in hand with Ybarro. We protect the kingdom of Lireo from the Hathors who all want to conquer us.
"There's a love triangle between Ybarro, Alena and my character. I'm secretly in love with Alena."

Yasmien Kurdi

"Mira is the name of my character here. I am Ate Sunshine's daughter whom she swaps with Jennylyn, the real daughter of Ate Iza. Ate Sunshine does that so that I will inherit the throne. I don't know if Mira is supposed to be bad. I think she is only brainwashed to be bad."

Jay Aquitania

"I'm Banjo. I'm one of Jennylyn's best friends. I'm involved in a love triangle with Jennylyn and Mark. I don't have a costume since I play the role of a mortal. I was not given an encantado role because GMA 7 does not want my my character here to be compared with my character in 'Mulawin.'"


INQUIRER EXCLUSIVE
Welcome to 'Encantadia'

April 14, 2005
By Marinel Cruz, Kathryn Fatima Reyes
Inquirer News Service
Also published on page A3-2 of the April 5, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer
Editor’s note: GMA 7 is a parent company of Inq7.net.

Anticipation

7 comments
Encantadia ready to captivate audiences

Amihan grows up in the mortal world, with her loving and kind father, Raquim. She grows up believing that she is human. But one night, the Hathor came. The Hathor, fierce creatures from the world of Encantadia, arrive in the mortal realm to kill Raquim. Raquim is murdered but Amihan is rescued. She is taken back to Lireo, a magical world of fairies. It is here that she discovers the truth about her heritage that her mother is the Queen of the Fairies. Entrusted with one of four key crystals, Amihan’s real life begins in the world called Encantadia.

This is the premise of Encantadia, the newest fantasy series airing soon on GMA. Filmed on an elaborate sound stage and on locations around Luzon, the series aims to bring to life the enthralling adventures of the four fairy princesses and their struggle for both power and peace. This undertaking will span across the entire fairy realm and cross over into the human world.

Starring in the key role of Queen of the Fairies is the fair Dawn Zulueta. Her fairy daughters are played by none other than Iza Calzado (Amihan), Karylle (Alena), Sunshine Dizon (Pirena) and Diana Zubiri (Danaya). Joining them are such powerhouse veterans as Pinky Amador and Pen Medina as well as young stars Nancy Castiglione, Jennylyn Mercado and Mark Herras.

The fantasy series, which is set to air very soon, promises to captivate and charm audiences with its intricate costumes, exciting fight scenes and commanding acting. [source]