Huwag Mong Buhayin ang Bangkay
A mother's plea to revive her son brings tragedy.
Mauro Gia Samonte wrote and directed it. The cast includes Jestoni Alarcon, Ricky Davao, and Charito Solis. The plot centers on Aurora, a controlling mother. After her favorite son, Robertito, dies, she is devastated and begs a witch doctor to revive him. This leads to unnatural events and tragedy for her family. The main cast features Charito Solis as Aurora, Ricky Davao as Gabriel, Robert Ortega as the younger Gabriel, Jestoni Alarcon as Robertito, Josemari Gonzales Jr. as the younger Robertito, Pinky Suarez as Helen, and Rita Avila as Julie. Supporting roles are played by Romnick Sarmenta as Boyet, Jennifer Sevilla as Gigi, Jojo Alejar as Jessie, Ruben Rustia as Lucio, Eddie Infante as Father Augusto, Alma Lerma as Helen's Mother, Ernie David as Dagul, Turko Cervantes as Lucio's Disciple, Luis Benedicto as Helen's Father, Celia Guevarra as Puring, Idda Yaneza as Helen's Friend, Pong Pong as Peter, and Nonong de Andres as Lucio's Disciple. During production, Ace Vergel was originally set to play Robertito but had to leave due to scheduling conflicts. Jestoni Alarcon took over the role.
Quick Facts
- Director
- Mauro Gia Samonte
- Producer
- Robbie Tan
- Starring
- Jestoni Alarcon · Ricky Davao · Charito Solis
- Music
- Vehnee Saturno
- Cinematography
- Ding Austria · Jun Pereira
- Editing
- Augusto Salvador
- Studio
- Seiko Films
- Released
- 25 December 1987
- Runtime
- 125 minutes
- Country
- Philippines
- Language
- Filipino
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The film follows Aurora, a domineering mother devastated by the death of her favorite son Robertito. Desperate, she seeks help from a witch doctor to bring him back to life, leading to unnatural consequences and tragedy for her family. The story explores themes of grief and the dangers of tampering with death.
Reader's Guide
Directed and written by Mauro Gia Samonte, the film features a cast including Charito Solis, Ricky Davao, and Jestoni Alarcon. Its production involved a casting change, with Ace Vergel originally set to play Robertito but replaced by Alarcon due to scheduling conflicts. The film's synopsis centers on a mother's tragic attempt to resurrect her son, a common horror trope given a local cultural context. As a Seiko Films release, it represents the commercial horror output of the late 1980s in the Philippines, contributing to the genre's popularity during that era. Its legacy lies in its festival entry status and its reflection of Filipino horror themes.
Did You Know?
- The film was one of the entries for the 13th Metro Manila Film Festival.
- Ace Vergel was originally cast as Robertito but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts.
- The film was written and directed by Mauro Gia Samonte.
- Charito Solis played the role of Aurora, the domineering mother.
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