Marian Rivera steps out of her comfort zone in “Balota” as she takes on her most unglamorous role yet – a foul-mouthed, fearless, and fiercely dedicated teacher with nerves of steel. For the first time in her career, the “Kapuso Primetime Queen” transforms into Teacher Emmy, an unlikely hero in the midst of election chaos.
Rivera’s portrayal of Emmy in this indie film marks a departure from her glamorous persona, showcasing her versatility and proving she can tackle gritty, unpolished characters with just as much strength and conviction.
In “Balota,” directed by Kip Oebanda, Rivera’s Emmy has an unwavering sense of duty. She finds herself thrust into the heart of a violent, small-town election. She courageously clutches the last ballot box while encountering assassins along the way. Her journey to protect the election results from goons becomes a suspenseful adventure, blending satire, comedy, and tension.
Rivera’s performance in “Balota” earned her critical acclaim, including her first-ever Cinemalaya Best Actress award. The deglamorized role reignited Rivera’s passion for acting. “Hindi ko mapaliwanag ‘yung pakiramdam ko after kong matapos ‘yung ‘Balota,’ parang palagi kong sinasabi lalo na sa asawa ko na, alam mo ‘yung ang tagal ko sa showbiz pero parang bumalik ulit ‘yung fulfillment ko sa sarili ko sa paggawa ng trabaho,” she shared. “Balota gave me a renewed sense of fulfillment as an actor.”
Her dedication to bringing Emmy to life has resonated not only with audiences but with Rivera herself, who proudly dedicated her Balanghay trophy to all hardworking teachers like Emmy. Rivera’s transformation in the film is a testament to her bravery as an actress, unafraid to take risks and embrace characters far removed from her usual roles.
Produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Entertainment Group, “Balota” has already made waves internationally, with screenings at the 44th Annual Hawai’i International Film Festival and other key venues. “Balota” is currently showing nationwide.
