MARIAN Rivera dedicated her Cinemalaya 2024 Best Actress Plum to the teachers who sacrificed themselves to protect the votes of the nation, saying her character in “Balota” was a fulfilling experience.
Rivera and “Kono Basho” star Gabby Padilla tied for Best Actress at the film festival’s closing ceremony at Ayala Malls Manila Bay on Sunday, August 12 — which incidentally took place a day before the Kapuso actress’ 40th birthday.
The actress also said her award is dedicated to her character, Teacher Emmy, who is a teacher manning a particularly violent election, and to all the teachers who give their lives to protect every vote.
“Sa lahat ng Teacher Emmy na matapang na ginagawa ang lahat para protektahan ang boto ng sambayanan — kahit sarili nilang buhay ang ilaan sa panganib — Teacher Emmy, para sa’yo to. Mabuhay po kayo. Mabuhay ang pelikulang Pilipino,” she said.
In a brief interview on the sidelines of the ceremony, Rivera said working on “Balota” gave her a strong sense of fulfillment in herself and her career.
“Noong nagawa ko ang pelikula, parang bonus na lang ang tropeo. Pero ‘yung fulfillment sa paggawa ko ng ‘Balota’ sa harap at likod ng camera, ito ‘yata sa ilang years ko sa showbiz, ngayon ko lang naramdaman ang fulfillment sa sarili ko at sa trabaho ko,” she said.
Rivera was giddy when asked if the Cinemalaya film marks a new era in her acting career, saying she’s open to taking such roles again. “Yii! Why not? Kung may magandang kwento,” she said.
While thanking the film’s cast and crew, the actress said she’s grateful for working with people who gave their full support and trust to portray her character.
“Direk Kip [Oebanda], sa umpisa pa lang ng shooting natin, ramdam ko ang 100% na pagtitiwala sa’kin kung paano ko ia-arte si Teacher Emmy so thank you,” she said while referring to the film’s director.
“Sa crew, sa loob ng six days of shooting, ramdam ko ang pag-aalala, pagmamahal, at paggabay sa’kin na safe ako, na kahit anong bigat ang nararamdaman ko sa lahat ng eksena, hindi nila ako pinababayaan and mine-make sure nila na maayos akong uuwi kahit sugat-sugat ako. Sa cast, ang gagaling niyo,” continued Rivera.
“Balota” revolves around the life of Teacher Emmy (Rivera) who was assigned as an election inspector in a small town. The residents in her hometown are voting for their new mayor, which is a tight race between a former sexy star and a land-grabbing tycoon.
The Kip Oebanda-helmed film also stars Will Ashley, Royce Cabrera, Sassa Gurl, Esnyr Ranollo, Sue Prado, Joel Saracho, Gardo Versoza, and Mae Paner. (Hannah Mallorca © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
