Jane de Leon as Darna and Janella Salvador as Valentina. Image: screengrab from YouTube/ABS-CBN Entertainment
“Mars Ravelo’s Darna: The TV Series” aired its final episode on Friday, Feb. 10, which saw Jane de Leon triumph in saving the world as the titular superhero; Janella Salvador embracing her fate as Valentina; and the appearance of the Queen of Marte, portrayed by Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi.
Darna unleashed her full potential “Hiraya” and defeated her nemesis Borgo (Richard Quan) as well as his Super Soldiers (Eric Fructuoso, Simon Ibarra, Mark Manicad, Dawn Chang, Young JV and Joshua Colet).
Despite this victory, Darna was warned by the Queen of Marte of a looming threat, who apparently is Regina Vanguardia, who “chose to be free” and kept her alter ego Valentina.
The final episode became a trending Twitter topic in the Philippines with over 30, 000 tweets as of this writing.
“Ang pinakamalaking kasalanan ay kapag may kakayahan kang tumulong, pero wala ka namang ginawa”
Salamat, aming mga Darna ❤️💚💙 #DarnaSuperFinale pic.twitter.com/RB7LndXDdS
— ALTStarMagic 💫 (@AltStarMagic) February 10, 2023
THIS IS NOT THE END…. THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING!!! 🤍🐍 #DarnaSuperFinale pic.twitter.com/EFj9D4YzIK
— the smallest man who ever lived (@marvicfranz_g) February 10, 2023
Celeste Cortesi as the Queen of Marte 👑#DarnaSuperFinale pic.twitter.com/HVaIEoS1VB
— ⭐ (@darnarchives) February 10, 2023
https://twitter.com/JaneNellaUpdate/status/1624035362942382080
SHE IS VALENTINA! 🐍 Valentina 2.0 introduction is very pleasing to my eyes. I’m a Valentina Apologist for a reason tho. #DarnaSuperFinale pic.twitter.com/h7BsOMeWDK
— niji (@jeasluvr) February 10, 2023
De Leon and Salvador expressed their gratitude to the viewers while showing a poster of the TV series through their Twitter pages.
“On to the next chapter. I’m sharing this victory with you all,” De Leon said. “Maraming salamat po (Thank you so much)!”
On to the next chapter. I'm sharing this victory with you all. Maraming salamat po! 🙏🏻🔥 #DarnaSuperFinale pic.twitter.com/GTx13S1TSk
— JANE DE LEON (@Imjanedeleon) February 10, 2023
“The end of an era,” Salvador stated. “All I have to say for now is thank you.”
The end of an era.
All i have to say for now is thank you.
💥🐍 pic.twitter.com/EMbW51mzoH— Janella Salvador (@superjanella) February 10, 2023
Cortesi, for her part, regarded her “Darna” role as a “new experience and challenge” that gave her an “opportunity to learn and to grow.”
“Just like Darna.. lumaban at patuloy na lalaban ([I] fought and will continue to fight),” the beauty queen wrote. “It is true that when one door closes, another one opens, it’s all about seizing the moment and being grateful for the chance to work hard and to learn more about myself.”
“Here is to new beginnings and to new adventures,” she continued. “Thank you to everyone at ABS-CBN and Darna for allowing me to be a part of this iconic show that celebrates women empowerment.”
“Mars Ravelo’s Darna: The TV Series” aired its pilot episode on Aug. 15, 2022. /ra