Category Archives: Interview

Interview

“Boys Like Boys” Bobo: Redefining Modesty

Leave a comment

“Who will be brave enough for love?”

This question consistently reverberates throughout the journey that the “Boys Like Boys” contestants undertake to find their better halves. The first non-scripted LGBTQ+ and BL dating reality show from Taiwan saw contestants from different walks of life. Whilst his shy demeanor seemed like a deterrent to this very purpose, Bobo managed to defy logic to become one of the most popular contestants on the show. On this sojourn, he made friends and grew more confident. We sat down for a tell-all with Bobo, who despite his reclusive personality shone brightest on this reality television!

Continue reading “Boys Like Boys” Bobo: Redefining Modesty →

Interview

Gino & Guan Yu: The New Tale of Love & Sincerity

1 Comment

As the first large-scale queer dating reality show, Gagaoolala’s “Boys Like Boys” has been making waves because of the show’s commitment to authenticity and its potential to deeply resonate with audiences by depicting the complexities of queer relationships in a real and relatable manner. Warner Bros. International Television Production’s (WBITVP) recent acquisition of this pioneering queer dating format has tipped the scales in favor of queer and gay relationship genre. Whilst everyone is celebrating the acquisition, we bring to you the winners of the first season. Known for their mature disposition, Gino and Guan Yu are a match made in heaven. Their journey wasn’t an easy one, albeit what matters are their love and sincerity. Join us as we strike a conversation with the cute couple and discover their secrets!

Continue reading Gino & Guan Yu: The New Tale of Love & Sincerity →

Interview

THE BEAUTY AND THE BRAWN IN BAGAN THE BEGINNING

Leave a comment

In Part One, the interview with the impresario of BAGAN THE BEGINNING, we connected with the breath of the series. Now we have a chance to discern the beauty and identify the brawn of the characters in the story because we sometimes forget that who carries out these fantasy aspirations are real live human beings who bring themselves into their depictions. Sometimes it is only a little or even just peripherally, while at other times it is substantial. In the case of these three young men, they brought more than most of us realized. For them, it became a labor of love. And a commitment to showcase a culture still steep in tradition and custom yet harnessing the winds of change as it gently breezes through its society, softly, imperceptivity bringing change. Each of them imparted a uniqueness to BAGAN THE BEGINNING that became more than their stunning good looks, which of course they are undeniably blessed with.

Continue reading THE BEAUTY AND THE BRAWN IN BAGAN THE BEGINNING →

Interview

THE BREATH BEHIND THE BEAUTY OF BAGAN THE BEGINNING

Leave a comment

Occasionally a series comes along that is so captivating that you begin to wonder about its own origins and is it as interesting as the story itself. Well, I got to find out and I found out that indeed its origins are just as fascinating as the make-believe story itself. By sheer luck, I was able to nail down an interview with the Director/Writer, Ko Kelvin, of this fascinating and engaging BL from a country obviously not particularly known for its BLs. In fact, its whole ethos on the engagement of gayness is rather repressing and yet perhaps that is what makes this story even more engaging and certainly reflective. It also gives, I think greater depth to its characters that you do not sense or feel in other BLs as of late as this one comes straight from the spirit. The story of BAGAN THE BEGINNING is not going to be revealed here; that is for you to experience and ponder. The only comment I shall make is that it is not just an enticing/thought-provoking story; it also spins an elegance around the wonderment of Myanmar that created in me a wanderlust to visit its natural and cultural grandeur.

Continue reading THE BREATH BEHIND THE BEAUTY OF BAGAN THE BEGINNING →

Interview

“PURE VANILLA”: JUST THE EXACT INGREDIENT IN THE RECIPE FOR LOVE

1 Comment

Recently, I had the opportunity to interview the director and performers of a short BL series that has simply taken off with little fanfare. Mostly by word-of-mouth. It was produced by a small independent production company called 250 Films founded by Ng Yu Wen. The name of this short gem was PURE VANILLA, starring Braven Yeo as Gabriel and Deng Xun as Charlie. It was written and directed by a remarkable young individual named Mickey Hiah. The first episode, if you will, is just over 9 minutes long and came out about 10 months ago on YouTube and has over 150,000 views, which is remarkable. Then just over a month or so ago, they released Episode 2 called PURE VANILLA: RECIPE FOR ROMANCE. Already it has nearly 170,000 views with an astonishing number of positive comments about its content. This episode introduced a new character named Alex (Leon Koh) who added a new element to an existing recipe of love.

Continue reading “PURE VANILLA”: JUST THE EXACT INGREDIENT IN THE RECIPE FOR LOVE →

Interview

STAY Captures the Heart of the San Pedro International Film Festival: Meet Its Creators

Leave a comment

Recently, the San Pedro Film Festival was held in one of the most beautiful and majestic art deco old movie theaters in the whole of the Los Angeles area. Built in the 1930’s, the Warner Grand Theater, funded by the Hollywood mogul Jack Warner way back in the day, is located in the port city of San Pedro. San Pedro feels like an isolated area of Los Angeles as it sits far from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood and Los Angeles itself. But it continues to remain a thriving and very diverse community. Once a year, it features a film festival for short films of diverse backgrounds. This year one of the more interesting BLs for 2023 was chosen to be honored. That was “STAY”, which stars Sebastian Castro as Andre and Ellis Gage as Joshua in a contemporary and perhaps distinctive love story, yet all too common for a city like Los Angeles. I reviewed this series and enjoyed it considerably when it came out. But there is something still so magical about seeing films on a big screen with the booming sound, and forgive me, eating popcorn.

Continue reading STAY Captures the Heart of the San Pedro International Film Festival: Meet Its Creators →

Interview

Spinning the Red Thread with Lazysheep!

Leave a comment

When it comes to the wonderful world of BL dramas Until We Meet Again is one of the staples of the genre. Based on the novel The Red Thread by Lazysheep, it’s an epic romance that transcends time, intergenerational prejudice, and even death itself to prove that true love really does conquer all.

Continue reading Spinning the Red Thread with Lazysheep! →

Interview

“Stay Still The Series” Producer Jimmy TSOI: Achieving The Impossible

1 Comment

While scripting and directing a show itself is a painstaking process, without proper resources and funding, the desired effect won’t be achieved. This is where producers come into the picture. They try to help the directors enliven the world build by the scriptwriters. This is normally the case where heterosexual romances are concerned. But the reverse is true for BL content; especially in Asian countries, where LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media is still an impossible dream. Despite these unfavorable circumstances, there are a few daring producers who are determined to extrapolate queer experiences. One of them is Mr. Jimmy TSOI from Hong Kong’s Jupiter Entertainment. Their recent production, “Stay Still The Series”, won applause because of its rustic production and sublime storytelling. In this exclusive, we talk to Mr. TSOI about the problems faced during the inception of this show and his vision about their upcoming projects!

Continue reading “Stay Still The Series” Producer Jimmy TSOI: Achieving The Impossible →

Interview

Outspoken and Frank: “Stay Still” Stars Chun Hin TO & Bosco TSE

Leave a comment

Producing a BL show with a decent storyline isn’t an easy job; it is even more difficult when you are based in a conservative society like Hong Kong. From procuring funds to the running the show, Actor/Producer Bosco TSE’s stuck gold after almost three years of hardship. We are talking about the recently on-air miniseries “Stay Still”. The dulcet usage of low lights coupled with humble settings compliments the overall storytelling and it’s a great way to deliver a sombre romance. Joining him on this arduous yet fulfilling journey is co-star Chun Hin TO. We sat down for a casual conversation with this handsome couple about this ambitious project and future endeavors.

Continue reading Outspoken and Frank: “Stay Still” Stars Chun Hin TO & Bosco TSE →