Janine Gutierrez on Her Queer Role in ‘Balaraw’: ‘I Feel Honored’
Actress Janine Gutierrez said she is proud to take on roles that bring queer representation to the screen, as she prepares for the release of the Netflix series “Balaraw.”
In the series, Janine plays Sabina, who is in a relationship with Bulak, played by Charlie Dizon. She spoke about the role in an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN published on October 26, 2026.
“I feel honored to be able to share stories that show queer couples and queer stories without making it a big deal na parang it’s unusual,” Janine said. “Parang, it’s just normal. It just so happens na we’re together, but there’s a deeper story.”
The actress explained that the couple’s relationship is only one part of the story, which is mainly a mystery. “We’re together. Girlfriend ko siya in the show. Pero hindi siya necessarily GL (Girl’s Love). Horror talaga ‘yung [genre] niya, it just so happened na we’re together,” she said.
This is not Janine’s first queer role. In 2022, she starred opposite Lovi Poe in “Sleep with Me,” an iWantTFC original series about the relationship of two women.
“Balaraw” also marks her first project with Charlie. “Super happy to work with her kasi matagal ko na rin talaga siyang gustong maka-trabaho,” Janine shared.
In the story, Sabina searches for her missing mother, Rebecca, played by Agot Isidro. Together with Bulak and her godfather, played by Ronnie Lazaro, she sails in search of Babang Yawa, an island from which no one is believed to return alive.
“Exciting kasi it’s the first Netflix original na Filipino pero global release,” Janine said.
Charlie also described her character. “I play the role of Bulak, ang girlfriend ni Janine dito. Very stubborn pero very supportive. Iri-risk niya ang lahat para sa love niya,” she said.
Directed by Rae Red and produced by Epicmedia Productions, “Balaraw” premieres worldwide on Netflix on October 29.
This is based on the article of PUSH ABS-CBN.