Is Sanya Lopez the real-life Danaya?

MANILA, Philippines - The official announcement of the 2016 Encantadia reboot has taken the Philippines by storm. Now that the four Sang’gres have been revealed, people have been curious about the fresh faces in the upcoming series. The thrill of its magic has left the Encantadiks at the edge of their seats, and now the younger generation is ready to share the experience.

Meet Sanya Lopez, the chosen one to play the iconic role of Danaya — protector of the Earth gem. Danaya is identified with a strong personality for speaking her mind, standing up for what she believes in, and caring for the people that she loves no matter the cost.

Meanwhile, Sanya describes herself as generally shy but she knows how to carry herself with poise and style. Her soft eyes and warm smile already tell that she is charming and amiable. But just like everybody else, we want to ask, how is she taking the challenge of filling the role of the famous Sang’gre?

1. Sanya is one of the late German “Kuya Germs” Moreno’s discoveries. A sister to Kapuso actor Jak Roberto, Sanya did not expect to catch the attention of the iconic talent discoverer when she paid a visit to one of the tapings of Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman. It was a shock to Sanya when Kuya Germs told her, “Gusto ko sa next taping, nandito ka na.” And with that, we can say the rest is history.

2. Sanya is a sweet girl who grew up with a loving grandmother. In her Instagram account @sanyalopez, she never fails to document precious moments with her Lola Lorna. Spending time with her lola is not an obligation, but a breath of fresh air — something to remind her of home.

3. Sanya and Jak grew up in Laguna, and she says how much she enjoys hiking ever since she was young. Leisure time also means going to the nearest river and swimming with her cousins. “Sa bundok Banahaw, doon kami madalas dati. Noong bata pa lang ako, inaakyat na namin ‘yon, pero nung simula noong dito na kami sa Manila tumira, hindi na ko ulit nakabalik. It would be nice to go back, nakaka-miss eh.”

4. After her appearances in Walang Tulugan, she landed a role in The Half Sisters, where she worked with the award-winning director Mark Reyes. She shares that being the best friend of Barbie Forteza’s character in the series was the most enjoyable role she did, and the show will always be one of her treasures.

5. Sanya shares a tip: When stressed, have a glass of water and breathe. Clear your mind for 10 minutes, and bounce back by reading a book that you like or watch a movie that excites you. This is her way of de-stressing, and she thinks it doesn’t always have to cost a lot when trying to loosen up and breaking a strenuous routine at work.

6. “I have to be Danaya.” This was Sanya in her younger years. She remembers quite well how she would insist to be Danaya whenever they role play the hit series, Encantadia. “In a way,  she became my role model. Kasi ayaw ko talaga ng may naaapi. So noon, kahit hindi ko masyadong naiintindihan yung story, yung character niya yung lagi kong ginagaya. Gustong-gusto kong maging siya.”

7. The auditions for Encantadia was a dream that she conquered. She recalls the experience of having surrounded by well-known actresses and feeling a bit insecure about herself. “Ang gaganda nilang lahat, tapos alam kong sila yung magagaling kaya napaisip ako, parang “Kaya ko ba ‘to?” But I snapped out of it and just told myself, na nandito na ‘ko, all I have to do is give my all.” She was able to learn how to hope and not expect. Her prayers were worth it as she is now the official protector of the Earth gem — Sang’gre Danaya!

8. Sanya enjoys having extreme martial arts training. Aside from it helps her to justify the feisty role of Danaya, she is learning ways on how to defend herself. “I enjoy the arnis training because aside from the fact that it is very Pinoy, it can boost your energy and confidence.” She likes how empowered Danaya is as a woman, and she wants to be just like that.

9. “Congratulations, Sanya Lopez #newdanaya #EncantadiaReveal24Oras” — the only tweet that mattered. Sanya was just about to leave the stage during the big reveal when she was informed that Diana Zubiri, the first to play Danaya, sent a real-time congratulatory tweet to which she replied with thanks. Now with Diana’s blessing, she is more than ready to embrace the character.

10. “Hopefully, they will accept me in the same way, they accepted the previous cast.” This is the beginning of Sanya’s journey as the new Sang’gre of the epic fantaserye Encantadia, and she is ready to take on the challenge.

Sanya believes that her dedication and willingness to conquer her fears is a manifestation of how she is the rightful owner of Sang’gre Danaya’s crown. Avisala!