Marian Rivera says ‘Balota’ serves as reminder why voting matters

Marian Rivera (third from left), along with director Kip Oebanda (center) and the cast of Cinemalaya 2024 film “Balota” at a press conference in Manila. Image: Courtesy of Cultural Center of the Philippines

Marian Rivera said that taking such lengths to ensure her faithful portrayal in the independent film “Balota” was tough, but she hoped that it would send a message about why every person’s vote matters.

In the Cinemalaya 2024 full-length film, Rivera stars as Emmy, a teacher who is assigned to be a poll watcher for her local precinct. She is joined by Will Ashley, Royce Cabrera, Raheel Bhyria, Esnyr, Sassa Gurl, Donna Cariaga, Sue Prado, Joel Saracho, Gardo Versoza, and Mae Paner in the Kip Oebanda-helmed movie.

“Isa ‘yun sa mga dahilan kung bakit ko ginawa ang ‘Balota,’ napakaganda ng mensahe. Sa bawat gagawin mong proyekto, dapat may [message kang ipapahatid] sa mga manonood,” she told reporters on the sidelines of Cinemalaya’s press conference in Manila.

“This time, kung mapanood nila ang “Balota,” sana isipin nila kung bakit mahalaga ang pagboto. Excited ako sa mensahe na maibibigay nito,” she continued.

(It’s one of the reasons why I chose to do “Balota.’ It has such a great message. In every project, you must deliver a message to the viewers. This time, I hope when people see “Balota,” it will remind them why voting is important. I’m excited about the message it brings.)

Marian Rivera in a scene from “Balota.” Image: Courtesy of Courtesy of Cultural Center of the Philippines

Rivera, who sustained cuts and bruises while filming, said the filming was tough, but it was nothing compared to the hardships that poll watchers and teachers had to go through during the election period.

“Sa kwentong ginampanan ko, napakahirap… [pero mas mahirap] ‘yung buhay na nilalaan nila na proteksyunan ang boto ng bayan… wala itong bayad ngunit gan’un na lang kung protektahan nila ang trabaho nila at [taumbayan], kahit buhay ang kapalit. Pero para sa boto ng mamamayan, [willing silang protektahan] ang safety nito para sa taumbayan,” she said.

(The story I did was tough. But what teachers go through was harder. They offer their lives to protect everyone’s votes. They were not paid but they were willing to sacrifice so much to protect their jobs and society, even their own lives. They are willing to protect the safety of every person’s vote.)

The actress also shared that working on “Balota” gave her a new sense of fulfillment, and would miss working with Oebanda and the film itself.

“Hindi ko maipaliwanag ang nararamdaman ko after matapos ang ‘Balota.’ Lagi kong sinasabi, lalo sa asawa ko, ang tagal ko sa showbiz pero bumalik ang fulfillment ko sa sarili ko,” she said. “May separation anxiety kaming dalawa [ni Kip]. After seven days kami halos magkatrabaho pero after naming matapos ang ‘Balota,’ naiiyak ako. Mamimiss ko ang ‘Balota’ at lahat ng makakasama ko rito.”

(I can’t describe what I felt after finishing “Balota.” I always say, especially to my husband, that I’ve been in showbiz for a long time but my fulfillment in myself returned. Kip and I now have separation anxiety. We worked together for about seven days but once we finished, I felt like crying. I will miss “Balota” and everyone who’s part of it.)

Marian Rivera with “Balota” director Kip Oebanda moments before the Cinemalaya 2024 press conference began. Image: Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net

When asked about her working experience with Sassa Gurl and other co-actors, Rivera hoped she enjoyed their company on and off the set.

“Actually, nabitin nga akong kawork sila. Masarap silang katrabaho. Parang hindi kayo nagtatrabaho. Ang saya nila kasama, pero kapag nag-rolling nila, binibigay nila ang best nila. Nakakatuwa (I actually felt our time together was so short. They’re fun to work with, it didn’t feel like work. They’re fun to be with, but as the camera rolls, they give their best. It made me happy),” she said.