The wait is nearly over. On 16 June, GMA Network unveils Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre, the much-anticipated sequel to one of Philippine television’s most beloved fantaseryes. This new chapter introduces a fresh face of courage and power: Sang’gre Terra, played by none other than Kapuso Prime Gem Bianca Umali.
As the newest guardian of the Brilyante ng Lupa, Terra is hailed as “The Chosen One” — a mantle both powerful and daunting. And for Bianca, it’s more than just a role. It’s a moment that feels destined.
But when asked who’s braver — Bianca or Terra? — the actress answers with thoughtful honesty.
“Magkaiba ‘yung tapang nila,” she says. “Bianca’s courage is rooted in the mind. Terra’s is the courage of the heart. And those are two very different kinds of intelligence.”
Indeed, Bianca’s own life story is proof of a different kind of strength. Orphaned at a young age, she was raised by her grandmother, Victorina Umali — whom she affectionately calls Mama Vicky. It was Mama Vicky who provided love, stability, and faith in a world that once threatened to take everything away from her.
That journey made Bianca who she is today: resilient, grounded, and ready to claim her space among the stars.
In a touching episode of Fast Talk With Boy Abunda, Bianca received a surprise visit from her beloved Mama Vicky — a moment that quickly turned into one of the most heartfelt scenes ever aired on the show.
“Ngayon na ang iyong apo po ay Sang’gre Terra na ho, ano po ang inyong nais sabihin sa kaniya?” Boy asked.
With grace and maternal pride, Mama Vicky responded:
“Gusto kong sabihin na sana’y lagi niyang mapagtagumpayan ang kaniyang mga ginagampanang papel. Matuto siyang magpakumbaba at saka maging maka-Diyos. At sana ay hanggang sa huli ay maganapan niya ang kaniyang mga katungkulan sa studio.”
Overcome with emotion, Bianca held back tears as she gave her grandmother the words she longed to say in person:
“Mama, I want to tell you na mahal na mahal kita… Lahat ng nararating ko ngayon ay para sa’yo. Wala ako dito kung hindi mo ‘ko inalagaan. I hope I make you proud.”
The segment took a lighthearted turn when Boy Abunda shifted the conversation to Bianca’s love life, specifically her long-time relationship with actor Ruru Madrid.
“Sa inyong pananaw po, Mama, handa na si Bianca mag-asawa sila ni Ruru?” Boy asked.
“Ay, pag-iisipan ko muna,” Mama Vicky answered with a laugh — eliciting chuckles from everyone in the studio.
Pressed further, she explained with wisdom only time can teach:
“Kasi ‘di ka nakakatiyak din, ‘di ba? Kaya kailangang pag-isipan… kasi wala nang atrasan kumbaga.”
Bianca’s star may be shining brighter than ever, but it’s clear that behind the glamor is a young woman deeply rooted in love, gratitude, and the values instilled by the woman who raised her.
As Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre begins its new era, Bianca Umali steps into a legacy of magic and destiny. But off-screen, her most powerful role remains clear: a granddaughter who never forgot where she came from, and who rises not just for herself — but for the one who first believed in her.