Marian Rivera, Will Ashley grateful for continued success of 'Balota'

Marian Rivera and Will Ashley are nothing short of grateful for the continued success of their film, "Balota," as well as the strong support it has received.

According to Aubrey Carampel's report on "Balitanghali" on Tuesday, the Kapuso Primetime Queen was surprised by GMA Network executives to congratulate her on the film's success and positive reviews.

These were GMA Network's Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group, and President of GMA Films Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes; GMA Entertainment Group Senior Vice President Lilybeth G. Rasonable; and GMA Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy.

"Lubos na pasasalamat sa lahat ng sumuporta at nanunood at manunood pa ng 'Balota.' May pag-asa pa sila kasi ang alam ko mag-t-third week ang 'Balota,'" said Marian.

Per the actress, they continue to receive good feedback about the film, among which is its courage for telling a message that resonates with so many people today.

"Siguro 'yung sinasabi nila na' yung pelikula ay ang tapang para ihatid 'yung mensahe na gusto naming ipahatid sa kanila," she said.

"Ang maganda niyan, habang nanonood sila, may realization sila na, 'Ah, ganito pala talaga,' so parang dahil sa 'Balotang' ito, parang pag-iisipan nila kung paano sila boboto nang tama at dapat."

Meanwhile, Will, who played the role of Enzo, the son of Marian's character Teacher Emmy, expressed his pride for being part of the film.

"Personally, sobrang natutuwa po ako and sobrang nakakaproud na naging parte ako ng 'Balota' kasi sa pinagdaanan namin, sobrang naging worth it lahat ng pagod, kasi na-appreciate ng mga tao," the Sparkle star said.

Atty. Gozon-Valdes, for her part, shared that "Balota" continues to be strong in theaters because of its important message.

"Nakikita natin na palakas nang palakas and I think it's because napapag-usapan siya, na-k-kwento na isa itong pelikulang dapat panuorin kasi may mensahe talaga itong hindi dapat palampasin ng mga tao," she said in the report.

Rasonable also shared they did not foresee that "Balota" would attract a lot of viewers

"We never expected it to really attract so many people at talagang padami nang padami, pamilya pamilya ang nanunood kaya nakakataba ng puso," she said. .

"Balota" opened in Philippine cinemas on October 16 with a new cut.

The certified top-grosser film is now on its second week of airing in theaters. More cinemas are adding the film in their screening lineup and more, still, are adding screening times for the film.

"Balota" is written and directed by Kip Oebanda. Marian's highly praised performance in the film earned her the Best Actress trophy at the Cinemalaya awards night in August, an honor she shared with Gabby Padilla.

The film marked its international premiere at the 44th Hawaii International Film Festival in mid-October.

Discounted tickets will be granted to eligible teachers and students who bring their valid school ID to the cinemas.

— CDC, GMA Integrated News