Kira Balinger

Kira Marie Pacifico Balinger (born August 3, 2000) is a British-Filipino actress and performer. She is best-known for her portrayals in Ang sa Iyo ay Akin and Darna.

Early life Balinger was born on August 3, 2000, in Hong Kong to a British father and a Filipina mother. Her family moved to Addlestone, England, where she spent most of her childhood. She has an older sister. During her childhood, Balinger was an acrobatic gymnast.

Balinger and her parents moved to the Philippines in 2010. She was scouted by ABS-CBN’s Star Magic talent agency while at a mall in 2014.

Career 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. Johnny Manahan recalled that when Balinger first approached his office, she didn't speak Tagalog. He advised her, "If you want to be an artist, you have to learn the language." After eight months, Manahan noted that "she had workable Tagalog" and that no accent was detectable.

In 2017, Balinger was part of ASAP project girl group, BFF5. The group launched their book, Sugar & Spice, a manual for teens, at the 2017 Manila International Book Fair, where they also held a book signing. The following year, the group disbanded, and Balinger joined the cast of the new season of the Cine Mo! comedy series Funny Ka, Pare Ko alongside Grae Fernandez. She also made a special appearance on the fantasy comedy film Fantastica, portraying the younger version of Jaclyn Jose's character, Fec. In addition, Balinger was one of the cover stars for Metro Magazine 's 28th anniversary issue.

In 2019, Balinger joined the cast of the primetime family series Pamilya Ko, portraying Lemon, a quiet and often overlooked member of the family.

In late 2020, Balinger signed an exclusive contract with ABS-CBN. That year, she was cast as Hope Villarosa in the revenge melodrama Ang sa Iyo ay Akin, where she reunites with co-star Fernandez. In 2021, Balinger and Fernandez were nominated for Loveteam of the Year at the RAWR Awards. She was also featured in OPM artist Zack Tabudlo's Pano Trilogy, starring in his "Pano", "Anghel", and "Yakap" music videos. The same year, Balinger was revealed as part of the cast ensemble of the Mars Ravelo's Darna remake.

In 2024, she starred in her first major film role in the romantic drama film Chances Are, You and I as the optimistic Gabi Sinag. The film premiered as a spotlight entry at the Jinseo Arigato International Film Festival in Japan and was later released worldwide on Netflix. 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.” She also appeared in family-oriented TV show, Padyak Princess. In September of that year, Balinger walked the Bench Fashion Week Holiday 2024 show runway.

In 2025, Balinger was revealed among the initial lineup of Kapamilya housemates for reality TV show Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition. Representing her hometown, she entered the house with the moniker “Ang Hopeful Belle ng Cavite.” Paired with Charlie Fleming, she was the second evictee of the season, exiting on Day 35. She would later participate in the wildcard round for the edition. After failing to earn a spot back in the house, Balinger returned later in the season as a house challenger.

Other ventures

Advocacy and philanthropy 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. She shared on Instagram:“Darna once said, ‘Ang pinakamalaking kasalanan ay kapag may kakayahan kang tumulong pero wala kang ginawa.’ ... I’m not Darna, but just a simple person who wanted to share my blessings to those who were affected by Super Typhoon Carina.” Balinger visited Marikina, where she had previously filmed Padyak Princess, to personally deliver relief boxes to affected residents.

Endorsements In July 2023, Balinger was announced as the brand ambassador for RDL. 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. She also serves as a brand ambassador for Bench's underwear line.

In 2025, Balinger was a part of National Book Store's "National Hunt" campaign.

Personal life She shows her artwork on an Instagram account, Galleria De Kira. In a 2025 interview Balinger said that she and co-star LA Santos had been in a past relationship.

Filmography +Key Denotes films and TV productions that have not yet been released Film

Television

Year Title Role 2016 The Story of Us Caitlyn Morrison 2016–2018 Funny Ka, Pare Ko Herself Ipaglban Mo: Tali Angel Ramos 2018 Alamat ng Ano Chunchai Spirits: Reawaken Maya 2020–2021 Ang sa Iyo ay Akin Hope C. Villarosa 2022 Beach Bros Erika Aguador 2022–2023 Mars Ravelo's Darna Luna 2024 Padyak Princess Lyca Dela Cruz It's Showtime Herself / Guest performer Rainbow Rumble Herself / Contestant 2026 Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0 Herself / Houseguest The Secrets of Hotel 88 Trixie Madrigal The Loyalty GameAngel Lucto

Music videos Year Song Artist 2016 "Dahil Sa'yo"Iñigo Pascual2022"Pano"Zack Tabudlo

Accolades + Awards and Nominations Award Year Category Nominated work Result CinePanalo Film Festival 2025 2025 Panalong Pangalawang Aktres ("Best Supporting Actress") Co-Love Myx Music Award 2018 Myx Celebrity VJ of the Year Herself PMPC Star Awards for Movies 2019Glupa Glowing Gal Award 2025 Movie Loveteam of the Year Maple Leaf Dreams PMPC Star Awards for Television 2016 Best New Female TV Personality The Story Of Us RAWR Awards 2021 Loveteam of the Year 6th Sinag Maynila Film Festival 2024 Best Actress Maple Leaf Dreams Star Magic Halloween Ball 2019 Metro's Best Female Transformation Award