“Sparks Camp” First Impressions (Ep.1 & 2)

While looks can be discerning, reality shows aren’t exactly the best judge of character; especially dating shows that could be farce or scripted. Reality shows have always existed in the broader sense and these days they are being inculcated into the Boys’ Love diaspora. Makes us question the belief of “How a fictional genre could incorporate a dating show which is undeniably being marketed as realistic?”. We could keep arguing about the technicalities, but it doesn’t change the fact that BL sells and nestling these shows under the hugely popular genre helps in promotions and marketing. So, when the Korean launched their very own version of dating shows like “His Man” and “Merry Queer”, they were applauded for their efforts. The format was new, and the contestants were intriguing. They had a story to share, each of them. While “His Man” was intentionally gay oriented, “Merry Queer” was blissfully more aligned with the queer community because of its diversified selection of contestants. Both shows ended on a positive response; although “His Man” did court controversy later. Hong Kong’s “Boyscation” wasn’t much appreciated, but it did open the floodgates for future remakes.

Anticipated LGBTQ/Queer Dramas/Movies- Part II

It has been a busy first quarter with announcements dropping left and right. While this is quite conceivable in the popular BL genre, the Western media is quickly adapting to queer culture. As such, we have a surprising number of LGBTQ productions lined up for release this year and the next. The hoopla isn’t enough, so we are here to make some noise. Join us, as we talk about some of the most exciting projects that are set to premiere in 2023/2024.

My All-Time Favorite Pinoy BL Dramas

If you are obsessed with the Boys’ Love genre, there is a fair chance that you have watched dramas from the Filipino shores. Popularly known as Pinoy BL, the industry slowly evolved during the unfortunate happenstance of the Covid-19 pandemic. While local governments were clamoring to keep the pandemic under control, major production houses were shut down and shootings were halted. In the midst of this mayhem, Filipino media giants, Idea First Company & Black Sheep choose to script history with their “out-of-the-box” web series- Gameboys The Series & Hello Stranger, heralding this new genre into existence. It’s been a couple of years since then and Pinoy BL dramas/movies are now a commonplace phenomenon. Trying to bank on the success of their predecessors, the industry has seen an unprecedented increase in the number of shows released per year; the quality is although questionable. Today, we will be talking about those few shows that were not only phenomenally scripted but brilliantly executed!

Favorite Taiwanese BL Dramas (2022)- Part III

As compared to their Asian counterparts, Taiwanese BLs are known for their mature approach and earnest execution. There is no overt fan service involved and as such, the focus shifts to producing exceptional stories that are inspiring and meaningful. In today’s feature, our authors will be talking about the shows that truly made a difference!

Anticipated LGBTQ/Queer Movies/Dramas

While the world seems to be spinning around the BL mania (quite understandably so), we do have intelligent media producing and propagating the queer experience. They may not have the colossal fan following that the Asian BL industry commands, but they are slowly evolving into intellectual voices of optimism and vivid representation. Although the stigma still exists, now we have actors who are willing to step out of the box; inclined to challenge themselves by portraying LGBTQ roles. Gone are the days when queer characters were used for comic relief. Today, we have classic adaptations like “The Interview with The Vampire” that have made a mark with their daredevil act and honest depiction. In today’s feature, we will be checking out some of the most anticipated queer shows/movies in 2023!

Getting Candid With “The Day I Loved You” Stars Raynold Tan, Rabin Angeles, and Tommy Alejandrino

Love triangles aren’t exactly uncommon. We often wonder if the main lead would end up with one or another. Upcoming Pinoy BL “The Day I Loved You” plays on this curiosity while subtly capturing the essence and memoirs of first love.

Spinning New Tales With A Fresh Outlook: “The Day I Loved You” Director Easy Ferrer

Pinoy BLs emerged as a credible genre in the 2020s. Battling some fierce competition with groundbreaking web series like “Gameboys The Series”, “Hello Stranger”, “Quaranthings” and “Like in the Movies”, the show that caught everyone’s attention was “Ben X Jim”. Starring a rustic cast, the coming of age romance helmed by Filipino Director, Easy Ferrer won worldwide appreciation and was hailed as one of the best scripted Pinoy BLs in recent times. As a screenwriter and director, he has worked on several projects like- Finding You, The Missing and B X J Forever. Currently working on his new teenage love story “The Day I Loved You”, Mr. Ferrer joined us for a conversation to talk about this upcoming show, its unique casting and the thought process behind the making of each drama!

GL Romances, Sapphic Love and Stories From Around the World

With the recent success of Idol Factory’s GL romance “Gap The Series”, Girls’ Love stories are certainly in vogue. They might not be as popular as their BL counterparts, but the beautiful pairings are intriguing. Coupled with a feasible storyline, GL romances are making waves all over the world. In today’s segment, we will be concentrating on upcoming GL adaptations and sapphic romances that surely deserve your attention!

AnnaPearmai: The New GL Couple on the Block

If you are an ardent fan of author Jamie’s novels, then her upcoming book adaptation, Hot Bamee and Yummy Gyoyung will be high on your watchlist. Apart from the gourmet affair that involves the lead couple, the show has ensemble casting, which includes both BL & GL couples. With the recent Thai GL Gap The Series making waves across the globe, Girls’ Love content is slowly gaining significance. Joining the veritable cast of HBAYG are Thunrawee Tiwacharoenpat (Pearmai) and Ananyaphon Hanvongjirawat (Anna), who will be playing the side couple- Bow & Rain. Taking sometime out of their busy schedule, Pearmai & Anna sat down for an intriguing conversation to talk about the show, their characters and chemistry with each other!

Favorite Korean BL Dramas (2022)- Part III

While 2022 was distinctly a year of office romances (The New Employee, The Director Who Buys Me Dinner and Roommate of Poongduck 302), the generalist tropes were flavorful and intriguing. Gone are the days when Korean BLs were stuck in the old formulaic, recycling the same stories. Today, we have daring adaptations that employ actors par excellence. In today’s feature, we round up the best KBL’s in 2022- in terms of storytelling and directorial!