Other than being an award-winning and sought-after movie director, Roño also directed some of the finest ABS-CBN series.
Chito Roño is set to direct the upcoming Darna TV series, which marks the iconic Pinay superhero’s return to the small screen, 13 years since GMA Network aired its second TV adaptation of the Mars Ravelo classic. Apart from the series’ ensemble cast, the fact that Roño is the one directing it adds up another level of excitement for the series, which has been stalled several times already. And now it’s finally happening; the anticipation is higher than ever.
As far as TV series go, Roño has directed some of the most remarkable titles ever aired by ABS-CBN. We look back on these shows to be reminded that the ambitious TV production ABS-CBN is pulling off with Darna is in good hands.
Roño’s television debut was made possible by Spirits’s supernatural-horror series premiered on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida block on December 6, 2004. The series followed the story of eight teenagers with supernatural powers and their quest to vanquish the forces of darkness. The series starred teen Kapamilya stars, John Wayne Sace, Maja Salvador, Rayver Cruz, Jiro Manio, Serena Dalrymple, Mico Aytona, Joseph Bitangcol, and Michelle Madrigal.
Darna won’t be Roño’s first time handling a Mars Ravelo creation, as he already directed the first TV adaptation of Lastikman, in 2007. The series starred Vhong Navarro in the title role and aired from September 24, 2007, to January 25, 2008. The pilot week of the series received critical praise. According to AGB Nielsen, it also topped the rating chart and was rated highest among all TV dramas in 2008.
In 2010, Roño directed a pure drama, for the first time. Magkano Ang Iyong Dangal, is a Gilda Olvidado’s classic which was first adapted to the big screen in 1988. The afternoon series, which aired from January 25 to May 14, 2010, was headlined by Bangs Garcia, Sid Lucero, and Rayver Cruz.
In the same year, Roño was tapped to helm another series; it was a horror fantasy and shown on primetime. Imortal is a sequel to the 2008 werewolf series, Lobo, starring Angel Locsin and Piolo Pascual. Locsin returned for Imortal, but she had John Lloyd Cruz as his new leading man, instead. The sequel expanded Lobo’s storyline to include the century-old war between the werewolf and vampire races.
In 2013, Roño returned to drama via the Filipino adaptation of the hit Mexicanovela, Maria Mercedes. The adaptation series starred Jessy Mendiola in the title role. It was a consistent rating winner and even topped all primetime programs, at one point, despite its late time slot. The series marked the director’s last helmed series before going on hiatus.
And now, as he returns to television again, there is somewhat an assurance that the upcoming Darna: The TV series will achieve success. It remains to be seen how Roño will utilize all the technological advantages the new ABS-CBN soundstages will offer him. That said, it is interesting to note that he was successful in Lastikman, which used some of the most advanced filming technology during its time.
We will see if he does it again with Darna: The TV Series, slated to air in 2022.
