Home Cinemalaya’s “Balota” Strikes a Chord Amid Bagyong Carina

Cinemalaya’s “Balota” Strikes a Chord Amid Bagyong Carina

cinemalayas balota strikes a chord amid bagyong carina

The Cinemalaya film festival is just around the corner, bringing a host of exciting entries to Philippine cinemas starting in the first week of August. One of the standout films is “Balota,” featuring Marian Rivera.

Set in a small Filipino town during election season, the film features prominent local figures vying for office, including a land-grabbing tycoon and a former male actor known for his charm.

The teaser opens with Sassa Gurl and Esnyr at lively election parades, juxtaposed with the tense atmosphere in the town’s outskirts, where Marian is depicted running for her life, clutching a ballot box amid gunfire.



The film is both written and directed by Kip Oebanda, known for his work on “Liway” and “Bar Boys.” It is co-produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Entertainment Group. Noteworthy appearances include:

  • Will Ashley
  • Royce Cabrera
  • Raheel Bhyria
  • Nico Antonio
  • Donna Cariaga
  • Joel Saracho
  • Sue Prado
  • Mae Paner
  • Gardo Versoza

A post by CinemaBravo ignites online discussions by offering a sneak peek into the film and featuring a conversation between Sassa Gurl and Esnyr.

As a result, many netizens have shared their eagerness to watch “Balota.” Here are some of the top comments from the post:

image 54
image 55

Moreover, other users have echoed Sassa Gurl’s sentiments regarding the current state of governance. In fact, the widespread devastation caused by Bagyong Carina has highlighted the repercussions of insufficient infrastructure and poor resource management.



The line struck a chord with many Filipinos who feel their taxes are being wasted. They expressed concerns about the negligence of public officials, particularly during emergencies.

The Inquirer Pop article states, “It embodies the collective sentiment that effective governance is crucial for addressing essential needs and ensuring that public funds are utilized to improve infrastructure and overall quality of life.”



“Balota” serves as a mirror to the current state of national politics. With Carina’s significant impact on the country, citizens are calling for accountability and reform, making the film exceptionally relevant today. Watch the trailer here:


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *