Bangkera (2025) – VMX Star Micaella Raz takes on an edgy role as Ilyana, who defies her father’s warnings to pursue her dream of becoming a boatwoman. As she guides vlogger Levi, their journey sparks more than ambitions. How long can she control the current before something deeper takes over?
Director & Writer:
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Artemio Abad
Writer:
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Erick Castro
👥 Cast (5)
- Micaella Raz as Ilyana
- Marco Mora as Levi
- Chester Grecia as Gabo
- Zsa Zsa Zobel as Osang
- Benjie Belena as Tatay Roden
Bangkera (2025) is a Filipino drama about dreams, defiance, and discovery. The film follows Ilyana, played by VMX star Micaella Raz. She is a young woman who refuses to live in the shadows of tradition. Her father, Tatay Roden, warns her about the dangers of the sea and the world beyond their shores. However, Ilyana cannot ignore the call of the water. She dreams of becoming a boatwoman.
Her choice is not easy. It means breaking away from family expectations. It also means facing gossip, doubt, and prejudice. Nevertheless, she is determined. The river becomes her teacher. The waves become her test. Every paddle forward is a declaration of independence.
A Journey Shared With a Stranger
Ilyana’s path takes a turn when she meets Levi, a vlogger played by Marco Mora. At first, he is only looking for content. He wants stories, sights, and experiences for his followers. But as Ilyana guides him across the water, something deeper begins to form.
Their journey is more than a boat ride. It becomes a meeting of worlds. Levi sees more than a simple fisher’s daughter. He sees ambition, courage, and hidden beauty. Meanwhile, Ilyana sees in Levi a mirror of freedom she longs for. The connection sparks curiosity, attraction, and questions neither of them expected.
Family, Tradition, and Conflict
Tatay Roden, portrayed by Benjie Belena, represents tradition. He wants to protect his daughter but also keep her bound to old rules. His fear is love, but it also feels like control. Osang, played by Zsa Zsa Zobel, and Gabo, played by Chester Grecia, add more tension and perspective. Each character challenges Ilyana in different ways.
As the story unfolds, loyalty is tested. Ilyana must decide whether to obey her father or chase her dream. Levi must also question his own intentions. Is he only documenting her life, or is he becoming a part of it? These questions push the drama forward.
Themes of Freedom and Desire
At its core, Bangkera (2025) is about freedom. It asks how much a person is willing to risk to live their truth. It explores the cost of chasing dreams against the current of tradition. The film also touches on intimacy and attraction. Ilyana’s growing bond with Levi is both a source of strength and a dangerous temptation.
The sea itself becomes a character. Calm at times, violent at others, it reflects Ilyana’s journey. Every ripple echoes her struggle between duty and desire. Therefore, the river and the boat are not just settings. They are symbols of choice, growth, and transformation.
A Bold New Tale in Filipino Cinema
Directed and written by Artemio Abad, with co-writing by Erick Castro, the film combines raw emotion with visual storytelling. The performances of Micaella Raz and Marco Mora carry the story with intensity. Meanwhile, the supporting cast grounds the narrative with realism and depth.
Bangkera (2025) dares to ask: how long can someone fight the current before being swept into something greater? It is a story of rebellion, love, and identity. Above all, it is about a woman who refuses to drift and chooses to steer her own fate.
