Netflix Philippines recently gathered the cast and creators of Balaraw for an exclusive media preview, setting the stage for its global launch on October 29, 2026. From the Filipino word balaraw, a type of pre-colonial double-edged dagger or large knife, the series follows Sabina (played by Janine Gutierrez) as she searches for her missing mother, a journey that pulls her into a fight for survival on the island of Balaraw.
Leading the cast is Janine Gutierrez, joined by Charlie Dizon, Ronnie Lazaro, and Nonie Buencamino, under the direction of Rae Red. What makes this series stand out is not just its folkloric roots, but also the promise of a GL storyline — with Janine and Charlie portraying girlfriends Sabina and Bulak. It’s a refreshing angle in local storytelling, adding layers of intimacy and representation to a narrative already steeped in myth and mystery.
Janine also seems like the perfect fit for Balaraw. Beyond her acting prowess, she revealed during the preview that she grew up fascinated by Philippine horror and mythology, even collecting the popular True Philippine Ghost Stories books when they were all the rage in her teens. That personal connection to folklore makes her portrayal of Sabina feel even more authentic, as if she’s channeling both her craft and her lifelong curiosity about the creatures and legends that haunt our culture.
Director Rae Red shared how the series was born from questions about family and folklore — how we never truly know our parents before they became parents, and how that mystery parallels the way myths shape Filipino lives. This emotional core grounds the supernatural elements, making Balaraw not just a creature feature, but a story about grief, identity, and the secrets we inherit.
Charlie Dizon, who plays Bulak, described the project as an adventure rooted in Filipino folklore, while Ronnie Lazaro emphasized how important it was to showcase local superstitions to the world. From filming in the middle of the sea to long days on isolated sets, the production demanded grit and passion from everyone involved.
“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,” shared Janine.
Lazaro called it a “labor of love,” while Janine admitted that the script was such a page‑turner she couldn’t put it down.
With its mix of mythology, mystery, and modern representation, Balaraw feels like the kind of Filipino story that deserves a global stage. And with Janine Gutierrez at the helm — an actress who not only embodies her character but also carries a genuine love for our folklore — audiences can expect a series that’s both haunting and heartfelt.
Balaraw launches worldwide on October 29, 2026, only on Netflix.
*Photos courtesy of Netflix PH.
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