America has Wonder Woman, we have Darna.
The timeless Mars Ravelo character has been a Filipino pop culture favorite since its inception in the 1950s, going through numerous iterations and reinventions through the years.
With the announcement that Iza Calzado will be portraying an older version of Darna alongside Jane De Leon, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to remember the real-life superwomen who’ve given life to the iconic character.
Rosa del Rosario (1951)
We can’t forget the original! Rosa Del Rosario was the first live-action Filipina heroine as she had the starring role in Darna (1951) and Darna at Ang Babaeng Lawin (1952).
Truly serving as a product of its time, Rosa’s Darna was shown in black and white and chock-full of practical effects for its fight scenes and flying parts.
Gina Pareño (1969)
Our favorite lolagets also had the privilege of playing Darna back in 1969’s Darna at ang Planetman. She played two roles in the film: Darna and the heroine’s alter ego, Daria. It was also the first time that Darna was shown to fall in love.
Vilma Santos (1975 – 1980)
Vilma’s portrayal of Darna undoubtedly continues to inspire the Darna we know today, as she popularized the famous saying: “Ding, ang bato!” to call forth her powers.
It’s no wonder it made such an impact, as the 1970 films’ special effects and gripping storyline made its mark on Filipinos. Vilma went on to solidify her role through four films: Lipad, Darna, Lipad! (1973), Darna and The Giants (1974), Darna vs The Planet Women (1975), and Darna and Ding (1980).
Lorna Tolentino (1977)
Even Darna has gone through a number of style changes, as she opted for a one-piece suit instead of the usual two-piece ensemble in 1977’s Darna! The TV Series.
Lorna also came back for another Darna role as Queen Adran against 2005’s Angel Locsin.
Regine Velazquez (2003)
Yep, even Asia’s Songbird had the chance to breathe life into the heroine! Regine ushered in the kooky early 2000s as she made a special cameo as Darna in 2003’s Captain Barbell alongside Ogie Alcasid and Bong Revilla.
Angel Locsin (2005)
*Cue Kamikazee’s Darna*
Angel Locsin definitely took over the 2000s with her epic portrayal of Darna/Narda. Angel was already a rising star during Darna’s release from the teleserye fantasy hit Mulawin. Angel was up against Iza Calzado for the role.
Indeed, from having a song released just for her character to her iconic “Darna!” shout embedded in our hearts, Angel has even continued to be a real-life superhero with her philanthropic works through the years.
Marian Rivera (2009)
(@marianrivera)Fresh from her successful teleserye stints with 2007’s Marimar and 2008’s Dyesebel, Marian proudly took on the Darna helm and made it her own. The series also used Kamikazee’s Narda as its opening song.
Jane De Leon (2022)
Welcome to the roaring 2020s! After a few hiccups down the road with the modern reboot, such as Liza Soberano and director Erik Matti exiting the project, ABS-CBN’s new rendition has found its Darna with newcomer Jane De Leon!
Jane has been in a number of series projects, such as Ang Probinsyano and Halik. The upcoming Darna series will start shooting this September and will be aired in 2022.
Iza Calzado (2022)
Talk about a comeback! 16 years after she was up against Angel Locsin, fate continues to follow Iza as she’s now slated to play an “older Darna” that will help Jane discover her powers.
Iza also calls it a “long journey” coming, sharing with ABS-CBN that: “I’ve been grateful since that moment. I’ve done some trainings without giving out all the stuff. It feels like it’s been such a long journey to get here and the role I’m going to play is more meaningful than what I could have played before.”
Fly high, superwomen!
RELATED:
.
The post The Real-Life Superwomen Who’ve Given Life To Darna appeared first on MEGA.
0 Comments