MANILA, Philippines – More than a decade after they rose to fame as the sang'gres of the original Encantadia, Sunshine Dizon, Iza Calzado, Karylle, and Diana Zubiri returned this time in a movie – Mystified, which will be shown on the streaming platform Iflix. (WATCH: 'Mystified' full trailer gives a peek into its world of magic and sorcery)
Since news of a reunion project broke last year, the fans – known as Encantadiks and the stars' respective fans clubs – have been eager to get updates on the project, which the ladies have been involved in, on-cam and off-cam.
Aside from starring in the film, they also serve as line producers through the company Sanggre Productions Inc, which they co-founded with alongside Encantadia and Mystified director Mark Reyes.
At the press conference on Tuesday, March 12, the spoke about how it all came about.
"It all starts with a dream," Karylle, who plays Helena in the movie, said. "And because we had our 10th year anniversary, it felt like you know, wow, it's time for a reunion."
"When we finally took matters into our own hand, when we said tayo na kaya ang gumawa (maybe we should be the ones to do it). And of course with direk Mark Reyes, who was able to bring naman everyone together, parang they say when you say yes to something, the universe conspires. And that's what exactly happened."
Sunshine, who play potions expert and healer Althea, admitted that she cried when they were doing the project.
"I got a little emotional... no, I cried, actuatlly," the Inagaw Na Bituin actress said.
"I cried on our first day wearing our costume cause like it was very nostalgic for me. It has always been our dream to have our own reunion project. And when I finally saw us in costume, sabi ko (I said) we're finally doing it. And then everybody started to cry."
For Iza, they've come full circle – they're all grown up, with respective partners and kids.
"In 13 years, nag kanya-kanya kami ng landas (we went on our separate ways). And life has brought us to different places, and yet here we are again – doing the one thing that well all know how to do best and that's to share energy onstage and give energy to one another and create magic again," the newly wed actress said. In the movie, she plays Adela, who has the power of telekinesis and mind reading.
Diana, meanwhile, said that she was excited to be reunited with the 3, with whom she had become friends with through the years. Aside from acting and spending time with her kids, Diana has also been busy with her business.
"Mahirap kasi wala kaming yaya (It's hard because we don't have a nanny). So time management," added Diana, who plays Kathalina, a witch who can control the natural elements.
Director Mark Reyes said that unlike Encantadia, Mystified crosses to the modern times as depicted in their characters in the present world.
Mystified also stars Sunshine Cruz, Mustafa Elezali, Matthias Rhoades, Junri Park, Leigh Guda, Jun Veras, Ian Ignacio, Cheska Inigo, Dwight Gaston, and Vince Vandorpe. The movie will stream on Iflix on March 29. – Rappler.com
