With more and more people flocking to the cinemas, GMA Pictures and GMA Entertainment Group’s theatrical release of Balota starring Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera is a certified top grosser.
As it begins its second week, Balota continues to reign in moviegoers. Even on a Monday—considered a slow day for movies—many screenings of the film were sold out last October 21.
The producers and the Balota cast are happy because their goal was to reach more people with the message of the movie. The satirical film’s foray into the mainstream movie scene has broadened its audience right in time for the upcoming 2025 Midterm Elections.
Aside from being the starrer of Balota, Cinemalaya 2024 Best Actress Marian Rivera also led in sharing the advocacy of the film. “Ito talagang Balota, isang adbokasiya talaga siya kaya pinu-push talaga namin na mas maraming makapanood kasi wakeup call ito sa mga tao, higit lalo sa mga kabataan” (“Balota is really an advocacy, which is why we want more people to see it. It’s a wakeup call for audiences, especially the youth”), Marian added.
A special rate is also given to students and teachers in select cinemas. “Dahil love na love ni teacher Emmy may special rate kami sa mga teachers and student para mas magaan sa bulsa nila ang panonood nila ng Balota” (“Because teacher Emmy loves teachers and learners, we have a special discount for teachers and students so it’s not heavy on their pockets when they watch Balota“), shared Marian.
“Balota” Poster from GMA Pictures
In her Facebook post, the Balota actress further explained the story behind the special rate: “Bakit nga may special price ang ilang sinehan para sa estudyante at guro? Day 1 pa lang nandyan na ‘yan. Una po sa lahat, ano ba ang dahilan kung bakit namin ito ginawa? Hindi pare-pareho ang purpose ng mga pelikula. May pelikula na ang habol ay kumita ng hundreds of millions. Mayroong personal na pelikula. May pelikula na experimental. May pelikula na naglalayong makatulong sa lipunan. Ang Balota ay ginawa namin para makatulong sa lipunan. At naniniwala kami (na nasa movie rin) sa kakayahan ng mga guro at estudyante para humubog ng mas magandang bukas para sa Pilipinas. Kita rin sa reactions ng mga teacher na nakapanood na na-inspire sila at nakita nila ang sarili nila kay Teacher Emmy. Kaya nga halos triple ang nanood noong Sabado, nadadagdagan ang screening time at dumadami ang nanonood araw-araw…Ang pelikula ay mahalagang bahagi ng ating kultura at sining. Palawakin sana natin ang ating isip tungkol sa pag-appreciate nito.”
(“Why do we have a special price for students and teachers? From day 1, we’ve had this promo. First of all, what’s the reason why we did this? Not all movies have the same purpose. There are movies that aim to earn hundreds of millions. There are personal projects. There are experimental films. There are films that aim to improve society. Balota was made with the last intention in mind. And we believe (as does the characters in the movie) in the ability of teachers and students to shape a better future for the Philippines. We have also seen the reactions of teachers who have watched the movie—that they were inspired and saw a reflection of themselves in Teacher Emmy. Which is why moviegoers almost tripled last Saturday, with the screening time increasing and more and more people going to watch it in cinemas…This movie is a valuable part of our culture and art. Let’s all broaden our horizons when it comes to appreciating it”).
To express her gratitude further, Rivera made a surprise visit to some cinemas last weekend.
Balota is written and directed by Kip Oebanda. The cast also includes Gardo Versoza, Will Ashley, Raheel Bhyria, Royce Cabrera, Sassa Gurl, Esnyr, Nico Antonio, Donna Cariaga, Joel Saracho, Sue Prado, Mae Paner.
The film also premiered at the 44th Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) during the second week of October.
Balota is still showing in cinemas nationwide.