Suzette Doctolero wanted the 'Encantadia' Sang'gres to have not just beauty, but also strength

"Encantadia" remains one of the most popular series in Philippine television, even though it premiered back in 2005.

This is thanks to some iconic characters or Sang'gres named Amihan, Pirena, Alena, and Danaya, who not just looked amazing in their costumes, but are also very wise and badass when it comes to protecting their kingdom.

In an interview on #JustIn hosted by Paolo Contis, GMA Head Writer, Creative Consultant, and "Encantadia" creator Suzette Doctolero made sure to emphasize the Sang'gre's strength and palaban attitude.

At that time, Doctolero was invited to a writers' summit. They were tasked by GMA Network's Lilybeth Gomez-Rasonable and Wilma Galvante to pitch a series involving the mythological creature diwata, like Maria Makiling.

Doctolero then pitched "Encantadia."

"Kaya lang, instead of diwata lang na alam mo 'yun, 'yung pa-cute na diwatang naka puti, ang binigay kong concept: mga diwatang humahawak ng armas, nakikipaglaban," she said.

She added that GMA Senior Vice President Annette Gozon-Valdes had a big contribution to "Encantadia." Doctolero only created three sisters, but Gozon-Valdes added one more to represent each element.

Paolo asked whether the Sang'gres were created after Doctolero's own palaban personality.

"So kung ano siguro ako, 'yun din yung mga nagiging character ko," she said. "Isip at puso 'yun ng writer eh, tsaka kaluluwa ng writer 'no."

Doctolero added, "Kung titignan niyo 'yung body of works ko, karamihan ng mga trabaho ko ay maka-babae, medyo may feminist ano... Like halimbawa, 'Encantadia,' and 'yung mga succeeding pa, halimbawa 'Amaya' and everything."

Paolo asked Doctolero which of the Sang'gres she resonates with the most, and she answered Danaya, played by Diana Zubiri in the original version and Sanya Lopez in the 2016 remake.

"Nakaka-relate ako dun sa ugali ni Danaya because I'd like to believe na napaka-principled ni Danaya eh. Kaya niya mag-stand on her own kahit na ang daming hindi naniniwala or nang-aano sa kanya," she said.

"At ganun din ako, tingin ko," Doctolero added. "Na kahit na madaming kontra, I don't care diba. Pake ko?" she laughed.

The full episode of #JustIn hosted by Paolo Contis is up on Sparkle GMA Artist Center's YouTube channel.

—Nika Roque/MGP, GMA Integrated News