Zaijian Jaranilla admits fear in working with director Chito Roño

Working for the first time with director Chito Roño in the latest incarnation of Darna has sent shivers down Zaijian Jaranilla’s spine.

Playing Ricardo “Ding” Custodio, Narda/Darna’s younger brother is a role that Jaranilla said he approached with caution, especially since his director is known in the industry to be a “terror” on set.

“Parang lahat kami natakot at kinabahan. First taping day ko kabang-kaba ako kasi si direk Chito ang magdidirek sa akin,” Jaranilla confessed during the face-to-face mediacon for “Darna” last Monday, Aug. 8.

(It was as if we were all scared and nervous. During my first taping day I was so nervous because Chito will direct me.)

Jaranilla shared that he inquired from fellow actors about what it was like working with the award-winning director.

“Kinukwento nila sa akin na nabawasan na ang pagka-terror ni direk Chito, nag-mellow na siya,” he said. (They told me that Chito is no longer a big terror, that he has mellowed.)

Jaranilla also shared what he learned from co-star Janella Salvador who plays Valentina in the series: you should follow the director’s instructions during taping. Above all, he admits that working with Roño is something that he cherishes.

“Iyon ang pinakagusto ko sa pagiging artista. Nakakatrabaho ko ang mga katulad ni direk Chito na mas mababaon ko pa hanggang sa pagtanda ko,” he said.

(That’s what I like the most in being an actor. I am able to work with the likes of a Chito Roño, an experience I will carry all the way until I get old.)

“Darna” starts airing tomorrow, Aug. 15, via the Kapamilya Channel, A2Z and TV5. JB

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