4 minute read

Will the Queen of Marte in ‘Darna’...

From Page 8 and challenge. Just like any other challenge, I take it as an opportunity to learn and to grow.

It is true that when one door closes, another one opens, it’s all about seizing the moment and being grateful for the chance to work hard and to learn more about myself. Here is to new beginnings and to new adventures,” said the beauty queen on Instagram.

Advertisement

“Thank you to everyone at ABS-CBN and Darna for allowing me to be a part of this iconic show that celebrates women empowerment,” she added.

During the national costume event of the 2023 Miss Universe, Cortesi donned the twopiece red-and-gold suit with matching kneehigh boots and arm cuffs that resembled the Filipina superhero. De Leon, during a press conference after the global beauty tilt, said Cortesi had more to show to the world even if she did not win the crown.

“I believe kay Celeste na meron pa siyang ipapakita sa ating lahat. Hindi lang sa ngayon, but soon. I really believe in it (I believe that Celeste has more to show to everyone. It might not be now, but soon. I really believe in it.) ,” she added.

Should Cortesi pursue acting, she would not be the first beauty queen to enter show business after pageantry.

Some of the most notable beauty queens turned actresses include Miss International 2005 Precious Lara Quigaman, Miss International 2016 Kylie Versoza, Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz, Miss Universe Philippines 1994 Charlene Gonzales, Miss Universe Philippines 2009 Bianca Manalo, Miss Universe Philippines 2016 Maxine Medina, and Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo, among many others. Does the Queen of Marte exist?

While the Queen of Marte’s origins were not explored throughout the run of “Mars Ravelo’s Darna”, it was known that the female superhero indeed originated from Marte.

The planet, according to Mango Comics’ “Darna Comicbook 3” in 2022, is a land inhabited by the Adranikans and Anomalkans where the former was described as lovers of peace ruled by Queen Adran, until they were overtaken by serpent-like beings who are followers of Queen Braguda.

The backstory of Cortesi’s surprise role in the TV series is unknown, however, her lines indicate that she is part of the Adranikan tribe.

On the other hand, Darna was described in the comics as an extraterrestrial warrior coming from the Planet Marte who was manifested through Narda after swallowing the titular white stone.

Pressure on for Francine-Seth...

From Page 8 to us to turn this team-up into something big that will benefit the show and the network. We’re pressured because we want to prove that we deserve this opportunity,” he pointed out. tapped by designers to take a twirl down the runway. Her favorite thing? Still fashionrelated.

“Sewing is my therapy, so my favorite thing is my sewing machine. It’s my best stress reliever and gives me the chance to stay productive. I used to work on my mother’s machine, but then she needed it back. Richard got me a new one para hindi ko siya kulitin kapag bored ako (laughs).”

When she was growing up, she recalled seeing her mother sewing. “She was

Continued on Page 10

Francine agreed with Seth and added: “I feel that people have their eyes on us, waiting to see if we will fail or commit any mistakes. Seth and I talked about this—our goal is to play our characters well and give justice to the story because ‘Dirty Linen’ is not your ordinary teleserye. It doesn’t just tell one story. It has many layers, and each of these layers makes up the whole project. Seth and I would like to think that our characters’ storyline—the layer that we’re part of—is also important.”

Fortune and influence “Dirty Linen,” which also stars Janine Gutierrez and Zanjoe Marudo, began airing on the Kapamilya Channel on Jan. 23. However, the pilot week was all about introducing the main story arc and the major characters. Francine and Seth’s characters, Chiara and Nico, respectively, will be seen more frequently in the coming weeks.

Chiara is the youngest of the powerful Fiero clan. In spite of the family’s fortune and influence, Chiara feels alone and unwanted by her parents. She rebels as a way to get their attention and acceptance. Nico, meanwhile, is smart and hardworking. He receives a scholarship grant in the city that eventually paves the way for him to meet Chiara. Asked how she was able to relate to her character, Francine said: “It’s true that, unlike Chiara, I’m surrounded by love at home, but there was a time when I also felt so alone and was desperate for other people’s company. I was looking for someone to listen to me and understand what I was going through, but no matter how I tried to explain my situation to friends, it still felt like they didn’t get me.

“I’ve managed to overcome that phase in my life, I’m OK now. It’s just that, in order to play Chiara, I had to return to that time and sort of open wounds that had already healed. I had to do this to portray Chiara more realistically,” Francine explained.

Meanwhile, Seth described Nico as “the purest character in the entire series.” When we asked him to explain what he meant, Seth said it’s hard to share details that will not spoil the story for its audience. “Nico grew up not knowing anything about the plans of his father (Joel Torre) and sister (Janine) to exact revenge on the Fieros. He is also unaware that other members of what he considers his family are in on the plan, as well. In the beginning, he appears to be a typical student who studies hard to fulfill his dreams and help his family financially.”