If you are obsessed with the Boys’ Love genre, there is a fair chance that you have watched dramas from the Filipino shores. Popularly known as Pinoy BL, the industry slowly evolved during the unfortunate happenstance of the Covid-19 pandemic. While local governments were clamoring to keep the pandemic under control, major production houses were shut down and shootings were halted. In the midst of this mayhem, Filipino media giants, Idea First Company & Black Sheep choose to script history with their “out-of-the-box” web series- Gameboys The Series & Hello Stranger, heralding this new genre into existence. It’s been a couple of years since then and Pinoy BL dramas/movies are now a commonplace phenomenon. Trying to bank on the success of their predecessors, the industry has seen an unprecedented increase in the number of shows released per year; the quality is although questionable. Today, we will be talking about those few shows that were not only phenomenally scripted but brilliantly executed!

Gameboys The Series

The show that single-handedly portended this genre into existence- Gameboys The Series was born from the need to entertain the masses in the midst of the strict pandemic restrictions. I still remember reading about this show which was entirely shot via screens. Following the protocols, the actors never meet offscreen and, for almost twelve episodes, the series banked on their online conversations. Cai Lazaro (Elijah Canlas) and Gavreel Alarcon’s (Kokoy de Santos) natural chemistry was much appreciated, despite the fact that their colorful banter only extended to their online gaming sessions. Their connection sparks into existence, when Cai loses to Gavreel in an online match. Gavreel surreptitiously uses the chance for a rematch to confess his feelings for Cai and thus begins their spicy romance. The show touched on difficult subjects like familial pressures and acceptance as well as self awareness. If you are looking for a light-hearted romcom, then Gameboys should be your first choice. The prequel has sprouted several spin-offs and side stories (Gameboys the Movie, Gameboys Level-Up Edition, Alt.Gameboys, Pearl Next Door & PaThirsty) and is easily one of the most popular franchises in the Pinoy BL industry.

Hello Stranger

I still remember promoting this show two years ago (as a part of Psychomilk Media). Hello Stranger premiered at the same time as Gameboys, but it had the added advantage of a phenomenal casting that was both fresh and intriguing. Being promoted by a major flagship like Black Sheep worked in its favor and the show was just as successful as Gameboys. While Gameboys was mostly a two member project, Hello Stranger had a multi-star ensemble. Starring Tony Labrusca & JC Alcantara in the lead roles of Mico Ramos & Xavier de Guzman, the show focuses on their budding romance as Mico & Xavier are paired together for a school project. They’re completely opposite personalities often lead to clashes with Mico being a typical nerd, while Xavier is an unapologetic jock. Tony and JC did lack the exuberant energy that Elijah and Kokoy bought to their roles, but their camaraderie was good enough to capture young hearts. Alongside, Mico’s solid friendship with his gang “Young Padawans” (Vivoree Esclito, Miguel Almendras, Patrick Quiroz) was equally celebrated, and the show was a major hit!

Gaya Sa Pelikula (Like In The Movies)

Written by Juan Miguel Severo and directed by JP Habac, Like in the Movies, evokes nostalgia. Starring Ian Pangilinan and Paolo Pangilinan in the lead roles of Vlad & Karl, the show is a powerful portrait of familial pressures, unwarranted expectations and self-acceptance. The show focuses on the journey of Karl, an architecture student who dreams of becoming a filmmaker. Under family pressure, he continues to pursue his dream under the guise of a part-time job to support himself financially. Unexpectedly, he meets Vlad, a film major who is hiding from his own family. They strike a deal wherein Karl lets Vlad stay at his apartment with the promise of paying their monthly rent. As they start living together, their close camaraderie soon shifts into something more. Gaya Sa Pelikula was celebrated and applauded for its fearless portrayal of gay relationships and the difficulties faced by the LGBTQ community. The chemistry between the main leads Ian and Paolo was topnotch and this show quickly became a fan favorite!

Ben X Jim

Falling in love with your childhood friend isn’t something new; “Friends to Lover’s” trope is quite common in the BL industry. And yet, Ben X Jim’s rustic portrayal of the close friendship between main leads, Ben (Teejay Marquez) and Jim (Jerome Ponce), was authentic and refreshing. Directed by Easy Ferrer, the show is centered around Ben’s childhood crush on Jim, something that he consciously hides. Things get interesting when Jim relocates to his old locality during the pandemic and reconnects with Ben. Unaware of his friend’s true feelings for him, Jim spends time with Ben and gradually their friendship morphs into something deeper. Teejay and Jerome had an intriguing chemistry, needless to say, which drove the narrative forward. If you are looking for a light-hearted parody, then Ben X Jim will definitely delight your senses!

Boys’ Lockdown

We are talking about the time when Pinoy BL was still evolving, and that was right in the middle of the pandemic restrictions era. Boys’ Lockdown is another gem centered around the same theme. With the heightened restrictions and enforced quarantines in place, Chen Chavez (Alec Kevin) and Key Kalunsod (Ali King) chance upon each other in a drugstore and accidentally swap their medicines. Chen is a popular vlogger and Key is one of his earnest fans. As both try to find ways to connect with each other, comical situations and missed encounters ensue. As they try to find their way back to each other, romance blooms and they realize that their connection is much deeper than they both realize. Although a major portion of this show was shot on screen without much actual interaction between the main actors, their chemistry is viable and lit. If you are looking for a slow-burn, sweet love story, then Boys’ Lockdown should be your first choice!

Quaranthings

Another classic from the quarantine era, the title literally spells the storyline well. Starring Royce Cabrera & Kyo Quijano in the lead roles of Rocky and Judah, the show follows the growing friendship between two roommates, who have never had a real conversation despite staying in the same apartment. Judah comes from a privileged background, while Rocky strives hard to take care of his father and sister. Forced under community quarantine, Judah is unable to attend school while Rocky can’t go to work. Left to their own devices, Judah and Rocky start conversing and soon their relationship blossoms into something more substantial. The show was well received because of the natural chemistry between Kyo & Royce. They truly embodied the finer nuances of their characters. It could be Judah has to face off with his homophobic Grandmother or Rocky, who struggles with accepting his own sexuality; Royce and Kyo’s performance was believable and heart wrenching.

My Extraordinary

Written by Vincent De Jesus, My Extraordinary is another pandemic era drama. Starring Darwin Yu and Enzo Santiago in the lead roles of Shakespeare de Villa and Ken Hernandez, the show hinges on the typical “Enemies to Lover’s” trope. What sets this show apart is the soulful ending; unlike most Pinoy BLs, My Extraordinary sets the stage for familial disparities and future heartbreak. The show focuses on the blossoming romance between the teenagers as they go through their string of misunderstandings and personal struggles. Only to be broken apart by Ken’s conservative mother when his best friend Sandee (Karissa Toliongco) tattles about their close affair. The show was respite with slow burn romance, but the angsty ending will leave you bewildered. Despite their rookie acts, both Enzo & Darwin bought a rare freshness to their roles and their chemistry was unbelievably good.

Meet Me Outside

It surely spells magic when screenwriter Juan Miguel Severo and director JP Habac get together for a project. Their second venture together, Meet Me Outside, is a delicate slice of life; it makes you feel lighthearted and enraptures your senses. Starring Genesis Redido as Dale and Kaloy Tingcungco as James, the show tracks their journey as the two young men gravitate towards each other on the day before Christmas after a conversation through the Blued app. Both are alone for the holidays for different reasons and their loneliness brings them together. Despite its short format, the show draws solace from the succinct conversations between the main leads as they overcome their personal concerns and grow closer. Genesis and Kaloy had a beautiful chemistry, which was definitely the best part of this web series. Watch it if you are looking for a winter delight to enjoy on your vacation!

The Day I Loved You

I’m totally unapologetic about falling in love with this sappy, over-the-top teenage romance. Directed by Easy Ferrer (BenXJim), The Day I Loved You is a toasty love triangle between the main leads, Nikko (Tommy Alejandrino), Eli (Raynold Tan) and Justine (Rabin Josh). Their contrasting personalities lead the narrative forward as you slowly fall in love with each character. Tommy as Nikko grabs your attention from the get-go. He is selfless, kind and yet strong-minded. Being an eternal optimistic, he always sees the good in people, a quality that instantly draws people to him. Singaporean actor Raynold excels in his role as Eli. A rebellious teenager who is away from home and family, Eli is lonely and seeks comfort. Rabin’s Justine is adorable and yet raunchy. He is secretly in love with Nikko, unable to voice his affections. Nikko and Eli slowly start falling for each other when Eli is assigned to join Nikko’s soiree. The pull and push relationship between these two characters is rather delicious and you can’t help but swoon at their chemistry. Their romance is relatable and lively. At the same time, you can’t help but cheer for Justine as well; simply because his naked affections for Nikko is so painfully obvious. This is definitely one of the best scripted dramas this year!

We will be back next week with the second edition of this feature. So till then, keep watching this space as we bring you more updates from the Asian BL World!