Embodying the iconic superhero’s well-loved traits, Jane De Leon takes flight for the long haul and is headed toward bigger and better things
Jane De Leon’s stardom exploded overnight. In August, she magnetized critics and her audiences in her big-screen debut as the charming yet fearless protagonist of Mars Ravelo’s Darna. Seven months later, the show concluded its 26-week run and aired its finale episode. We surveyed the room and here’s what we found: The 24-year-old actress continues to soar, and she’s moving on to a brand new era.
Rising star
Jane had her heart set on the showbiz industry at an early age. She first channeled her acting chops into anthology shows and television series. Starting out as an extra in shows such as MMK, Ipaglaban Mo, and Halik, she proved to everyone that she had the guts and determination to succeed. Finally, the rising star received her big break when former Star Magic chairman and director Johnny Manahan caught a glimpse of her talent.
“When I found out about the auditions, I made sure [Jane De Leon] went. And now, we couldn’t be any prouder that the next actress to breathe life into this iconic heroine is coming from our fold,” says Manahan who is known for boosting the careers of some of the country’s biggest stars in an interview last August 2022.
Jane as Darna
It’s an extraordinary rise through a series of supporting roles, commercial gigs, and modeling stints, yet she remains modest about her success: “It was always my mom who convinced me of joining pageants and gigs.” Jane recalls in an interview, “My mom and I used to tell each other whenever we passed by EDSA before that… one day, I will be one of the faces on those huge billboards.” From humble beginnings, Jane now leads us into the era of ultimately smooth hair as the newest Pantene Girl. In the brand’s latest commercial, Jane was able to share a heartfelt moment with her mom, sharing that she loves a lot of things she inherited from her mother and even picked up a few of her traits, but when it comes to conditioner, her mom actually gets it from her!
In her many interviews, there is always something noticeably tender in the way she talks about her mother. Perhaps this observation reveals far more than her relationship with her mother. On closer examination, fans of the actress can find the iconic superhero’s loyalty, devotion, and quiet strength in Jane. When asked if there was a role that prepared her for Darna, she answers that it was the sum of everything she had experienced—both personal- and career-wise.
“Super ako nakaka-relate sa kanya. Yung time na sinabi sa akin na may audition ang Darna nag try talaga ako, nag-take ng risk,“ Jane shares. She knows that she’s destined for something greater, and that’s where she gets the courage to move past the small voice of doubt, including the negativity and the bashers. “Sa life ko din kasi I want to be tough, a strong person for my family.”
Another one of her inspirations is Angel Locsin, who played Narda and Darna in 2005. She remembers admiring Angel as a kid and then later landing the role as a full-circle moment. “Lahat po sila, magagaling. Lahat po sila, na-portray po talaga nang maayos si Darna, but siyempre, [ang] tumatak sa’kin at kinalakihan ko, si Angel Locsin,” she tells the interviewer.
Taking flight
Jane’s casting was met with controversy, with some questioning her abilities to take on the role of the beloved superhero. She reveals that the naysayers had gotten to her head. She confided in an interview that it came to a point where she felt like letting go of the stone (the magical stone that transforms Narda into Darna), “I had already told my manager and my mother that I’d just continue my schooling and start a business, because even I had no idea why I was chosen to be Darna.”
Like Narda, she was initially doubtful of her abilities, reluctant to accept the responsibility of being the stone’s protector. However, Jane bounced back quickly as she committed herself full-on to Darna through rigorous training and exercise, all the while taking care of herself physically, mentally, and emotionally. In line with this, she chose to move on to the new era of Pantene Supplement Conditioner with Pro-Vitamin and Real Keratin. This allows her to try new things with confidence while maintaining the health of her hair.
At the core, past all the characters that she plays in her films and teleseryes, Jane is in pursuit of the best version of her unique self. Whether she’s rocking a bombshell blowout, short beachy waves, or a sleek updo, she’s always among the best tressed. With Pantene, there’s nothing that can hold the actress from shining now, not even afternoon frizz.
For those looking to emulate her effortless looks, this haircare product may just be the secret to achieving her shiny, healthy-looking hair. Especially in a humid environment like the Philippines, a reliable supplement conditioner is a gamechanger. Its ability to nourish and protect hair from the effects of humidity helps combat frizz, dryness, and damage. And with Pro-V and Real Keratin, this supplement conditioner wraps around hair to repair damage from within.
There’s so much weight that comes with being the first of anything, but Jane—the youngest Darna the country has seen—continues to carry on through her support system which consists of Mother Hearty and Pantene. She just hopes that the show can do for young girls what the comics did for her. “I want to represent girls talaga. Yung hindi pa talaga napapansin. Eh we’re always saying, ‘who run the world? Girls!’ pero kulang pa sa push. Sana maging inspiration rin sa mga kababaihan itong proyekting ito.” With Pantene, you too can realize your potential and move on to a new and better era.
