Pinoy BL Series

I think there was a problem with translation. Judah was not being biphobic. Because Rocky was in gay/queer denial mode, he said that "I'm not gay, it's not like that, can't I be bi, does that mean bisexual?." Judah took offense because it seemed that Rocky's just using bisexuality (which Rocky obviously didn't really understand) just to deny gayness/queerness.

Both Judah and Rocky are flawed characters. And I love them for their flaws. They have issues but they really try to overcome them. Unfortunately, most of the time, it's just difficult and they go on default and in the process hurt themselves and the people they actually love. Episode 7: Rapid Test Kit is my favorite Quaranthings episode. Some of the loose ends with regard to Judah's grandmother and mother and Rock's father and family were settled. Even the case of Glenn was more or less resolved. Appropriately, what will become of Judah and Rocky's relationship is the only remaining major issue for the finale. Script was consistently realistic and relatable. Acting was so good, both Kyo and Royce made me shed tears. Production technicals were ok. I don't know what will happen on the finale next week but I'm excited!

While Episode 4 was slow-paced, it was nevertheless very cute and sweet. Aside from Vlad getting jealous and showing a bit of how he actually felt about Karl, not a lot happened in terms of moving the main plot/storyline forward. But because the scenes were well executed, everything turned out ok. Screenplay was consistently good. There were a lot of meaningful lines. Enunciation on Ian's part and exaggerated hand gestures on Paolo's part were still minor issues but their acting in general, was fine. I love Ian and Paolo's chemistry. Yesh was good (or maybe too good?) but she might need to tone down a bit so she won't eat up Paolo on their scenes together. Audio-visuals and production technicals were largely satisfactory. I love the OST "Tahanan" (Home) featuring Nica del Rosario. For next week's episode, I expect some conflict that will move the main plot/storyline forward.

Yes, Ticket2Me Youtube channel, October 18, Sunday, 8PM (Manila time).

Those who have had a crush on their childhood friend but weren't able to confess their feelings will find this series relatable. Obviously, I can relate, lol! It's refreshing to watch a Filipino (Pinoy) boys' love (BL) series whose lead characters have history. I know the "childhood friend to possible lover" trope has been done before (e.g. Kumusta Bro?, at least to a certain extent) but oftentimes on Pinoy BL series, lead characters have just met and the series basically explore how their relationship develops. At least, Ben X Jim's different from most Pinoy BL series with its promising plot/storyline. Ben and Jim have history and this series is about confronting their past in order to navigate through their present and their future. Now, for the sake of realism, do I want them to end up together? I'm not sure yet. Ben and Olan might look better together but this series is called Ben X Jim so maybe that's not feasible at all, lol! Screenplay of Episode 1: Love Returns was natural and realistic. I was pleasantly surprised with Teejay's acting. Honestly, I haven't seen any of Teejay's past works so I was really impressed with his performance. He's also gorgeous. He's like a Ken doll, lol! I've watched Jerome and Ron before so I know they can act, especially Jerome. With Ron, this might be his most substantive role yet. Production design, cinematography, musical scoring, and editing were all good. The OST "Stars Align" performed by Swavesound was quite cool but maybe it's better not to overplay it too much. Based on the preview, next week's episode looks very interesting. I'm excited!

About 24 minutes :) Two parts: 10:38 and 13:19 :)

I watched the pilot episode via the Ticket2Me webplayer :) What a cute premiere episode :) But in deference to the production company, I'll post my longer comment on Sunday after its regular release on Youtube :)

Watching Episode 9: Oh My Dramatic!, I was reminded of some of the classic films we were asked to watch during my undergraduate courses on cinematic arts. Did the clips from these movies fit this episode? Not really but at least it's more watchable than previous episodes, at least the complicated relationships among the characters became clearer. Script was less cringy and so was the acting. Audio-visuals remained the same. Overall, it's better than last week's episode.

Similar to the previous episode, the plot/storyline progressed on Episode 8: Bunch of Maybes. This episode showed that the plan to make Dave fall for Terrence was still on. It also introduced Felicity and her history with Terrence. It also seemed that Dave's developing feelings for Terrence. Which regards to the supporting characters, this series has a problem in depicting them -- the female characters were one-dimensional while the Terrence's male friends were just sexist with little redeeming characteristics. Screenplay needs to be more natural. Acting, especially by Leo, was very poor. His performance appeared scripted and he had all those unnecessary hand gestures that looked like he's on a school play. Audio-visuals were uneven and editing was still problematic. More than halfway through its season, issues remain. I continue to hope for improvements though. Let's see what happens next.

It will be on iWantTFC and no announcements yet if it will be available in other platforms and streaming sites.

I'm excited!

Oh, Mando! teaser is out (sorry, no English subs yet): https://twitter.com/DreamscapePH/status/1315913838450016257?s=20

Like what I've said, I'm hopeful that they will address this in the coming episodes because if they do not, I will be really disappointed because I love this series. We'll see; additional reason to watch the succeeding episodes.

Yes, that’s what they’re saying now. But was that really the intent? If these (character development, redemption arc, etc.) are not reflected on the series itself, maybe they are just saying these now because they are being criticized? So, I would still want these addressed in the series itself because if not, the message is that it’s ok.

Yeah, but if Judit will still be doing the same thing till the end of the series, with no character development, with no redemption arc on her part, just a comic relief, I think that's a problem. Maybe they didn't see any problem with her character to begin with and they are just reacting now because it's being raised? But somehow I'm hopeful that the people behind GSP will address this. I really, really hope I don't get disappointed because I love this series.

Yes, Judit's domineering attitude and constant meddling were annoying (although I love Adrienne, she's a good actress). But I hope her character gets called out in the series. Because if not, what's the point of tweeting about her abusiveness and rudeness?

Episode 3 elaborated on the plot/storyline established on last week’s episode. Aside from hints of jealousy from Danny by the end of this episode, nothing new was added. The dream sequence and the script were cringy. Acting was at times still awkward. Audio was uneven. Set designs still needed upgrades. Cinematography was better though. Yes, camera work during the forest scene wasn’t steady but it showcased expression and movement which are important. Editing was a bit better compared to last week’s episode but pace and scene transitions still need refinements. While Boyband Love has its shortcomings, I’ll still stick around to see how the plot/storyline unfolds in succeeding episodes.

Not a lot of difference. Audio was adjusted a bit I think.

Episode 3: Payo ni Tito Ricardo didn't really move the plot/storyline forward. While we got to know Ricardo, Axel and Greg's relationship didn't progress much on this episode. Screenplay for the Axel and Ricardo phone conversation was tiresome because it was long and repetitive which lessened the impact of the scene. While Aejhay can act, his performance wasn't helped by the wearisome lines. His acting appeared overdramatized with all the crying. Audio-visuals still need improvement. Editing, especially in terms of scene transitions, needs refinement. Overall, this episode wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either. It was average. Hopefully, we get a better episode next week.

Episode 3: I Came, ISaw, I Conquered was funny, romantic, and scary. The humorous and lovey-dovey characteristics of the previous episodes continued on this episode. What surprised me was that it pursued the ghostly features mentioned during last week’s episode. While combining the boys’ love (BL) genre with the paranormal genre isn’t entirely new (off the top of my head, I can think of at a least three recent Thai BL series that dabbled on the otherworldly: My Dream, He’s Coming To Me, and Ghost Runner), My Extraordinary, nevertheless, sets itself apart from other Filipino (Pinoy) BL series. What I hope it does in succeeding episodes is establish its difference with similar BL series from other countries by incorporating Pinoy culture in its treatment of the supernatural. Screenplay was relatable as always. Acting was solid. Enzo, Darwin, Karissa, and Keijee were all good but Darwin needs to minimize the unnecessary hand gestures (case in point, during ShaKen’s “date”). While they may show Shake’s awkwardness in front of Ken or even his naturalness, too much may also distract the audience. Episode 3 also presented more character background not only Shake’s but also Sandee’s. Even with only three episodes released, we’re already sure that Sandee will not be portrayed as a one-dimensional jealous female antagonist. She’s a very interesting character. Production design and cinematography were very good. But recaps should be shortened. The OST “Hindi Niya Alam” (He Doesn’t Know/Without Him Knowing) performed by Kenji Exaltacion was also very good. Overall, Episode 3 was an awesome episode.