Jane and co-stars define Darna, share their experiences on set

Jane de Leon, who is now an icon, commenced her journey as Darna with a gruelling audition process. Looking back, being announced as the chosen one felt surreal. She even thought it was just a prank.

“After ilang months, weeks, and years, nag-sink in na sa akin na, ‘Oo nga, nasa akin na nga ‘yung bato.’ And I’m so very thankful, grateful," recalled the actress, who thinks of Darna as a universal symbol of love.

In the video, her co-actors also shared what they think Darna symbolizes and their journey with the teleserye.

We all know that Iza Calzado auditioned but failed to bag the coveted Darna role for a different adaptation in 2004, which is why playing the First Darna/Leonor in the latest version is a validation of God’s work. She reflected, “It is with great honor and humility and, of course, a certain level of pride to say that I played Darna. I have a long history with this role starting from 2004… Doon ko masasabi na what is meant for you, will always make its way to you.”

Apart from Iza and Jane, the series has another OG Darna in Rio Locsin, who calls it an honor to play Darna in 1979, as well as take part in the millennial version. “Nakita ko rin ‘yung mga pinaggagagawa nila, hindi madali talaga. Iiyak ka sa hirap pero makikita mo naman ang resulta, maganda naman talaga,” she praised her younger co-stars.

As iconic as Darna is the character of Ding, played by Zaijian Jaranilla. Since viewers are used to seeing Ding as a little boy, the 21-year-old actor was scared he might be bashed for getting the role. Thus, he gave Ding a refreshing but relatable twist, “Kailangan kong gumawa ng bagong flavor para sa mga tao at para maka-relate din ‘yung mga ka-edad ko. Isinapuso ko. Mas ginawa kong sariling akin.”

The same goes for Janella Salvador, who kept her promise to create a distinct portrayal of Valentina. “It’s obviously such an iconic character and I really want to make it good, to be able to give the character justice by making it my own version,” she said of her character that depicts the dangers of anger. Janella admitted that at times, they almost wanted to give up, “But here we are. Nandito na kami sa finish line.”

Though they encountered challenges, everyone had an exciting life in the bubble. Leading man Joshua Garcia appreciates the bond he shared with his cast-mates, “Natutuwa ako na naka-build ako ng relationship with them,” he wishes these friendships remain even after taping and they get to reunite in future projects. He smiled, remembering when he was harnessed up for the first time for a scene, “Tuwang-tuwa ako, eh. Parang Hollywood actor ako.”

Like most of the cast members, Paolo Gumabao went from being a fan to playing a role in the Darna legacy. Richard Quan has been in the industry for decades but it is his first time playing a character like Heneral Borgo.

Simon Ibarra, Mac Manicad, LA Santos, Levi Ignacio, Young JV, Zeppi Borromeo, Dawn Chang, Gerard Acao, Viveika Ravanes, and Yogo Singh also expressed their gratitude to the management and their co-workers. “Ang sarap kasi magtrabaho na nase-stretch ‘yung utak mo, ‘yung talent mo. Tapos tinuturuan ka pa ng mga direktor mo,” Mac noted.

For Joshua, Darna is the representation of our frontliners like his character, the staunch cop Brian Robles, “Kahit pakiramdam mo wala kang kapangyarihan, kaya mo pa rin tumulong.”

Iza believes Darna paints hope; for Zaijian, she is a symbol of courage. Others see her as the reflection of camaraderie, respect, beauty, strength, empathy, and women empowerment.

Now that her series, which undoubtedly defined her career and changed her life, is coming to an end, Jane is starting to feel sepanx. ”Nakasanayan na namin na magkakasama kaming lahat for a year. But I’m happy also kasi worth it lahat ng mga ginawa namin, mga sinakripisyo namin,” she said, flashing her sweet smile.

Don’t miss the last two episodes of Mars Ravelo’s Darna on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and A2Z.