Marian Rivera and Will Ashley express their heartfelt gratitude for the ongoing success of their film, “Balota,” and the strong backing it has garnered.
As reported by Aubrey Carampel on “Balitanghali” Tuesday, GMA Network executives surprised the Kapuso Primetime Queen with congratulations for the film’s achievements and positive reviews.
Among those present were GMA Network’s Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group, and President of GMA Films Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes; GMA Entertainment Group Senior Vice President Lilybeth G. Rasonable; and GMA Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy.
“Lubos na pasasalamat sa lahat ng sumuporta at nanunood at manunood pa ng ‘Balota.’ May pag-asa pa sila kasi ang alam ko mag-t-third week ang ‘Balota,'” Marian stated.
The actress noted that they continue to receive positive feedback about the film, especially regarding its bravery in delivering a message that resonates with many today.
“Siguro ‘yung sinasabi nila na ‘yung pelikula ay ang tapang para ihatid ‘yung mensahe na gusto naming ipahatid sa kanila,” she explained.
“Ang maganda niyan, habang nanonood sila, may realization sila na, ‘Ah, ganito pala talaga,’ so parang dahil sa ‘Balota,’ ito, parang pag-iisipan nila kung paano sila boboto nang tama at dapat.”
Will, who portrayed Enzo, the son of Marian’s character Teacher Emmy, expressed his pride in being part of the film.
“Personally, sobrang natutuwa po ako and sobrang nakakaproud na naging parte ako ng ‘Balota’ kasi sa pinagdaanan namin, sobrang naging worth it lahat ng pagod, kasi na-appreciate ng mga tao,” said the Sparkle star.
Atty. Gozon-Valdes commented that “Balota” remains strong in theaters due to its significant message.
“Nakikita natin na palakas nang palakas and I think it’s because napapag-usapan siya, na-k-kwento na isa itong pelikulang dapat panuorin kasi may mensahe talaga itong hindi dapat palampasin ng mga tao,” she noted.
Rasonable added that they did not anticipate “Balota” would draw such a large audience.
“We never expected it to really attract so many people at talagang padami nang padami, pamilya pamilya ang nanunood kaya nakakataba ng puso,” she said.
“Balota” premiered in Philippine cinemas on October 16 with a new cut. The film, now a certified top-grosser, is in its second week of screening, with additional cinemas adding it to their lineups and increasing screening times.
Written and directed by Kip Oebanda, Marian’s acclaimed performance in the film earned her the Best Actress award at the Cinemalaya awards night in August, an honor she shared with Gabby Padilla.
The film made its international debut at the 44th Hawaii International Film Festival in mid-October.
Eligible teachers and students can receive discounted tickets by presenting their valid school IDs at the cinemas.
