Xion, Xion, Xion. Dude. Honestly. Let's use our money and sponsorship on something actually thought out, please!
You had something mind-blowing here. Had. Fifth and Zeke are amazing characters with epic, well-rounded backgrounds that are not being used! Hiro and Jericho, I keep saying, are great actors with amazing chemistry between themselves and among the cast. Why, oh why, are we misusing them like this? Why Xion, why?
Saying that some good was done with Fifth's background. Those actors held their own. Apollo Abraham had the striking screen presence of a chiseled ex-military officer in all his scenes. Gaye Piccio gave us the battle-hardy military wife defending her children. The way Fifth overheard their fight was, actually, quite believable too. Well done. See, when we get rid of the cringy and choose a direction (yes direction) we can almost produce (yes produce) a good drama emerging from the rest of the BS, Xion. The script in these scenes was tight, the emotions believable. Pity this wasn't so for the rest of the episode and series.
The exposition of the sister committing suicide was done somewhat tastefully, but some more explanation would have been nice. Hope we get more background of Fifth's home life and that it's not a forgotten plot. The cancer card was a well-used trope, but good motivation to get him home.
It's nice, Xion, to see that Zeke has lost his motivation to take pictures. He did say meeting Fifth gave him back that passion. I do hope, Xion, that we are going to use that properly. The small references every now and then about Zeke not having that spark anymore is how to use something to explain a character's motivation without it being annoyingly overused as a certain phrase I will not be repeating. This was well done.
That was the good from this episode. Now to the bad.
Mama Linda and Fifth have a good relationship. She seems to be over her kick-everybody-out phase, but her advice really, really sucks. She is in no way an ally or even acts as a proper sympathetic mother. Her advice is just so out of this world! Come on! I did like how she said Fifth's upbringing made him who he is. However, Xion, this was a good place to have some flashbacks so we could understand Fifth more. This was also a great opportunity to bring Sky's dad's memory into this story. We still remember his passing, don't we Xion? You missed the mark to correctly bring up the forgiveness theme Discount Sue Prado was trying to attempt to bestow upon Zeke at the best of the worst times.
Xion, dear Xion, what's this about Iris missing? She's actually missing this time and we just didn't forget to write her into the episode Xion? Did Matt kidnap her? Does he have her in a shed behind his house? Or his basement? Is she off doing SOGIE things? We had no build-up or motivation for her to be AWOL, so is this some late attempt to bring drama into a, well, drama? Talk about a royal misuse of a good character, well, like all the good characters in this story . . .
Jason, Joel, Oliver. Eh? Jason texting Joel like that? Didn't we want to pay James to actually be in the room? A face-to-face would have been oodles better to cement the friendship more! Come on Xion? Gosh! Please get someone, anyone, even someone who doesn't even speak Tagalog to review the script! And, while on that topic, Oliver exposing his plot in such a quick and unsatisfying manner was good for you? Eh, Xion? Also, didn't Jason know Oliver was plotting against them? Another plot we forgot, Xion?
As if this wasn't enough why do we have Kevin suddenly want to spend every waking and sleeping moment with Zeke? Doesn't he have his own family, or are they in New York? At least Discount Sue Prado is telling him he should go home. Well done. Well, not really, but you get the idea.
Oh. Almost forgot about Kim, Zim, or what's his name, and Vet. Why do we even have that story? The money saved by using Google Translate for the Korean scenes could have hired a good musical scorer for the very least! If we couldn't get Patricia Lasaten couldn't we look for anyone else???
Which brings me to the score. Yes, Xion, We get it: it's Christmas time. But do we need Christmas music over serious scenes? Diyos ko!
That Jelai and Jerome. The less said the better . . .
Xion, I know continuity is not your strong suit but is it hard to be consistent? Miguel Bien is doing a good job with costuming, but he needs an assistant to keep track of the actually used costumes between different scenes for consistency!
Xion, Xion, Xion. Each episode has some scenes that show how good this drama could be. Your talent as a director and producer is to, honestly, couch the good in so much bad that it cannot even be seen by the fandom! Hiro and Jericho are chemistry. Sadly you've put kerosine on sodium into that mix and made that good chemistry melt into something disastrous on the scale of Chernobyl and Fukushima combined. Sad.
At least Mama Linda went back to her old self from her screeching ways of kicking people out.
Again, Hiro and Jericho are epic actors with what is given to them. Hiro takes the Best Actor With the Worst Crap Award in this episode. His acting is so earnest and on-point.
But:
Let's talk about the Christmas music. Xion, dude, WTH? Really amazing scene with Fifth crying and you put Christmas music about a savior being born! Diyos ko!
Yes, Fifth may have overreacted. With the bad storytelling, I'll still give that tiny concession. Again I say may have. However, he did see Zeke about to kiss Kevin from his POV (holding the cake no less) on his way to the bathroom. Why is everyone telling him he is wrong? Did not one character realise what Zeke did? Not one is holding Zeke responsible for not opening the channels of communication? Well, at least that's somewhat in character for Zeke. It is well established at this phase that he prefers to run from problems than confront them. Just the stairs we took to get there felt like climbing Mount Everest with only joggers on.
I'm happy Iris is having a somewhat happy time, but don't we think, Xion, that's it just a little rushed and ridiculous? Couldn't we have some time to see the relationship grow? Suddenly that couple is at Netflix and chill?
Discount Sue Prado (sorry she's not credited) just seems to have a knack for making things worse. WTH was that dialogue between her and Fifth? That character is just the worst in a long line of worsts!
Xion, can you not decide what you really want this series to be about? Suddenly we have an NC scene straight out of Elite. Are we going in that direction? O, wait, that was just a one-off that was meant to be steamy after talk of corn and I don't want to go there.
Then, suddenly, Xion, we are switching gears, yet again, and introducing a SOGIE theme. Was this ever built up or even hinted at? O, Xion. If that wasn't bad enough we get an advert for cookies at the time Iris and company wants to talk about this serious topic affecting the college! Diyos ko!
Xion, making Jelai some sort of victim still doesn't make that story any more interesting. I do hope you have some long-term (sumpain ito, I'm using it now!) goal and reward with that story.
Kim, dear Xion, could be taking both of her admirers for an NC 3-some after drinking all the Soju in Manilla and we still won't care!
"Continuity" seems to be a curse word for you, Xion. Costumes shift scene to scene with no real huge passage of time to account for this. Maybe I don't understand as a non-Filipino, but do Pinoys have a team running around with them like Queen Amidala to be constantly refreshing their clothing?
O, and why do we have Zeke driving and talking on his phone with no seatbelt? Good example for teen drivers, Xion, although, at this point, all teens have probably switched to something else.
Xion. Your skill is creating these multi-vehicle wrecks that are as watchable as the opening scenes in any of the Final Destination movies, but not as good. The issue is that your wrecks make little sense and could, actually, kill the budding careers of Hiro and Jericho. I do, sincerely, hope they are not sunk to the depths of this hulking Titanic of a wreck.
While I love these everybody doesn't get what they wanted endings, Boston really got the raw end of the stick. When he slept with Top there were two consenting people. Top is very much to blame equally. Mew could have been a little more accommodating than telling Boston he would be alone forever. Quite happy to get back into Top's 10/10 fancy penthouse bed, but giving Boston such a curse. Not nice.
Firstly I can see the makings of a great drama. Makings. The story flowed more coherently, there was some point to the scenes, and the story almost progressed well. As well as we can progress in this mess that has been created.
The characters are just all over the place. Are Jason and Joel really angry with each other? Does Krissy have some unknown omnipotent power to crazy glue back relationships? It was nice to see them reconcile though. It had some emotional weight. See when something is properly scripted it can make sense. The speed of their making-up was a little rushed, but at this stage, we will take what we get. Is Oliver with Joel now? Is he over his revenge? Did we forget that little plot element?
What did you do to my sweet Tita Sky's mom (can't remember her name)? When did she become this mean character threatening to kick people out? Her daughter is now a big-shot spa owner so she forgot she took borders to help with the finances? This is so out of character for her!
I loved that Jason and Iris had so much more to do here! Jason is such an underrated character! Philip can act. Give him proper usage! The scene with him and Fifth was almost perfect. That's brotherly support!
Again, Xion, the timeline is all sorts of mess. We see Zeke and Kevin in the room. We see they don't leave. How did Zeke leave to meet with his mom without Kevin knowing? Wasn't he using Kevin's clothing, or did he have an entire wardrobe in the car? Come on, Xion, we need to fix errors in the timeline so they make some semblance of sense!
The actress playing Zeke's mom is no Sue Prado but she works. The conversation had some feeling but the theme was sort of off. Yes, it's understandable to forgive people but her husband cheated! How does she have to forgive herself and forgive other people before they die? Huh?
The attempted suicide scene. Gosh, Xion, again another opportunity lost to make a meaningful contribution to dramadom! Suicide is nothing to play around with. Zeke approaching the pool had quite a fierce intensity. His flashbacks did well to telegraph to us the weight on his shoulders. Well done Jericho. However, Xion, you wasted it. Out of nowhere comes our hero (no pun intended) Kevin (out of nowhere!) to save him. The last time we saw Kevin he was at the club. Zeke drove off, seemingly randomly. How did Kevin "follow" him? How? Satellite intelligence? 1898 is magic? Alright. Kevin's amazing powers aside, we don't get any discussion about it. Kevin never contacts Zeke's friends. Doesn't he think someone would be worried about him? We know Kevin has Fifth's phone number. For the very least we could have brought in Iris to cement her role as an ally!
The explanation of Zeke confessing to Kevin was, again, well done. We understand the motivations of the characters. It made Kevin less of a bad guy. We see some inklings of good writing. Easy did his job there, or did you take my advice to get anyone to read the script? We could actually understand Kevin distancing himself after the shock of the confession, and Zeke falling apart.
How in hell, heaven, and all seven thousand realms of the afterlife in all of sci-fi and video games does Kim run a business? You have a freeking make or break fashion show, basically your bread and butter, and you can't even properly schedule your models? Do you have to call in amateurs known by your photographer? This is not the first time either. Kim, get your act together! Well, at least it was better than a Chuck Chuck lost scene, but only marginally. I'm no fashion critic, but let's not go there. Just like Kevin, Vet suddenly appears. These powers of finding people are just uncanny, huh Xion?
Lorraine defending Iris was another good scene that had to be spoilt with Jelai screeching at the top of his lungs. I've read that Gio Emprese is a good actor. If I have to go with his appearances in Oxin Films he won't get any work from me, Xion! At least the staff meeting came after the incident although no verdict was reached. However, we just had an almost conversation about bullying and we see Jelai virtually bullying Mrs. Alcantara!
I don't like what you did to my boy Fifth. Yes, he has the world on his shoulders even before Zeke. Yes, he has other issues that we still don't really know about. But, would he really become an alcoholic in that short time? He works hard for extra money only to now throw it away as an upscale club? Would he treat people like Sky's mom in that manner? Hiro's acting, though, is on point. He can really act with what is given to him.
Xion, there is a concept in film we call "continuity." the definition according to descript is:
Please, please have someone see about this very critical aspect of a story! We can't have the actors dressed a certain way, then suddenly another with no passage of time! Miguel Bien is credited as your Wardrobe/ Stylist. He is doing a bang-up job, but he already has his hands full! Let's get someone in charge of continuity! In the credits, there is no body in charge of this and it shows!
Xion. We can see the makings of a competent drama. Please use Hiro and Jericho in a good project properly! Let's develop a good script, a competent story, and get some better directing (no offense, well some meant) for these two amazing up-and-coming actors!
While this last episode, 7, was quite coherent, honestly what are your people really doing?
The positives: When we remove the crappy cringe we can almost make a coherent episode. The discord between the Coach and Zeke and him tapping Joel was almost well played. We can see a coach or PE teacher actually behaving like this. At least it was Kim lite. This is still too much of Kim, Korean, Vet, but, like a very bitter medicine, it was mercifully quick if not well done. I'm sure nobody is watching for their love triangle. Make it a quadrangle with the lacky proclaiming love for Mr. Korea and we still won't care. Throw in the vet's assistant and make it a love pentagram we still won't care. This has to be the one episode where we didn't hear, "Long-term long-distance relationship." Thank you! Jelai finally found a good footing! He did his job as a part of the staff of the college! He actually showed some authority as a Dean! Yay! This is how we use established characters in their roles and responsibilities. However, wasn't something done wrong? Shouldn't the staff meeting about the incident be before giving the verdict? I loved that Fifth was suspended for an on-campus fight with an outsider. I thought it would be swept under the carpet because he's a main character. I do believe this is the first real subversion of expectations in an Oxin Production ever! Angelgrace is proving to be a great actress. Her character having more to do in this episode was welcomed. Her chemistry with both main stars is perfect. She was just perfectly used to be a bit of exposition with Zeke that he still had feelings for Kevin, and exploring some of Fifth's insecurities. That's how an ally/ friend to a couple should be used. Let's see more of her in this role, please. The acting/ chemistry of Hero and Jericho was, again, off the scales. These two bounce off each other among the best in the industry!
The bad: Where do I start? Xion, dear Xion, I am in no way a professional script writer, not even near the industry, and I can tell you the script needs more polish! Yes, in writing something, even this tirade, there is a first draft and corrections. You can't get some aspiring writers, freelancers, amateurs, people waiting for a flight in Ninoy Aquino, homeless people in Manilla, or anybody to read the scripts and clean them up? All these characters are suffering from bad writing! Please do not waste Hero and Jericho! Why are we not getting Fifth's back story? We keep getting hints of his strained relationship with his dad. Where's that story? Infinitely more interesting than Kim, Jelai, or Chuck Chuck, it would add character development and motivation! Hell, even Sky's mom doing Zumba will be more interesting than the side stories! If Fifth was going to the bathroom why was he carrying the cake with him? Did he think Iris would eat it if he left it on the table? Was he going to use the bathroom while still holding it? Xion, this is why you're the Director: to direct! Don't get me started on Oliver, Joel, Jason. Just don't. Also, how did Kevin become friends with Oliver? When? how?
Xion, your cinematography is great. Your production values are high. You actually have sponsors. You have one of the greatest duos in BL for a long time. You have the opportunity to make history with Iris in a Pinoy GL. Why are you wasting it? Why Xion?
I hope Hiro and Jericho could sign with a better studio to explore their innate chemistry. Globe Studios, or whatever you are calling yourself these days, sign these guys, and let's get a script as powerful as Gaya Sa Pelikula.
That scene with Vet trying to play the guitar: have we even given up on attempting to try to have a coherent story? You just turn on the camera now and print the actors just joking around???
Jelai, the Dean, and the Director gossiping about students' sex lives in the open??? What the royal . .. . . . .???
But, wow, Krissy actually made a good, non-cringy joke this season! Has to be the best joke in all of Oxindom! She said she has a blue tick and didn't have to pay for it! Wow!
Please, please, please do something with Iris! This could be groundbreaking GL in Pinoy and Asian drama!
I'll leave it there. Too much to talk about. While it's not the train barreling down the track on fire and a commuter train stalled 200 meters down, so horrid you still can't help but watch, (that was Rainbow Prince) this dumpster fire is, at least, providing some warmth with FifthZeks. Some.
Who takes a loaf of bread to a date? These PPLs are hilarious!!!
As only the Thai's could do product placement without just blatently breaking the 4th wall and turinig to the camera! Also, remember the app is convenient to use!
Overall decent. Kisses between all the couples were good. I was irritated by the crying and lots of characters…
The writing was pointing to Tammy being bad, but it wasn't a sudden turn. She never had ill intentions. Even with Yang, she said their relationship was strained because of her work, not that she was cheating or anything like that. It was nice that she really was an ally from the start and not a toxic stick in the mud. I think it was a fair turnaround that she was able to become a famous writer with their story because Little Sun became well-known due to her popularity.
So happy to finally see a BL that's not about college students! Not a uniform or class in sight! Good chemistry with the cast, supporting and all. Every single character grew from the beginning to the end. That was amazing to see. Also, the main antagonist wasn't as toxic as she was being built up to be. Refreshing. The development of Phumjai was epic. From, basically, a spoiled child to a leader was quite refreshing to see. His maturity level over the series was well-paced, going from an immature person to a business leader. Good and wholesome, but the timeline doesn't add up. Did Phojai really spend 3 months with the gangsta? Where were Phojai's and Phumjai's parents during his missing time? Weren't they concerned for their son? I did love this one, though. The reveal at the end where Phumjai knew his brother and friend were a couple was nice. When they had their heartfelt moment at the grill was something we don't see in dramas between siblings. Bowgie saying he could finally go home and reconcile with his family due to Little Sun was great, although it was off-screen. This has to be one of Ngern's best roles. He had a full range of emotions, from angry to sad to happy. He portrayed his character very well. Here's also to hoping to see more of Sam. Finally, a fully non-fair person actually plays a respectable part in the plot! I wasn't really expecting to be immersed in this one, but job well done!
What are you doing to us FifthZeke fans? What in heaven's name was that chat with Moms? How would that allay any fears Fifth has about Kevin? Diyus kó! How could she tell my boy Fifth that Kevin was the love of Zeke's life and set anything but more grief in Fifth? I'm sorry or not for this comment but is Easy Ferrer a pen name for Cortana or Bixby writing this script? It can't be Chat GPT or even Alexa. Get some film students from the very same school these guys attend to review the script! Then, again, with Long Distance, Long Term Jelai as Dean, this might actually be the quality!
What's the deal with JasonJoel? This whole Oliver instance was handled so poorly! In no reality would Joel have reacted to Oliver's passes in such a manner. Wouldn't it have been better for Joel to actually be angry about Jason using his image on the app? Come on, Xion, just take a walk in reality and try to write these characters with proper motivations! Jason using Joel's image was a good start. He is insecure and lacks the confidence that Oliver would like him. Good set-up. What came after just rolled the barrel downhill to the depths of silliness and incomprehensible craziness. Come on Xion, we can do better!
Was Jelai actually celebrating the end of his long-distance, long-term (Sumpain ito! You have me doing it now!) relationship? Huh? What? At least we won't have to hear that infernal phrase anymore. Fingers crossed.
Again: nobody cares about Kim, Korean, Lackey, or the vet. Why are we subjected to this mess of a plot? Exit! Exit! Exit! At least it was quite a sideline in this episode. Also, Xion, please do more than one take when a scene is not perfect. That outdoor cafe scene with Kim and Vet was like some sort of high school production, all sorts of awkward. Timings and marks were off. I'm not even in the film business and I could see that!
I know we have a ton of episodes left. You keep hinting at Fifth's family. Why don't we explore that? You could have built up Fifth to at least give us some motivation to him wanting to repair Kevin and Zeke's relationship, other than Fifth looked happy in pictures.
Iris, my dear Xion, could be a gold, diamond, and platinum mine that also has plutonium and Jadeite. Please, please help develop her. Don't let her just be a vehicle to mirror Zeke's feelings or an echo of what he is going through. Her heartbreak in this episode could be a catalyst for a record-breaking GL character in a Phillipino drama! Don't waste the opportunity!
When the show has some clarity it tries to shine through the larger storm clouds that are the rest of the production. The scene with Sky's (and now his bro/ sis's) mom and Fifth had the makings of a powerful scene. The arguing between the boys was done quite well. You didn't think I'd catch the comment about the cringe, did you? But good you have taken note of the more cringy scenes not being loved by the fandom. Mabuti para sa iyo and salamat.
Episode 4 was, most possibly, the most coherent episode of any of your productions. See, when we leave the cringy crap and toilet talk behind we can get something that is almost good. Almost.
Again, Fifth and Zeke have a chemistry that's more on fire than sodium and water. All the GMM ships don't compare to what Hiro and Jericho have. That little bed scene where Zeke wasn't in the mood was quite well played. The blocking was perfect, the script was tight, the acting electrifying. Jericho is amazing.
Now onto the failings.
What is this rubbish with Kim? Who's really interested if she thinks Korea is gay? Wrap this crap up already. Play the exit music and see her, Korea, the lacky, and the vet walk off stage left, right, centre, up, down, wherever. Just get rid of them. A hetero couple in a BL could be a boon. A hetero-love triangle could be interesting. This is neither. How is Kim even a businessperson? With the sort of decisions she makes that company would have a net worth of a big fat zero by now. The bank should be seizing every peso, piece of cloth and Chuck Chuck in sight to recover its loss.
Jerome Jelai - who cares? I've heard, "Long-term, long-distance relationship," so many times now that even if I'm in one I'm calling it something else. In this episode, Jelai was, mercifully, not as cringeworthy as he usually is. Thank langit (heaven) for small mercies, but what's the use of them? They are neither, again, interesting nor timeworthy.
Joel Jason Oliver - wasted opportunity. Could have been better played to give us an actual love triangle instead of whatever this is. Let's get a better writing team on this trio, please. The clothing sniffing was cringy, but amazingly from the numerous other cringeworthy things in Oxin Productions, it was funnier and, hopefully, developing a love square if you play it correctly.
What's with the introduction of another character now? As if we don't have enough cast suddenly a wildcard appears? Sky's brother couldn't be contacted at his school for his father's funeral. Really? Do you really want to interject another character to take time away from Fifth Zeke, Joel, Jason, Oliver, and undies sniffer? Where's Iris? She is an infinitely more interesting character and we didn't even see her in this episode. O, Xion . . .
And, lastly, the biggest failing: what are you really doing with Fifth? His development in the last story was so great. He and Zeke were more amazing than anything Sky could muster at his best. I could see him curious about Kevin but to the extent of betraying Zeke like that? Dude, come on! He knows how Zeke is. We know Zeke too. The bed scene had Zeke asking him outright if he would betray him and you come and do this? We could have seen Kevin stalking Zeke and Fifth trying to convince him to at least talk. We could have seen Kevin stalking Fifth and Zeke getting jealous that way. We could have seen any number of scenarios than what you're giving us. I thought if done correctly Fifth trying to reconcile Kevin and Zeke could have been good, but now I see not.
Xion, Xion, Xion. Dude. You have an amazing property. I'll keep saying it like Jalai and his relationship status. Fifth Zeke has the chemistry of Gavreel and Cairo (Gameboys); Vlad and Karl (Gaya Sa Pelikula); Teh and Oh-aew (I Told Sunset About You), among the greats. Please don't kill them with a crappy story.
For the first time, my dear Xion, you're almost giving us what we want. This episode focused more on Fifth Zeke and that's what we're here for! The scene between them in the bedroom was almost Gameboys level of intense. That's what we want: believable, non-cringy scenes with the main protagonists that actually carry the story forward and add character development. Hero and Jericho: amazing acting and chemistry. I think this was the best scene in any Oxin Film production to date. I will keep saying these two are the best couple in the BLverse we've seen in a while. I'm not fully sold on Fifth actually talking to Kevin, but, say what, we need the conflict and test to the relationship. I can actually see FIfth being curious to that level. Fifth's phone conversation opening with him telling his father he doesn't want to talk to him adds another dimension to the character. Let's get some of that, please. We got less of Miss Kim and Jelai. Thank you! Now just write them out next episode. Kim gets the Doctor, the Korean, or his lackey. In the words of IV of Spades, "I don't care." Jelai should just disappear to go to his long-term whatever-we-don't-care-about significant other wherever-we-don't-care-about he is on the planet. Please let the Director fire him for misconduct with students just for his cringy manner of speech with them and never show up again. Iris is a far more interesting character than any of the others, besides the lead and second couple. Let's get her background and development, please. Seeing Fifth talking to her and getting close was also good. I'm not really sold on the Jason Joel quest. Jason took it too easy. I mean the scene with Oliver was a little, sorry, very, cringe. Him wanting Joel to engage in that activity right there in the detention room was terrible. A little gentle flirting and suggestion could have been better. Wouldn't Joel have been more mad at Jason for what transpired there at least? Also, Oxin Films needs to hire a continuity person or team. The most glaring example is the breakfast scene. Fifth helps himself to a heaping plate and doesn't really eat, but the far shot shows a completely empty plate. There are several instances like this throughout the series and Oxin productions in general. Clothing will change from shot to shot, lighting will be off, and many other small nags like that. Xion, dude, you have an amazing property by casting Hero and Jericho. Please, please don't let it go to waste.
FifthZeke! FifthZeke! FifthZeke! Zion, come on dude! We're all here for FifthZeke, not Chuckchuck, not Kim, and certainly not Jelai and his out-of-timing comments and behaviour! Let's forget about them, please!
FifthZeke is in all honesty one of the best and freshest couples in BL. The chemistry, the story of their relationship, and even their interactions with other characters are mostly a joy to watch. Give us more of that! We could really do without the toilet humour that seems to open every episode too. Give us a better cold opening, please!
Zion, I'll say it again, your establishing shots are gorgeous. Your sound work is one of the best in Asia. Even with the background and wind noise you manage to clearly hear and focus on the characters speaking. Please, we just need you to focus on the story proper and the main characters. Tighten up your script. Any number of fans would love to edit for you, even for free, so we can get some contiguous stories and not a mess of improv that does nothing for our characters.
My goodness Xion. You have one of the best couples in BL for a while. All the chemistry is there, the actors are amazing and you're letting it wash down the drain?
Why don't we get something focused on Fifth Zeke only? Why must we have all the unnecessary side stories about Kim with Mr. Korea and Jelai with the new PE teacher? Couldn't these just be really far background support characters? Jason and Joel could have had the other side stories with the, hopefully, GL characters rounding it out.
Your establishing shots are just gorgeous. Hero and Jericho are fire together. Jason using Joel's picture in the app and the introduction of someone from Zeke's past is just a good amount of conflict. Please, please do not mess this one up!
Loved it! Mame you're a genius! The only small nibble I have is that we could have explored the family fall-out a little more. We could have seen more of Lom's mom coming to terms with him liking a guy. A meeting with her and Nuea going from uncomfortable to accepting would have been the proverbial topping on the wedding cake (see what I did there?). Likeable, well developed characters with great motivations. Support characters did just that: the right amount of support without bogging down the leads. Well done Mame! And you signing the book at the beginning: priceless 😀
You had something mind-blowing here. Had. Fifth and Zeke are amazing characters with epic, well-rounded backgrounds that are not being used! Hiro and Jericho, I keep saying, are great actors with amazing chemistry between themselves and among the cast. Why, oh why, are we misusing them like this? Why Xion, why?
Saying that some good was done with Fifth's background. Those actors held their own. Apollo Abraham had the striking screen presence of a chiseled ex-military officer in all his scenes. Gaye Piccio gave us the battle-hardy military wife defending her children. The way Fifth overheard their fight was, actually, quite believable too. Well done. See, when we get rid of the cringy and choose a direction (yes direction) we can almost produce (yes produce) a good drama emerging from the rest of the BS, Xion. The script in these scenes was tight, the emotions believable. Pity this wasn't so for the rest of the episode and series.
The exposition of the sister committing suicide was done somewhat tastefully, but some more explanation would have been nice. Hope we get more background of Fifth's home life and that it's not a forgotten plot. The cancer card was a well-used trope, but good motivation to get him home.
It's nice, Xion, to see that Zeke has lost his motivation to take pictures. He did say meeting Fifth gave him back that passion. I do hope, Xion, that we are going to use that properly. The small references every now and then about Zeke not having that spark anymore is how to use something to explain a character's motivation without it being annoyingly overused as a certain phrase I will not be repeating. This was well done.
That was the good from this episode. Now to the bad.
Goodness gracious me! Mio dios! Diyos ko! 我的上帝! พระเจ้า! हे भगवान!
Mama Linda and Fifth have a good relationship. She seems to be over her kick-everybody-out phase, but her advice really, really sucks. She is in no way an ally or even acts as a proper sympathetic mother. Her advice is just so out of this world! Come on! I did like how she said Fifth's upbringing made him who he is. However, Xion, this was a good place to have some flashbacks so we could understand Fifth more. This was also a great opportunity to bring Sky's dad's memory into this story. We still remember his passing, don't we Xion? You missed the mark to correctly bring up the forgiveness theme Discount Sue Prado was trying to attempt to bestow upon Zeke at the best of the worst times.
Xion, dear Xion, what's this about Iris missing? She's actually missing this time and we just didn't forget to write her into the episode Xion? Did Matt kidnap her? Does he have her in a shed behind his house? Or his basement? Is she off doing SOGIE things? We had no build-up or motivation for her to be AWOL, so is this some late attempt to bring drama into a, well, drama? Talk about a royal misuse of a good character, well, like all the good characters in this story . . .
Jason, Joel, Oliver. Eh? Jason texting Joel like that? Didn't we want to pay James to actually be in the room? A face-to-face would have been oodles better to cement the friendship more! Come on Xion? Gosh! Please get someone, anyone, even someone who doesn't even speak Tagalog to review the script! And, while on that topic, Oliver exposing his plot in such a quick and unsatisfying manner was good for you? Eh, Xion? Also, didn't Jason know Oliver was plotting against them? Another plot we forgot, Xion?
As if this wasn't enough why do we have Kevin suddenly want to spend every waking and sleeping moment with Zeke? Doesn't he have his own family, or are they in New York? At least Discount Sue Prado is telling him he should go home. Well done. Well, not really, but you get the idea.
Oh. Almost forgot about Kim, Zim, or what's his name, and Vet. Why do we even have that story? The money saved by using Google Translate for the Korean scenes could have hired a good musical scorer for the very least! If we couldn't get Patricia Lasaten couldn't we look for anyone else???
Which brings me to the score. Yes, Xion, We get it: it's Christmas time. But do we need Christmas music over serious scenes? Diyos ko!
That Jelai and Jerome. The less said the better . . .
Xion, I know continuity is not your strong suit but is it hard to be consistent? Miguel Bien is doing a good job with costuming, but he needs an assistant to keep track of the actually used costumes between different scenes for consistency!
Xion, Xion, Xion. Each episode has some scenes that show how good this drama could be. Your talent as a director and producer is to, honestly, couch the good in so much bad that it cannot even be seen by the fandom! Hiro and Jericho are chemistry. Sadly you've put kerosine on sodium into that mix and made that good chemistry melt into something disastrous on the scale of Chernobyl and Fukushima combined. Sad.
Dude, WTH?
At least Mama Linda went back to her old self from her screeching ways of kicking people out.
Again, Hiro and Jericho are epic actors with what is given to them. Hiro takes the Best Actor With the Worst Crap Award in this episode. His acting is so earnest and on-point.
But:
Let's talk about the Christmas music. Xion, dude, WTH? Really amazing scene with Fifth crying and you put Christmas music about a savior being born! Diyos ko!
Yes, Fifth may have overreacted. With the bad storytelling, I'll still give that tiny concession. Again I say may have. However, he did see Zeke about to kiss Kevin from his POV (holding the cake no less) on his way to the bathroom. Why is everyone telling him he is wrong? Did not one character realise what Zeke did? Not one is holding Zeke responsible for not opening the channels of communication? Well, at least that's somewhat in character for Zeke. It is well established at this phase that he prefers to run from problems than confront them. Just the stairs we took to get there felt like climbing Mount Everest with only joggers on.
I'm happy Iris is having a somewhat happy time, but don't we think, Xion, that's it just a little rushed and ridiculous? Couldn't we have some time to see the relationship grow? Suddenly that couple is at Netflix and chill?
Discount Sue Prado (sorry she's not credited) just seems to have a knack for making things worse. WTH was that dialogue between her and Fifth? That character is just the worst in a long line of worsts!
Xion, can you not decide what you really want this series to be about? Suddenly we have an NC scene straight out of Elite. Are we going in that direction? O, wait, that was just a one-off that was meant to be steamy after talk of corn and I don't want to go there.
Then, suddenly, Xion, we are switching gears, yet again, and introducing a SOGIE theme. Was this ever built up or even hinted at? O, Xion. If that wasn't bad enough we get an advert for cookies at the time Iris and company wants to talk about this serious topic affecting the college! Diyos ko!
Xion, making Jelai some sort of victim still doesn't make that story any more interesting. I do hope you have some long-term (sumpain ito, I'm using it now!) goal and reward with that story.
Kim, dear Xion, could be taking both of her admirers for an NC 3-some after drinking all the Soju in Manilla and we still won't care!
"Continuity" seems to be a curse word for you, Xion. Costumes shift scene to scene with no real huge passage of time to account for this. Maybe I don't understand as a non-Filipino, but do Pinoys have a team running around with them like Queen Amidala to be constantly refreshing their clothing?
O, and why do we have Zeke driving and talking on his phone with no seatbelt? Good example for teen drivers, Xion, although, at this point, all teens have probably switched to something else.
Xion. Your skill is creating these multi-vehicle wrecks that are as watchable as the opening scenes in any of the Final Destination movies, but not as good. The issue is that your wrecks make little sense and could, actually, kill the budding careers of Hiro and Jericho. I do, sincerely, hope they are not sunk to the depths of this hulking Titanic of a wreck.
When he slept with Top there were two consenting people. Top is very much to blame equally. Mew could have been a little more accommodating than telling Boston he would be alone forever. Quite happy to get back into Top's 10/10 fancy penthouse bed, but giving Boston such a curse. Not nice.
Firstly I can see the makings of a great drama. Makings. The story flowed more coherently, there was some point to the scenes, and the story almost progressed well. As well as we can progress in this mess that has been created.
The characters are just all over the place. Are Jason and Joel really angry with each other? Does Krissy have some unknown omnipotent power to crazy glue back relationships? It was nice to see them reconcile though. It had some emotional weight. See when something is properly scripted it can make sense. The speed of their making-up was a little rushed, but at this stage, we will take what we get. Is Oliver with Joel now? Is he over his revenge? Did we forget that little plot element?
What did you do to my sweet Tita Sky's mom (can't remember her name)? When did she become this mean character threatening to kick people out? Her daughter is now a big-shot spa owner so she forgot she took borders to help with the finances? This is so out of character for her!
I loved that Jason and Iris had so much more to do here! Jason is such an underrated character! Philip can act. Give him proper usage! The scene with him and Fifth was almost perfect. That's brotherly support!
Again, Xion, the timeline is all sorts of mess. We see Zeke and Kevin in the room. We see they don't leave. How did Zeke leave to meet with his mom without Kevin knowing? Wasn't he using Kevin's clothing, or did he have an entire wardrobe in the car? Come on, Xion, we need to fix errors in the timeline so they make some semblance of sense!
The actress playing Zeke's mom is no Sue Prado but she works. The conversation had some feeling but the theme was sort of off. Yes, it's understandable to forgive people but her husband cheated! How does she have to forgive herself and forgive other people before they die? Huh?
The attempted suicide scene. Gosh, Xion, again another opportunity lost to make a meaningful contribution to dramadom! Suicide is nothing to play around with. Zeke approaching the pool had quite a fierce intensity. His flashbacks did well to telegraph to us the weight on his shoulders. Well done Jericho. However, Xion, you wasted it. Out of nowhere comes our hero (no pun intended) Kevin (out of nowhere!) to save him. The last time we saw Kevin he was at the club. Zeke drove off, seemingly randomly. How did Kevin "follow" him? How? Satellite intelligence? 1898 is magic? Alright. Kevin's amazing powers aside, we don't get any discussion about it. Kevin never contacts Zeke's friends. Doesn't he think someone would be worried about him? We know Kevin has Fifth's phone number. For the very least we could have brought in Iris to cement her role as an ally!
The explanation of Zeke confessing to Kevin was, again, well done. We understand the motivations of the characters. It made Kevin less of a bad guy. We see some inklings of good writing. Easy did his job there, or did you take my advice to get anyone to read the script? We could actually understand Kevin distancing himself after the shock of the confession, and Zeke falling apart.
How in hell, heaven, and all seven thousand realms of the afterlife in all of sci-fi and video games does Kim run a business? You have a freeking make or break fashion show, basically your bread and butter, and you can't even properly schedule your models? Do you have to call in amateurs known by your photographer? This is not the first time either. Kim, get your act together! Well, at least it was better than a Chuck Chuck lost scene, but only marginally. I'm no fashion critic, but let's not go there. Just like Kevin, Vet suddenly appears. These powers of finding people are just uncanny, huh Xion?
Lorraine defending Iris was another good scene that had to be spoilt with Jelai screeching at the top of his lungs. I've read that Gio Emprese is a good actor. If I have to go with his appearances in Oxin Films he won't get any work from me, Xion! At least the staff meeting came after the incident although no verdict was reached. However, we just had an almost conversation about bullying and we see Jelai virtually bullying Mrs. Alcantara!
I don't like what you did to my boy Fifth. Yes, he has the world on his shoulders even before Zeke. Yes, he has other issues that we still don't really know about. But, would he really become an alcoholic in that short time? He works hard for extra money only to now throw it away as an upscale club? Would he treat people like Sky's mom in that manner? Hiro's acting, though, is on point. He can really act with what is given to him.
Xion, there is a concept in film we call "continuity." the definition according to descript is:
"... continuity is the notion that a sequence of shots all need to feel as unified and fluid as if they were a single shot. If a director chooses to cut from one shot to another, audiences should feel like nothing has changed in terms of time and space."
https://www.descript.com/blog/article/the-importance-of-continuity-editing-in-film-and-video
Please, please have someone see about this very critical aspect of a story! We can't have the actors dressed a certain way, then suddenly another with no passage of time! Miguel Bien is credited as your Wardrobe/ Stylist. He is doing a bang-up job, but he already has his hands full! Let's get someone in charge of continuity! In the credits, there is no body in charge of this and it shows!
Xion. We can see the makings of a competent drama. Please use Hiro and Jericho in a good project properly! Let's develop a good script, a competent story, and get some better directing (no offense, well some meant) for these two amazing up-and-coming actors!
I'm addressing this to you once again.
On behalf of all the fans, WTH?
While this last episode, 7, was quite coherent, honestly what are your people really doing?
The positives:
When we remove the crappy cringe we can almost make a coherent episode. The discord between the Coach and Zeke and him tapping Joel was almost well played. We can see a coach or PE teacher actually behaving like this.
At least it was Kim lite. This is still too much of Kim, Korean, Vet, but, like a very bitter medicine, it was mercifully quick if not well done. I'm sure nobody is watching for their love triangle. Make it a quadrangle with the lacky proclaiming love for Mr. Korea and we still won't care. Throw in the vet's assistant and make it a love pentagram we still won't care.
This has to be the one episode where we didn't hear, "Long-term long-distance relationship." Thank you!
Jelai finally found a good footing! He did his job as a part of the staff of the college! He actually showed some authority as a Dean! Yay! This is how we use established characters in their roles and responsibilities. However, wasn't something done wrong? Shouldn't the staff meeting about the incident be before giving the verdict?
I loved that Fifth was suspended for an on-campus fight with an outsider. I thought it would be swept under the carpet because he's a main character. I do believe this is the first real subversion of expectations in an Oxin Production ever!
Angelgrace is proving to be a great actress. Her character having more to do in this episode was welcomed. Her chemistry with both main stars is perfect. She was just perfectly used to be a bit of exposition with Zeke that he still had feelings for Kevin, and exploring some of Fifth's insecurities. That's how an ally/ friend to a couple should be used. Let's see more of her in this role, please.
The acting/ chemistry of Hero and Jericho was, again, off the scales. These two bounce off each other among the best in the industry!
The bad:
Where do I start?
Xion, dear Xion, I am in no way a professional script writer, not even near the industry, and I can tell you the script needs more polish! Yes, in writing something, even this tirade, there is a first draft and corrections. You can't get some aspiring writers, freelancers, amateurs, people waiting for a flight in Ninoy Aquino, homeless people in Manilla, or anybody to read the scripts and clean them up? All these characters are suffering from bad writing! Please do not waste Hero and Jericho!
Why are we not getting Fifth's back story? We keep getting hints of his strained relationship with his dad. Where's that story? Infinitely more interesting than Kim, Jelai, or Chuck Chuck, it would add character development and motivation! Hell, even Sky's mom doing Zumba will be more interesting than the side stories!
If Fifth was going to the bathroom why was he carrying the cake with him? Did he think Iris would eat it if he left it on the table? Was he going to use the bathroom while still holding it? Xion, this is why you're the Director: to direct!
Don't get me started on Oliver, Joel, Jason. Just don't. Also, how did Kevin become friends with Oliver? When? how?
Xion, your cinematography is great. Your production values are high. You actually have sponsors. You have one of the greatest duos in BL for a long time. You have the opportunity to make history with Iris in a Pinoy GL. Why are you wasting it? Why Xion?
I hope Hiro and Jericho could sign with a better studio to explore their innate chemistry. Globe Studios, or whatever you are calling yourself these days, sign these guys, and let's get a script as powerful as Gaya Sa Pelikula.
That scene with Vet trying to play the guitar: have we even given up on attempting to try to have a coherent story? You just turn on the camera now and print the actors just joking around???
Jelai, the Dean, and the Director gossiping about students' sex lives in the open??? What the royal . .. . . . .???
But, wow, Krissy actually made a good, non-cringy joke this season! Has to be the best joke in all of Oxindom! She said she has a blue tick and didn't have to pay for it! Wow!
Please, please, please do something with Iris! This could be groundbreaking GL in Pinoy and Asian drama!
I'll leave it there. Too much to talk about. While it's not the train barreling down the track on fire and a commuter train stalled 200 meters down, so horrid you still can't help but watch, (that was Rainbow Prince) this dumpster fire is, at least, providing some warmth with FifthZeks. Some.
Also, remember the app is convenient to use!
The development of Phumjai was epic. From, basically, a spoiled child to a leader was quite refreshing to see. His maturity level over the series was well-paced, going from an immature person to a business leader.
Good and wholesome, but the timeline doesn't add up. Did Phojai really spend 3 months with the gangsta? Where were Phojai's and Phumjai's parents during his missing time? Weren't they concerned for their son?
I did love this one, though. The reveal at the end where Phumjai knew his brother and friend were a couple was nice. When they had their heartfelt moment at the grill was something we don't see in dramas between siblings. Bowgie saying he could finally go home and reconcile with his family due to Little Sun was great, although it was off-screen.
This has to be one of Ngern's best roles. He had a full range of emotions, from angry to sad to happy. He portrayed his character very well.
Here's also to hoping to see more of Sam. Finally, a fully non-fair person actually plays a respectable part in the plot!
I wasn't really expecting to be immersed in this one, but job well done!
What are you doing to us FifthZeke fans? What in heaven's name was that chat with Moms? How would that allay any fears Fifth has about Kevin? Diyus kó! How could she tell my boy Fifth that Kevin was the love of Zeke's life and set anything but more grief in Fifth? I'm sorry or not for this comment but is Easy Ferrer a pen name for Cortana or Bixby writing this script? It can't be Chat GPT or even Alexa. Get some film students from the very same school these guys attend to review the script! Then, again, with Long Distance, Long Term Jelai as Dean, this might actually be the quality!
What's the deal with JasonJoel? This whole Oliver instance was handled so poorly! In no reality would Joel have reacted to Oliver's passes in such a manner. Wouldn't it have been better for Joel to actually be angry about Jason using his image on the app? Come on, Xion, just take a walk in reality and try to write these characters with proper motivations! Jason using Joel's image was a good start. He is insecure and lacks the confidence that Oliver would like him. Good set-up. What came after just rolled the barrel downhill to the depths of silliness and incomprehensible craziness. Come on Xion, we can do better!
Was Jelai actually celebrating the end of his long-distance, long-term (Sumpain ito! You have me doing it now!) relationship? Huh? What? At least we won't have to hear that infernal phrase anymore. Fingers crossed.
Again: nobody cares about Kim, Korean, Lackey, or the vet. Why are we subjected to this mess of a plot? Exit! Exit! Exit! At least it was quite a sideline in this episode. Also, Xion, please do more than one take when a scene is not perfect. That outdoor cafe scene with Kim and Vet was like some sort of high school production, all sorts of awkward. Timings and marks were off. I'm not even in the film business and I could see that!
I know we have a ton of episodes left. You keep hinting at Fifth's family. Why don't we explore that? You could have built up Fifth to at least give us some motivation to him wanting to repair Kevin and Zeke's relationship, other than Fifth looked happy in pictures.
Iris, my dear Xion, could be a gold, diamond, and platinum mine that also has plutonium and Jadeite. Please, please help develop her. Don't let her just be a vehicle to mirror Zeke's feelings or an echo of what he is going through. Her heartbreak in this episode could be a catalyst for a record-breaking GL character in a Phillipino drama! Don't waste the opportunity!
When the show has some clarity it tries to shine through the larger storm clouds that are the rest of the production. The scene with Sky's (and now his bro/ sis's) mom and Fifth had the makings of a powerful scene. The arguing between the boys was done quite well. You didn't think I'd catch the comment about the cringe, did you? But good you have taken note of the more cringy scenes not being loved by the fandom. Mabuti para sa iyo and salamat.
Xion, we can do better.
P.S. Was the sound just lightly off this episode?
Episode 4 was, most possibly, the most coherent episode of any of your productions. See, when we leave the cringy crap and toilet talk behind we can get something that is almost good. Almost.
Again, Fifth and Zeke have a chemistry that's more on fire than sodium and water. All the GMM ships don't compare to what Hiro and Jericho have. That little bed scene where Zeke wasn't in the mood was quite well played. The blocking was perfect, the script was tight, the acting electrifying. Jericho is amazing.
Now onto the failings.
What is this rubbish with Kim? Who's really interested if she thinks Korea is gay? Wrap this crap up already. Play the exit music and see her, Korea, the lacky, and the vet walk off stage left, right, centre, up, down, wherever. Just get rid of them. A hetero couple in a BL could be a boon. A hetero-love triangle could be interesting. This is neither. How is Kim even a businessperson? With the sort of decisions she makes that company would have a net worth of a big fat zero by now. The bank should be seizing every peso, piece of cloth and Chuck Chuck in sight to recover its loss.
Jerome Jelai - who cares? I've heard, "Long-term, long-distance relationship," so many times now that even if I'm in one I'm calling it something else. In this episode, Jelai was, mercifully, not as cringeworthy as he usually is. Thank langit (heaven) for small mercies, but what's the use of them? They are neither, again, interesting nor timeworthy.
Joel Jason Oliver - wasted opportunity. Could have been better played to give us an actual love triangle instead of whatever this is. Let's get a better writing team on this trio, please. The clothing sniffing was cringy, but amazingly from the numerous other cringeworthy things in Oxin Productions, it was funnier and, hopefully, developing a love square if you play it correctly.
What's with the introduction of another character now? As if we don't have enough cast suddenly a wildcard appears? Sky's brother couldn't be contacted at his school for his father's funeral. Really? Do you really want to interject another character to take time away from Fifth Zeke, Joel, Jason, Oliver, and undies sniffer? Where's Iris? She is an infinitely more interesting character and we didn't even see her in this episode. O, Xion . . .
And, lastly, the biggest failing: what are you really doing with Fifth? His development in the last story was so great. He and Zeke were more amazing than anything Sky could muster at his best. I could see him curious about Kevin but to the extent of betraying Zeke like that? Dude, come on! He knows how Zeke is. We know Zeke too. The bed scene had Zeke asking him outright if he would betray him and you come and do this? We could have seen Kevin stalking Zeke and Fifth trying to convince him to at least talk. We could have seen Kevin stalking Fifth and Zeke getting jealous that way. We could have seen any number of scenarios than what you're giving us. I thought if done correctly Fifth trying to reconcile Kevin and Zeke could have been good, but now I see not.
Xion, Xion, Xion. Dude. You have an amazing property. I'll keep saying it like Jalai and his relationship status. Fifth Zeke has the chemistry of Gavreel and Cairo (Gameboys); Vlad and Karl (Gaya Sa Pelikula); Teh and Oh-aew (I Told Sunset About You), among the greats. Please don't kill them with a crappy story.
The scene between them in the bedroom was almost Gameboys level of intense. That's what we want: believable, non-cringy scenes with the main protagonists that actually carry the story forward and add character development. Hero and Jericho: amazing acting and chemistry. I think this was the best scene in any Oxin Film production to date. I will keep saying these two are the best couple in the BLverse we've seen in a while. I'm not fully sold on Fifth actually talking to Kevin, but, say what, we need the conflict and test to the relationship. I can actually see FIfth being curious to that level.
Fifth's phone conversation opening with him telling his father he doesn't want to talk to him adds another dimension to the character. Let's get some of that, please.
We got less of Miss Kim and Jelai. Thank you! Now just write them out next episode. Kim gets the Doctor, the Korean, or his lackey. In the words of IV of Spades, "I don't care." Jelai should just disappear to go to his long-term whatever-we-don't-care-about significant other wherever-we-don't-care-about he is on the planet. Please let the Director fire him for misconduct with students just for his cringy manner of speech with them and never show up again.
Iris is a far more interesting character than any of the others, besides the lead and second couple. Let's get her background and development, please. Seeing Fifth talking to her and getting close was also good.
I'm not really sold on the Jason Joel quest. Jason took it too easy. I mean the scene with Oliver was a little, sorry, very, cringe. Him wanting Joel to engage in that activity right there in the detention room was terrible. A little gentle flirting and suggestion could have been better. Wouldn't Joel have been more mad at Jason for what transpired there at least?
Also, Oxin Films needs to hire a continuity person or team. The most glaring example is the breakfast scene. Fifth helps himself to a heaping plate and doesn't really eat, but the far shot shows a completely empty plate. There are several instances like this throughout the series and Oxin productions in general. Clothing will change from shot to shot, lighting will be off, and many other small nags like that.
Xion, dude, you have an amazing property by casting Hero and Jericho. Please, please don't let it go to waste.
FifthZeke is in all honesty one of the best and freshest couples in BL. The chemistry, the story of their relationship, and even their interactions with other characters are mostly a joy to watch. Give us more of that! We could really do without the toilet humour that seems to open every episode too. Give us a better cold opening, please!
Zion, I'll say it again, your establishing shots are gorgeous. Your sound work is one of the best in Asia. Even with the background and wind noise you manage to clearly hear and focus on the characters speaking. Please, we just need you to focus on the story proper and the main characters. Tighten up your script. Any number of fans would love to edit for you, even for free, so we can get some contiguous stories and not a mess of improv that does nothing for our characters.
Why don't we get something focused on Fifth Zeke only? Why must we have all the unnecessary side stories about Kim with Mr. Korea and Jelai with the new PE teacher? Couldn't these just be really far background support characters? Jason and Joel could have had the other side stories with the, hopefully, GL characters rounding it out.
Your establishing shots are just gorgeous. Hero and Jericho are fire together. Jason using Joel's picture in the app and the introduction of someone from Zeke's past is just a good amount of conflict. Please, please do not mess this one up!
The only small nibble I have is that we could have explored the family fall-out a little more. We could have seen more of Lom's mom coming to terms with him liking a guy. A meeting with her and Nuea going from uncomfortable to accepting would have been the proverbial topping on the wedding cake (see what I did there?).
Likeable, well developed characters with great motivations. Support characters did just that: the right amount of support without bogging down the leads.
Well done Mame! And you signing the book at the beginning: priceless 😀