Notorious Masters

The Bet Collector

Kubrador

The enticement of the illegal gambling game jueteng in the Philippines is incomparable. It has brought down presidents. That is why the woman who fetches the gambling slips in her slum district is not only a kind of district queen, she is also a victim of powers she cannot control. A captivating film that is on a triumphant tour of international film festivals. A small film with a big heart. The film is carried by Gina Pareño. She is a strong, emotional and down-to-earth woman who is alternately pugnacious and desperate. With fervour, she plays the role of Amelita, the ‘bet collector’ from the title, who collects the tickets for the gambling game jueteng in her slum neighbourhood. Jueteng is very popular, but it is also illegal. The woman who collects the tickets and persuades the gamblers to play again this time needs some very special qualities. Amelita has these qualities, but she is also too good and too religious for this harsh gambling world and as a result many people abuse her.