Set during the early years of American occupation in Manila, Iñigo Ed. Regalado’s Sampagitang Walang Bango tells the tale of Nenita, a wealthy young woman recently married to Don Bandino, a known womanizer; and Pakito, a lawyer whom Nenita loved dearly, but is already engaged. A drama that tackles the meaning of fidelity and rekindling old flames, Sampagitang Walang Bango is sure to leave readers wanting to know more about their intertwined lives.
The plot centers around Nenita and Pakito’s affair and how it affected the people around them, especially their respective significant others. It also reflects the different norms and principles of society from around a hundred years ago, presenting the past when people were more reserved and biased regarding topics surrounding love and commitment. Nevertheless, the themes in this timeless tale still ring true in our society today, as we continue to navigate in the digital age.
In between faithfulness and betrayal
Prior to Nenita’s marriage to Don Bandino, her life has been long intertwined with that of Pakito’s, with their relationship lasting almost a decade. However, deceit surrounding the latter’s faithfulness to her caused their relationship to break apart—which, down the line, caused great regret for the both of them, and became the impetus for their immoral fling.
In a conversation with their good neighbor Don Diego, Don Bandino declares his ultimate threat once he catches Nenita in another man’s arms, “Sila o ako ang patay!” Despite his penchant for wooing other women, he doesn’t see this as a problem—instead, he depends and regards Nenita’s fidelity to him, as if deflating and deflecting his own, much to Don Diego’s dismay.
The story challenges the readers to form their own opinions about unfaithful relationships that go both ways. We are made to be bystanders, like Don Diego, watching an affair unfold and its consequences brew in the background. We are also put in the shoes of both Nenita, the wife lacking love and affection from her husband; and Don Bandino, the husband who believes can do no wrong.
A shattered façade
Set in Manila’s wealthy society, Sampagitang Walang Bango takes the readers back to a time when people had vastly different worldviews and perceptions regarding societal issues. The story emphasizes the riches and influence the characters have throughout the story, only to declare that these are irrelevant to the virtues of love, loyalty, and dignity. As noted in the synopsis, the book “examines the complicated intermingling of love, self-control, and infidelity in the midst of a carnival-like milieu.”
The story highlights that Nenita, Pakito, and Don Bandino’s respective standings in high society didn’t make them immune to the implications of their actions. What they have committed shall come back to haunt them, one way or another.
Where love is supposed to go
Ultimately, Sampagitang Walang Bango is a tale as old as time, where betrayal plays a major theme. In the grand scheme of things, no one is faultless in such a circumstance—but it compels the readers to look further beneath the surface and fully understand the situation without pointing fingers.
It also poses a question—where is love supposed to go if letting go is not an option, and the doors had already closed long ago?
Sampagitang Walang Bango can be purchased through physical bookstores near you.
