Pinoy BL Series

As the penultimate episode, Episode 7: An Open Book was supposed to be an important set-up for the finale. It wasn't. Other than the continuous worsening of Damon's condition, nothing significant happened on this episode. Script had confused lines and corny dialogues. Angels, who are celestial intermediaries between God and humanity, were muddled with ghosts, which are spirits of dead people. The long explanation for the rainbow flag was cringy. Given the series' poor direction and problematic screenplay, it's quite amazing that Enzo and Kaleb were still able to transcend these weaknesses with their good acting. Audio-visuals remained uneven. I can barely hear some of the words uttered. While the dark bedroom scene was nice at first, it lost its dramatic impact because the scene was prolonged. I don't know how this series will end. I hope it's not another bury your gay trope ending.

On Episode 5: Divulgence, all the cheating and faking finally took a toll on Elmo and he confessed the truth to Nathan. At least the plot/storyline progressed on this episode. Script had corny lines. The dramatic scenes between Elmo and Sarah and Elmo and Nathan exposed Buknoy and Feng's weak performances. They overacted. Production technicals were similar to previous episodes. Hopefully, this series can still improve.

While Episode 4: Sweet Escape featured a different location, it didn't really change the overall vibes of this series. The plot/storyline revolving around the twins' scheme to cheat was still shallow and the overall pace of this series was still slow. Screenplay was at least conversational. There were some improvements on the acting. Elmo and Sarah were somewhat distinguishable. But Feng needs to be less tentative with his performance. Audio-visuals were uneven. There were volume fluctuations and poor camera shots. All in all, this series needs to get better.

Episode 7: Manly Life is a good set-up for next week's finale. I'm not sure if I'll agree with the ending but at least this series was trying to tie loose ends on this episode. I haven't changed my mind. The pairing of Bogs and Francia is still my favorite this season. Now, I also like Val. He's a bit preachy at times but he's generally sensible. Script was largely ok. Acting was mostly fine. Jerome was pretty good on this episode. Audio-visuals were alright. I hope next week's finale doesn't disappoint.

Yes, I like the "new" Andre too, but he seemed an entirely different person, lol. Good thing they have 6 episodes left. I think that's enough to deliver the series' message.

Episode 1: Pagsisimula (Beginning) had numerous issues but it was at least watchable. Although the characters were introduced on this episode, not enough information was presented to get an overview of the plot/storyline. Screenplay needs fine-tuning to make it more conversational. In terms of acting, AJ (Siapno) was ok and Elijah was tolerable; but the rest needs to improve. The actress who portrayed Rich's mother was too young to be his mother. Audio-visuals were largely amateurish. For succeeding episodes, I hope this series improve.

While Episode 4: Haligi (Post) had additional character backgrounds (about Andre's mother and Kai's father) and evident relationship development as Andre and Kai grew closer, the character change for Andre was a bit abrupt for me. Suddenly, he's nice now? But other than that, this episode was generally ok. Screenplay toned down on preachiness. Acting was better than the previous episode. The depiction of the murder of Kai's father was moving. Production technicals were mostly fine. All in all, this was a good episode.

Throughout Episode 3, I felt that this series is going nowhere -- no character development, no relationship development. Everyone's in unnecessary despair. Screenplay was quite monotonous. Acting was uninspired. Like the previous episodes, this episode was heavy on the background music. It's like an extended music video! And I can't get that maddening soundtrack out of my head! I need a break...

Episode 2 wasn't a good episode. Carlo and Efren's relationship was circuitous. Their failure to honestly communicate with each other was annoying. Script had corny lines and repetitive dialogues. Acting didn't improve. Production technicals were better though. The video had higher resolution and quality. But the overuse of the soundtrack was irritating. On to the next...

Everything about this Filipino (Pinoy) boys' love (BL) series screams amateurish. While the plot/storyline as presented on Episode 1 wasn't that bad, the execution of scenes was unimaginative. I think there are better ways to depict back-and-forth jealousies. Although repetitive at times, screenplay was still alright. But the delivery of lines felt scripted. Acting needs major refinements. Audio-visuals were poor. The quality of video was quite low. Some background sounds didn't jibe with the scenes. The soundtrack "Ikaw Pa Rin" (It's Still You) by Artbie Samson was ok but it was overplayed on this episode. On to the next episode of this marathon...

Three episodes in and this Filipino (Pinoy) boys' love (BL) series hasn't shown any clear direction yet. Episode 3: Don't Give Up was messy. Plot/storyline didn't really go anywhere. All the scenes felt disjointed. And problematic characterizations remained. Screenplay wasn't good. Acting was horrendous. Audio-visuals also regressed. Editing needs to improve. Overall, this episode continued this series' downward spiral.

While there were areas for improvement, Episode 1: Journey was still a good pilot episode. This episode introduced the two main characters, Andrei and Sam. They first met in a van on the way to a resort, each trying to escape a problematic relationship. There were shirtless and shower scenes for both characters. Screenplay, especially the voice-overs and monologues, needs to be more natural. Axel was a bit tentative with his acting. Compared to Axel, Kid was more at ease with his performance. Kid's pretty good-looking too. Audio-visuals were mostly fine. The location, Amami Beach Resort, Puerto Galera Island, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines, looks pretty nice. There have been a number of Filipino (Pinoy) boys' love (BL) series that featured beaches and resorts; Amami Beach Resort is definitely one of the better ones. Soundtrack "Lunod" (Drown) by Nads Navarro was nice. All in all, this was a good premiere episode.

The fantasy turn for Episode 3: Virgo was a nice idea. Zodiac World, God of zodiac signs, etc. were all cool. But the overall execution of this fantasy world on screen was a bit underwhelming. Screenplay was a bit cheesy. There's also no logic on what terminologies they did know and what words they didn't know. In terms of acting, Joel and the supporting cast members need to improve. Because of lack of budget, this episode didn't really exude sufficient fantasy vides. There were still some issues with production technicals. There were some unnecessary sounds in the background. I hope next episode's better.

Episode 2 was alright. The massage scenes were fine. Some background information about Kiko was provided on this episode. There's also some relationship development with Mark offering Kiko a job as his personal assistant. Screenplay was generally conversational. Acting was good. Production technicals were mostly ok. Based on the preview for the next episode, looks like Mark is a bit possessive of Kiko. Let's see how they handle the tension.

Similar to previous episodes, Episode 6: Admit was boring and dragging. Yes, Damon admitted he likes Angelo. And yes, there were also signs that Damon's condition was worsening. But because of the long and overdramatic scenes, it felt like nothing really happened on this episode. Honestly, this episode made me doze off and I had to rewind to catch the scenes I missed. Screenplay was mostly uninteresting. Nonetheless, I commend the actors for still delivering good performances despite everything else about this episode being poor. Audio-visuals were substandard. At times, background music didn't complement the scenes. Last two episodes!

Each episode is around 45 minutes long via UPSTREAM.ph. If you're outside the Philippines, you will need to pay USD 10 for all 8 episodes.

Episode 6: The (Mis)Alingment was a strong episode. Plot/storyline progressed on this episode. Some character backgrounds for Bogs and Roy were provided. Now, I want to know a bit more about Amber, Burn, and even Dante. There were breakups on this episode: Dante and Flo and Jim and Val -- sort of. Jealousy all around. There were awkward and tension-filled scenes, some of which were unnecessarily prolonged, but there were also cute and funny moments. The dramatic scenes involving Bogs and Francia, that touched on personal insecurities and personal issues as well as workplace discrimination, was good. Screenplay was generally relatable. Acting was largely alright. Production technicals were solid. I love the outdoor scenes! Last two episodes!

I think I get what this series is trying to do. It's trying to present a boys' love (BL) story with clear Philippine societal issues as backdrop. On Episode 3: Pribilehiyo (Privilege), the discussion of issues like stereotypes for those wearing tattoo, victim-blaming in cases of rape, lack of facilities for online classes, poverty, etc. was much appreciated. My concern is that at times, the inclusion of these topics felt forced. It didn't seem natural and organic especially given that there's little excitement and romance on this series that usually characterize BL stories. On succeeding episodes, I hope this series is able to harmoniously fuse together the couple's chemistry with the social relevance it's trying to promote. Script wasn't as good as previous episodes. Acting was also off at times. Audio-visuals were uneven. Based on the preview, the next episode looks promising in terms of relationship development.

They only posted the 12 minute highlights. The full episode is 36 minutes long. They usually post the full episodes after a few weeks.

Based on cast interviews, "Daddy Love" identifies as a Filipino (Pinoy) boys' love (BL) series. Because the character of Mark hardly qualifies as a "boy," I initially didn't categorize this series as BL. But because I respect how this series self-identifies, I decided to include this series in the list of Pinoy BL series that we promote and review. Episode 1 was a solid pilot episode. The plot/storyline about an innocent masseur and his experienced client looks promising. The contrast in economic class and social status between Kiko and Mark was well established on this episode. Screenplay was generally realistic and relatable. Acting was on point. Both Rex and Victor fit their roles well. Their sexy and steamy scenes were tastefully done. Audio-visuals were mostly good. The soundtrack "Hiling" (Request) by Malvin Drake Manatad was nice. All things considered, I'm looking forward to the next episode.