Sarah Lahbati reiterates ‘single’ status, stars in new revenge drama
“REVENGE” is the central theme of TV5’s latest action-drama series, the remake of the classic film Lumuhod Ka Sa Lupa, starring Sarah Lahbati and Kiko Estrada. It will start airing today after Eat Bulaga.
During a press conference held on April 2 at TV5 Studios, lead stars were asked, “What personality trait do you hate the most in someone you’d want to see humbled?”
Sarah downplayed the question, not directly addressing the elephant in the room – people’s speculation about her recent breakup with husband Richard Gutierrez.
“I don’t believe in revenge, I believe in karma,” she said succinctly.
After the press conference, reporters pressed the actress further about her rumored new love.
She immediately addressed rumors of a new relationship after confirming her separation from Richard. She also quickly reacted to a photo of her dining with a man in Hong Kong.
“I’m single, let me repeat that, I’m single. Of course, there will always be speculation,” she said.
Sarah strongly denied having a relationship with the man, clarifying that she went to Hong Kong for an art exhibition and he was just a friend.
“Yes, I went to Hong Kong to experience the art exhibit. It’s always been a dream of mine to travel around, and I was happy that I was able to go. And that photo circulating around is just one of my friends. It’s as simple as that. I visited Hong Kong and met up with different friends,” Sarah stated.
Sarah emphasized that a new relationship wouldn’t be a problem since she’s single.
“Is it unfair? Does it bother me now? No, it takes a lot more to bother me these days. But I think, as a woman, we’re all allowed to have male friends. Again, it’s okay to speculate because I am single, and this is all part of this new chapter in my life,” she said.
Meanwhile, Sarah politely declined to comment on the rumored romance between her estranged husband and actress Barbie Imperial.
“No reaction, NR,” she said with a chuckle before being escorted by a TV5 staff member.
Intense drama
Originally penned as a comic book by the legendary Carlo J. Caparas and adapted into the classic film top-billed by the late action icon Rudy Fernandez in the 1980s, Lumuhod Ka Sa Lupa now undergoes a contemporary reimagining with more action-filled sequences. Featuring an ensemble cast of actors led by Kiko Estrada, Sarah Lahbati, Sid Lucero, Rhen Escaño,
and Gardo Versoza , with Mark Anthony Fernandez, Andrew Muhlach, Phoebe Walker, Andre Yllana, Ashley Diaz, Annika Co, Rose Van Ginkel, Jeffrey
Hidalgo, and Jeric Raval – TV5’s Lumuhod Ka Sa Lupa revolves around its characters’ quest for justice and retribution.
The story follows Norman Dela Cruz (played by Kiko), a working student aspiring to become a lawyer. Norman’s life takes an unexpected turn when his mother Tacing (with the special participation of Ana
Abad Santos), engages in an intense land dispute with her estranged non-biological brother Benito Balmores (Gardo) that results in tragedy. Surviving this ordeal, Norman vows to avenge his mother but finds himself torn as he falls in love with Benito’s daughter, Mercy Balmores (Sarah). After several years, Norman returns as the successful lawyer Abra Espiritu, with a plan for revenge while suppressing his feelings for Mercy, who has married Miguel Aguirre (Sid).
Lumuhod Ka Sa Lupa airs weekdays at 2:30 p.m. on TV5’s Hapon Champion block, with same-day catchups on Sari-Sari Channel at 8:00 p.m.