Amaya First Impressions

After Encantadia, I found no other reason to rush back home at the end of the day and watch some sensible show on TV. But after six years, it looks like there's something worthwhile to watch in primetime, and that's GMA's topbilled epicserye, Amaya.

Marian Rivera as Amaya

Gardo Versoza as Rajah Mangubat

I had initial qualms about some of the cast members, among other things, but I didn't want to hold judgment when I haven't seen the first few episodes. But last night's pilot episode was just phenomenal that I was raving about it in Facebook and Plurk.

Machete's back!

Needless to say, I was impressed with the way production designer Rodell Cruz and costume designer Gino Gonzales put together such an elaborate civilization of long ago. But if there were any scene stealers in the show, I have to give props to Gardo Versoza as Rajah Mangubat. The man who I thought to be a "has been" sort of stepped out from his glory days in Seiko Films and came back to the limelight, Machete style. He was so unlike the last fantasy series he starred in where he was the tame and two-dimensional Haring Agat (Atlantika). In Amaya, not only did he achieve his buff bod that made him the Sexiest Man in Asia, I think he was one of the cast members who really looked and played the part.

Gina Alajar as Dian Lamitan

Irma Adlawan as Mantal

Although the rest of the cast did their acting part, they paled in comparison to the thespic prowess of veterans such as Gina Alajar and Irma Adlawan. Their acting was believable, genuine and crisp that they overshadowed the likes of Lani Mercado and Ayen Munji-Laurel. I hope director Mac Alejandre pushes his artists more. I may not be a seasoned actor, but I know scripted acting when I see one. Let's just hope the other stars who have yet to appear on the show play their part well.

I urge all viewers to also do their research take what they see on TV with a grain of salt. The show may have had help from historians (albeit as reported they got two UP historians on board...I dunno if that suffices for thorough research), it pays to also know your history and pay attention to the story more than the stars that portray the characters. I think GMA is well on the road to educate its viewers, with Encantadia as probably its most successful series to date. I hope and pray that Amaya will follow suit.

Photos from Amaya Facebook fanpage