I can’t believe we have stepped foot into the three season already!

Black Sheep and ABS-CBN Studios are back with the third season of their queer reality dating series Sparks Camp; it’s just got bigger, better & more hyped. With no viable competitors in sight (yes we are talking about “His Man” & “The Boyfriend”), the show will likely get more views and ratings from audiences who are invested in queer dating drama. Set in picturesque locales, Spark Camp is being hosted by Miss Trans Global 2020 Miss Mela Habijan, an avid advocate of LGBTQ+ rights and directed by Theodore Boborol. Sparks Camp Season 3 was filmed at a conservation camp in Nueva, Ecija — offering a new experience to the audience. For those who were alarmed at being unable to find the third season on Black Sheep Philippines YouTube Channel (like me), we got news- the queer dating reality show has a newfound home – the ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube Channel. Partnering with a bigger brand, has certainly bought about more changes in the production value.

As against the earlier format, considerable variations have been made to the show’s iconic segments, “Sparks Giving” and “Moment of Truth”, promising a more mature approach. That is the first thing that catches your attention while watching the pilot episodes- the contestants seem much more mature. So, we can expect less melodrama, but since it is a queer dating show, you never know!

Before embarking on this journey, it is a must that you get acquainted with the contestants (I’m rather piqued by their mature demeanor). As Sparks Camp host Mela Habijan, famously dubbed as “Mother Sparker,” was quoted saying- “Season One is demure, Season Two is puksaan, Season Three is mature.”

☆ Joer Reyes, Advertising Executive

☆ Edward Maalihan, Content Creator

☆ Kim Bejerano, Brand Strategist

☆ Harold Espiritu, Performing Artist

☆ Andrew Rabin, Pilot

☆ Julian Agustin, Podcaster

☆ Khali Empleo, Flight Attendant

☆ Aaron Aberasturi, Graduate Student

☆ Julio Dragon Silvestre, Professional Wrestler

☆ Ants Pedregosa, Marketer

What Happens in the First Three Episodes

The first episode starts with a little surprise, with only six contestants being introduced formally. Mela Habijan then gives them the chance to choose a Camper of their choice, and they can give their own pin to the said person. I was kind of surprised that they were doing so, early in the episode. Next the remaining four contestants are introduced and the medley gang is left to interact. Honestly, since majority of this crew is above 30+, we got some decent conversations. They are blatantly honest and that really increases the oomph factor; because shouldn’t dating shows be about honesty? But then how much honesty is allowed? Mela answers this question with their newly formatted “Moment of Truth” challenge, where each camper’s juicy secrets were revealed. The contestants were later given a chance to drop their sparks in the bin of those they like.

The second episode starts with the “Sparks Reveal” but as against the previous two seasons, the campers themselves were allowed to reveal their love interest. This was another surprising aspect because the contestants were allowed to directly interact with the person they like. The night out ended with three mutual likes between Julio- Kim, Khali- Andrew & Aaron- Harold. Obviously, all three couples can’t be sent out on a date. So, the next day saw the next task- “Embrace the Challenge” with the winner would receive a refreshing pool date with the camper of their choice. Khali won the challenge and invited Andrew to the pool date.

The third episode splits into two parts whereby Khali and Andrew proceed to their date while the other contestants choose to interact with the person of their interest. Its third episode, so the pairings are pretty much set for some and not for others. I really enjoyed watching the conversation between Joer & Edward. I also immensely enjoyed the pool date between Khali & Andrew. It might be the third episode, but they already seemed quite set on each other (going by the kisses, they seemed invested). In the second part, Mela led the team through another round of “Moment of Truth”, where each camper’s kinky secrets were revealed. The secret reveal itself was interesting and unhindered; but Khali seemed bothered when Andrew’s kinky secret was revealed, so their budding romance seems to be in jeopardy.

First Impressions

We had some pretty bold interactions this season, I was slightly aghast by how easily the contestants are gelling together. Especially the pool date, I wasn’t expecting to see the contestants kiss so freely. It is this freedom of expression that gives a refreshing twist to the pilot episodes. As such, I’m slightly concerned with Khali’s reaction to Andrew’s secret. Even though Andrew explained, Khali seems to having second thoughts which doesn’t bode well for their relationship. Apart from them, I’m seated for whatever is brewing between Joer & Edward, Harold & Andrew!

Rating- 4 out of 5

Streaming on- ABS-CBN Studios YouTube Channel