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Top Seven Best Darna Celebrities in Movies and TV 2017
See the many stars who rose to fame playing the iconic superheroine role.
By: Patricia Marie Prado | September 10, 2017
If the US has Wonder Woman, the Philippines has Darna. With Liza Soberano gearing up to take the coveted role of the female superhero in 2018, Darna is once again a hot topic. Aside from Liza, did you know that there’s a long line of actresses who have also donned the red bikini?
We at ShoppersGuide asked our readers which celebrity portrayed Darna the best and the results are in! Read on and see if your favorite made the cut.
7. Dolphy
Dolphy taking over Darna’s duties in Darna, Kuno? (Images: Dolphy Memories, Jarren Go Rudela)
The first actor who made the list is Rodolfo Vera Quizon, Sr. or more popularly known as Dolphy. The King of Comedy wore the red bikini in 1979 when he starred in the movie Darna, Kuno? The movie was meant to be a parody, wherein Dolphy’s character replaced the real Darna during her pregnancy. Nonetheless, Dolphy’s portrayal of the film became one of the most iconic adaptations of Darna in Philippine movie history.
6. Regine Velasquez
The Asia’s Songbird flew as Darna, too! (Images: @reginevfans, Gerald Michael Gunda Castillo)
At number six is Regine Velasquez. Although Velasquez is known for her amazing voice, she also got to play the heroine in 2003.
Asia’s Songbird got to play Darna for a cameo in the movie Captain Barbell alongside Bong Revilla and her husband Ogie Alcasid. Aside from playing the role, she also lent her voice singing Di Na Nag-iisa as the theme song for the 2005 TV adaptation of the comic book starring Angel Locsin.
5. Vilma Santos
The Star for All Seasons played Darna not just once but four times. (Images: Vilma Santos – Star for All Seasons, Atomic Samba)
The star who made it to our fifth spot is Vilma Santos-Recto. The Star for All Seasons is one of the most iconic actresses to have ever played the role of Darna. She not only played the role once but four times. In 1973, she made history when she played both Darna and Darna’s alter-ego Narda in the movie Lipad, Darna, Lipad. She’s also the person responsible for uttering the words “Ding, ang bato!,” which has become a popular catchphrase ever since.
4. Sharon Cuneta
The Megastar’s role might be short, but it was memorable for sure. (Images: @_joyce16, Sharon Cuneta)
Taking the fourth spot is Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan. Although the Megastar gained fame for her heavy drama movies including Madrasta and Pasan Ko ang Daigdig, she also got to wear the red suit in 1986.
Cuneta-Pangilinan was supposed to be introduced as the new Darna in the movie Captain Barbell with Edu Manzano and Herbert Bautista, hence the cameo role. Unfortunately, the physical demands of playing the heroine took a toll on her body and she decided not push through with a full-length film.
3. Anjanette Abayari
Abayari might be one of the sexiest women to have ever donned the red suit. (Images: Anjanette Abayari, Darna)
The actress who took the third spot is Anjanette Abayari. Abayari rose to fame in 1991 when she won the title of Bb. Pilipinas Universe. She appeared alongside Alma Concepcion and Daisy Reyes in a commercial where they all donned the Darna outfit. In 1994, she was chosen to take on the role of the female superhero and starred in the movie Darna: Ang Pagbabalik.
She once again made an appearance in the film Ang Pagbabalik ni Pendro Penduko, reprising the role of the female superhero. Darna: Ang Pagbabalik was the last full-length film adaptation of Darna.
2. Angel Locsin
Voter’s comments:
“She did justice to the role .... Sexy inside and out ...”- Doncg Gonzales
“Because Angel Locsin is pulchritudinous and she deserves to be in that role.”- Juan dela Cruz Jr.
After years of no Darna, Locsin continued the saga and became a star. (Images: Angel Locsin, Angel Locsin and Angelica Panganiban)
At number two is actress Angel Locsin. After the success of fantaserye (fantasy-series) Mulawin, Locsin once again wowed Filipinos when she played Darna in the series adaptation of the comics entitled Mars Ravelo’s Darna. Her acting prowess and amazing physique made her one of the most iconic and well-loved actresses to ever wear the red suit.
The series became one of the highest rated shows in the history of Philippine television, reaching 52.1% at its peak. Locsin was supposed to reprise the role in its upcoming movie adaptation but had to back out due to health concerns.
1. Marian Rivera
Voter’s comment:
“She is a splendid, statuesque person who has a perfect body shape. :D”- Agila Malabanan Jr.
Voters consider Rivera is the best Darna. (Images: Marian Rivera, Marian Rivera Dantes Official)
The actress who topped our list of the best celebrity portrayal of Darna is Marian Rivera. Rivera became a breakthrough star when she got top billing in the TV series Marimar and Dyesebel. In 2009, GMA network decided to revive Darna and cast Rivera to star in the new adaptation.
Rivera brought her charm and wit to the screen and became another favorite to have ever played the female superhero. Unlike other versions of Darna, her character initially declined the responsibility of being a superhero. While some plot points have been changed, readers agree that Rivera’s portrayal of Darna is still one of the best ones to date.
The costume may have changed over time, but she’s still the same Darna. Who among these actresses is your favorite? Tell us in the comments section below!
Results are based on the Best Celebrities Who Portrayed Darna in Film and in TV 2017 Poll posted at the home page of ShoppersGuide.com.ph from August 28 to September 03, 2017.
About Patricia Marie Prado
Patricia came from the field of business and accounting but is now pursuing her dreams of being a writer. She is a self-confessed introvert and is passionate about reading, travelling, writing, movies, coffee and God. When she's not writing, she loves discovering new coffee shops/cafe and doing TV-series marathons.
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