Feeling lucky to have seen both the Cinemalaya and mainstream edits of Balota. While the mainstream version seems slightly tailored for the masses, the differences aren't major-just a deleted scene and some changes in the musical scoring.

Now, I'm not saying this just because I'm a Marian Rivera fan, but this is truly her best performance ever. She had so many powerful moments in the film, and I got goosebumps, especially during the heartbreaking scene where she thought her son is killed. I even shed a few tears. Her Cinemalaya Best Actress award is so well-deserved, and I hope more accolades come her way. So proud of my idol!

The movie brilliantly blends comedy and thriller, delivering a political satire that feels timely and relatable. While some might interpret it as mocking politicians (with plenty of real-life parallels, lol), it actually reflects the harsh realities of every election-vote-buying, violence, and Filipinos constantly voting for the unqualified. Paulit-ulit na lang, when will we learn?

While Balota may not surpass the box-office success of Rewind, its true purpose is to send a strong message. This film's purpose is not just to entertain, but to inspire change, raise awareness, and remind us that our collective voice, our vote, is the greatest tool for shaping the future of our nation. The hope our country needs doesn't lie in politicians but in us, the Filipino people. The power to change is in our hands. If we vote wisely, we can contribute to the greater good, making the true victory far more meaningful than any box-office hit.

Please watch Balota. 💙