The recent plot of Mars Ravelo’s Darna is an inspiring celebration of women empowerment, with Narda (Jane de Leon) and Luna (Kira Balinger) bearing the torch. And like young women in the real world, they too had a strong and effective female mentor, who is none other than Zora/Leonor (Iza Calzado).
She had set a precedent of power for the two, shaped their warrior’s heart and spirit and martial arts bravado. In real life, Iza also shares her light with other women and never thinks it might dim hers in the process. She’s a true Darna in that she has been an advocate of women empowerment, changing lives through her talks about body positivity, self-love, and equality through her multimedia organization.
Even her becoming ‘First Darna’ on TV is an inspiring piece that teaches about patience and making dreams happen. In an Instagram post after the announcement of her playing a significant role in Mars Ravelo’s Darna series, Iza revealed it took 17 years to fulfill her wish to be part of a ‘Darna’ project. The most painful part of her years-long journey was when she was considered for the role in the 2000s but it didn’t happen. Yet, she gracefully accepted the rejection as part of her process of becoming the Darna she is today.
Thus, Iza made sure Zora/Leonor would be remembered in every scene she takes, especially when wearing the iconic Darna suit.
Check out her gorgeous photos as Darna in the gallery!