With a roster of ensemble stars set to ignite our screens in another action-packed drama, “Blood vs Duty” raises the stakes with a one-of-a-kind story that will unfold on primetime television starting April 6. Among the lead cast is Bela Padilla, who expressed her deep admiration for the show and her co-actors during the Kapamilya Chat x Blood vs Duty Grand Fans Day.
Bela described “Blood vs Duty” as a true action that thrives in a fast-paced environment. She was particularly impressed by the show’s writing, revealing that it was her first time working on a teleserye where changes are inevitable and could happen week by week, sparking shifts in the storyline and the journeys of their characters.
“Very intelligent ‘yung show. I want to push for intelligent content, especially on mainstream media,” Bela said, adding that we should not always conform to the usual drama stories, particularly those that offer little to learn from. For Bela, “Blood vs Duty” breaks that mold, aiming to raise the quality of storytelling for audiences. “Right now, ‘yung three weeks na sinu-shoot namin na script, I could honestly say it's some of the best scenes I've seen on TV.” Bela confessed, giving a glimpse of what viewers can expect from them.
The Kapamilya actress recalled how “Blood vs Duty” was first pitched to her, sharing that the story was still completely different back then. Back then, all she knew was that she would be starring alongside Richard Gutierrez, someone she has known for awhile and considers easy to work with. Bela conveyed how Richard takes his craft seriously, paying close attention to details every time they shoot.
Working on her first teleserye with Gerald Anderson also excites Bela. “When I heard that Gerald was coming in, it was so exciting na kasi ‘di ko pa nakakatrabaho si Gerald. I wanna see [kung] ano ‘yung magiging dynamics namin sa set,” she said. While they have yet to share a scene together, Bela teased something intense from her and Gerald in the coming weeks as filming continues.
Bela has starred in several projects, most of them centered on romance and the realities that bind people together. She even calls herself ‘mapanakit’ for the roles she took on, which many audiences deeply relate to. But in “Blood vs Duty,” Bela channels that ‘mapanakit’ side into action, still emotional, but from another angle as Lara, an intelligence officer.
She hinted that the layers of Lara's arc will eventually strike a heartbreaking chord with viewers, adding, “Ang gusto ko kasi sa show na ’to, walang white character, walang black character, lahat gray.” Her intriguing hints make us more curious about the project.
Bela brings grit and heart as Lara in “Blood vs Duty,” streaming on iWant starting April 4, and airing on ABS-CBN sa ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, and Kapamilya Online Live (KOL) beginning April 6.
“Blood vs Duty” is a project under ABS-CBN’s JRB Creative Production, the creator of “Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin,” “Darna,” “Nag-aapoy na Damdamin,” and “Sins of the Father” headed by Julie Anne R. Benitez and creative head Dindo Perez. It is directed by FM Reyes, Bjoy Balagtas, and Rico Navarro, along with action director Erwin Tagle.