Kira Balinger
Kira Balinger | |
---|---|
Born | Kira Marie Pacifico Balinger August 3, 2000 |
Occupation(s) | Actress, model, endorser, performer |
Years active | 2014–present |
Agent | Star Magic (2017–present) |
Height | 5 ft 4 in (163 cm) |
Kira Marie Pacifico Balinger (born August 3, 2000) is a British-Filipino actress, commercial model, endorser and performer.[1] She is best-known for her portrayals in Ang sa Iyo ay Akin and Darna.[2][3]
Early life
[edit]Kira Marie Pacifico Balinger was born on August 3, 2000, in Hong Kong to a British father and a Filipina mother. Her family later relocated to Addlestone, England, where she spent most of her childhood. She has an older sister who resides in Hong Kong.[4][5][6] During her childhood, Balinger was an acrobatic gymnast.[7]
Balinger and her parents moved to the Philippines in 2010.[8] Her parents separated when she was eleven, though they remained married, and her father visited regularly from Hong Kong.[9][10] She was scouted by ABS-CBN’s Star Magic talent agency while at a mall in 2014.[8]
Career
[edit]After signing with Star Magic in 2014, Balinger participated in workshops. In 2016, she made her main screen debut as part of the cast of the soap opera The Story of Us.[11]
In 2018, Balinger joined the cast of the new season of the Cine Mo! comedy series Funny Ka, Pare Ko alongside Grae Fernandez.[12][13] She also made a special appearance on the fantasy comedy film Fantastica, portraying the younger version of Jaclyn Jose's character, Fec.
In 2019, Balinger joined the cast of the primetime family series Pamilya Ko, portraying Lemon, a quiet and often overlooked member of the family.[14]
In late 2020, Balinger signed an exclusive contract with ABS-CBN.[15] That year, she was cast as Hope Villarosa in the revenge melodrama Ang sa Iyo ay Akin, where she reunites with co-star Fernandez.[16][13] In 2021, Balinger and Fernandez were nominated for Loveteam of the Year at the RAWR Awards.[17]
In 2022, Balinger portrayed the role of school valedictorian Erika in the television miniseries Beach Bros.[18] She was also featured in OPM artist Zack Tabudlo's Pano Trilogy, starring in his "Pano", "Anghel", and "Yakap" music videos.[19] The same year, Balinger was revealed as part of the cast ensemble of the Mars Ravelo's Darna remake.[3] In an interview with TV5, she revealed that she auditioned for the show three times—first for the titular role, then for Valentina, and finally for the character she ultimately portrayed, Luna.[20]
In 2024, she starred in the romantic drama film Chances Are, You and I as the optimistic Gabi Sinag.[21] The film premiered as a spotlight entry at the Jinseo Arigato International Film Festival in Japan and was later released worldwide on Netflix.[22] Reflecting on the film’s message, Balinger said, “Our characters aim to raise awareness about brain illness, which is a global issue. We hope people who are suffering from mental health issues will find inspiration in our story.”[23] She also appeared in family-oriented TV show, Padyak Princess.[24] In September of that year, Balinger walked the Bench Fashion Week Holiday 2024 show runway.[25]
In 2025, Balinger was revealed among the initial lineup of Kapamilya housemates for reality TV show Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition.[26] Representing her hometown, she entered the house with the moniker “Ang Hopeful Belle ng Cavite.”[27] Paired with Charlie Fleming, she was the second evictee of the season, exiting on Day 35.[28] She would later participate in the wildcard round for the edition.[29] After failing to earn a spot back in the house, Balinger returned later in the season as a house challenger.[30]
Other ventures
[edit]Advocacy and philanthropy
[edit]In July 2024, Balinger helped deliver relief goods to victims of Super Typhoon Carina, inspired by a quote from Darna, a role she once auditioned for.[31] She shared on Instagram:
“Darna once said, ‘Ang pinakamalaking kasalanan ay kapag may kakayahan kang tumulong pero wala kang ginawa.’ (The greatest sin is when you have the ability to help but choose to do nothing).. I’m not Darna, but just a simple person who wanted to share my blessings to those who were affected by Super Typhoon Carina.”[32]
Balinger visited Marikina, where she had previously filmed Padyak Princess, to personally deliver relief boxes to affected residents.[33]
Endorsements
[edit]In July 2023, Balinger was announced as the brand ambassador for RDL.[34] She called it an honor to represent a brand that had empowered Filipinos for generations, adding that she looked forward to how RDL would continue to inspire people around the world.[35]
Filmography
[edit]† | Denotes films that have not yet been released |
Film
[edit]Year | Title | Role |
---|---|---|
2018 | Fantastica | Young Fec |
2019 | Familia Blondina | Jenny |
G! | Menchie | |
2020 | James & Pat & Dave | Dave's girlfriend |
2024 | Chances Are, You and I | Gabriel Sinag[36] |
Maple Leaf Dreams | Molly | |
TBA | Untitled Film† | Dahlia |
Television
[edit]Year | Title | Role |
---|---|---|
2016 | The Story of Us | Caitlyn Morrison |
2016–2018 | Funny Ka, Pare Ko | Herself |
2016–2017 | The Greatest Love | Waywaya "Y" Soledad |
2018 | Alamat ng Ano | Chunchai |
Spirits: Reawaken | Maya | |
ASAP Natin 'To | Herself | |
2019 | Ipaglaban Mo: Barang | Isabel |
Pamilya Ko | Lemon Jane R. Mabunga | |
2020 | Bawal Na Game Show | Herself / Player |
2020–2021 | Ang sa Iyo ay Akin | Hope C. Villarosa |
2021 | Maalaala Mo Kaya: Libro | Cha |
2022 | Beach Bros | Erika Aguador |
2022–2023 | Mars Ravelo's Darna | Luna |
2023 | Nag-aapoy na Damdamin | young Victoria |
2024 | Padyak Princess | Lyca Dela Cruz |
2025 | How to Spot a Red Flag | Christine |
Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition | Herself / Housemate | |
It's Showtime | Herself / Guest Performer |
Music videos
[edit]Year | Song | Artist |
---|---|---|
2022 | "Pano" | Zack Tabudlo |
"Anghel" | ||
"Yakap" |
Awards and nominations
[edit]Year | Award | Category | Nominated Work | Result | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2018 | Myx Music Award | Myx Celebrity VJ of the Year | Nominated | [37] | |
2019 | PMPC Star Awards for Movies | Glupa Glowing Gal Award | Won | [38] | |
Star Magic Halloween Ball | Metro's Best Female Transformation Award | Won | [39] | ||
2021 | RAWR Awards | Loveteam of the Year | with Grae Fernandez | Nominated | [17] |
References
[edit]- ^ "Spotlight on Kira Balinger". ent.abs-cbn.com. November 13, 2019. Archived from the original on December 14, 2019. Retrieved December 14, 2019.
- ^ "3 Fave scenes of Kira Balinger in Ang sa Iyo ay Akin' nears end, Kira Balinger thanks Grae Fernandez for his friendship, trust". Lifestyle.INQ. Archived from the original on July 21, 2023. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
- ^ a b "15 times Kira Balinger stunned viewers as Luna in "Mars Ravelo's Darna" | ABS-CBN Entertainment". ent.abs-cbn.com. Archived from the original on July 21, 2023. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
- ^ Tuazon, Nikko (August 8, 2018). "Sherilyn Reyes's birthday message to debutante Kira Balinger is son Ryle's wish". Pep.ph. Retrieved May 29, 2025.
- ^ "'Familia Blondina's' half-Filipino stars recall funny moments with Pinoy moms". Philstar.com. February 26, 2019. Retrieved May 29, 2025.
- ^ Cruz, Marinel (September 3, 2024). "Kira Balinger on quitting show biz, dating LA Santos". Inquirer.net. Retrieved May 29, 2025.
- ^ "Abbey acrobats claim bronze medal". Your Local Guardian. November 30, 2009. Retrieved May 29, 2025.
- ^ a b starmagicphils (February 18, 2017). "Kira Balinger Interview - Spotlight on BFFs". Instagram.
- ^ Antonio, Josiah (April 11, 2025). "Kira Balinger hopes to win 'PBB' to reunite her broken family". GMA Network. Retrieved May 29, 2025.
- ^ Gillego, Clarence. "Kira Balinger opens up about forgiving her father". ABS-CBN.
- ^ Santos, Rhea Manila (June 14, 2016). "EXCLUSIVE: Kira Balinger feels lucky to get a big break in 'The Story of Us'". ABS-CBN.
- ^ Choa, Kane Errol. "Funny Ka, Pare Ko brings stand-up comedy to TV". Philstar.com. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
- ^ a b Lastrilla, Gary Ann (November 29, 2020). "Kira Balinger and Grae Fernandez describe working with veteran stars in 'Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin'". ABS-CBN.
- ^ "Primetime drama 'Pamilya Ko' promises tears, lessons with relatable family story". ABS-CBN.
- ^ Dumaual, Miguel (December 4, 2020). "'Star Magic Shines On': What happened, who signed, who's new". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on December 4, 2020. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
- ^ "'Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin' introduces new cast members". ABS-CBN News. October 30, 2020. Archived from the original on November 22, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
- ^ a b "RAWR Awards is all set for Another Bigger, Broader Scope of Awards this 2021". LionhearTV. October 16, 2021. Archived from the original on October 19, 2021. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
- ^ Santos, Rhea Manila (July 30, 2022). "Kira Balinger on working with Chie Filmeno and Angelica Lao in 'Beach Bros': 'Sobrang naging close kami!'".
- ^ Bautista, Rafael (October 4, 2022). "Zack Tabudlo's Pano Trilogy Will Hit You Right In The Feels". nylonmanila.com. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
- ^ Bautista, Rafael (November 17, 2022). "Did You Know, Kira Balinger Originally Auditioned For The Role Of Valentina In Darna?". nylonmanila.com. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
- ^ "Kira Balinger stars in new film 'Chances Are, You and I' with Kelvin Miranda". ABS-CBN News.
- ^ "'Chances Are, You And I' starring Kelvin Miranda, Kira Balinger to premiere on Netflix". GMA News Online. September 17, 2024. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
- ^ Wang, Nickie (May 24, 2024). "Kelvin Miranda, Kira Balinger film debuts at inaugural Jinseo fest in Japan". Manila Standard. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
- ^ Pagulong, Charmie Joy. "'Padyak Princess' cast members share practical life lessons from their dads". Philstar.com. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
- ^ Team, Metro.Style. "The Highly Anticipated Bench Body Show Made A Star-Studded Comeback | ABS-CBN Lifestyle". ABS-CBN. Archived from the original on March 21, 2025. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
- ^ Bardinas, Mary Ann. "Kira Balinger reveals the top 5 essentials she brought with her in the PBB house | ABS-CBN Entertainment". ABS-CBN. Archived from the original on March 22, 2025. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
- ^ "Kira Balinger shares her excitement as she joins 'PBB Celebrity Edition Collab' | PUSH TV". ABS-CBN. March 20, 2025.
- ^ Mallorca, Hannah (April 13, 2025). "Kira Balinger, Charlie Fleming evicted from 'Pinoy Big Brother' house". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
- ^ "'Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition' opens wildcard for ex-housemates". GMA News Online. May 11, 2025. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
- ^ "Evicted housemates enter Bahay ni Kuya as duo challengers". GMA News Online. June 15, 2025. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
- ^ Estrada, Olivia Sylvia (July 27, 2024). "Heart Evangelista, Marian Rivera, Donny Pangilinan, and More Celebs Join Carina Relief Efforts". COSMO.PH. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
- ^ Santos, Rhea Manila (July 30, 2024). "Kira Balinger reveals how 'Darna' inspired her to help Typhoon Carina victims". ABS-CBN.
- ^ De Leon, Richard (July 27, 2024). "Kira Balinger nag-donate sa mga nasalanta ng bagyo, may pa-quote kay 'Darna'". Balita (Manila Bulletin).
- ^ "Kira Balinger is the new face of RDL". Mindanao Times. July 16, 2023. Archived from the original on July 21, 2023. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
- ^ Alivio, Cristina E. (August 7, 2023). "RDL signs Kira Balinger as new ambassadress". SunStar Publishing Inc. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
- ^ "Get to know Eva Darren, the veteran actress allegedly snubbed by FAMAS". ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs. May 29, 2024. Retrieved May 29, 2024.
- ^ Villano, Alexa (May 16, 2018). "FULL LIST: Winners, Myx Awards 2018". RAPPLER. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
- ^ "Kathryn, Sarah G beat veteran stars at 35th Star Awards for Movies". PEP.ph. Archived from the original on July 21, 2023. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
- ^ "Dimples, Enzo, Kira lead spookiest awardees in Star Magic Black Magic Halloween Ball | ABS-CBN Entertainment". July 21, 2023. Archived from the original on July 21, 2023. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
External links
[edit]- 2000 births
- Living people
- Star Magic personalities
- Filipino female models
- Filipino film actresses
- Filipino television actresses
- 21st-century Filipino actresses
- Filipino people of British descent
- Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Edition contestants
- People from Addlestone
- Actresses from Surrey
- Actresses from Cavite
- ABS-CBN people