Darna (2009 TV series)
Encyclopedia
Darna is a superhero
Philippine drama
adapted from Mars Ravelo
's fictional superheroine of the same name
; directed by Dominic Zapata
and developed by Jun Lana
. It is the third series based on the Darna graphic novels by Mars Ravelo
. It stars Marian Rivera
as the title role
and its alter-ego Narda, with Iwa Moto
as her main nemesis Valentina
, also starring Dennis Trillo
as Pancho and Mark Anthony Fernandez
as Eduardo.
The series had premiered on August 10, 2009 on GMA Network
and ended on February 19, 2010, and also featured the return of the other four villains originally created by Ravelo himself. The first season consist 70 episodes and the same with second season wit 140 episodes all in all.
described the pilot episode as "loud and livid". Torre continues to mention "...two performances stand out because they’re 'different'. The first is Janice de Belen’s portrayal of Consuelo, the mother of Valentina. De Belen’s characterization is outstanding, because it’s deeply felt, while not being over-the-top..." and "the other interesting performance thus far is turned in by Iwa Moto as Valentina. With some help from creative scripting, her character is more tragic and conflicted than past versions of the story had it".
Jun Lana's script was also praised by Torre for creating "Valentina’s terrible secret initially pains her rather than turns her into a vengeful monster, and the ostracism she suffers adds enormously to her loneliness and grief, which are alleviated only by her only friend, Narda. Of course, the ironic twist to all this is that Narda will eventually morph into superheroine Darna, with whom Valentina must fight to the death." Lana told Manila Bulletin
that this version of Darna will be "totally different" especially with the characters, he mentions "what if Narda doesn't want to become Darna?" - a subject never touched upon in other versions of the graphic novel.
Superhero
A superhero is a type of stock character, possessing "extraordinary or superhuman powers", dedicated to protecting the public. Since the debut of the prototypical superhero Superman in 1938, stories of superheroes — ranging from brief episodic adventures to continuing years-long sagas —...
Philippine drama
Philippine drama
Philippine drama can be classified into different forms and genres, with the most popular being the teleserye and teledrama. The teleserye/teledrama is a television form of melodramatic serialized fiction. It is rooted from two words: "tele", which is short for "television," and "serye", a Tagalog...
adapted from Mars Ravelo
Mars Ravelo
Mars Ravelo was a Filipino graphic novelist who created the characters Darna, Dyesebel, Captain Barbell, Lastikman, Bondying, Varga, Wanted: Perfect Mother, Hiwaga, Maruja, Mariposa, Roberta, Rita, Buhay Pilipino, Jack and Jill, Flash Bomba, Tiny Tony, and Dragonna among others.-Biography:Mars...
's fictional superheroine of the same name
Darna
Darna is a fictional character and Filipino comics superheroine created by writer Mars Ravelo and artist Nestor Redondo. In her more popular incarnations, she is a deceased warrior from another planet manifesting herself through a girl from Earth, named Narda...
; directed by Dominic Zapata
Dominic Zapata
Dominic Zapata , is a Filipino television and film director. He is a graduate of De La Salle University-Manila and Don Bosco High School...
and developed by Jun Lana
Jun Lana
Jun Lana , born as Rodolfo R. Lana, Jr., is a Filipino playwright and two-time FAMAS award-winning screenwriter. The winner of 11 Palanca Awards for Literature, he became the youngest member of the Palanca Hall of Fame in 2006....
. It is the third series based on the Darna graphic novels by Mars Ravelo
Mars Ravelo
Mars Ravelo was a Filipino graphic novelist who created the characters Darna, Dyesebel, Captain Barbell, Lastikman, Bondying, Varga, Wanted: Perfect Mother, Hiwaga, Maruja, Mariposa, Roberta, Rita, Buhay Pilipino, Jack and Jill, Flash Bomba, Tiny Tony, and Dragonna among others.-Biography:Mars...
. It stars Marian Rivera
Marian Rivera
Marian Rivera is a Filipina actress and occasional singer-dancer. Her first TV role came in 2005 via TAPE Inc.'s afternoon drama, Kung Mamahalin Mo Lang Ako in the lead that was aired in GMA Network. In 2007 she was cast for the title role in the Philippine remake of MariMar...
as the title role
Darna
Darna is a fictional character and Filipino comics superheroine created by writer Mars Ravelo and artist Nestor Redondo. In her more popular incarnations, she is a deceased warrior from another planet manifesting herself through a girl from Earth, named Narda...
and its alter-ego Narda, with Iwa Moto
Iwa Moto
Aileen Iwamoto popularly known by her screen name Iwa Moto, is a Filipino Japanese actress, model and teen star. She was one of the Final Four in the 2nd season of StarStruck, a reality-based talent search show of GMA Network in the Philippines and finished as first runner up...
as her main nemesis Valentina
Valentina (Darna)
In the Filipino comic book Darna, Valentina is Darna's arch-enemy. She is a snake goddess. In the Darna 2005 TV series, Valentina is Braguda's lady-in-waiting and is played by actress Alessandra de Rossi. Narda and Valentina are also cousins, but in the latter they found out that they are twins....
, also starring Dennis Trillo
Dennis Trillo
Abelardo Dennis Florencio Trillo Ho , more widely known as Dennis Trillo, is a Filipino award-winning actor, singer and fashion model. His film debut was in Aishite Imasu 1941. He is currently an artist of GMA Network...
as Pancho and Mark Anthony Fernandez
Mark Anthony Fernandez
Mark Anthony Lacsamana Fernandez is a Filipino actor. He is the son of Rudy Fernandez and Alma Moreno.-Career:He first rose to prominence when he was once a former member of one of the famous showbiz teen group, "Gwapings" alongside Jomari Yllana, Eric Fructuoso and later with Jao Mapa.His...
as Eduardo.
The series had premiered on August 10, 2009 on GMA Network
GMA Network
GMA Network is a major commercial television & radio network in the Philippines. GMA Network is owned by GMA Network, Inc. a publicly listed company...
and ended on February 19, 2010, and also featured the return of the other four villains originally created by Ravelo himself. The first season consist 70 episodes and the same with second season wit 140 episodes all in all.
Starring
- Marian RiveraMarian RiveraMarian Rivera is a Filipina actress and occasional singer-dancer. Her first TV role came in 2005 via TAPE Inc.'s afternoon drama, Kung Mamahalin Mo Lang Ako in the lead that was aired in GMA Network. In 2007 she was cast for the title role in the Philippine remake of MariMar...
as Narda / DarnaDarnaDarna is a fictional character and Filipino comics superheroine created by writer Mars Ravelo and artist Nestor Redondo. In her more popular incarnations, she is a deceased warrior from another planet manifesting herself through a girl from Earth, named Narda...
(Season 1 & 2) - Mark Anthony FernandezMark Anthony FernandezMark Anthony Lacsamana Fernandez is a Filipino actor. He is the son of Rudy Fernandez and Alma Moreno.-Career:He first rose to prominence when he was once a former member of one of the famous showbiz teen group, "Gwapings" alongside Jomari Yllana, Eric Fructuoso and later with Jao Mapa.His...
as Eduardo (Season 1 & 2) - Iwa MotoIwa MotoAileen Iwamoto popularly known by her screen name Iwa Moto, is a Filipino Japanese actress, model and teen star. She was one of the Final Four in the 2nd season of StarStruck, a reality-based talent search show of GMA Network in the Philippines and finished as first runner up...
as ValentinaValentinaValentina may refer to:* Valentina , a female given name* Valentina , Valentina Nicholaevna Sanina Schlee, Russian fashion designer* Elizabeth Miklosi aka Valentina, American professional wrestler...
/ Babaeng Ahas (Season 1 & 2) - Dennis TrilloDennis TrilloAbelardo Dennis Florencio Trillo Ho , more widely known as Dennis Trillo, is a Filipino award-winning actor, singer and fashion model. His film debut was in Aishite Imasu 1941. He is currently an artist of GMA Network...
as Pancho (Season 2 only) - Katrina HaliliKatrina HaliliKatrina Halili is a Filipina actress, commercial model and music producer. She made her screen debut via StarStruck, but did not gain popularity until playing the antagonist roles in Darna, Majika and MariMar and becoming the protagonist in One Night Only, Gagambino and Magdusa...
as Serpina / Babaeng Anakonda (Season 2 only) - Francine PrietoFrancine PrietoFrancine Prieto born Anna Marie Falcon is a former award-winning child star, a fashion model and movie actress from the Philippines. She is of Filipino and Norwegian descent.-Education:Francine studied B.S...
as Lucifera / Babaeng Tuod (Season 1 only) - Maggie Wilson as Lutgarda / Babaeng Linta (Season 1 only)
- Nadine SamonteNadine SamonteNadine Samonte is a Filipina actress and commercial model. She played an Avenger from the first season of StarStruck....
as Roma / Babaeng Impakta (Regular season 1, guest star season 2) - Ehra MadrigalEhra MadrigalGeralyn Gaspar Madrigal, who is better known by her screen name Ehra Madrigal is a Filipina actress. Her younger sister, Michelle Madrigal is also an actress.-Filmography:'Television...
as Armida / Babaeng Lawin (Season 1 only) - Paolo ContisPaolo ContisPaolo Enrico Contis , better known as Paolo Contis, is a Filipino-Italian actor who first appeared as a child actor in the ABS-CBN show Ang TV. In 2004 he transferred to GMA Network...
as Kobra and Zandro (Lalaking Ahas) (Season 1 & 2) - Angel Aquino as Tagapangalaga ng Bato (Season 1 & 2)
- Regine VelasquezRegine VelasquezRegina Encarnacion Ansong Velasquez , better known as Asia's Songbird, Regine Velasquez, is a Filipino singer, actress, record producer and TV host...
as Elektra the Planet Woman (Season 2 only) - Rochelle PangilinanRochelle PangilinanRochelle Pangilinan is a Filipina dancer, singer, and actress. She was one of the founding members of the popular group SexBomb Girls. In 2007, she repackaged herself as a rap and hip-hop artist with the name RoC.- Personal background :Rochelle was born in Malabon, Philippines, one of three siblings...
as Deborah /(Babaeng Mananangggal) (Season 2 only) - Jackie RiceJackie RiceJackie Rice is a Filipina actress, television personality and commercial model.-Career and personal life:...
as Helena /(Babaeng Demonyita) (Season 2 only) - Akihiro SatoAkihiro Sato (model)Akihiro Sato is a Japanese Brazilian model currently living in The Philippines.-Career:Akihiro started modelling in Brazil and Thailand. He is appearing on a new Filipino movie called Handumanan. He is one of the most popular models in the Philippines as of 2009...
as Vladimir / Lalaking Bampira (Season 2 only) - Roxanne BarceloRoxanne BarceloAnne Roxanne "Roxie" Jordan Barcelo is a Filipino-American actress, model and singer.In 2006, she became one of the 14 housemates of ABS-CBN's Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Edition...
as Aleli (Season 1 & 2) - Robert VillarRobert VillarRobert Villar, Jr. August 16, 1999, better known simply as Robert "Buboy" Villar, is a Philippine actor. His first Television appearance is when he auditioned in ABS-CBN'S Little Big Star,He is also a member of the youngest boy band in the Philippines, the Mak and the Dudes. Villar's breakthrough...
as Carding / Ding (Season 1 & 2) - Rufa Mae QuintoRufa Mae QuintoRufa Mae Quinto is a Filipino actress, comedienne, and television host.Quinto has won four PMPC Star Awards and is one of the most bankable stars in the industry with top grosser films like Apat, Dapat- Dapat, Apat, Pasukob, Desperadas, Manay Po 2, I.T.A.L.Y. & Desperadas 2...
as Francesca (Regular season 1, recurring season 2) - Raymart SantiagoRaymart SantiagoRaymond Martin Santiago is a Filipino action star and comedian who belongs to one of Philippine showbiz's most recognizable families.-Personal life:...
as Crisanto (Season 1 & 2) - Alfred VargasAlfred VargasAlfredo Paolo Dumlao Vargas III is a Filipino actor and model. He was elected councilor in the 2nd District of Quezon City in 2010.-Biography and Career:...
as Gabriel (Regular season 1, recurring season 2)
Minor cast
- Caridad Sanchez as Loleng
- Celia Rodriguez as Perfecta
- Mike Pekto Narcisa as Jerry
- John Feir as Tomas
- Eddie GarciaEddie GarcíaEddie Garcia popularly known as Manoy is a Filipino film actor and film director.- Biography :...
as Padre Mateo - Ricky DavaoRicky DavaoRicardo Manuel Caballes Davao , better known as Ricky Davao, is a Filipino actor. He is the husband of actress Jackie Lou Blanco. He is the younger brother of Bing Davao and the son of Charlie Davao.-Television:...
as Dr. Morgan - Gabby Eigenmann as Apollo
- Bearwin MeilyBearwin MeilyBearwin Meily is a Filipino Actor. He started his career as an extra Palibhasa Lalake in ABS-CBN and eventually became regular. But later on he moved to ABS-CBN's rival network GMA 7. When his showbiz career eventually slowed down, Bearwin turned his attention to magic and is now a professional...
as Watson - Renz ValerioRenz ValerioRenz Michael Valerio in , Antipolo City, Philippines) also known as Renz Valerio, is a Filipino child actor. He began acting in a TV commercial when he was 3-years-old. He is under of GMA-7 Artist Center. He took part in the drama series Noel aired on GMA Network...
as Young Eduardo - Jestoni AlarconJestoni AlarconJesus Antonio Pineda Alarcon , better known by his stage name Jestoni Alarcon, is a Filipino actor and politician. He was once a Antipolo City Councilor & the vice governor of Rizal Province.-Filmography:...
as Simon - Rita Avila as Alicia
- Angeli Nicole Sanoy as Young Narda
- John Apacible† as Nestor
- Janice de BelenJanice de BelenJanice de Belen is a Filipina actress, commercial model and television host who was a GMA Network contract artist. She returns back to ABS-CBN via Budoy -Early life:...
as Consuelo - Sweet Ramos as Young Valentina
- Polo RavalesPolo RavalesPaul Patrick Rodil Gruenberg or simply called Polo Ravales, born June 27, 1982 in Manila, Philippines, is a Filipino actor and model with German descent.-Career:...
as Shiro - Krissa Mae as Liberty
- MuraMuraThe Mur is a river in Central Europe rising in the Hohe Tauern national park in Austria with its source being 1,898 metres above sea level, a tributary of the Drava and subsequently the Danube.The Mur's total length is , of which 295 km is in Austria, 95 km is in...
as Impy - Sabrina ManSabrina ManSabrina Man is a Filipino-Chinese child actress and television personality. A contract artist of DMV & GMA Network. A beauty at a young age. She was Little Miss Laguna 2007 & first Little Earth Angel-Air .She has starred in several Indie Films...
as Young Serpina
Critical reception
Darna opened with rave reviews, writer Nestor Torre of Philippine Daily InquirerPhilippine Daily Inquirer
The Philippine Daily Inquirer, popularly known as the Inquirer, is the most widely read broadsheet newspaper in the Philippines, with a daily circulation of 260,000 copies. It is one of the Philippines' newspapers of record...
described the pilot episode as "loud and livid". Torre continues to mention "...two performances stand out because they’re 'different'. The first is Janice de Belen’s portrayal of Consuelo, the mother of Valentina. De Belen’s characterization is outstanding, because it’s deeply felt, while not being over-the-top..." and "the other interesting performance thus far is turned in by Iwa Moto as Valentina. With some help from creative scripting, her character is more tragic and conflicted than past versions of the story had it".
Jun Lana's script was also praised by Torre for creating "Valentina’s terrible secret initially pains her rather than turns her into a vengeful monster, and the ostracism she suffers adds enormously to her loneliness and grief, which are alleviated only by her only friend, Narda. Of course, the ironic twist to all this is that Narda will eventually morph into superheroine Darna, with whom Valentina must fight to the death." Lana told Manila Bulletin
Manila Bulletin
The Manila Bulletin , is the Philippines' largest broadsheet newspaper by circulation, followed by the Philippine Daily Inquirer. It bills itself as "The Nation's Leading Newspaper", which is its official slogan...
that this version of Darna will be "totally different" especially with the characters, he mentions "what if Narda doesn't want to become Darna?" - a subject never touched upon in other versions of the graphic novel.