Even Sang’gres feel the pinch of oil prices
In the realm of Encantadia, a Sang’gre is a force of nature who can make the earth shake, the seas rise—and yes, teleport across kingdoms. Needless to say, Bianca Umali, Kelvin Miranda, Angel Guardian, and Rhian Ramos don’t have such powers in real life, but oh, how they wish they did now, especially amid the ongoing oil crisis and its impact on daily life.
As “Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre” enters its final week leading to its May 8 finale on GMA 7, we caught up with the cast to learn about the lifestyle changes they have made, now that they no longer have a magical brilyante to give them a shortcut.
In the series, each of them plays a character representing an element of nature: Umali is Terra, Keeper of the Earth Gem; Miranda is Adamus (Water Gem); Guardian is Deia (Air Gem). Ramos, meanwhile, is the villainous ice queen Mitena. (Faith da Silva, who plays Flammara, Keeper of the Fire Gem, wasn’t present.)
As the story explores harmony and balance among elements, it also prompts conversations about real-life nature. We asked how these themes translate into environmental responsibility and what lessons they hope to keep with them after they hang up their armor.
What changes have you made in response to the oil crisis and rising prices of goods?
Bianca Umali (BU): Now I go out only for work and to do errands—for groceries, for my lola’s needs. Pero ‘yong lalabas ka para lang tumambay or for leisure, binawasan ko. I would rather stay in, save my money for household needs, instead of spending it on gas or things we don’t need.
Kelvin Miranda (KM): Mga bilihin sa palengke, pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan, mga bills—lahat naapektuhan. So ‘yong mga pangangailangan ko as an artist, I tamed down nang konti para mabalanse ang gastos.
Kaysa mag-kotse, mas ginagamit ko na ‘yong motor ko kasi sobrang mahal talaga ng gas. It’s more efficient for getting around. At least, this way, I get to save on costs.
Angel Guardian (AG): Nagtitipid ako hangga’t kaya, but it’s so hard when it comes to electricity. Ang init ngayon! Kakarating lang ng bill ko at ang taas niya. So now, mas napapadalas ang malalim na dasal! (laughs)
Rhian Ramos (RR): My mom trained me to be wise with how I handle money. I’m not a big spender in any way, and I don’t go out either. So for me, it’s just a matter of making sure that I stick to those habits.
BU: Bakit ‘di tayo mangabayo? (laughs)
AG: Or bike!
The show touches on themes of nature, and your characters represent different elements. Did that change how you think about the environment?
BU: Even before Terra, I was already conscious about protecting the environment. That’s actually one of my advocacies. I don’t like it when people throw trash, even small things like candy wrappers, especially from moving vehicles. I don’t like it when people leave trash inside or outside their homes. We must always remember to clean up after ourselves—not everything can be taken for granted.
We have to tune in with nature. Kapag bumabaha or how climate is changing because of the things we’re producing, sa atin din bumabalik ‘yan. We have to listen to it.
KM: Noon pa man, alam ko na ang halaga ng pagpapahalaga sa kalikasan. I believe it holds healing powers and affects our mentality and physical being. Ngayon, mas naging grateful ako sa mundo natin.
AG: I grew up being taught that littering is bad. Noong bata ako, sinasabi ng nanay ko na kapag may candy wrappers ako, itago ko sa bulsa. Nadala ko ‘yan hanggang ngayon, and I feel like I have grown even more responsible, especially after being part of a show that discusses the environment. It’s also a dream of mine to establish an animal shelter or sanctuary.
RR: We were lucky to have such beautiful locations where we really connected with nature. I believe that anything you pour love into will love you back. When we care for our environment, it protects, feeds, and nurtures us in return.
It also made me more mindful of making responsible choices, like being less wasteful and choosing more environmentally friendly options. We often prioritize convenience, but small steps like minimizing plastic use can make an impact. We have to be mindful of our footprint.
Looking back on your journey in the show, what lessons will stay with you the most?
BU: Patience, trust, and faith—these are the three values the show taught me. We ended the show not just as stronger characters, but as stronger people as well, and that will help us as we face whatever struggles we may have.
KM: From my character Adamus, I have learned to allow myself to feel pain. The more I deny that I’m hurt, mas lalo akong nasasaktan. Kailangan mong tanggapin ang mga bagay nang maluwag sa ‘yo, para maluwag at malinaw mo ring makita ang mga bagay na hinahanap mo.
AG: Lahat ng characters namin may kanya-kanyang calling, and I think that also applies in real life. We just have to listen to that calling and be brave enough to act on it, in service of a greater purpose.
You mentioned that playing Deia awakened something in you—can you tell us more about that?
AG: Kailangang tumindig tayo para sa tama at labanan ang mali. We see what’s happening in our world—this is not the time to be silent. Huwag matakot. Lumabas ang tapang ko as a person. I’m just so happy na nakikita kong lumakas ang side ko na ‘yon dahil kay Deia.
What’s your takeaway from “Sang’gre”?
RR: The ultimate lesson of the show is knowing how to take a stand. More or less, all of us as people know what’s right or wrong—it really comes down to whether you’re willing to do something about it. Are you willing to change it? I think that’s something very timely for Filipinos. It’s really important for everyone to learn how to fight for what’s right.
