Like an uncalled-for lightning on a bright, sunny day or a double yolk treat from a single cracked egg, like a deer befriending a lion or a cat bonding with a mouse—the DarLentina hype is probably one of the most unique yet satisfying oxymorons we have ever had in 2022. 
Who would have thought that two iconic characters known to be each other’s enemies would now be a ‘sailing ship’ netizens can’t help but adore? Who would have imagined that the villain and the hero would be paired up to form such a powerful tandem that everyone can’t get enough of? While this is not the first time that Mars Ravelo’s classic, Darna was made into a TV series, it is definitely the first time to have Darna and Valentina linked together, seen as friends and even viewed romantically by some audiences. The 2022 ABS-CBN’s Darna is surely a different one. It gave a different flavor, an innovative take on the story and a uniquely exceptional portrayal of the classic Filipino comics. 

Jane de Leon, now giving life to Narda Custodia aka Darna and Janella Salvador, portraying Regina Vanguardia aka Valentina has unexpectedly captivated the hearts of their viewers with their on-screen friendship and sisterly bond. Unlike the classic image of two fated rivals, the new series’ take on the two characters were a bit different but this creative twist became well-loved and widely talked about all over social media. The pair got their audience gushing and spying over “crumbs” for each episode of Mars Ravelo’s: Darna, dominating modern Philippine television.

Whether the showrunners intended for Narda and Regina to be potentially queer or whether they simply decided to explore that facet of their dynamic after noticing the on-screen chemistry between actors Jane De Leon and Janella Salvador, more and more viewers are shipping Narda and Regina together, and we certainly can't blame them. Let’s take a look at why DarLentina might just be the Philippine television’s newest sapphic superhero ship. 

Intertwined Origins
They have had an impact on each other’s lives since the very beginning. Even before they had even met, they were each other's heroes. In a scene set on a cliff, Narda sensed that Regina was in a dark place, and advised her to get out of the circumstance with faith. Moreover, during that same moment, Narda was mourning the death of her mother. 
“Sabay tayong umalis ng bangin”, Regina replied to Narda, not knowing this moment has linked their lives forever. Since then, their lives were intertwined and their fates became inseparable at least in the series. 

Each Other’s Safe Space
With Narda being a closeted superhero, and Regina maintaining an intimidating front, NarGina has become each other’s shoulder to lean on when the world tames to bring down their walls. 

During Narda’s terrifying encounter with the babaeng ahas (Valentina), Regina steps out of her role as a boss and does silly little poses, and tells Narda reassuring words just to comfort her and ease her baggage. Accordingly, Regina found a breathing space in Narda as she revealed to her that she hears voices in her head—a secret that she only told Narda.

Both Wear Heroic Capes
Unquestionably, Narda is the ‘good guy’ playing the role of Darna—the hero of Nueva Esperanza. And with matters involving Regina, some may say that it must be exhausting always rooting for the anti-hero, but Regina is actually an anti-hero to root for. Regina Vanguardia uses her platform as a lawyer/vlogger to expose corrupt public servants. She does battle for the cause of justice and truth; thus, she is not intrinsically wicked. Even though pegged as a villain, even in her antagonist skin, Valentina managed to gain praises from viewers as her victims are antagonists ranging from a notorious criminal, a corrupt judge, and a rapist. 

JaneNella Approved!
More than the immense love and support that the ship has been getting from the persevering and dedicated fandom, what makes this love team recognizable and loved more than ever is that actresses Jane De Leon and Janella Salvador validate and acknowledge the existence of the ship.

Both De Leon and Salvador consistently send their gratitude to their fans for their daily top-trend activity on Twitter, and their exceptional efforts to extend their love and support for the ship. On a live twitter space with fans, Salvador reassured, “Magka-away si Darna tsaka si Valentina. So kahit anong mangyari, syempre, andyan naman ‘yung pagmamahal namin sa isa’t isa.”

Whether bound to be together or bound to break the hearts of this ship's believers should they not be each other’s endgame, it is unlikely that the fans are able to resist DarLentina’s onscreen chemistry. Whatever the fate of Narda and Regina may be, it is safe to say that the trajectory of their relationship going uphill has the potential of changing the Filipino mainstream media forever. It's about time that we see the main superhero teaming up with her foe in defending, and conquering the depths of this villainous world. It is the perfect time for love to finally mend what reflects to be cracks of observation of conservativeness and ultimately, for DarLentina to explore the lines from enemies to lovers.