Marian Rivera as Darna and Iwa Moto as Valentina

As the saying goes, save the best for last, so did GMA Network as they treated Davaoeños last Sunday, Aug. 23, during the last day of their annual Kadayawan Festival with the network’s Primetime Queen Marian Rivera as “Darna,” their newest No. 1 primetime show!

Joining Marian in the GMA Network’s activities called “Todo Kalingawan sa Kadyawan” were Mark Anthony Fernandez, Iwa Moto and Buboy Villar.

First in their activity was the Kadayawan Festival Parade which featured the aforementioned cast of “Darna” on the Kapuso float from 8 a.m. till 12 p.m. The said parade was covered live by GMA TV5 of Davao which was dubbed “Pamulakan sa Kadayawan: A Kapuso Parade Coverage” with hosts Pia Arcangel and Tek Ocampo, the host of Davao’s popular local news program “Testigo.”

The Kapuso Network also celebrated with more Davaoeños at the Gaisano Mall of Davao. They treated them to various mall activities – sponsors’ booths opened for Davaoeños to enjoy as early as 12 p.m., goodies given away and a special public screening of “Darna” for Davaoeños who wanted to relive or catch-up with past episodes, to mention a few. The event was hosted by Davao’s famous twins Krystal and Kristine and “Starstruck” alumnae Chuck Allie.

Of course the main event, which was highly anticipated by Davaoeños as their numbers grew throughout the afternoon, filling the mall from the ground and up the four floors was the appearance of Darna!

The excitement also built up as Mark Anthony Fernandez who plays the love interest of Narda and even Darna in the series serenaded Davaoeños with a couple of songs. Then Buboy Villar who plays Ding in the show also delighted audience with his knack for singing and his comical dance steps.

Last but not the least was the appearance of Iwa Moto as Valentina, the main antagonist in the series and Marian Rivera as the super heroine Darna. As the whole Gaisano Mall of Davao shouted in unison the name Darna, and as they exploded with cheers and applause, they were treated to a production number. Davaoeños saw Darna in action as she battled and defeated on stage stunt men as villains!

“We really had fun,” expressed Iwa in Filipino. “From our taping we immediately flew to Davao for this event. Even if we’re tired, the Davaoeños’ energy gave us the strength to perform for them and greet them a Happy Kadayawan Festival. I’m very grateful for their warm response!”

And Primetime Queen Marian Rivera, couldn’t agree more with Iwa’s sentiments.

“I’m very happy to be part of the Kadayawan Festival,” she said in Filipino. “The Davaoeños are very warm and appreciative of our presence. I’m very happy that ‘Darna’ is making Davaoeños happy and is putting a smile on their faces as well. This is the reason we are really working hard in the show. And there will still be more exciting episodes of ‘Darna’ to come!”

So far, since it started airing, “Darna” has consistently dominated the ratings’ game in Mega Manila on its time slot. “Darna” even soared to new heights in terms of its Mega Manila TV ratings last Aug. 18 when it earned the highest to date – 47.3%!

The early successes of “Darna” only means that Filipinos have already embraced and welcomed in their hearts the new Darna especially the actress portraying her – Marian Rivera.

“I’m very thankful to God for this blessing,” Marian smiled.