Rochelle Pangilinan

Sexbomb dancer Rochelle Pangilinan takes on her first villain role as Babaeng Manananggal in the upcoming season of the GMA fantaserye, “Darna.”

“First time ko ‘tong ginawa [at] kahit ako, hindi ko kailangang humugot sa sarili ko [to internalize the role kasi] sa storya pa lang, maganda na talaga,” said she in a short interview held during the “Darna” press conference at 55 Events Place on Nov. 30.

Neither did Rochelle watch Pinoy monster films to study her character.

“Wala [akong pinagbasehan ng character ko]. Napanood ko ‘yong ‘New Moon’ pero shinu-shoot na namin ‘to.”

In the soap, Rochelle plays Dr. Deborrah who spots pregnant women and other potential victims whom she can feast on after she transforms into the vicious winged creature.

However, Rochelle hinted that there is more to her gut-devouring character than meets the eye.

“Abangan niyo kung ano talaga ang character ko dito. Kontrabida [siya] pero may puso. Bumilib ako, ang galing. Kahit ako, naaatat [na] akong panoorin,” she admitted.

Rochelle shared that the ‘manananggal’ wings she uses in the show weigh heavier than her.

“Kaya pinapatong ko siya sa balakang ko para lang makatayo ako [nang maayos],” she explained.

The new “Darna” villainess feels relieved that no prosthetics were used on her “kasi pawisin ako.”

“Wala talagang nakadikit sa mukha. Pangil, mahabang kuko, brunette [hair] at contact lens lang ang sa akin,” she enumerated.

The latest “Darna” season begins December on GMA’s Telebabad primetime block. Joining Rochelle in the super foe category are Katrina Halili as Valentina (Iwa Moto)’s half-sister, Serpina; Akihiro Sato as the vampire Vladimir; Jackie Rice as Helga, the possessed Babaeng Demonyita; and the most evil of all, Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez as Electra, the Queen of Planet Women.