Pinoy BL Series

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.

I don't think it's a misrepresentation because internalized homophobia represents a wide range of attitudes and feelings toward LGBTQ+ people. In this case, the issue wasn't about hiding who he was. That wasn't my issue. My issue was their conversation that exemplified internalized homophobia, which is based on irrational and/or unconscious fear and even ignorance (they did say they don't know what they are that's why they were asking), often related to structural constraints.

Plot/storyline didn't move much on Episode 5: Ipagpatuloy ang Kahapon (Continue the Past). Bulan/Caloy met members of his ethnic group at the market. They asked him to return to the mountains to help their ethnic group. Jealousy was presented as the reason for Ditas' unpleasant attitude. But given Ditas' over the top reactions, I'm not convinced jealousy alone can explain her behavior. Script was corny at times. Acting was the same as previous episodes. Production technicals were generally ok. I liked the last scene wherein they shared gifts and meals to celebrate Christmas. It was heartwarming and hopeful especially with the new OST "Sa Agos Mo" (In Your Flow) by Spencer Geronimo in the background.

I have issues with Episode 5: Bukas Para sa Lahat (Open for All) but overall, it's still a good episode. I like Spencer but I didn't like the whole slimming mix subplot/storyline. Also, I hope they don't limit to Angie, depicted as a flirt, the representation of women on this series. The King and Kylie ship's sailing! That's nice. While I understand Paul, I love that Kylie stood her ground. Yes, it's important to differentiate transwomen from gays especially in the Philippines where transwomen are often seen as no different from gays ("bakla"). Script was alright. Acting was fine. Production technicals were passable. All in all, I'm ok with this episode.

I don't think it's simplistic at all. The fact that queer Filipinos can't just say what they are is a product of structural constraints in Philippine society. We have to account for that. And that's internalized homophobia and queerness denial.

That's precisely what internalized homophobia is. You don't know you have it and it's not entirely your fault you have it.

Episode 7: Liberation was a bit tamed when compared to previous episodes. I expected more for a finale. But it was still generally ok. Wena's death was a reminder of the context we are at right now. Kelly's religiosity was a realistic depiction of the many considerations faced by a Filipino (Pinoy) transgender woman when deciding to have sex reassignment surgery. But not all major issues of this series were resolved on this episode. While there's a possibility in the future, Benjo and Emil didn't end up together on this episode. Screenplay was extra melodramatic on this episode. There were also problematic lines that exemplified internalized homophobia and queerness denial, particularly when Benjo and Emil asserted that they're not gay. Acting was largely alright. Production technicals were mostly fine. There's a second season. I don't know yet how I feel about it. But hopefully it's better than this season.

Episode 3: Ang Stigma ni Lei (Lei's Stigma) was better than previous episodes. The plot/storyline was clearly narrated in all the scenes. This episode discussed the social stigma associated with dating a transwoman especially for Filipino (Pinoy) celebrities. This episode also introduced the possibility of a Kian and Nick ship. Script was less preachy than previous episodes. Acting was mostly fine. Production technicals were largely ok. Nick's stigma's probably up next.

Episode 6: What About New Year? was a nice finale. It wasn't spectacular but it was a wonderful way to close this series. There were cuddly moments between Dale and James but I'd be lying if I said those were enough for me. They could have at least given the viewers one intimate kiss, lol. But yes, it's a happy ending so I'm generally ok with it. Script was good. Acting was fine. Although I found the character development of Dale from timid Dale to confident Dale a bit abrupt. I can understand where his newfound confidence came from but it was still quite sudden for me. Audio-visuals were mostly alright. Overall, it was a nice conclusion to this series.

Episode 5: Time or Heart was a bit of a snooze. There were relationship developments for Ram and Migo and Cassandra and Chesca but because of the cheesy and preachy screenplay, the scenes became quite tedious. It didn't help that acting was dry. The Andrei, Josh, and Max scenes saved this episode for me. They looked interesting. Audio-visuals were at least ok. For the next episodes, I really want to feel some romantic excitement from this series.

Episode 9: Testimony was replete with illogical and unnecessary scenes. Seriously, almost all the characters followed Giorgio and Mama Rhu to Nueva Ecija? Representations of healthcare workers were still bad. Scenes that were meant to be funny weren't funny at all. But at least this episode provided character backgrounds for Mama Ru and Tita (Aunt) Jaclyn that highlighted the struggles of Filipino (Pinoy) transwomen. Script was cringy for the most part. Acting was still barely watchable. Audio-visuals were uneven. There were times when the voice dubbing wasn't in sync with the visuals. Though the location shoot did this series favours. Let's hope for better succeeding episodes.

That's an exaggeration. Yes, there are a few with Influencers as characters but it's not as bad as having high school or college students almost every other BL series like Thai BL series.

The episodes of Meet Me Outside have been consistently good. Episode 5: I Want To Be Held, the longest episode so far at 16:48 minutes, was an excellent episode. Dale taking off his shirt as soon as he entered James' room was appropriately explained. It was awkward but cute. Dale and James' conversation about love and relationships was very relatable. Regarding expectations about love and relationships, I can emphatize with both Dale and James. Those cuddles and hugs were better than sex. I hope there's no drunk sex next episode. I hate drunk sex on boys' love (BL) series. Script was impeccable. Acting was on point. Audio-visuals were solid. And the OST "Pahintulot" (Permission) by Shirebound & Busking was nice. I'm really curious how this series will end next episode. I hope it's also good.

Wow, I was pleasantly surprised with Episode 1: Yuanfen! It was a solid pilot episode. The concept's different with its two timelines eventually converging somehow. It had intertwined timelines like two of my all-time favorite Thai boys' love (BL) series "He's Coming To Me" and "Until We Meet Again" but its treatment's not the same. The historical and social contexts of the two timelines of Happenstance were pretty clear. And given the historical revisionisms and human rights violations in the Philippines, those contexts are very relevant for Filipinos (Pinoys) today. Plus, there's something unexplainable about communication between two timelines. Will this series be more in line with the genre of science fiction (multiverse) or supernatural (magic) or both? All the characters, not only the main characters, seemed to have interesting backgrounds that are important for the plot/storyline. Screenplay was appropriate and realistic. Acting was good. The performance of the lead cast members Kiko and Jovani were decent while the veteran supporting cast members Rosanna, Alan, Angeli, and Erlinda were really good. There's quality production. And the OST "Atin Lang" (Between Us) by Mikoy Morales was nice. Overall, I really liked this premiere episode.

Like the previous episode, Episode 4: Wine & Cheese surprised me during the last few seconds. But before I get to those last few seconds, I just want to say that Dale had a plausible explanation why he didn't immediately reveal himself to James. I totally understand him. But what puzzled me was him taking off his shirt as soon as he entered James' room (not that I'm complaining, lol). Was this his first time to hook up via the Blued app so he didn't really know what to do? Or, this wasn't new to him and this is what usually happens? What ever the explanation, this cliffhanger will make for a good next episode. Screenplay was fine. Acting was good. Genesis was so cute I wanted to hug him especially when his character Dale was feeling sorry for not immediately revealing himself to James. And audio-visuals were satisfactory. For those of us complaining about episodes being too short, I heard the next episode is about 15 minutes long, lol.

Episode 3: The Other was extra cringy. While the plot/storyline progressed with Vince looking for David and Simon showing David how to survive on an island, everything else was super corny. Script had cheesy lines. Acting was quite bad. All the main cast members were tentative and unnatural in their performance. Production technicals were the same as previous episodes. Seven episodes left!

At 5:51 minutes, Episode 3: Someone's Having a Party, was the shortest episode yet. This episode was cute with enough romantic excitement until the last few seconds when it turned heartbreaking. While I was sad for Dale, James' reaction was understandable. James was probably asking himself: "Was he just playing with me?" In any case, screenplay was good. Acting was on point. Genesis and Kaloy are perfect for their roles. Audio-visuals were largely satisfactory. I can't believe we're already halfway through this microseries!

There's a lot to unpack on Episode 4: Agony and Ecstasy. I liked that Sister's bigotry and hypocrisy were exposed on this episode. Is she really Vee's mother? Mother and her children may be evil but Sister's probably no different. The scene with Mother and Sister was intense! I also liked that it was made clear on this episode that Jay blackmailing Vee to get laid last episode was wrong. But I guess the second time with Jay in the car on this episode, was ok? Lol. I still don't like deceitful Jay. I also don't like lying Jennifer. I'm not sure yet what I feel about Dong. If he's also with Allen, I'll also be mad at him. Poor beautiful Vee, I hope he doesn't commit suicide next episode. Screenplay was generally fine. Acting was good. And production technicals were mostly ok. I know not everyone likes supernatural stuff but in terms of overall quality, I really think Cheat is a top-tier Filipino (Pinoy) boys' love (BL) series. With only two episodes left for Chapter 1, I hope it finishes strong.

I actually got confused, lol. The YT video description said DAY 4, Part One. It only means that Episode 5 will be DAY 4, Part Two, lol! I can give a longer comment after all, lol!

I know it's a microseries and the entire series is less than an hour long but I really wish it's longer. Even though it's an obvious product placement for Blued app, it's still a good series. I liked Episode 2: Where You At? It's cute and romantic. Script was relatable. Acting was also fine. There's something about Kaloy and Genesis on this series that I found charming and endearing. Production technicals were clean and neat. Episode 3 tonight at midnight (Manila time) via Blued Philippines and on Youtube tomorrow (Dec 23) at 8:45PM (Manila time)!