Pinoy BL Series

Episode 3: Saudade was very good. In tackling historical, political, and social issues related to Ferdinand Marcos' Martial Law and the EDSA People Power Revolution, it was quite brave and unafraid. Yet somehow, it avoided being preachy. The overall treatment was just right. Some details about Jose Manuel and Wade's backgrounds were provided on this episode. I'm intrigued about what happened to Luis. Also, I'm really curious how this series will go about developing Jose Manuel and Wade's relationship. Will they ever meet in person? I enjoyed the secret codes and swardspeak. Acting was fine. And the lead actors, shirtless, were alright too, lol! Audio-visuals were solid. So far so good for this series. I love this series! Among the ongoing Filipino (Pinoy) boys' love (BL), Happenstance is currently my favorite. I just hope succeeding episodes don't disappoint.

I think it wasn't clearly established that Ace liked men just because he didn't like Kim and his dad said he didn't want anyone to think he was a girl. At most, they're probably clues. I feel one can't assume that he liked men just because of these reasons. That would be a bit like stereotyping. Of course, we know it will turn out that way because it's a boys' love (BL) series. But for me, it should be clearly depicted for build-up which they did on this episode.

Episode 19: Reconcile featured Joey forgiving Wil. Similar to previous episodes, this episode was dragging. Script had long lines. Acting was uninspired. Production technicals were generally poor. It's obvious the production company's rushing and shortening each episode of this series. But instead packing each episode with meaningful scenes, they're just stretching each scene to come up with an episode. I hope they do better on the next episodes.

I didn't like the use "fat" as an insult on back-to-back episodes. While Spencer still made me laugh, overall, Episode 6: Sabado (Saturday) was uneventful. Script had a good discussion on how to react to people who use "bakla" (gay) as insult. Acting was ok. Audio-visuals were uneven. There were volume fluctuations throughout this episode. Some visuals weren't clear. We're already halfway through this series!

I see your point with regard to the characters and portrayals. I think I might have been a bit generous with my assessment. I did comment about Allison's acting weaknesses last episode so I totally understand your sentiment about Jaime. Regarding the plot/storyline, hopefully it becomes interesting on the last three episodes.

The one released on an app (Kumu) was an interactive live series. The trailer was for a full narrative series which is different but will probably be related to the live series.

Jaime's a flirt, that much we know about this series, lol! Episode 3: Reasons to Love was generally ok. The plot/storyline progressed a bit with everyone now at the rest house in Tagaytay, Cavite, Philippines. Sexual tensions between Win and Jaime were pretty evident. I hope they don't make Heart the antagonist or villainess. Also, I hope they give Jordan a proper character background at least. It annoys me very much when effeminate gays are portrayed as the guy thirsty comic relief characters. Screenplay had corny lines but was largely alright. Acting was mostly fine. Audio-visuals were good. The OSTs "Once You're Mine" by Shania Bajen and "Umaga'y Ika'y Kaakbay" (Cuddle You in the Morning) by AJRAVIII were both nice. I can't believe we're already halfway through this series!

While there were good scenes like the harana (serenade) scene and some of the Gabriel-Giorgio bedroom scenes, Episode 10: Right Minus Wrong on the whole, didn't worked for me. I was really turned off with the shit-eating scene. It was cheap and disgusting. It wasn't funny at all. The Hendrick scenes were over the top. Screenplay was cringy every so often. Acting was similar with previous episodes. Production technicals were also the same. Three episodes left!

Episode 15: Until My Last Breath closed this series with a Homies video call showcasing friendships and relationship developments. Everyone's happy. Substantially, at least this series was able to convey its story, however simple it was. Technically, until the end, there were still weaknesses. Nevertheless, this do-it-yourself (DIY) series should still be congratulated for the efforts of its cast and crew!

Episode 4: Ang Stigma ni Nick (Nick's Stigma) was a good ending for this miniseries. It wasn't spectacular but it was generally satisfactory with its emphasis on character development and lessons learned. Screenplay tended to be preachy at times but was largely alright. Acting was mostly fine. Audio-visuals were passable. Overall, it was a good finale.

After watching Episode 6: Christmas is All Around, I'm dreading the culmination of this series. With its double love triangles (Ram-Migo-Cholo and Andrei-Josh-Max), it seemed to be moving to a silly and thoughtless tangled web of love and relationship among the main characters. Screenplay was relatable at times but other times, senseless. There were also corny lines and cheesy dialogues. Acting wasn't good but tolerable. Production technicals were ok. I hope this series is still able to salvage its plot/storyline on the last two episodes.

I think you're working on a very old definition of internalized homophobia (which I always pair with queerness denial by the way). Internalized homophobia doesn't limit itself to homosexuality but includes the different LGBTQIA+ identities which means it includes bisexuality. You can easily look this up. I don't know if you're Filipino but the word "bakla" while easily translated by non-Filipinos as "gay" is actually used to refer to different types of "queer." Filipino bisexuals and transgenders are often referred to as "bakla" as well. And to say that I overemphasize on performative aspects of queer identity is false and totally a misreading. I'm the one who raised structural constraints and when I talk of social structures they include the intersectionality of class, race, religion, generation, gender, etc. And I maintain that the reason he can't say what he is is because of structural constraints in Philippine society. I can relate, I'm a Filipino, grew up outside the urban areas of Metro Manila in a lower middle class Christian conservative and hierarchical household, so I know about these structural constraints.

In terms of plot/storyline, there was much progress on Episode 4: Kalaban (Enemy). Those who were a bit confused where this series is going will find some clarity on this episode. I like Bart. He reminded me a lot of the time when I was still a provinciano/probinsyano (someone from rural areas; provincial) in Metro Manila. This is also the reason why I don't like Bryce. He reminded me too much of people I met in the capital who looked down on and mistreated those from the provinces. I'm still not sure how I feel about Josh. But one thing for sure, Kurt, Renz, and Marc are really, really beautiful, as in, model-level gorgeous. Brendalynne's still a hit-and-miss for me. There were times when she annoyed me because she's the stereotypical comic relief but other times she's ok because she made me laugh. With her own subplot with the entry of Erwin next episode, hopefully I'll have a better appreciation of her character. Script was fine. Acting was alright -- not great, but largely ok. Audio-visuals were solid. Overall, it was a good episode.

I barely got through Episode 5: Confess. It was so cringy. Screenplay was super corny. It was also preachy at times. Acting was poor. Oftentimes, they mistook shouting for acting. It was awful. Production technicals were still uneven. Halfway through this series and nothing exciting has happened yet.

Similar to Amore, The Shore has dragging episodes as exemplified by Episode 4: You and I. Nothing significant happened on this episode. With only ten episodes, you'd think that each episode will somehow advance the plot/storyline, but obviously, not this episode. Script had corny lines. Acting didn't improve. Audio-visuals were uneven. There were unnecessary background sounds. There were cool camera shots though. Hopefully, next episode's better in terms of pace.

Episode 18: Healing had several time jumps. After 17 slow-paced episodes, suddenly everything's being rushed. Two of characters that I really like on this series, Nuan and Brenda, were eased out on this episode. Brenda left to study abroad while Nuan went back to his province to join his older brother. It's just sad if they're no longer part of this series. Screenplay was extra melodramatic in parts. Acting was generally ok. Audio-visuals were still uneven. I like that this episode seemed to have only one part/video. I hope the remaining episodes are the same.

Episode 1 was uploaded on the GagaOOlala Youtube channel :)

Finally, after a long, long time, Joey found out the truth about the scheming and lying Wil on Episode 17: Truth Will Prevail. Screenplay still had long lines that did the acting a disservice. Acting was generally ok but because of the tedious script, the impact of the actor's performance was lessened. Audio-visuals were uneven. There were unnecessary background sounds and poor camera shots on this episode. Let's hope for faster pace and improved scenes on succeeding episodes.

Episode 2: What are the Chances? was filled with flirting and sexual tensions between Win and Jaime which seemed to show the direction of the plot/storyline of this series. While there were sexy and steamy scenes (including butt exposure, lol), I still found the episode tasteful. Although the creepy scenes made me uncomfortable. Script, with dialogues peppered with double meanings, was generally ok. But with speaking lines, acting weaknesses of the lead actors, especially Allison, were exposed. They were awkward and tentative at times. Allison made too many unnatural hand gestures that were distracting. It's still watchable though. Production technicals were good. And there were nice camera shots on this episode. All in all, it was still a good episode.

Episode 2: Forelsket was another strong episode for Happenstance. I liked that this series didn’t belabor Jose Manuel and Wade's first mirror meeting and the mysteries surrounding it. It might be a bit fast-paced, but I digged it. What I also loved about this episode were the clear historical and social contexts for 1974 and 2020. From the Martial Law period during the regime of Ferdinand Marcos to the extrajudicial killings and the pandemic during the administration of Rodrigo Duterte, the contexts were just right. Related to this, screenplay was realistic. Acting by the lead actors wasn't outstanding but they were good enough. Not surprising, Rosanna, Angeli, and even Erlinda were very good. Production technicals were solid. Kudos to the production crew for the set designs that represented 1974 and 2020 well. I used to collect coins so I appreciated the contrast between the big 1 peso Jose Rizal coin of 1974 and the small 5 peso Jose Rizal coin of 2020. I'm really looking forward to the next episodes of this series.