Cute!
I finished this in one go. It was just so cute and fluffy omg! It reminded me of my past crushes, and how intense the feelings can be. I couldn't stop smiling throughout the drama. But i cried too :DI gave the story a 7, because it's a trope we've all seen numerous times, but i like the twist of it being digital. You can definitely feel the awkwardness of first meetings with someone you don't know, and on top of that don't have a good opinion on. Tho, Xavier's and Miko's interactions just go to show that we really shouldn't be too quick to judge. An added bonus is NO toxic females, no unnecessary drama!
I was melting with Miko, as he was slowly realizing he had feelings for Xavier, and the little panic attacks he had while talking/listening about him. Mikos dream and confession were so relatable xD Tho, ngl i was worried Xavier would turn out to be a jerk, i am so glad to be proven wrong.
I must say, episode 4 has my heart, it has all of my uwus XD
Given the limitations and the number of episodes , it pretty good. Actors are super cute too, and they portrayed their roles nicely :D
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A light, heartwarming story that doesn't pretend to be something that it is not
Hello Stranger is a light series that has that coming-of-age vibe to it, something in the likes of most books in the young adult genre. Miko and Xavier's struggles are easily relatable, because we have all been in their shoes: trying to find their own melody and them finally doing their waltz once the melody is found. Chemistry is also undeniable. The supporting characters' subplot, however, sometimes feel unnecessary and anticlimactic, so I find myself skipping/fast-forwarding. I marveled at the highlight on the themes of friendship and self-awareness. The last two episodes were the best and to give praise to these episodes without spoiling, I would say they're worth the rather slow (but bearable) pace of the first act.Was this review helpful to you?
Thank you Xavier and Mico for making me fall in love all over again.
I wanted kilig and they delivered. I was not expecting this much chemistry!!!I live for BL kisses well-delivered but I am not even mad this has none. That hug? Aaaggghhhhh! I felt it through my screen.
I was squirming and biting my pillow while watching their cute interactions. I cried every freaking time Mico cries. JC is one hell of an actor. Tony alone can drown the screen with charm but this show did not stop there - Seph and Kookai is super cute, Junjun is heaven sent and Crystal (bless her, may she find someone too). Let's not forget Miss Tina Moran's iconic lines hahahaha
The length of each episode is just right. The angst will make you frustrated and the cute moments will make you squeal. The perfect light and fluffy romance.
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Very Relatable and a Heart Warming series
The simplicity of the story yet the writer gave us the roller coaster of emotions made me love this series. Its very relatable depicting real life struggle yet with comedic skits in between will let you experience the laughs and cries. The chemistry of the characters are perfect, i love the cinematography and editing. Plus that these actors are good singers too. Also love the Pinoy take on BL giving different flavors to it, please let us not forget that the backbone of the script is a poem "Sa Kasintahang Nilimot Na" by Benilda S. Santos. Well written and i love how they inject the poem and made such a high quality series. Highly recommended.Was this review helpful to you?
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Super Cute
This is a short, sweet and simple story line of the wave of BL's that have come out recently. I like that it's not all about the pandemic. I like that the girlfriend didn't turn out to be a psycho like so many BL's where they are shallow and want revenge. In the beginning, the gf did seem shallow and self-centered but then you realize that it was a failing and unfulfilling relationship. The friends were cool and added to the storyline. I did not think I would enjoy a BL series where they were virtual for almost the whole series AND no kissing but I did. The emotional chemistry and quality of acting between the two leads was really good and kept me satisfied. During this stressful times I really am gravitating to uplifting shows. It also never used the word gay but love. I think it's well worth watching especially for those new to BL.Was this review helpful to you?
but have to say didn't like Mico - tough character to like, its not that he's bad, just personality wise he is self-centered and narcissistic. everyone tends to sympathize with the nerdy gay that has just realized his sexual orientation, someone who is portrayed as the underdog. but in spite of everything Mico is anything but an underdog. and there was some mention / hints of family problems (guess a kind of expiation / excuse for his personality) which came to not... and the little u hear of his mother - she comes off mean. making u feel sorry for Mico. but when u see his actions and attitude, he so isn't the weak pushover that is being taken advantage off.
if anything the one that stole the show (for me) was Xavier - this dude - wow. first off his smile alone is infectious. and then u add his personality, sweet, funny, fun, loving, caring, understanding, strong and flirtatious (but not in a sleazy "i know i'm so hot" way- which he so is :D) more a natural - its freakin oozing from his pores way. and top this all off by being a genuinely good human-being who is also vulnerable and has a sad side - who can help but fall for this big fluffy puppy?!?
it was too short and i feel like Mico was undeserving of his friend's or Xavier, like i mentioned he tends to look at life as in "how this gonna benefit me" attitude - heck his whole outlook is revolving around himself, and maybe its understandable when u think about his family and all that mess - but who doesn't have baggage?? and yet almost every character could put their needs, worries even hurt to the side and treat the individual in front of them with respect and care. giving not only taking.
even the big heartache scene was caused by Mico - where he was so worried he was going to get hurt, he rushed to "run over" Xavier, not even noticing he was left "bloody and broken" - he was to involved in throwing himself a pity party.
and yet this was good and yeah a rewatch - heck need me a daily fix of Xavier's smile, even seeing more of Kookai and Seph budding romance, and last but not least Junjun's quirky personality -
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Predictable
well to be honest i only watched this because of Tony, but so disappointed with the story line which somehow affected their acting execution of the scenes. it's kinda predictable, cliche, unstable and again story is not that great. i think the only reason why most people watched this is because the actors are attractive. and beauty cant get this series far. i was so disappointed with the story build up and it left you hanging. i was not engrossed with the characters and the story, only with their faces. hahahahaha. but to be fair the actors have chemistry but somehow in some scenes there are unnoticeable awkwardness. i love seeing chuchai and patrick. im getting the kilig vibes from them rather than the main actors.Was this review helpful to you?
Best of the Pinoy BL bunch
"Hello Stranger" is the BEST of the bunch, I think. It's realistic, relatable, and passionate. It's oozing with "kilig" factor, proving that s3x isn't at all a magic pill to have a sizzling BL series. The real magic lies in the ACTING (much credit goes to Tony Labrusca), the PLOT (simple yet sophisticated, unlike most BL's that are either empty or shallow), and above all the DIALOGUE & EDITING. The editing is superb in many ways: it's compact-- leaving no slack time; it doesn't give you everything in one plate or in a boring predictable lineup of events from A-Z, but maintains a sufficient amount of thrill and surprise in each succeeding episode (one example is the root cause of the lead actors ending up as partners in a school project); and the TIMING-- evolving from the easy to more complicated scenes without losing coherence till the end. The episodes are stitched so well they make a solid whole. "Hello Stranger" comes in 2 parts: Hello Stranger TV Series (8 episodes, can view or download from YouTube), and Hello Stranger The Movie (sequel to the TV Series). I find the TV Series more romantic and memorable.Was this review helpful to you?
Hello, Love!
Remember, when reading reviews...That review is only good for the person who wrote it.
Please do not skip a series/movie simply because you saw a negative review.
That said, Hello Stranger, is the BL quality I enjoy.
It subtracts sex, lust, the need to be physical, love triangles, & confusion.
It simply addresses real life emotions & events. Tugs at the heart.
A story told...hmm...coherently. Actors with chemistry who were passionate.
This series should be included in the every BL list as a mainstay.
We should rewatch/revisit this title often as a reminder....
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Moc se mi tento menší seriál líbil. Jako kdyby ani nebyl z Filipín (až na učitelku). Příběh jednoduchý, bez okrasných nebo zbytečně zdržujících kudrlinek, covidově SOUČASNÝ a MODERNÍ. Sympatičtí herci, krásná úvodní píseň (jeden bod za Zvuk jsem snížil za to, že v pátém a především čtvrtém díle je uprostřed hudba hodně rozladěná, falešná), výborný střih a zpracování. Zásluhu na skvělém dojmu mají všichni herci, ale především dva hlavní - dvacetiletý JC Alcantara (Mico) a pětadvacetiletý Tony Labrusca (Xavier), narozený v USA a především tvůrci samotní, kteří za minimalistické náklady vytvořili tento roztomilý pandemický seriálek.
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Another Philippine Hit
OMG this one is way to cute !!! another online based Drama and this is based around school and a project --Loving it so far -- Mains are so cute and sweet - I am only 2 episodes in and waiting for ep. 3 but I am really liking it The Mains - one has a GF and having trouble as they are do this during the Pandemic - he is all excited as he is focusing more on his studies and such -- but his GF seems to blow him off after he apologizes for not being there for her and how excited he was more focused on his studies - I cannot wait for EP. 3 coming Wednesday 830 AM (Philippine time )
and it is freaking awesome watch it !!
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My Favourite Pinoy BL So Far...
The trailer for this series was great! Everything was on point! The editing and transitions were perfect! I rewatched it several times, which is something that I have yet to do with the trailers of other BL series. However, the first episode was quite disappointing. There were a number of moments that were too quiet and could have benefitted from background music like the scenes with the aloof girlfriend who cares only about appearances. The editing was slow. The acting was mediocre. The story was quite simple, predictable and actually too quick in my opinion. Within the span of one episode, Mico and Xavier went from strangers/rivals into friends who remind one another to eat, all without actually meeting one another in person. GameBoys, another pinoy BL that uses video calling, does a better job of showing the relationship between the two leads develop. However, I did enjoy the ending where Mico got flustered when he accidentally liked one of Xavier's IG post and Xavier reached out, asking if he liked him. And Tony Labrusca (Xavier) is hot! Anyways, hopefully, this series will get better in its next episode.Episode 2 was good! The story and the actions of the characters felt more natural and realistic than the first episode. This series does have a slow pace when it's working so far. It's nice seeing Mico and Xavier's relationship progress as they get to know one another more, learn to build trust with one another and start to break down their walls (unlike GameBoys where Gav immediately wanted to get with Kai). Seeing Mico learn to be empathetic towards Xavier, instead of just worrying about his grades was a nice touch as it showed his inexperience dealing with someone that he likes. Hopefully, he will continue to learn to be a better friend to Xavier. Like a YouTube comment said, "It feels like an indie." I'm excited for the next episode and to see Mico and Xavier's relationship deepen!
Episode 3 was a bit slow as Mico and Xavier's relationship continues to progress. It felt a bit awkward at times, both in terms of the acting and the story. I'm quite sure, along with others, that the last scene is a dream of fantasy of Mico's. There's no way that Xavier confessing to Mico is legit (at least not yet). Or it's Xavier messing with Mico, which could end badly like the opening scene of this series where Mico is seen crying from heartbreak.
Episode 4 was quite good as Mico and Xavier got closer and there were several kilig moments between them. Them virtually sleeping next to one another was so cute! My favourite episode of the series so far! I cannot wait to see them meet one another
Episode 5 was okay. Other than the beginning where Xavier and Mico met and ending where Xavier confessed his feelings for Mico, I was kinda bored throughout this episode, which was a bit slow as there wasn't much progression. As others have stated, there is only 3 episodes left, so I wonder how Xavier crying (which was shown at the start of the series) will be portrayed and if he will have a happy ending.
I actually really enjoyed Episode 6 unlike other viewers. Many people criticized the writers for both Mico's reaction to Xavier's confession and Xavier getting back together with Crystal. However, for me, it made sense. Mico is insecure and believes that Xavier is straight, so when Xavier confessed that the love song that he just performed was for Mico. Mico was shocked. He couldn't believe that his fantasy of having Xavier like him back was coming true. As a result, he deflected by laughing and asking if that was a joke to which Xavier, who is experiencing feelings for a boy for the first time, also laughs due to not wanting to feel embarrassed since he was just rejected. I really hope that there will be a happy ending! Just two more episodes! I'm happy that they're not extending the series like GameBoys, which keeps getting extended to the detriment of the quality of the series.
Episode 7 was kinda cheesy to be honest. The performance that Mico and Xavier put on, which just so happens to also mirror their actual feelings was a bit too on-the-nose. JC's acting is quite good! I was always impressed with this acting chops though he is still relatively a newcomer. However, Tony, who has been in the industry longer, pales in comparison. He is unable to emote and every emotional scene with him felt forced unlike JC, which felt natural. I am looking forward to Mico actually confessing his feelings to Xaiver though I doubt (unfortunately) that they will have a finale kiss or embrace due to COVID.
Episode 8 was very cheesy, especially when Xavier sang for Mico who finished the song when Xavier forgot the lyrics. It was also cute though. I was so disappointed that there wasn't a kiss. I wanted - I was waiting for a kiss after the hug, but we got another hug. *shakes head in disappointment* The new high-five lol. I do wonder though why there wasn't a kiss. Was it because Tony or JC didn't want to kiss? Was it because of Covid? Was it the way that it was written? Anyways, I've heard that there will be a Hello Strangers Movie! I truly hope that there will be a kiss in it!
All in all, I really enjoyed Hello Stranger. It was entertaining, touching, natural and perfectly paced. My favourite pinoy BL series thus far (and that's including GameBoys lol). I'm going to miss coming home every Wednesday to watch another episode of this series :'( Anyways, on a more positive note, I hope to see JC and Tony in more BL roles in the near future!
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