If you could have one magical power that you could use every day, what would it be?

This question was posed to some of the stars of Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre' -  Bianca Umali, Kelvin Miranda, Faith Da Silva, and Angel Guardian - during an interview at the GMA Studios in Quezon City recently.

I want to have a super power sa pag-iisip. Kasi minsan yung isip ko buffer. Kailangan ko ng talas sa pag-iisip. (I want to have a superpower for thinking. Sometimes, my mind acts as a buffer. I need sharpness in my thinking), said Faith.

Siguro the power to eat what I want everyday pero hindi ako mabubusog at tataba. (Maybe I have the power to eat what I want every day, but I won't be full and I won't gain weight), said Angel.

Faith mentioned that among the four of them, Angel eats a lot but has never gained any weight. But Angel just smiled at what she said.

Kelvin answered: Ako gusto kong power is reading the mind of others. It's for good naman. Madalas, I worry kung ano ang iniisip ng iba sa akin. (I want my power to be reading the minds of others. It's for good. Often, I worry about what others think of me.)

It may sound cliche, but I want to have the power of peace. Like kung may makikita kang tao na malungkot and then bibigyan mo siya ng kapayapaan and then okay na sya. Yun lang. (Like if you see someone sad, then you give them peace, and then they'll be okay. That's all), said Bianca.

After an extensive production period spanning two years, the much-anticipated fantasy television series Encantadia is set to make its debut on national television. 

This exciting show transports viewers into a magical world filled with captivating stories, vibrant characters, and stunning landscapes. It tells the epic story of magic, conflict, and the search for peace among the enchanting kingdoms of Encantadia.

Fans are excited to explore this fantastic world that has captured their imaginations. The stars shared their experiences training for the highly anticipated series.

We have a team that trained us. Pero kanya kanya kami ng weapons na ginagamit sa series. So aside from the team, we train individually. Puspusan talaga ang pagbubuhat sa gym. Lahat na yata ng endurance exercises na-practice namin para lumabas yung strength namin. Ang pinaka-maganda nun ay naging fit kami lahat. (We have a team that trained us. However, we each have our unique weapons that are featured in the series. So aside from the team, we train individually. We work hard at lifting in the gym. We've practiced all the endurance exercises to bring out our strength. The best part is that we've all gotten fit), said Faith.

Kelvin shared he prepared physically and emotionally for the series. When it was announced that we would be part of the series, nag-start na akong mag-training sa boxing, combat sports, and kickboxing. Nag-aral din ako humawak ng sword. Mahirap because hindi ako marunong humawak ng espada or baril. Noong nagstart kami training with the team, doon lang ako nakapag-adjust. Kulang pa pala yung personal training ko. Hindi lang pala physical, dapat ready ka rin sa emotions because when you fight, dapat galing din yun sa emotion. Yun ang mga adjustments ko. (When it was announced that we would be part of the series, I started training in boxing, combat sports, and kickboxing. I also learned how to wield a sword. It was difficult because I didn't know how to wield a sword or a gun. When we started training with the team, that's when I was able to adjust. It turns out my training was still lacking. It's not just physical; you also have to be emotionally ready because when you fight, it has to come from emotion. Those are my adjustments.)

Faith and Kelvin revealed they were accidentally hit on the face during filming for the series, but it was just a minor injury.

But Bianca said she was thankful there were no major accidents on the set. Mahirap kapag major injury ang nangyari sa two years na nagstart kami ng taping. (It’s challenging when a significant injury occurs within two years of filming.)

Bianca mentioned that she had already begun training for the project when she was tapped in 2021. She committed herself to the project. That was how long the preparation was for me until it was announced in 2023.

For Faith, Encantadia offers hope and reminds everyone that good will ultimately triumph over evil. It's a sign of hope na ang kabutihan ay mananalo pa rin as compared sa kasamaan,.

On the relevance of the series, Kelvin said: May kanya-kanyang kaming characteristics na pinapakita, pinagdadaanan at pinang-gagalingan kung saan nakaka-relate ang mga viewers. Yun ang gusto naman iparating na hindi lamang puro magic ang 'Encantadia' kundi may human touch din at may emotions. (We have our own characteristics that we show, experience, and derive from that viewers can relate to. That's what we want to convey that 'Encantadia' is not just pure magic but also has a human touch and emotions.)

Bianca mentioned that Encantadia is an open world where everyone can participate.It stands for representation, the magic that we have, and ages. There is no limit, and you can be in between both worlds, she added.

Following two decades of magic, love, and power, with a community built on dreams and imagination, GMA Network is continuing the legacy with the highly anticipated comeback of the most iconic fantasy series of all time, with “Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre,” airing on June 16.

Starring GMA Network’s Prime Gem Bianca Umali as Terra, the keeper of the Earth Gem, the daughter of Danaya and a human named Theo. She grew up in the human world and acts as a superhero under the codename “Sang’gre”. As destiny calls her, Terra will continue protecting the world of Encantadia together with the flame keeper, Sang’gre Flamarra–played by Faith da Silva; the keeper of Air Gem, Deia–played by Angel Guardian–an “honorary” Sang’gre, kind-hearted denizen of Mine-ave; the keeper of Water Gem, Diwang Adamus of Lireo and Adamya–played by Kelvin Miranda.

The saga continues as it unveils the story behind the newest generation of warriors fighting for the kingdom from a villain born in a place called Mine-a-ve, the Ice Princess and Lireo’s newest Hara, Mitena–played by Rhian Ramos. With her power fueled by wrath and vengeance, will the new destined keepers of the elemental gems, Flamarra, Adamus, Deia, and Terra defeat her?

“Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre” marks the on-screen comeback of the 2016 lead cast of “Encantadia”, Glaiza de Castro in her iconic role of Pirena, Kylie Padilla as Amihan, Sanya Lopez as Danaya, Gabbi Garcia as Alena.

Adding to the story are the industry’s remarkable characters from the human world: Manilyn Reynes as Mona Reyes, Ricky Davao as Governor Emil Salvador, Buboy Garovillo as Javier Reyes, Benjie Paras as Kapre, Sherilyn Reyes-Tan as Katrina Salvador, together with Martin Del Rosario, Therese Malvar, Vince Maristela, Matt Lozano, Paolo Paraiso, Shiela Marie Rodriguez, Pam Prinster, Moi Bien, Lotlot Bustamante, Heath Jornales.

“Encantadia Chronicles: Sanggre” awakens a new kingdom called Mine-A-ve with special characters played by Gabby Eigenmann, Bianca Manalo, Jon Lucas, Jamie Wilson, Shuvee Etrata, Mika Salamanca, Billie Hakenson, Hailey Dizon.

Completing the powerhouse cast are the characters from the world of Encantadia, Solenn Heusaff as Cassiopea, Luis Hontiveros as Soldarius, Cheska Inigo as Mashna Mayca, Gab Gueco as Mantuk, Kiel Gueco as Tukman, Noel Urbano the voice of Imaw.

With the special participation of Ruru Madrid, Rocco Nacino, Michelle Dee, Mikee Quintos, Kate Valdez, Derrick Monasterio, Elle Villanueva, Ysabel Ortega, Lexi Gonzales, Buboy Villar, Radson Flores, Wendell Ramos, Ashley Rivera, Maxine Medina, Carlo Gonzalez, Marx Topacio, Jay Ortega, Skye Chua, Larkin Castor, Brianna Bunagan, Cassandra Lavarias, Justin De Dios.

After 20 years since its successful release, “Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre” aims to inspire audiences through more visual storytelling with a deeper meaning of being powerful and the importance of family by fighting for what is right.

“Encantadia Chronicles: Sanggre” is produced by the GMA Entertainment Group, headed by Officer-In-Charge and Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Assistant Vice President for Drama Ali Nokom-Dedicatoria, Senior Program Manager Camille Hermoso-Hafezan, Executive Producer Winnie Holis-Reyes.

The show’s creative team consists of Creative Director Aloy Adlawan, Content Development Consultant National Artist Ricky Lee, Concept Creator and Creative Consultant Suzette Doctolero, Creative Consultant Des Garbes Severino, Head Writers Suzette Doctolero and Onay Sales-Camero, Writers Patrick Ilagan, Emerson Jake Somera, Greg Aldrin, Libay Trinidad- Villaroman, Nehem Debad Dallego.

This highly anticipated series is under the helm of esteemed directors Rico Gutierrez and Enzo Williams.

Catch “Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre” from Monday to Friday at 8 p.m. on GMA Prime and GMA Kapuso Stream. Global Pinoys can also watch the program via GMA Pinoy TV.