Janine Gutierrez points to the emotional core of ‘Balaraw’

Janine Gutierrez was immediately drawn to the scale and mystery of Netflix Philippines’ upcoming series Balaraw, but beyond the folklore, adventure, and suspense surrounding the story, it was the deeply personal relationship at its center that made the project stand out for the actress.

Gutierrez, who plays protagonist Sabina in the mystery-thriller, said the series goes beyond the secrets of its mysterious island setting as it explores a story many Filipinos can relate to — the complicated bond between a mother and daughter.

“It starts really as a mother-daughter story, which is so sentimental, and everybody will be able to relate. It’s within this grand world of Balaraw,” she said.

The actress shared that her decision to join the project was made easier after reading the script, describing the story as one that immediately pulled her in.

“I saw the deck, I saw the script, even when it’s episodes of [the] script, tatapusin mo talaga siya (you’re really going to finish it) in one reading, kasi sobrang (because it’s so) exciting. Super page-turner. And napaka-epic ng kuwento (the story is very epic). It was an easy yes,” Gutierrez said.

In Balaraw, Sabina’s journey unfolds on a mysterious island steeped in Filipino folklore and long-held secrets. While the series promises suspense and adventure, its creators also wanted to ground the story in emotions familiar to audiences, particularly the things children may never fully know about their parents.

Director and co-creator Rae Red explained that the inspiration behind the story came from the idea that parents themselves remain mysteries to their children.

“Isa sa mga conversations namin (one of our conversations) was how we never really know our parents; the moment you get to know them, magulang na sila (they are already parents). You don’t know the person they were before they had you. And that’s such a mystery to me growing up. Parang na-parallel lang namin siya sa (It seems like we just paralleled it with) folklore, where it’s shrouded in mystery,” Red said.

Bringing the massive production to life for Gutierrez also meant taking on physically demanding challenges, including filming scenes out at sea. She recalled one experience where she and co-star Ronnie Lazaro spent days shooting in the middle of the ocean.

“There was a time where we shot in a boat. Kami ni Tito Ronnie ‘yun. Talagang nandoon kami sa gitna ng laot, dun kami nagshoo-shoot. Walang balikan ‘yon. Meron lang mas maliit na boat na merong portalet, so kapag may toilet break ka, lilipat ka dun, tapos babalik ka ulit dun sa malaking bangka (There was a time when we filmed on a boat — Tito Ronnie and I. We were right out in the middle of the open sea, filming there. There was no going back to shore. There was just a smaller boat equipped with a portable toilet; so, whenever you needed a bathroom break, you’d transfer over to that one, and then head back to the larger boat),” she shared.

Joining Gutierrez in the cast are Charlie Dizon, Ronnie Lazaro, and Nonie Buencamino, who each bring their own perspective to the island’s layered story.

Dizon, who plays Sabina’s loyal girlfriend Bulak, said she was drawn to the combination of Filipino folklore, mystery, and family drama, while Lazaro highlighted the opportunity to showcase Filipino stories and beliefs to a global audience.

The series premieres globally on 29 October, exclusively on Netflix.