Bianca Umali to play Danaya’s daughter in ‘Sang’gre’ 

MANILA, Philippines – Bianca Umali will headline the GMA upcoming series Sang’gre, an Encantadia spin-off. 

In an interview with 24 Oras on Monday, October 23, Bianca confirmed that she will play Terra, the new keeper of the “Brilyante ng Lupa.” 

She added that Terra is the daughter of Sang’gre Danaya, who was played by Diana Zubiri in the original Encantadia series and Sanya Lopez in the remake. 

The 23-year-old actress admitted that being part of Sang’gre has placed the “biggest pressure” on her, but she assured fans that she’s giving her best for the project. 

“The way I’m preparing for this is as if I’m preparing for a Marvel movie. Ganoon ko po siya pinaghahandan (That’s how I’m preparing for it),” she said. “I am preparing my physique for it, I’m preparing my skills for it, and I have been studying everything about Encantadia.”

Umali also got emotional sharing how much this project meant to her. 

“Hindi ko hiniling pero pinagkaloob pa rin sakin (I didn’t wish for this, but it was granted to me). That’s why I’m very thankful. I assure [fans] that they will not be disappointed, I will not fail anyone,” she said.

Umali had been rumored to be part of the Sang’gre cast since director Mark Reyes unveiled a photo of her as part of the series’ concept art at San Diego Comic-Con in July. At the time, no details about her character were provided. 

Aside from Umali, other cast members for Sang’gre have yet to be announced. 

Sang’gre was first revealed in the omnibus plug for GMA’s lineup of shows for 2022. In January 2022, director Reyes confirmed that an Encantadia spin-off was in the works. 

It was earlier reported that the show will revolve around a young woman, who happens to be the long-lost daughter of Sang’gre Danaya, as she starts discovering her own superpowers. 

Encantadia is a popular fantasy teleserye which first aired in 2005. It follows four sisters or sang’gres, played by Iza Calzado, Sunshine Dizon, Karylle, and Diana Zubiri, as they control their powers and manage their kingdom. 

A reboot was made in 2016 with Glaiza de Castro, Kylie Padilla, Gabbi Garcia, and Sanya Lopez leading the cast. – Rappler.com