Dating shows are mostly messy or chaotic, with a flair for theatrics that borders on high end drama or notoriety. Whilst queer dating shows like “I Kissed a Boy”, “Dating Around” and the upcoming “The Ultimatum: Queer Love”, “I Kissed a Girl” have always been the usual norm; Asian BL industry had zealously kept away from this trend in the past. Gone are those days and now the Boy’s Love universe has joined the reality show bandwagon. Following into the footsteps of Korean dating shows like “His Man” & “Merry Queer”, Philippines has added flavor to this genre with their very own spicy sojourn. Titled “Sparks Camp”, the dating show is an impactful journey where the contestants go through a series of challenges, so they can find the “Mutual Spark”.

As one of the most popular campers on the show, Justin Macapallag literally has “Sparks” flying left & right. Unlike most dating show contestants, he serves looks with a healthy dose of individuality and perception. Join us as we sat down for a tête-à-tête with the charming camper to talk about the show, and his intriguing personality!

1) Apart from being a biology student, you love cooking and are an artist. That’s too many hats to wear. How do you find the time to manage everything?

I don’t think it’s a “too-many-hats-to-wear” issue because just like hats, you don’t wear them at the same time, you put them in rotation. Cooking, art, and biology all play different roles in my life and I guess I just don’t like to overdo things. That’s why I always find time to learn things. Cooking and art acts as a cushion and a breather to my studies. Managing the time to them doesn’t really pose an issue, since I don’t force myself to paint or cook when I’m not in the mood.

2) You are currently a camper on Black Sheep’s “Sparks Camp”. Why did you choose to be a part of this dating show? Do you truly believe that you might find your “Spark” here?

I didn’t make finding a “spark” my end goal for the show which is weird because it’s a “dating” reality show but maybe it’s also because I wanted to put myself out there and to come out publicly as a closeted bisexual. I wanted to tell people my story.

3) Coming out of a recent breakup to put yourself on an international platform isn’t an easy job. How did you prepare yourself for this transition?

It had everything to do about self-reflection and not making the endpoint of it to “date again”. For me, it was all a matter of being healed, living your life, forgiving yourself, improving as a human being, and being okay with being only with yourself until you’re ready for whatever life throws at you.

4) Despite your youthful appearance and laid-back attitude, you seem quite mature. What kind of man (or woman in any case) would make your heart flutter?

I guess it’s all about finding connections through things that nourish the soul. Someone with the same humor as mine, who likes the music I listen to, someone who enjoys food and gastronomy the way I do. Someone I can talk with about anything the universe encompasses.

5) We are asking you to spoil, but did you enjoy the date with Karl Bautista? Would you be interested in going out with an older man, despite the significant age difference?

I did enjoy my date with Karl. I don’t really think about age differences. If the things I mentioned about nourishing the soul clicks then age isn’t really a matter to me.

6) Assuming you are cast for a few significant acting projects beyond 2023, how would you handle the call of the showbiz industry vis-à-vis your goal for a master’s and education in general? Would you be willing to hold on to one and perhaps postpone the other?

I would never let go of my studies because I’m really passionate about it but I think finding the time for the in-between and balancing the schedule for both is a better solution.

7) What’s your message to BL fans and the international audience interested in watching Sports Camp, particularly about you?

I hope they can listen to my story and I can part inspiration to always stay true to oneself despite the noise. I want to inspire people to keep living their lives by putting themselves out there to experience the world not just in dating but also in the beauty of life.

The BL Xpress would like to express their gratitude to Mr. Justin Macapallag for this exclusive. We are also grateful to Ms. Keia Aemielle & Mr. Carl Chavez (ABS CBN FILMS) for arranging this interview!