OG Danaya Diana Zubiri's advice to 'Sang'gre' Bianca Umali: 'Be healthy and just be yourself'

We’re indeed having a nostalgic “Encantadia” week.

In Friday’s episode of “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” the original Sang'gre Danaya, Diana Zubiri, shared her excitement about the upcoming sequel to “Encantadia,” titled “Sang’gre: Encantadia Chronicles,” set to air in 2024.

"Masaya ako kasi ang daming nag-aabang niyan, Tito Boy," she expressed.

[I am happy because a lot of people are looking forward to it, Tito Boy.]

During the show, Boy played a video message from Bianca Umali, who will play the role of “Terra,” Danaya’s daughter in “Sang’gre.”

“Gusto ko lamang po hingin ang inyong payo dahil ako po ay naghahanda na. Ano po ba sa tingin ninyo ang mga responsibilidad at mga pagsubok na dapat ko pong asahan bilang ang bagong tagapangalanga ng Brilyante ng Lupa?” Bianca asked.

[I just want to ask for your advice because I’m already preparing for the role. In your opinion, what responsibilities and challenges should I expect as the new keeper of the brilyante ng lupa?]

Understanding the challenges of embodying the role of a sang’gre, Diana advised Bianca to prioritize staying fit and healthy. "Mahirap kasi, Tito Boy. Parang ako, hindi na ako nakakuha ng time to exercise and to eat well," the actress shared.

[It's difficult, Tito Boy. Back then, I wasn’t able to find time to exercise and eat well.]

“Pero huwag kang ma-pressure kasi, syempre, pag puyat ka, you need good food. Pag napupuyat ka, kailangan siyempre gusto mo ‘yung kinakain mo… ‘Yung responsibility mo is to look good, eat well, and be healthy because you can't perform well if you're not healthy," Diana added.

[But don't feel pressured because, of course, when you stay up late, you need good food. When you're sleep-deprived, of course, you need to like what you're eating... Your responsibility is to look good, eat well, and be healthy because you can't perform well if you're not healthy.]

Apart from preparing for the role, Diana advised Bianca to stay true to herself and remain natural. Being part of such an iconic franchise comes with its own set of pressures, after all.

“Just be natural. Kung ano 'yung kaya mong ipakita. Dapat makita nila at mahalin nila kung ano 'yung magiging bagong ikaw," she advised.

[Just be natural. Show what you're capable of. They should see you and love you.]

Diana has recently returned to the Philippines after living in Australia for two years.

Before her highly anticipated reunion with the original sang’gres— Iza Calzado, Sunshine Dizon, and Karylle on “It’s Showtime”—she surprised them with her return to the country.

Meanwhile, "Sang'gre" character announcements in the past few weeks have thrilled fans, including the introduction of Faith Da Silva, Angel Guardian, and Kelvin Miranda as the other three new sang’gres.

Rhian Ramos was also revealed to play "Mitena," an ice queen and the twin of Cassiopeia, while Rocco Nacino and Glaiza de Castro are set to reprise their roles from the 2016 version of the series—"Aquil and Pirena," respectively.

—CACM, GMA Integrated News