Etheria: Ang ikalimang kaharian ng Encantadia

As I near the end of Encantadia (2005), I've come to appreciate just how influential it was, spawning two successful sequels that built upon its massive legacy. (Let's be real, if you grew up in the Philippines and don't know who the Sang'gres are, are you even a human?) That's how huge this series was back then! Even now, it remains one of the most quotable and widely parodied shows.

Watching the sequel left me in awe, particularly because of Suzette Doctolero's masterful writing. The way she seamlessly wove the story without any inconsistencies or unresolved threads from the original Encantadia was a brilliant move. You can't deny her talent-honestly, she should have her own books and write more Encantadia stories!

Etheria serves as both a prequel and sequel to the original. Sure, it once again delves into the Sang'gres' unbreakable bond as they face a rising darkness only they can defeat. But unlike the 2005 version, which focused heavily on Pirena's struggle for the Lirean crown, this one fully embraces the power of sisterhood!

The performances are exceptional, the cinematography is stunning, and if you're a teacher looking for a series to introduce your students to mythology, history, and balarila (deeper Filipino language), this is a must-watch! But of course you should watch the first Enca before watching Etheria and the other final sequel.