Cover Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi as Darna (Photo: Miss Universe 2022)
Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi as Darna (Photo: Miss Universe 2022)
1 / 1
For her national costume, Miss Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi took audiences to the skies and beyond with a Darna ensemble. Here's everything you need to know about the Filipino heroine
"Ding, ang bato!"
She can push boulders, fly at different heights, and dodge bullets—Darna, a superheroine from the Philippines, has got to be one of the most powerful fictional characters ever introduced in comic books. Written and drawn in 1950, the role served as a beacon of female empowerment for more than 70 years. Today, even as the modern Filipino developed brand new tastes and quirks, Darna remains a common household name.
In case you missed it: Who's The Real Villain in Bituing Walang Ningning (1985)?
In 2023, the classic character was channelled on the Miss Universe stage through Filipina contestant Celeste Cortesi. For this write-up, Tatler gives you a brief background of the heroine:
1. Darna was inspired by the Filipino female version of Superman
Contrary to popular belief, Darna was neither drawn after the images and characteristics of the magical bird "Adarna" nor the popular heroine Wonder Woman. She was instead inspired by "Varga," an earlier creation of Mars Ravelo. During his stint at the Bulaklak Magazine in the late 1940s, Mars envisioned a heroine who had superhuman strength and empathy like Superman.
When the artist left Bulaklak, he did not bring with him the rights to the character of Varga; this prompted him to create Darna.
2. Darna is not from planet Earth
Above Planet Mars (Photo: Derek Berwin/Getty Images)
Planet Mars (Photo: Derek Berwin/Getty Images)
1 / 1
In the comic book, it was revealed that Darna is not from planet Earth. She is merely channelled by her alter ego, the human Narda when she swallows the magic stone from Planet Mars (coincidentally its creator's name). In the most recent depiction of the heroine (Neil Daza's 'Darna' 2022), Darna is being chased by aliens from "Planetang Marte," the Filipino translation of Mars.
Read also: What To Watch: 5 Thrilling Netflix Movies And Shows About Aliens
3. More than 15 Filipino actors stepped into the shoes of the heroine
Through the years, there have been more than 15 actors and actresses who portrayed Darna. Some of them include veteran artists like Sharon Cuneta, Anjanette Abayari, Vilma Santos, Angel Locsin, and more. There were also different versions and male alter egos of the heroine such as Black Darna and Green Darna.
See also: 10 Classic Filipino Movies to Binge this Long Weekend
4. Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi's Darna costume was designed by Oliver Tolentino
Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi as Darna (Photo: Miss Universe 2022)
1 / 2
Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi made a heroic walk at the pageant's national costume competition held on Thursday, January 12. She stunned the crowd in her signature red and gold bikini and boots combo designed by Oliver Tolentino, who also did the design for her preliminary evening gown.
5. Darna was Mars Ravelo's tribute to his mother
Above Book cartoonist and graphic novelist Mars Ravelo (Photo: Manila Standard)
Book cartoonist and graphic novelist Mars Ravelo (Photo: Manila Standard)
1 / 1
In a media conference, Rex Ravelo, son of Mars, disclosed that Darna was partly inspired by his grandmother who raised his late father and the latter's siblings. “A lot of people do not know that my father grew up very poor. This is why Darna was born...because he was inspired by her," Rex told the press. "His mother was a single mom who raised all of them singlehandedly."
NOW READ
7 Filipino Graphic Novels You Need to Read That Aren't 'Trese'
How Penlab Philippines is Resurrecting Comics in the Country
Netflix's 'Trese' Billboards Vandalised Over The Weekend: We Found The Culprit
Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
