Pinoy BLs are an uncharted territory and lack the popularity that their Asian counterparts enjoy. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t some exceptional stories out there that need to be experienced and revered. Join us, as our authors talk about their personal favorites, the ones that have put this genre on an international platform!

SlimFastZombie’s Favorites

4 Days Movie

“4 Days” tells the story of two male college roommates who see each other through their ups and downs. The triumphs bring them closer but the disappointments bond them in ways that make the evolution of their friendship to lovers natural and beautiful. But as beautiful as the close-up shots on these two is, the reality of their circumstances is the meat of the film. Derek uses his more interesting and talented friend Mark to assist in wooing a woman on Valentine’s, well aware of the way Mark looks at him. He even has him play the guitar for him and his current lover. Mark is a people pleaser, sacrificing his time and effort to make Derek happy.

He even makes himself ok with the arrangements the two passively commit to once they consummate their physical relationship. Spanning over years as they room together, the weight of keeping Derek’s secrets comes to a head on another Valentine’s. Only this year Mark is supposed to be Derek’s Valentine. But their relationship only exists inside their dorm room. Mark watches the moment when Derek could have claimed him but disavows him instead.

The moment where Mark’s passivity smashes against Derek’s inability to come out is so well acted by Sebastian Castro and Mikoy Morales in a diorama of passive aggressive moments. The script tells a story of its own as Derek, who has put up with Mark lying, realizes that he isn’t fine. He finally breaks down completely. He warns Derek angrily not to touch him (giving me the impression that Derek has used sex to assuage Mark of his rightful anger before).

This is the best “Pinoy Experience” in my opinion. I bought it off Amazon Prime.

Gaya Sa Pelikula – Web Series

In a time when Pinoy’s were coming out left and right using sex and humor to get views, Gaya sa Pelikula was such a breath of fresh air, using films as the format for the blocking of scenes and the promotional posters for emotional buildup. It tells the story of a closeted man moving into an apartment and soon finding friendship with an attractive neighbor. The two suffer from a pre-perceived view of one another. Watching both learn about each other was the most satisfying part of the series.

Yes, they fall for one another, but to me, seeing the two learn about themselves as well as face the problems they were running from was what made it such a good series. The cast as a whole was such a wonderful one, and each had a story I got to experience.

Why Love Why – Web Series

An irrevocable sex comedy is hard to find, but I feel Why Love Why was such a show. It took the reality of Covid and used it as one of the reasons a poor boy from the wrong side of the tracks was forced to stay with a rich boy in his lavish apartment. The two see something in each other that interests them. But both haven’t experienced gay sex, so their curiosity is at times hurtful and blunt, but as they get to know one another better, they begin to respect and love each other.

I enjoyed the cinematography of the series and the way it was unflinchingly gay. It wasn’t just classy, instead it just barreled forward into homosexual issues faced in the Philippines. Even showing the history of an activist which surprised me because I didn’t see it coming. Definitely a series that people should watch at least once.

MychelleLove’s Favorites

CHEAT The Series

CHEAT the Series is a psychological thriller that combines BL with witchcraft and the supernatural. This is a very well-directed series that has all the elements of a good drama- lost innocence, jealousy, and revenge all rolled into the typical Boys’ Love story. I loved the OST for this series, which is very dark and dramatic; it totally fits the mood of the series perfectly. The storyline is twisted and dark. I was enthralled with this series as I love all things supernatural and this series delivered it in spades.

Main lead Vee was the surprise package in this series, so innocent and pure, but the ending gave his character an unexpected twist. Vee and Jay like each other. Dong likes Vee as well, but Vee just plays along with him. Jennifer likes Vee, but Vee only sees her as a friend. That was a mouthful, but the twists and turns, as well as the mind games played, are what make this series phenomenal.

They left us with a cliffhanger and promised a Season 2. To date there have been no updates. I have been keeping an eye out for them. If there is any update, we will definitely share it with you!

Stigma

Despite its short format, Stigma was a very interesting series, quite well directed. We have four friends who each have a “Stigma” and must overcome this “Stigma” to be at peace within themselves. This is a very well-planned series. The series is self narrative as we get to see VLOG clips that depict the personal life of these four friends.

1. Lei is an upcoming entertainer and he is in love with Franchesca who is transsexual. This could hurt his career as his management advisers him against being with Franchesca. What will he decide?

2. Kian is a jokester and tries to hide the fact that he is gay and has HIV. He doesn’t want to admit these things, as he has had to do some unspeakable things to help out his family for monetary gains.

3. Nick is a drug addict who became de-addicted and is now back on drugs while trying to hide this from the world. Nick has an altercation with Kian, and this leads to other conflicts. Can he become clean again?

4. Harry is an opportunistic and has used Rusty for his personal gains. Whenever there are issues, Harry will call Rusty and get help. The sad part is Harry makes fun of his good friend all the time. Can Harry come to terms with his true feelings and forgive himself?

These four “brothers” friends are extremely close and rely on each other to help with the “Stigmas” they have to fight through. This series says and does a lot in the four short episodes. I have re-watched this series, and I was never disappointed.

We will be back with an exciting new feature next weekend. Till then, keep watching this space as we bring you updates from the BL world!