The Darna ‘baddies’ led by Valentina herself, Janella Salvador, showed their big hearts for families affected by Super Typhoon Odette.
The antagonists of the much-awaited Mars Ravelo’s Darna: The TV Series spread good deeds instead of evil in the 7th episode of Kapamilya Family Date Nights, which is part of ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN Foundation’s “Tulong Tulong Sa Pag-ahon: Isang Daan sa Pagtutulungan” donation drive that aims to provide food, clean water, as well as hygiene and home repair kits for Typhoon Odette victims.
Joining Janella in the fun are Mark Manicad, Dawn Chang, Joj Agpangan, and Viveika Ravanes, plus LA Santos. So here’s your chance to get to know the kontrabida characters more and learn how the whole Darna team bond on the set.
From the teenybopper Nikki in “Be Careful with My Heart,” Janella now takes on her biggest role as Valentina, making everyone proud of her growth as an actress. Viveika, who played her Yaya Sabel in the hit daytime drama, couldn’t help but gush about their reunion. “Lumaki na po siya. Lumaking maganda! Masaya akong makasama siya ulit. Siyempre, lumaking mahusay, magaling, at isa na rin siyang ina ngayon. Lahat kami happy kasi ‘pag nakakasama ko itong batang ‘to, laging may magandang changes sa buhay niya. I’m so happy for her,” said Viveika, who portrays Marites in Darna: The TV Series.
Besides excitement, Janella also feels a bit of challenge portraying Darna’s arch nemesis in this huge project, “Ito na naman ako sa back-and-forth ng dalawang characters pero exciting ‘yung role kasi maraming layers ‘yung characters ko dito.” Her last TV portrayal in The Killer Bride also required switching on and off between two characters.
On Janella’s team are Marc Manicad as Regina (Valentina’s alter-ego)’s bodyguard Ali and Dawn Chang as the secretary of the town mayor. Joj is Narda’s best friend, Mara. LA plays Richard, who works as part of Narda’s rescue team.
The cast has been working on the series for four months now, thus the family-like bond. Joj mentioned they do activities like fitness and basketball on days off, and even share each other’s diet regimen. They’ve come to know each other’s traits as well, as Viveika put it, “Ito ‘yung bahay mo, sila ‘yung family mo, neighbors, co-workers mo. Sa araw-araw, kahit hindi mo pa sila kaeksena, meron na kayong bonding at pagsasamahan… Mas nagiging pamilyar kayo sa isa’t isa.”
One thing they’ve discovered about Janella is her quick ability to adapt to the demands of her role. They jestingly call her “The Fastest Celebrity.” Dawn explained, “Sa soundstage kasi, ‘yung set namin dun ready na, walang sinasayang na oras. Si Janella, mga 102 sequences in 2 hours! Ganun kabilis si Janella Salvador kaya she is the fastest celebrity of them all.”
Joj seconded, “At ‘yung kanyang mga linya, mahahaba per sequences. Winner, Jea!” Then, Mark further teased, “Ibang Janella ‘yung mapapanood n’yo dito. Abangan n’yo yung reveal ni Valentina kung gaano kaganda ‘yung shot, grabe!”
Now we go to the fun challenges requested by KUMUnizens! The first dare was to take on the “Bad Romance” Challenge.” Since Mark laughed a little, he accepted the consequence to dance to “Paru-Paro G.”
And because Dawn, the dance guru, was there, she didn’t let pass the opportunity to teach her co-stars her popular “Love Me Like You Do” choreography. They danced in pairs starting with Dawn and Marc, then Viveika and Mark, and lastly, Joj and LA – complete with lifting!
Also one of the most requested acts that night was Janella’s version of “Ginseng Strip 2002,” which was Joshua Garcia’s first trending TikTok video. Little things to make JoshNella lovers happy!
As the bunch took on another “Paru-Paro G” Challenge, coming together in pairs in front of the camera, netizens got a surprise treat when Joshua joined Janella in the last part. Of course, Joshua obliged to showcase his trademark “Ginseng Strip” moves as well.
Apart from the dancing, Darna’s ‘Team Kontrabulate’ likewise entertained fans with music. Viveika channelled her Adele with “Rolling in the Deep.” LA serenaded viewers with “Rainbow” and “Ako’y Sa’yo, Ika’y Akin Lamang.” For the finale, Janella performed the most requested “Halik Sa Hangin,” the OST of “The Killer Bride” where JoshNella first teamed up.
Watch out for the next featured artists in Kapamilya Family Date Nights until March 9 at 8 p.m. on FYE Channel on Kumu, ABS-CBN Entertainment Facebook page and YouTube channel, iWantTFC, and SKYcable Channel 955 HD and Channel 155 SD. The DSWD Authority/Solicitation Permit No. of this campaign is DSWD-SB-SP-00026-21, which is valid nationwide until May 28, 2022.
For information and other ways to donate, visit the official pages of ABS-CBN Foundation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or go to https://foundation.abs-cbn.com.