"Karugtong ng Puso" is the first Holy Monday episode of the 2014 edition of the annual drama anthology Eat Bulaga's Lenten Special. It precedes the episode "Ilaw ng Kahapon" in the Monday lineup. The episode aired on 14 April 2014 with a total runtime of 55 minutes.
Each year, the anthology replaces the noontime show's regular programming in observance of the solemnity of Holy Week. Standalone episodes of short dramas are shown from Holy Monday to Holy Wednesday, with each episode having different characters, story, and director. A total of six Lenten episodes were produced and released for the 2014 edition.[1]
Directed by Mark A. Reyes, "Karugtong ng Puso" is a story about family, love, and forgiveness revolving around a grown-up son who is forced to share his inherited house with the family's longtime housemaid.[2]
The episode is top-billed by Paolo Ballesteros, Susan Roces, and Ehra Madrigal. Supporting cast includes Tito Sotto, Raquel Monteza, Mosang, Miggs Cuaderno, and Angelu de Leon.
Plot
Maria (Susan Roces) is a longtime housemaid who co-inherits her employers’ old house with the family’s adopted son, Reynaldo (Paolo Ballesteros). Claiming that the inheritance should be rightfully and wholly his, Reynaldo is infuriated that his former nanny received a portion of the property. He divides and settles the property with his wife and son, while throwing Maria out of the main house and letting her occupy a small room adjacent to the house. Despite the feud, Maria still tries to show care, concern, and compassion to her now grown-up alaga.
Reynaldo's son Ben (Miggs Cuaderno) begins to develop a close bond with Maria after sneaking out multiple times to visit her quarters. Reminiscent of the past, Maria introduces the child to his father's favorite childhood hobbies. They keep their friendship a secret in order to not worsen the feud.
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Reynaldo and Maria reconcile.
One day, Reynaldo's wife Nadine (Ehra Madrigal) sees a neighbor using their front yard's faucet to fill an empty bucket with water. Reynaldo and Nadine confront Maria for allowing neighbors to collect water from their property without their permission. In an emotional outburst, Reynaldo expresses his hatred for Maria for stealing his parents from him and for being unworthy of inheriting the house since she is just a lowly housemaid. Enraged, Maria slaps Reynaldo's face. She informs him that she was the one who took care of his parents until their deaths and emphasizes his absence during his parents' final years. Despite the frenzy, Maria refuses to leave the house because she has learned to love Reynaldo like her own child.
Later that night, Reynaldo is rushed to the hospital where the doctor diagnoses him with a serious kidney disease. With little savings to pay for the expensive treatment, Reynaldo's life rests in limbo. The doctor later reveals that Maria has already paid all of their medical expenses. Reynaldo expresses his deep gratitude for Maria's undying loyalty and finally reconciles with her former nanny.
Back from the hospital, Reynaldo decides to let Maria live with them in the main house as part of their family.
Cast
Main cast
- Susan Roces as Maria
- Paolo Ballesteros as Reynaldo "Baldo" Tolentino
- Ehra Madrigal as Nadine Tolentino
Supporting cast
- Tito Sotto as Luis Tolentino
- Raquel Monteza as Ester
- Mosang as Sally
- Miggs Cuaderno as Ben Tolentino
Also starring
- Angelu de Leon as young Maria
- Helen Gamboa as Reynaldo's mother (pictured only)
Accolades
Dabarkads Awards
| Year | Category | Nominated Work/Artist | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Best Story | "Karugtong ng Puso" | Nominated |
| Best Actor | Paolo Ballesteros | Nominated |
Trivia
- The episode was inspired by the life story of Emerita Seda, the housemaid who used her winnings from Juan for All, All for Juan: Bayanihan of d' Pipol to pay for her mother’s medications.[3]
Full episode
The two Holy Monday episodes are included in the following video. The first half of the video features the "Karugtong ng Puso" episode, while the second half features the "Ilaw ng Kahapon" episode.
References
- ↑ Bulaga Lenten drama specials, 14 April 2014, The Philippine Star.
- ↑ EB Dabarkads show dramatic chops, 21 April 2014, The Philippine Star.
- ↑ Maricel Soriano at Dennis Trillo, kabilang sa mga mapapanood sa 'Lenten Drama Special' ng 'Eat Bulaga', 10 April 2014, GMA News.