We saw Eddie Garcia and Eddie Gutierrez battle for supremacy in politics for Kung Mawawala Ka; now, we see Dina Bonnevie and Glydel Mercado rages war on one another in Joel Lamangan's third serving in prime-time television. Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita marks Lamangan's return to his roots of crime, mayhem and politics in this adaptation of Gilda Olvidado's classic novel.
In this story of treachery, connivance, greed, power and vengeance, we have Evita Perrantes (played by the ever so excellent Bonnevie, the character and its name is clearly adapted from Evita Peron) whose life ruined by his husband's nemesis. Losing her husband and parents, she rises up and crushes her enemies. All seem well until her only daughter (played by rising actress Yasmien Kurdi) Emma gets abducted and never found, by her nemesis Imelda (played by Mercado, the character and its name is adapted from Imelda Marcos). Evita hopes of finding her long lost daughter once again. This series is more complex that this, but it's too difficult to write it all down.
Don Michael Perez, whose work before working with Lamangan in Sinasamba Kita were mediocre to below average, shows depth and colour into each and every character, taking homage to many political figures in the history of the world and from other mediums such as Romeo and Juliet. Due to their blooming characters, the cast were able to show, of course also with the help of Lamangan, their acting prowess: from veterans like Tonton Gutierrez to the has-beens Deborah Sun and Roi Vinzon to up and coming JC de Vera and Kurdi.
In addition, Von de Guzman's musical score for the series is simply amazing. Mix that with awesome cinematography and cutting-edge fade cuts, and you have a thrillingly breathtaking series! The series proves that not only vengeance pays, but it also shows that all sins must be paid back: no one will always be above the law even in the dark underworld of crime and mayhem.
The 5 years for another Lamangan-Iglesias team-up since"Kung Mawawala Ka" was worth the wait!
