Upon arrival at the Crown Regency Hotel with other "Darna" cast members Wendell Ramos, Jeremy Marquez, Alessandra da Rossi and Dennis Trillo, Angel only got a few hours of sleep like the others because of a lunch time press conference scheduled for them that day. Then after meeting the entertainment press of Cebu, the whole cast had to prepare for their mall show at SM Cebu at 3:30 p.m.
But although Angel felt sleepy, the day was all worth it for the "Darna" superstar what with an estimated 5,000 fans in attendance for the "Darna" mall event. Aside from the show prepared for our Cebuano kababayans, there were also a "Gay Darna Contest" and "Children Darna" competition wherein the contestants showcased their talents in either dancing, singing or even poetry. It was humid and hot but the thousands of "Darna" fans didn’t mind it at all as they kept cheering their idols to their hearts’ desire!
Playing Darna, the country’s favorite comic book heroine, for television is the biggest challenge for Angel, after breathing life to the character of Alwina in the equally–phenomenal "Mulawin." Aside from some dramatic moments in "Darna," the twentysomething actress had to prepare for very challenging fight scenes, stunts and flying sequences.
"Martial arts are usually learned for years, but I have to train for it in an hour because of my hectic schedule in showbiz. So I end up learning street fighting, Wu-shu, boxing and other martial arts in an hour. I wish I could practice at home too but I’m usually tired when I get home from work," expressed Angel.
Another rigorous aspect of the role is when they shoot her flying scenes using wire harnesses. According to Angel, they don’t always utilize CGI’s or shoot behind chroma backgrounds. Often they would mount her on harnesses for fight scenes in the sky or when she flies down to rescue or capture people. This would often leave her marks or bruises on her thighs.
"Masakit siya," admitted Angel. "But it is all part of the job."
After all, it was all worth it considering Cebu City’s warm acceptance of her and the "Darna" cast plus the high ratings that set new records in local TV. Angel’s happiness is simply unexplainable. She is very proud of her fantaserye but humbly attributes its success to a good team work among the cast and crew.
"Ayaw kong sabihin na ako lang ang dahilan. We all work hard in ‘Darna.’ Tulong-tulong po kaming lahat," she said.
"Darna’s" pilot episode last April 4 produced a rating of 47.1%, the highest, according to sources, that a pilot episode has earned in primetime television. Its rating has since kept on soaring like the heroic deeds Darna is bound to accomplish in the series. It even reached as high as 52.1% last April 7. The tremendous ratings are even without Darna herself displaying her super powers.
With "Darna’s" early success in the rating’s game, it would not be surprising for the fantaserye to continue topping the ratings game in the months to come.
So how does Angel Locsin feel now that she is now tagged the ‘Queen of Primetime television?’
"I’m very flattered of course. But I don’t want to think about it. I just know I have to keep on working hard."
Another question in people’s minds these days is whether this time around the Angel–Dennis romance will be rekindled.
"We are both okay. We are good friends. We did date exclusively before but I think we have to focus more on ‘Darna’ now," she said when asked about it.
