With absolutely stunning visuals, it’s a guarantee that Nueva Esperanza and every fictional place in Mars Ravelo’s Darna will reside in viewers’ minds for a long time.

Not many people know that Nueva Esperanza and other recognizable spots in the series weren’t actual structures. Those were just created from scratch inside the ABS-CBN Soundstage in Bulacan.

In this video, Winston Acuyong, who’s in charge of the teleserye’s production design, as well as Directors Avel Sunpongco, Darnel Villaflor, and Benedict Mique shared how they created the show’s interiors and overall look.

According to Direk Darnel, they relied heavily on soundstage production, which, as Direk Avel added, gave them an advantage in terms of precision and productivity.

“Ako pa lang yata ‘yung pinaka-unang production designer na naka-experience mag-set dito sa soundstage,” said Winston, who prepared the set designs and color palettes, although the producers still had the final say.

Making the sets look realistic proved to be a challenge. Winston’s team would transform empty corners of the soundstage to look like the place aligned with the narrative. In the video, you’ll find behind-the-scenes footage of the actual creation of the earthquake scene where Narda (Jane de Leon) transformed into Darna, Lola Berta (Rio Locsin)’s abode, Narda’s room, Regina (Janella Salvador)’s office and house, Borgo (Richard Quan)’s hideout, and the Nueva Esperanza courtroom, hospital, and community. All these – believe it or not – were built in the studio.

Winston mentioned that every set has its color palette that matches the characters. Regina’s house, for instance, communicates a dark vibe and is enhanced by green and gold colors. And it takes at least two days before the set is assembled.

“Ang daming challenges halos. Aaralin mo kung ano dapat sa isang area ‘yung bubuuin n’yong set kasi hindi pwedeng halo-halo ‘pag nag-schedule kayo ng taping. Dapat isang unit, isang stage. Dapat aral lahat siya,” he mused, grateful for the experience to be part of the Darna legacy.

Don’t miss the finale week of Mars Ravelo’s Darna on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and A2Z.