Marian Rivera’s ‘Balota’ is a Certified Top Grosser, with Sold-Out Screenings in Nearly 200 Cinemas

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,” 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,” shared Marian.

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,” she said.

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.