When GMA-7 premiered the pilot episode of Encantadia 2016, fans of the epic telefantasya rejoiced on social media.
The Kapuso fantasy series even topped trending topics in the Philippines and worldwide on Twitter.
Trending in the Ph. and Worldwide#Encantadia pic.twitter.com/6BqMpNCLdk
— Cindy Kournikova (@CindyHarvard) July 18, 2016
Read: How did Encantadia 2016 fare in AGB and Kantar ratings?
Before the show started, Diana Zubiri, who originally played the role of Sang'gre Danaya, invited fans of the previous version to support the requel (remake + sequel).
Diana wrote on Instagram: "Avisala! 11 years nating kinasabikan sa pagbabalik sa Telebisyon. Sana kung gaano niyo minahal ang Encantadia nuon ganun din ang supporta nyo sa ngayon. Lahat tayo tumutok mamaya! #encantadia2016"
The pilot episode showed how Cassiopeia (Solenn Heussaff) divided the "Inang Brilyante" before giving it away to the four kingdoms of Encantadia.
The episode also highlighted Reyna Minea's (Marian Rivera) conflict with a new character named Adhara (Sunshine Dizon). Their ensuing battle caused the death of her Minea's sister, Amihan (Max Collins).
The new Sang'gres have yet to appear on the series.
CELEBRITY ENCANTADIKS. Celebrities including TV host/actress Iya Villania, comedienne Mosang, entertainment correspondent Aubrey Carampel, and Unang Hirit host Lyn Ching expressed their excitement through their official Twitter accounts.
Exciting!!! #Encantadia naaaaa!!!! ??????????????
— IyaVillaniaArellano (@iyavillania) July 18, 2016
@I_am_ROC08 hail to you gondoh yes fight mode i loveet ????????????#Encantadia #Hathoria
— Maria Alilia Bagio (@iammosang) July 18, 2016
#DongYan is Love! Kilig pa more! Kiss pa more! #Encantadia
— Aubrey Carampel (@aubreycarampel) July 18, 2016
Great start #encantadia
— LYN CHING ??? (@Lynching7) July 18, 2016
I gotta say, #marianrivera looks like a goddess... Really beautiful
— LYN CHING ??? (@Lynching7) July 18, 2016
My family loves Coco Martin tbh I watched Encantadia alone last night hahahaha hindi ko sila ma-convert https://t.co/HiFcEbIaNZ
— Sang'gre AC (@AteCharon) July 19, 2016
Kapuso stars Angelu de Leon joined in on the fun and uploaded her photo while watching the series.
Meanwhile, comedienne Ai-Ai delas Alas shared her photo with the new Sang'gres.
Kapuso news reporter Mariz Umali unleashed her inner Encantadik along with fellow news correspondents Mav Gonzales and Tina Panganiban-Perez.
Meanwhile, Kapuso news reporter Mariz Umali unleashed her inner sang'gre with fellow news correspondent Mav Gonzales and Tina Panganiban-Perez.
Radio/TV host KC Montero and model/actor Sebastian Castro both said watching the new version brought back memories.
I guested on #Encantadia once.. I was the guard who let everyone into Etheria. You're welcome.. Extended the story.
— KC Montero (@KCMontero) July 18, 2016
nostalgia. one word that sums up the feels of #encantadia.
— Sebastian Castro ??? (@Seb_Castro) July 18, 2016