After the phenomenal 47.1 percent pilot episode rating of the series in Mega Manila, based on AGB Philippines overnight ratings report, members of the cast, which includes Darna herself Angel Locsin, Alessandra de Rossi, Wendell Ramos, Jeremy Marquez, and Dennis Trillo, conquered Cebu last April 9 as they set the whole province in total Darna mania. Their mall show held at the Entertainment Center of SM City Cebu attracted about 8,000 fans, considered to be one of the biggest crowds ever in that location.
Asked about the overwhelming success of Darna’s Cebu trip, Jimi Po. Alanis, head of GMA Regional Television (RGMA), says, "The response of the Cebuanos was overwhelming. It was both a humbling, inspiring experience for all of us." He also hopes that the positive turnout of the event is a good indicator that residents of the province can truly feel that the tagline Diri ta bai, which means Dito tayo, kaibigan in Filipino, is, more than just a tagline, a commitment that GMA intends to keep.
Jimi also promises that the Darna visit is just the start of a string of special shows especially dedicated to the Cebuanos. In fact, on April 30 and May 1, a two-day affair is being mounted that will gather the biggest GMA stars and will highlight the network’s indefatigable heart for public service and dedication to produce only the best entertainment programs.
After RGMA’s campaign in Cebu, Jimi swears to strengthen ties with their viewers from other GMA Regional Stations. "With the unwavering support of chairman Felipe Gozon and the help of VP for Corporate Communications Butch Raquel, the ‘architect’ of this awareness campaign, GMA hopes to be the undisputed leader not just in Manila, but also in the whole country." He admits, however, that before reaching this goal a lot of work has to be done first. "Encompassing language and cultural barriers, our campaign is more personal–’puso sa puso’ talaga," he adds. "I am just happy that we have started this campaign with Darna, the current flagship entertainment program of the network, because the show really is a proof of the big GMA difference."
Redgie Magno, Darna’s program manager, is also happy that the televiewers appreciate the hard work of all the Darna cast and crew to produce local TV’s ultimate fantaseries. "And, I am thankful that GMA wholeheartedly supports Darna," Redgie adds.
More than showcasing spectacular fight scenes, Darna also gives premium on the story’s development and the characterization. With the collaborative efforts of directors Eric Quizon, who is also one of the country’s best actors, and Dominic Zapata, who is at the helm of the hit Mulawin series, GMA is presenting Darna like you’ve never seen before, the Darna of the 21st Century. "Angel Locsin fits the role perfectly as the Darna of this generation," Redgie states.
Angel, who bested other young actresses for the much-coveted role, expresses her gratitude to GMA for giving her the biggest break in her career. Angel, who was also part of Mulawin, when asked how different Darna is from Mulawin, says, "Mas physically demanding ang Darna. May mga times kasi na I have to fly live talaga. Hindi lang puro-chroma. Pero, pag makita mo naman yung end-product, it is all worth it talaga."
Another Mulawin product who has been tapped to play a role in this fantaseries is Dennis Trillo who plays Efren, Narda’s childhood sweetheart and Valentina’s object of desire. "With the show’s technical and artistic aspect, Darna can really be at par with international series and movies like Spiderman. Ibang klase talaga," the young "crush ng bayan" proudly shares.
Of all the villains featured in previous Darna movies, only the role of Valentina has been reprised. Alessandra de Rossi was tapped to do the plum role of the "lady snake." Asked about her role, Alessandra remarks, "masaya ako siyempre. Wala namang Darna kung walang Valentina, di ba?" She thinks that her straightforward, strong character enabled her to get the role. "Masarap maging Valentina kay Angel dahil Darnang-Darna talaga siya!"
Jeremy Marquez, who plays one of Angel’s leading men Jun, says, "Expect only the best from Darna. With the warm reception that Darna is getting, I am sure that the cast and crew is more inspired to come up with an even better, more spectacular fantaseries."