Cherrie

Don't watch this if you're into something light and fluffy

I honestly don’t know why Paint with Love didn’t become as popular as Singto’s other series. Paint with Love is actually good—it follows an employee-to-lovers trope, though it doesn’t feel like the usual boss-employee setup since they were already clashing from the start. Maze keeps babbling and ranting, and the way Phap responds is hilarious.

Let’s talk about the characters:

Phap
He’s such an interesting character. A laid-back painter who lives alone and embraces the slow life—completely opposite of Maze. He’s an animal lover, but also kind of weird in the most lovable way. I mean, who keeps a lizard, cockroach, and rooster as pets? 😂 And I swear, he's probably the only person in the world who can’t kill a cockroach.

Maze
Classic serious boss—very much a workaholic and a bit greedy when it comes to money. He’s always bickering with Phap and acts cold and uptight. Super organized, a perfectionist, and basically your typical “I-don’t-have-time-for-love” type.

On the acting:

Tae is so fun to watch. His acting feels natural, and the way he keeps teasing Phap (Singto) cracked me up. And I love how annoyed Phap gets—he plays the role so well! As expected, Singto nailed it again. I’ve seen all his series and he always delivers, which is probably why Maze got on my nerves here—Singto played him well. 😅

As for the chemistry… it’s not exactly electrifying, but it’s enough to make me smile and giggle during their romantic scenes. It's subtle but cute.

The series overall:

Paint with Love is one of those BLs that’s kind of toxic and messy—but in an entertaining way. Maze is definitely the chaotic one here: hot-headed and constantly nagging. There wasn’t a single scene where he wasn’t complaining about something, while Phap either teases him or just ignores the drama. 😂

This could be part of the reason why the ratings are low. Maze’s behavior can be exhausting at times, and honestly, if I were Phap in real life, I wouldn’t be able to handle that kind of energy. He’s a talented artist, people love his work, yet Maze and even the stepbrother keep looking down on him. Maze is a walking red flag. 🚩 But, Maze is also toxic—he keeps getting jealous even though they don’t have any relationship label.

That said, the final episodes do soften things. They’re still bickering, but Maze finally acknowledges his feelings for Phap (took him long enough!). One downside for me is that there aren’t many sweet or fluffy moments—Maze takes way too long to admit his feelings, probably because of pride or fear.

But overall, the cast did great—no overacting, no annoying characters. The production quality is solid, and I really like the intro song too. I’d still recommend this if you’re into roller-coaster-type love stories with a mix of chaos, comedy, and tension.

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A simple yet decent Filipino BL

At first, I just had it playing as background noise while I was working on my computer. I’d glance at it every now and then, but I can’t really watch non-Filipino shows while working because I need to read the subtitles. I noticed early on that not much was happening—probably because the storyline is simple and the budget is limited. If they added too many twists, it would’ve cost them more. But overall, this didn't disappoint me.

The story follows a father who lives alone and needs a companion/helper. A young guy applies for the job, and eventually, love starts to bloom between them. The age gap honestly shocked me at first—the younger guy is in his late 20s, while the older man is in his late 50s. But the older actor looks incredibly young for his age. I’m truly impressed with him—I believe he’s starred in many movies and series, mostly in straight dramas, but his performance as a gay man here is solid. I honestly didn’t expect him to take on this role, especially with NC scenes this 🔥.

As for the younger lead, I’m not that familiar with him, but the NC scenes between them are surprisingly daring for a Filipino BL. They feel raw and authentic—you can really sense the longing between them, and it doesn’t feel like they’re just acting.

Now, to the person who reviewed this and gave it a 1/10 rating just because they think one of the leads is “not handsome and chubby”. All I can say, you must be living in a fairytale world where only perfectly handsome BL actors deserve love. At least in this series, it’s realistic—love isn’t just for the flawless-looking people, it's for everyone. Also… are we even watching the same show? Because the sex scenes didn’t happen right after their first meeting. This series isn’t perfect, but it’s decent and worth giving a chance.

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BL on a Budget

This feels like a low-budget version of Theory of Love, and honestly, it's a bit disappointing—especially knowing it was produced by ABS-CBN, one of the biggest and oldest TV networks in the Philippines. When it comes to their straight dramas, they always go all out with the budget. But for BL? It seems like they just cut corners.

This is yet another BL film made during the COVID era, and sure, I get the limitations. But then again, Gameboys and Hello Stranger were also shot during the pandemic, and they pulled it off really well.

About 70% of the movie feels dragging. Okay fine, I get it—quarantine life meant all people could do was have endless video calls. But it lacked that spark, that butterflies in the stomach factor.

On the bright side, the acting wasn’t bad—especially Kendrick. He had good chemistry with his co-star, and that helped a lot. What I actually loved most was the ending—it was subtle but powerful, with a double meaning.

(Kendrick holds up his pinky to the cam)

Tom: "I don’t want that, I want a hug."
Kendrick: "How?"
Tom: "I don’t know. Maybe when we can come out."

That line hit me. It could mean when quarantine is over, they can finally see each other and hug. Or maybe it means when they’re ready to come out they can fully embrace who they are.

For me, they were the real endgame—not Kendrick’s ex-girlfriend.

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Billkin & PP Deliver Again ❣️

This movie is absolutely hilarious and surprisingly beautiful too. I was laughing from start to finish! Even though it’s a comedy, it has emotional depth and doesn’t feel shallow at all. I didn’t watch the original version since I usually stick with Thai shows, so I can’t really compare the two.

Let’s talk about the characters:

Billkin as Menn – He plays a straight guy who works as an undercover cop, but he’s terrible at it. Every mission turns into a disaster, and his boss is constantly yelling at him. Basically, he’s a walking bad-luck magnet. One day, while walking in the park, he sees a red envelope and thinks it’s an angpao (a money envelope), so he picks it up. That moment completely changes his life.

PP as Titi – His character is clearly a hopeless romantic. He is an openly gay and used to have a boyfriend, but sadly, the guy was just using him—for a condo, gifts, and who knows what else. Titi dreamed of getting married one day, but that all ended after his accident. To make it worse, his ex was basically scamming him the whole time.

I won’t go into too much detail about their story to avoid spoilers. Some people say it’s a BL, but honestly, I didn’t really feel any romantic connection between Menn and Titi. It felt more like a deep friendship or even a family-like bond. We never really find out if Menn still has any family, since he’s shown living alone. But what I really love is how he finds comfort and a sense of belonging with Titi’s family. His dad and grandma treat Menn like he’s one of their own, and that warmth really stood out to me. Although, I don't feel any romantic connection between Menn and Titi, the movie kept me entertained the whole time, and I liked how it ended—it felt realistic. No reincarnation or magical twist.

Acting-wise, everyone delivered their roles well especially Billkin who can't just play a serious role but he's definitely a versatile actor. The production value is also solid, you can tell they really put effort into it. The color grading was great, as well as the OST.

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When You Can't Run From Who You Are

Oh, Mando! is the story of Mando, a guy who struggles with his identity. He goes through an identity crisis. Instead of accepting who he really is, he tries to force himself into a relationship and ends up having a girlfriend. Maybe it’s because of the pressure from his dad—who’s angry at anything LGBTQ-related because Mando’s mom left them for a lesbian partner. Actually, this concept is not new in Filipino BLs - I mean gays that are not accepted with their families and societies but I like how they added some interesting twists to it.

Then, a handsome and well-built guy enters the picture, and that’s when Mando finally realizes he’s gay. He just couldn’t hold back anymore. That’s where the real conflict begins—because the guy he falls for (and who also likes him back) is… well, I won’t spoil it. The plot twist is wild, so just watch it yourself. Although Oh Mando, is a bit heavy there's also comedy thrown in it.

In the end, I’m glad everything got resolved and they were able to reconcile. For a Filipino BL, the production value is good. Sure, there are a few plot holes here and there, but I was hooked from start to finish.

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A BL That Is Family Centered

A typical Filipino drama packed with conflicts—if you're familiar with Filipino series, you know they're rarely boring, even if some scenes can be a bit cringey at times. 😀 There's a lot of action, twists and drama to keep you hooked. What I really appreciate is how it centers around family, which reflects how family-oriented we Filipinos are.

However, as expected, the story also touches on the struggles of being gay in a society where acceptance is still not universal, even within one's own family. This is where much of the conflict lies. But in the end, I’m happy with how things were resolved.

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Not Love At First Sight But It Grew On Me

Please note that I am reviewing the uncut version.

I have to admit, the first few scenes didn’t really grab my attention. I actually found them a bit boring, so I dropped it. 😅 But after seeing so many positive reviews and comments about the series, I felt like I owed it another shot… and yep, I came crawling back. Lol!

Something in My Room follows the story of Phob, an adorable and charming ghost with amnesia, who asks for help from Phat, a young guy who seems to have his third eye open because he immediately senses something weird going on in the house from the moment they move in.

The series isn't just spooky, there are also some funny moments early on, especially when Phat starts seeing Phob and Phob starts messing with him through harmless little pranks. The writing and direction are solid, and the cinematography is really well done. The editing is smooth too. Nut, who plays Phob, totally nailed his role—he’s not only a great actor, but seriously, he’s so cute. One of those faces you could just stare at all day, no lie. 😍 Plan, who plays Phat, also did a great job. He kind of reminds me of Apo Nattawin with his visuals.

Now don’t get me wrong, I like both actors individually. But for some reason, I didn’t quite feel the spark between them. I don’t know… something just felt a bit off or missing. Honestly, I felt more chemistry between Phob and Ben. That said, I stuck around for the plot, which really intrigued me.

Though to be fair, the Phob-Ben storyline dragged a bit and felt too long. And the subplot with Luck didn’t really do it for me, it felt kind of disconnected from the main story. I also found the whole love-hate dynamic between Phob and his mom really heartbreaking. I felt so bad for Phob, no child deserves that. But at the same time, I get where the mom is coming from. She had her reasons, and she was just being honest about her emotions.

There were definitely parts that felt flat because of the slow pacing, but I still wanted to see how everything would unfold. Honestly, I think the show could’ve been better if the episodes were a bit shorter. Some parts felt dragged out, with lots of filler and long conversations without much happening.

Even though some people said the ending was sad, I was actually satisfied with it. That final reunion hit the spot after everything they went through. 💙

So if you're into slow-burn stories that have heart and meaning, Something in My Room is definitely worth a try.

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I Was Poisoned By This Drama

I usually stick to Thai BLs, but this one was recommended by someone on MDL and the plot summary sounded interesting, so I decided to give it a shot, and honestly, it did not disappoint.

Doku Koi is such a breath of fresh air. It delivers something light and fluffy watch. I was already giggling during the first episode just from their casual interactions, their chemistry is that good. ✿ Whoever cast these two definitely knew what they were doing!

The main characters are total opposites: Ryo is this nerdy, cold, distant type, while Haruto is charming, easygoing, and has those irresistible puppy eyes. But somehow, they complement each other perfectly. And Ryo talking to his succulents🌵 (which have voices, by the way) adds such a quirky, adorable touch. Watching him come to terms with his feelings was so satisfying, and his confession, crying as he told Haruto he loves him might just be one of the best I’ve seen in BL, right up there with Bad Buddy and Thai Cherry Magic. ❤️

Okay, the kisses weren’t exactly real kisses 😂, but honestly, it didn’t even matter because their chemistry carried everything.

So yeah, what else can I say? I’m super satisfied with this series, writing this with a big smile on my face. 😁

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Watchable But Nothing Deep

They started off as rivals, but honestly, the whole rivalry felt kind of shallow. The setup didn’t land well, especially since the woman they were supposedly fighting over barely got any screen time. It’s your typical enemies-to-lovers storyline—which I’ll admit I’m a sucker for—but the romance didn’t go very deep.

The first few episodes had promise and caught my interest, but things kind of went downhill from there. By the end, everything felt rushed and wrapped up way too quickly. That said, I didn’t drop it. It wasn’t amazing, but it was still watchable and I managed to stick it out until the end.

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DON'T SLEEP ON THIS BL GEM

See Your Love isn’t your typical BL series. It’s refreshingly different, especially with its deaf representation, which you rarely see in the genre. The story follows Shao Peng, a deaf and mute guy who’s eager to land a caregiver job, and Zi Xhiang, a rich and laid-back guy who ends up hiring him.

It’s a fluffy series with just the right mix of comedy and a bit of action thrown in. What hooked me was how engaging the first episode was, I was instantly invested. Honestly, I’m shocked this show is so underrated. A lot of BL fans are definitely sleeping on this gem.

The chemistry between the leads is next level. Their connection is undeniable, even through subtle stares and small gestures. The acting? Spot on. Even the side couple is adorable and adds charm to the story.

Shao Peng’s portrayal as a deaf character is really convincing. And while Zi Xhiang starts off as a so-called “useless rich kid,” I genuinely admire how he puts in the effort to learn sign language just to communicate better with Shao Peng. That’s not easy, and it says a lot about his character. He even starts trying harder at work, all for Shao Peng. Total green flag couple!

The kisses and intimate scenes? Super natural, with zero awkwardness.

There is one scene that really hurt to watch, when Zi Xhiang says some harsh stuff to Shao Peng. It was heartbreaking, and honestly, I wish he hadn’t gone there. Being deaf isn’t anyone’s fault, and the worst part? No real apology.

Also… am I the only one confused about the cousin drama? Like, he wants to take over the family business but is also trying to block Zi Xhiang’s relationship with Shao Peng? Dude should be thrilled Zi Xhiang has no interest in the business. The logic just isn’t logic-ing.

Zi Xhiang’s dad against with their relationship but it wasn’t really explored in depth, and in the end it’s unclear whether he gave in or still does things for them to break up.. On the flip side, I absolutely adored Shao Peng’s family, they were so kind, warm, and supportive.

If I had to point out one downside, it’d be the excessive flashbacks. With only 27 minutes per episode, the constant flashbacks felt a bit much. They could’ve used that time to move the plot forward instead. I would have give this a 9/10 but the excessive flashbacks made it choppy, so I gave it 8.5/10.

Still, See Your Love is meaningful, easy to watch, and never feels dragged out. Definitely a hidden gem worth checking out.

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MORE THAN ROMANCE

Manner of Death is a BL series that doesn't just focus on romance. It's a mix of action, mystery, and thriller, with a bit of romance sprinkled in, which I actually really enjoyed. The story follows Dr. Bun, a forensic pathologist, and Tan, a mysterious teacher, as they team up to uncover crimes in their town.

MaxTul's chemistry? Absolute chef’s kiss. They bring this intense, mature energy that's honestly so refreshing to see.

What really makes Manner of Death stand out is the mystery. You're constantly piecing together clues, and the twists? Some of them are wild. It also dives into serious social issues, giving the story more weight than your usual love story.

If you're in the mood for a BL that's smart, dark, suspenseful, and packed with fiery chemistry, this one’s totally worth the watch.

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FROM TRAUMAS TO EACH OTHERS COMFORT

Although Happy of the End is a dark and heavy watch, I honestly really enjoyed it. It’s actually my first Japanese BL series, and it definitely didn’t disappoint me, the storyline and acting were both top-notch.

The show follows Chihiro and Keito, two characters with pretty rough pasts. Chihiro is a homeless guy who was disowned by his family for being gay, while Keito works as a scout and was exploited as a child. They meet at a bar, and what starts as a seemingly normal encounter quickly spirals into something intense and dangerously unconventional.

One thing that stood out to me is how unapologetically raw the series is. It doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the characters’ lives, there’s violence, exploitation, and a lot of emotional weight. It’s not an easy watch, but that honesty gives the story a sense of realism and depth that’s hard to find.

At its core, the show is about Chihiro and Keito slowly opening up to each other. Their bond isn't about fluffy romance, it’s about shared pain, loneliness, and a deep need to feel like they belong somewhere. Watching their connection grow, through subtle glances, hesitant touches, and quiet moments of vulnerability was incredibly moving.

Visually, the series is stunning. The dark, gritty urban setting really adds to the feeling of isolation and despair the characters face, but there are also these surprising moments of beauty, especially in the scenes they share together. The cinematography and music do an amazing job of setting the tone—melancholic, but with a thread of hope running through it.

While there’s definitely a thriller element thanks to the dangerous world they’re in, the real focus is on the emotional and psychological journeys of the two leads.

Happy of the End isn’t your typical feel-good BL. It's not for the faint of heart. It’s intense, emotionally charged, and at times pretty tough to watch but it’s also incredibly rewarding. If you’re in the mood for something that goes deep and isn’t afraid to explore the messier sides of love and life, this one’s worth checking out.

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LOVE IN LOCKDOWN

Hello Stranger is a heartwrenching yet charming story about two good-looking guys who unexpectedly meet over a video call during the COVID-19 lockdown. Xavier accidentally joins Mico’s online quiz night with his friends, and that’s when the tension kicks off. It’s got that classic enemies-to-lovers vibe, which I personally loved.

Eventually, Xavier asks their professor to pair him with Mico for a school project. At first, he just keeps teasing Mico, but with all their late-night video calls (even beyond schoolwork), feelings start to grow on both sides.

Xavier is straight as a ruler or at least, that’s what he thinks but things get complicated, especially because he has a girlfriend. That part definitely makes the story painful at times, but it’s still super cute and engaging.

There’s a nice mix of comedy too, and Mico’s friends adds so much charm and lightness to the story. The leads, Tony Labrusca (Xavier) and JC Alcantara (Mico), really nailed their roles. And the chemistry? Off the charts.

The ending will probably leave you with questions and a little heartbreak, but don’t worry, there’s a follow-up movie that continues their story.

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RICH BOY MEETS BODYGUARD

Never Let Me Go, starring PondPhuwin, is an enemies-to-lovers series and I’m a sucker for that kind of story. I especially enjoyed the rich-meets-poor dynamic, which always adds an extra layer of tension and sweetness.

It’s got a nice mix of action, drama, and romance basically all my favorite elements in one. And as expected, Pond and Phuwin’s chemistry is on point. Their relationship grows at a pretty natural pace, which I appreciated.

The only thing I didn’t love was the ending. It felt a bit unrealistic that they’d only get to see each other once a year. That part left me wanting more closure.

Overall though, I really enjoyed Never Let Me Go. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, but in the best way.

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