GMA-7's 'Indio' Combines the Richness of Phillipine Culture and the Magic of 'Encantadia!'

 In 2005, GMA-7 brought us "Encantadia," the most-loved and the best fantaserye ever produced in the history of Philippine television. Now in 2013, the Kapuso network is set to make another mark combining the Philippine history and the effects of modern technology.  

 Starting this Monday, January 14, 2013, get ready to see a historic epic-fantaserye on Primetime. This is "Indio," a TV series with a caliber of a movie!

 TV Series Craze along with the members of the press and bloggers were fortunate to witness the red carpet advanced screening of this newest Telebabad offering last Wednesday, January 9 in Cinema 5 of SM Megamall. The event was graced by the full casts of the movie headed by Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., the "Indio" and Jennylyn Mercado who is playing her leading lady, Esperanza.  

The advanced screening showcased the pilot week of the TV series. And we witnessed how huge and how amazing this teleserye is!

The Indio ("Ang Indio")

The Spaniards ("Ang Mga Kastila")

Yes, "Indio" is the most expensive TV series produced by GMA-7. In terms of the costumes, settings, and special effects, we can say that "Indio" can surpass "Encantadia" in terms of budgets and settings. Unlike "Encantadia," the setting is not only in the fantasy world, it even brings us in the ancient Philippine times during the Pre-Hispanic and Hispanic period!    

 "Indio" even showcases the richness of Philippine culture! Majority of the scenes were inspired by Philippine history - the colonial period, the discovery of the Philippines by Ferdinand Magellan, the conquering of Miguel Lopez De Legazpi, and the simple living of the indigenous Filipinos. It even uses deep Filipino words like "Bathala," "saguigilid," "lakan," "malaya," and of course "indio" (an insulting term used by the Spaniards to the Filipino). Philippine folktales and beliefs were also seen in the story. We're sure that history students and Philippine history lovers can truly relate to this TV series!       

 It's good to note that this series didn't only dwell in ancient period. Yes, it has a touch of modern technology as it uses hi-definition effects, much more and much better than "Encantadia" before. Its cinematography is truly awesome, superb!  

The Fairies ("Ang Mga Diwata")

The Indigenous People ("Ang Mga Katutubo")

The themesong of "Indio" is also very nationalistic! It's OST is titled "Lupang Payapa" sung by Gian Magdangal. Here is the music video:

Aside from settings, effects, music, and cinematography, "Indio" also combines the biggest names in Philippine showbiz. Aside from Sen. Bong and Jennylyn, completing the cast are Michael De Mesa, Mark Gil, Jackie Lou Blanco, Jomari Ylanna, Agot Isidro, Sam Pinto, Rachelle Ann Go, Solenn Heusaff, Marco Alcaraz, Luis Alandy, Jinggoy Alonzo, Luncho Ayala, Ellen Adarna, Ehra Madrigal, Bea Binene, Princess Snell, Fabio Ide, Alden Richards, Rhian Ramos, and Sarah Lahbati to name few! Wow, it's truly star-studded!       

Yup, the controversial actress Sarah Lahbati is part of the series. She plays Ynaguiguinid, the goddess of war who gave birth to ‘Malaya,’ the character of Sen. Bong. Her character is truly remarkable.

"Indio" is the so-called second epic-serye on Philippine television after "Amaya." But, it is far better than "Amaya" as it combines the history and fantasy in one big TV series! It's indeed a movie made for TV!

As everybody is now wishing for another sequel or remake of "Encatadia," watch "Indio" and our thirst for the new "Encantadia" will surely be quenched! It's truly the most anticipated and the grandest teleserye ever produced on TV this 2013! Congratulations to GMA-7 for bringing another milestones in Philippine television! "Indio" truly makes us feel that we are true Filipinos and we are proud to be! Two thumbs up Kapuso for coming up with this great teleserye!(www.tvseriescraze.blogspot.com)