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Technical Specs for the film Bola at Buhay/ Ball and Life

Logline


A Filipino immigrant's path to unity and friendship on the basketball court, where cultures collide and victory transcends the game.


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Summary


Bola at Buhay/Ball and Life follows Jun, a young nurse who has recently moved from the Philippines to the San Francisco Bay Area, seeking a fresh start. Jun finds himself in a world that feels entirely alien and wrestles with feelings of isolation and longs to find his place in a new world. His life takes a turn when he stumbles upon a local basketball court. It's here that Jun discovers something unexpected: a place where he feels connected, understood, and part of something bigger than himself.


The basketball court becomes Jun's refuge, a place where basketball becomes more than a sport. It's a bridge to friendships with people from all walks of life, each with their own stories and struggles. These teammates quickly become more than just fellow players; they become Jun's makeshift family. As they share victories and losses, both on and off the court, the bonds they forge are tested by the challenges they face together.


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a group of men playing basketball in an outdoor park

Director's Statement

Bola at Buhay/Ball and Life is inspired by my journey as a Filipino-American and the shared experiences of our community. Growing up between the Philippines and the San Francisco Bay Area, I witnessed how basketball became more than just a sport. It served as a cultural bridge and a way to create meaningful connections in unfamiliar spaces. This film uses basketball as a metaphor to explore themes of belonging, identity, and the courage it takes to start anew.


While deeply personal, this story reflects universal experiences of seeking connection and finding home. Jun’s journey as a newly arrived nurse who discovers community and self-discovery through a local basketball league is inspired by real stories from the Filipino-American diaspora. It highlights the spaces we create to feel a sense of belonging, even when far from home.


Authenticity has been a guiding principle throughout this project. With a predominantly Filipino-American cast and crew, we worked hard to ensure every detail genuinely reflects our community. Bola at Buhay/Ball and Life celebrates the richness of our culture while embracing universal themes that resonate with all audiences.


This film is a celebration of identity, resilience, and the shared triumphs that unite us. Whether you have experienced the challenges of immigration or simply sought to find your place in the world, I hope Bola at Buhay/Ball and Life reminds you of the strength in community and the beauty of belonging.

Ashley Romero - Writer/Director/Producer

Ashley is an award-winning and Emmy-nominated filmmaker whose storytelling is deeply rooted in her rich Filipino-American heritage. Born in Manila and raised between the Philippines and the San Francisco Bay Area, she draws from her multicultural upbringing to craft stories that resonate with authenticity and depth. As the granddaughter of legendary Director and National Artist of the Philippines Eddie Romero and Philippine cinema icon Mila Del Sol, Ashley carries forward a proud legacy of cinematic excellence.


Her debut project, Bola at Buhay/Ball and Life, is a heartfelt tribute to the Filipino-American experience, exploring themes of identity, family, and belonging. Ashley’s work bridges her ancestral roots and her life in the U.S., offering authentic stories that connect with both personal and universal experiences.


As the Writer, Director, and Producer, Ashley brings a visionary approach to filmmaking. Her artistry combines her deep respect for cultural heritage with a fresh, contemporary perspective, continuing the legacy of her family while creating stories that inspire and connect diverse audiences.

Ryan Marquez, the Director of Photography of Bola at Buhay/ Ball and Life

Ryan Marquez - Director of Photography

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Ryan is a proud second-generation Filipino-American filmmaker whose passion for storytelling has been a guiding force throughout his life. Ryan grew up immersed in the art of filmmaking, learning the importance of visual storytelling from an early age.


Ryan’s work is deeply rooted in his heritage and his love for the collaborative spirit of cinema. Drawing on his diverse experiences, including his travels and a lifelong appreciation for film, he seeks to create visuals that are both dynamic and culturally resonant. His dedication to blending diverse perspectives shines through in every frame, making him an indispensable part of our team.


As the Director of Photography, Ryan channels his personal history and connection to the Filipino-American experience to craft visuals that are not just beautiful but also deeply meaningful.

Chris Snellings, the Post Production Supervisor of Bola at Buhay/ Ball and Life

Chris Snellings - Post Production Supervisor

Chris is a two-time Emmy Award-winning editor with a passion for storytelling that transcends formats, from long-form narratives to dynamic short-form and social media content. As the in-house studio video editor for the Golden State Warriors, Chris blends technical mastery with creative vision to create compelling visuals that resonate with diverse audiences.


Born in the Philippines and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Chris’s journey is a testament to the resilience and pride of the immigrant experience. Through his work, he seeks to preserve his culture and identity, weaving his Filipino heritage into the stories he tells and ensuring that these narratives remain a part of his creative expression.


As Post Production Supervisor, Chris brings a unique perspective shaped by his immigrant roots and professional expertise, ensuring that every frame not only captivates but also honors the essence of Filipino identity and experience.

Starring

Marlo, the Lead actor of Bola at Buhay/ Ball and Life

Marlo Miguel Guevarra

as Jun

Miles, the co-lead actor of Bola at Buhay/ Ball and Life

Miles Berry

as Edwin

Principal Cast

Markus Kranzler - Ian

Shailesh Sivanantham - Ryan

Chiemeka Azubuine - Marcus

Ian McBride - Matt

Christopher Zagala - Josh

Sedine San Agustin - JR

Nathaniel Cuenca - Moises

George Alexander Kabiling - Ron

Earl Magat - Casey

Credits

The cast of Bola at Buhay/ Ball and Life sitting on a bench in a basketball gym

Additional Cast

Jen Villanueva - Scoreboard 1        

Evangeline Gimenez-Tam - Scoreboard 2

Melanie Takemori - Scoreboard 3

Ava Bender - Scoreboard 4

Miles Caliboso - Photographer

Bobby Sangco - Referee           

Francis Villanueva - Basketball Player 1

Patrick Villanueva - Basketball Player 2

Ryan Villanueva - Basketball Player 3

Ahmaree Muhammad - Basketball Player 4

Malik Merchant - Basketball Player 5

Hector Navarro - Basketball Player 6

Gio Antonio Molina - Jun's Voice Over

Llannie Perez - Mom's Voice Over        

PJay Jacinto - Tagalog Basketball Commentator

Behind the Scenes photo of a camera during the filming of Bola at Buhay/ Ball and Life

Production Crew

Ashley Romero - Writer, Director, Producer

Ryan Marquez - Director of Photography

Jasmyn Ramirez - Assistant Director

Felipe Rodrigues - 1st Assistant Camera

Kishawn McGhee - 1st Assistant Camera

Steven Chillous - 2nd  Assistant Camera

EJ Casabar - Gaffer

James Guirao - Key Grip

Miles Caliboso - Key Grip

MengTing Liu - Audio Technician      

Chris Snellings - Script Supervisor

Ashley Romero - Casting Director 

Christianne Sykes - Casting Assistant

Ian McBride - Wardrobe Stylist

Chris Snellings - Sports Choreographer

Desirae Verador - Production Coordinator

Arlo Tualaulelei - Production Assistant

Edwin Henry IV - Production Assistant

Dahlia Tarou - Production Assistant

Behind the Scenes photo of the film crew during the filming of Bola at Buhay/ Ball and Life

Post Production Crew

Chris Snellings - Post Production Supervisor

JC Castillo - Editor 

Joe Puyat - Sound Designer

MengTing Liu - Music Supervisor

Lester Amida - Composer

Prabhjot Randhawa - Colorist

Hannah Pagila - Post Production Assistant

Leon Tam - Website Designer/Tech Support

Camera Equipment provided by Creative West  | Camera Lenses provided by Marshall Street Productions


In line with our mission to tell authentic stories and uplift the talents of Filipino creatives, we are proud to highlight our Philippine based team members:


JC Castillo, Editor - Manila, Philippines

Joe Puyat, Sound Designer - Quezon City, Philippines

Lester Amida, Composer - Bulacan, Philippines

Ryan Villanueva, Basketball Player 3 - Manila, Philippines

The Director Wishes to Thank

Florence Monzon, Gus Tambunting, Brittany Villanueva, Joshua Calubaquib, Garrett Takemori, Tim Bender, Leah Delos Reyes, Rachel Verador, Michelle Bissell, and Gerald Smith

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Copyright © 2025 Bola At Buhay Film - All Rights Reserved.

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