Darna flies to new heights

Darna, Mars Ravelo’s original Filipino heroine, has undoubtedly become a Philippine icon. She’s flying to new heights after changing the world of television, breaking record audience share and maintaining a 40 percent rating.

Now the Pinay heroine, who was conceived 55 years ago, is out to conquer other lands.

Other actresses have donned the shiny red suit – Rio Locsin, Sharon Cuneta and Vilma Santos. But it was Angel Locsin’s portrayal that endeared millions of current fans.

“I still have a lot to learn,” Locsin said when she started the project. She said she had to keep watch of her ego to maintain her humility.

More than the privilege that came with the role was the challenge to give justice to it and please Darna’s legions of fans.

Locsin had to learn wushu, kung-fu and other fighting techniques even as she mastered the art of flying and display Darna’s superpowers.

“The efforts that I put into Darna are twice as much what I did for Mulawin,” she said.

No less has been required from the other members of the cast.

Alessandra de Rossi, who convincingly portrays Darna’s archenemy, Valentina, underwent rigorous physical training. Although already used to wearing a harness, she admitted to having difficulty balancing her weight with her costume and matching whip.

Other characters who figure in Narda/Darna’s life are Efren (Dennis Trillo), Dr.
Zombie (Christopher de Leon), Prospera (Sandy Andolong), Mambabarang (Eddie Garcia), Sulfura (Carmina Villaroel), Molecula (Christine Reyes) and Braguda (Celia Rodriguez)

"Darna" started airing in April. On its third day, it registered a rating of 52.1 percent-so far the highest rating in TV history, according to a survey conducted by AGB Philippines, leading television audience measurement company.

AGB also says the series' rating never went below 30, supposedly a reason to rejoice in a scenario determined by a famously fickle audience.

Angel shared with Inquirer Entertainment the lessons she learned, the friends she made and her wish to win an acting award someday.

When you agreed to do "Darna," did you think it would be this big?

No. I felt flattered when GMA 7 picked me for the role. I used to watch Tita Vilma (Santos) and Tita Sharon (Cuneta) portray Darna. I consider this an achievement.

Until the first shooting day, I did not want to announce I got the job. I knew I could be replaced at the snap of a finger. I was very nervous at first. I used to be part of a love team; I didn't know if could stand on my own. I said, "Baka hindi ako tanggapin ng tao." (TV viewers might not accept me as Darna.) I kept asking about the ratings. I felt so relieved when I found out how well the show did that first week.

What's your most memorable experience as Darna?

I love everything I have done on "Darna." But I will never forget what I felt the first time I wore the costume. When the cameras rolled-we were here, on the rooftop-and I shouted "Darna!" I said to myself, "Wala nang atrasan ito." I still get goose bumps when I remember that moment.

What's the most difficult scene ever?

For "Darna," I had to learn fist fighting. For "Mulawin," I had to learn to use the sword. I love fight scenes. Underwater scenes are hard. I got this while shooting recently in Anilao for "Darna" (shows a bruise the size of a soft ball on her right arm ). My diving instructor said I should have watched out for fire corals, but I didn't know what they looked like.

You have to be very careful when you're underwater. If you panic, you could die. There was one time when I had trouble with my resonator and I really wanted to rush back up. It was good that my diving buddy was there.

Ate Ara (Mina, who plays Dyesebel in the series) ran out of oxygen underwater. I saw her gasping for air. She has more bruises than I do.

Apart from the lead character, which one had a really big impact on you?

Braguda had the most effect on me. Tita Celia (Rodriguez) is really a good kontrabida (villain).. But when it comes to costume, Tito Ed's (Garcia) was the most demanding. Real rats, cockroaches and worms were tied to his Mambabarang costume. The rats climbed up his neck and bit him.

Ate Carmina (Villaroel, as Sulfura) is really scared of cockroaches. She had a hard time concentrating on her lines whenever Mambabarang was around. Magkalayo sila kapag kinukunan ang eksena nila.

What did you learn from directors Dominic Zapata and Eric Quizon?

Direk Dom is really good when it comes to fight scenes. Bilib talaga ako (I admire hime). . But the best thing I learned from him is to always be on time. No matter how tired he is from directing other shows, he still showed up for "Darna" on time.

I learned a lot of acting techniques from Direk Eric. He's a good actor.

I'll surely miss everyone. I'll miss the kulitan, tsismisan, tawanan (fun, gossip, laughter) on the set, not only with the directors but also with the other actors and crew members. We had a lot of fun during breaks.

Is there anything else you wish to achieve?

I would like to have an [acting] award. That's why I'm working really hard. I'm very determined [to land] the perfect project. I feel that I still have a lot to give in terms of acting.

Can you now explain Darna's mission?

Darna is the world's tagapagtanggol (savior). She does not want mankind to be ruled by creatures from other planets.

Who is more important to Darna, her family or mankind?

They are both important to Darna, but because of her mission-like any classic hero figure-she needs to look after the welfare of many.