I know Mandee was trying for something more lighthearted than Bed Friend, but what a stumble. If they went the way of the unreliable narrator from the POV of Jade that would have been better than this. I do like how Uea and King are still in the story but in no way overshadow it, while still helping move the plot forward.
Namtan is really GMMTV's Top actress in my humble opinion. Her scenes in EP4 were heartbreaking.
Namtan is an epic actress! She has chemistry with all her fellow actors and doesn't outshine them while still bringing her skills forward. IMHO she carried The Player forward as she was the best baddie! Before that, and even after, she has always played this sort of nice character. It was great to see that mold broken! Here she has great chemistry with both Jimmy and Sea. Phojai's conversation in the cafe with Day was just so nicely done! Anyway, I'm always in for a Namtan appereance!
Well, there you have it. The awards this series will have: 1. Worst Pinoy Drama 2. Worst Pinoy Drama with a GL 3. Worst Pinoy Drama that mentions SOGIE (Dethrones BenxJim 2) 4. Worst Asian drama from an established studio 5. Worst Asian drama with a Christmas soundtrack 6. Worst Asian Drama with the Best New Actors 7. Worst Hospital Scene in an Asian Drama 8. List goes on!
Wow. What a wasted opportunity. Wasted like GTA when the character dies. Wasted like an ice cream falling to hot pavement. Wasted like . . . well like Our Story.
Hospital scenes are always sad. Well were. Even hospital scenes in Physical Therapy were better! Does Oxin have access to some sort of time/ space transfer technology we don't know about? All the cast from Manilla were able to magically appear in a hospital in Baguio in record time! Even before Zeke, as an emergency case no less, could be properly treated! Wow! The overacting in the hospital was just pitiful. All that water works for no end.
As a production house, I'd think Oxin would at least have some ideas for the use of flashbacks. J&J's story would have slotted in nicely as one to explain what happened with Oliver instead of the teleportation we saw between the hospital scene.
The continuity was, yet again, crap. Fifth had on the same shirt for all the hospital scenes. Yes, the scrubs were supposed to hide it, but his brown shirt showed up. If he went to Zeke's house, wouldn't he have put on some clean clothing to get back to the hospital the next day? We saw him in sleeping clothes on Zeke's bed.
The less said about the other characters' Disney end the better.
Oxin had the goose that laid the golden eggs with Fifth and Jericho. They killed the goose with this drama and tried to make Balut with the remaining eggs, then tried to hatch the eggs, then realised they were better as Balut, but by that time the eggs were really spoilt.
Hiro is an amazing find. Don't get me wrong, Jericho is also. It's just that Hiro steals every scene he is in. His emotional range is amazing. He is almost like a new Elijah Canlas in his abilities. Can't wait to see him in other works, even if not BL.
There is a small production house called Wayufilm Production (look them up on YouTube) that produces some nice, short BL films with new, unknown actors. The studio has no sponsors and are able to do amazing work. Imagine if such a studio had the resources of Oxin!
Ok. So this has to be the Oxin Production with the best actors, but the worst of the worst story. My goodness! Where do I start?
1. Discount Sue Prado has her son missing and never thought to call the hospitals or police. Many people will say something about Asian culture, but even in Asia, they call the police if someone is missing! Diyos ko!
2. Fifth's mom was sick last episode. She tells him to run to his lover and that’s it? He just leaves her there? I don't live in the Philippines, but isn't Baguio like a 5 hour from Manilla? It's not like on the other side of the city, which would still be far. What's Fifth's real motivation to make that journey? And by public transport no less . . .
3. After the outburst for Kevin to go home because he caused the issue with Zeke, discount Sue Prado still takes him with her to the hospital! Does Kevin live next door to come running whenever someone whispers his name?
4. Kim and Bim finally get together after wine drinking and I-don't-need-no-man talk. Diyos ko!
5. Jelai telling Jerome he's a good person? Diyos ko! Jerome had Jelai like a slave! Diyos ko! What is Xion trying to say here?? Diyos ko!
6. J&J is now a parody of some 13-year-old trying to write some kind of fan fiction. What is really the point of that plot? Jason is the offending party, but wants to get rid of Oliver? Yes, Oliver was evil, but Jason caused all this!
7. Matt's breakdown was so funny. Best thing Xion ever directed! Just apply a laugh track to it and we have the Pinoy Award for Best Comedy Performance by the Non-Scripted!
8. We have a scene with Iris and her girlfriend from last episode attempting to become GFs again? Xion, continuity! Did you forget that last week the confession when Iris was going to Canada and then suddenly was not? Diyos ko!
9. The fake crying we could have done without. Comeon!
Now I direct this to Xion once again. Dude. You almost had it! Chemistry, good characters, nice set-up! You wasted it on this parody of a parody parodying itself because there's nothing to parody!
How about this for story: We focus more on Fifth's home life. We see he came from quite a broken home, but has still become a successful, ambitious young man. The exposition from Mama Linda could more than establish this if we don't want to pay the actors.
Fifth's mom has cancer. Trope, but good motivation to get Fifth home. His relationship with his dad is icy. We still have the same sub-story with Zeke, even involve Kevin, but handled much better. Instead of Fifth going to Baguio we see Zeke arrive at Fifth's house, hugging him on the porch. Fifth's dad interrupts. They separate. Fifth wants to take Zeke into the house but is being blocked by a demand to know who this man is. Zeke introduces himself with his last name but just says he's a close friend of Fifth. Ronnie recognises the last name and asks Zeke if (insert Zeke’s dad’s name here) is his father. Turns out Zeke’s dad was Ronnie’s batch mate in the army. They hit it off. Well, sort of.
We now turn to Fifth’s mom’s bedroom. The door is closed. Fifth is introducing Zeke to her as his love. Just as she is holding Zeke’s hand Ronnie rushes in and in a loud voice demands to know what’s Zeke’s and Fifth’s real relationship. Not giving any more ideas, Xion work it out.
See, Xion, with a little thought we could have had a much better storyline with these amazing actors!
Honestly speaking I wanted to see this one best the best of 2023. The other Oxin productions were fun to watch for the mere rubbish plots and campy acting such as Rainbow Prince and My Day. However, seeing these two amazing talented actors, Hiro and Jericho, succumb to such mediocrity is just heartbreaking. This was a great missed opportunity to really make an impression on the GL scene too. Sadly, wasted.
One thing I can say is Guy is well-written. Usually, these optimistic sort of characters can be rather annoying, even if they are loners. He is, however, quite enjoyable and Ping is playing him perfectly.
Ok, after the first episode I commented that I wasn't sure if I'd continue and would come back with an update…
The parallel of Mork in jail to Day's issues is just superb. They are handling Day's disability in a sensible way too. Day was extremely independent. He was an athlete. Suddenly suffering a debilitating disability would be a major blow. His reactions are quite realistic.
I know it's not the focus, but could we see more of the cars pls? Some of the tuning and mods? Loving Babe's baby GTR :D. Would love to hear more of what was done to her :D Dude's got a Datsun 510 in his living room!
Anyway, loved the acting. Nice to see Nut in a more serious role.
I used to write these in fun, but all jokes aside WTH are you really doing?
The good:
Hiro's acting is top-notch with the crap he's given. He basically steals any emotional scene he's in. He has an epic range in his acting.
Angelgrace continues to be a good actress also.
Zeke's post-crash makeup was a bit gory, but really got the point across. The single bloody tear was really dramatic. Nice.
But I think that's all for this episode.
The bad:
Where do I start Xion?
Kevin was touted as the bad guy at first. Ok. You did the character a solid and showed he wasn't all bad. He reacted negatively to Zeke's confession. Ok so far. You made Zeke look as if that rejection is what spurred his downward spiral. Ok. Now, in the 11th episode, you finally show us how abusive Kevin was. A little late don't you think Xion and Easy? We already have his personality down! You had ample opportunity to show us that part of him! Why now?
Why did Zeke get so angry at Kevin? What was his motivation? Did he realise Kevin deleted Fifth's call? That would have been motivation. That term, motivation, is critical to the audience's understanding of the actions of a character. Did Zeke suddenly remember what Kevin really did to him and this got him angry? Did Zeke not like Kevin telling him about new tourist areas? Zeke being angry just came out of nowhere. As a director with staff does a nobody amateur have to tell you about writing techniques Xion and Easy?
Why does every scene with Zeke and Kevin feel like it was filmed on the same day in one go? Probably because it was. Xion, couldn't some editing, lighting, or something make it feel like these scenes had time passed? Xion, you're the director and producer, come on!
J&J are now a parody of some other show. Do you realise that the entire incident occurred because Jason used Joel's image in the app? Oliver was evil, yes, but he is the innocent party here! Jason and Joel plotting like that was just too much! He is, honestly, the innocent party here! Could have been handled much better Xion. Oliver's life is now destroyed because of Jason's stupidity. Are we supposed to be rooting for what they did? Diyos ko!
While I like taking Fifth home these scenes were extremely rushed. Why wasn't this done earlier? His dad is an ex-army officer. Do you really think this one screaming scene between them would make Ronnie break down like that to ask for forgiveness? After decades of abuse? That turnaround was faster than a race car going off-track at a Grand Prix event. You had the greatest opportunity to explore Pinoy culture, parents causing psychological damage and so many other worthy topics. Xion and Easy do you even watch other dramas, lakorns, tele novellas, and Indian movies? His sisters are given less presence and importance than Chuck Chuck! They are the main victims! For heaven's sake, one of Fifth's sisters killed herself! Killed herself Xion! Diyos ko!
Xion. I doubt that you are a parent. I hope you or someone on your team was once a child. Do you really think parents ground children from going to school? I can tell you if that was the case I'd misbehave all the time not to go to school. Iris' father grounded her for what? Again, what was the motivation? Did he know she was in another girl's bed kissing her?
And while we're there, the entire thing between Iris and Lorraine was developed so quickly and resolved. What? What? What? Suddenly Iris was going to Canada and just as quickly she's not? What? you had an epic opportunity to introduce an amazing GL relationship and side couple into Pino Dramadom. There was a good set-up, with Iris leaving. That was something called a plot thread, Xion. A really good way to get characters motivated to act a certain way. Instead, we get whatever that was. Diyos ko!
As for Jalei and his situation. Yes, we solve all our man problems with wine. You go Xion! We could have a psycho stalking him now, but never mind: we'll just sit and sip wine.
The less said about Kim Mim and Bim (I can't even be bothered to write their names again) the better.
Xion, Xion, Xion, what's up with the music score? All that Christmas music at just the perfectly wrong time! I know we probably couldn't get Patricia Lasaten to score, but virtually anyone into sound would tell you the emersion with Christmas music in the background that does not involve angels, baby Jesus, Joseph, Mary, Wise Men or Santa is not a good idea. Again Diyos ko!
Xion, again I say you do have a talent for making these utter disasters that we can't stop watching. There are moments where what this show could really be shine through, but then you just drag it back to the bleakness that is the constant rain of wherever Zeek's house is, where the rain never stops.
If the approximatly 15 of us masochists who stuck around till the end got t-shirts, I would be ready to throw…
If I could afford it I'd fly to Manilla for the finalle party at the mall just to tell Xion how much he sucks and how he has killed tallent in Hiro and Jericho!
Xion, Xion, Xion. Dude. Honestly. Let's use our money and sponsorship on something actually thought out, please!
You had something mind-blowing here. Had. Fifth and Zeke are amazing characters with epic, well-rounded backgrounds that are not being used! Hiro and Jericho, I keep saying, are great actors with amazing chemistry between themselves and among the cast. Why, oh why, are we misusing them like this? Why Xion, why?
Saying that some good was done with Fifth's background. Those actors held their own. Apollo Abraham had the striking screen presence of a chiseled ex-military officer in all his scenes. Gaye Piccio gave us the battle-hardy military wife defending her children. The way Fifth overheard their fight was, actually, quite believable too. Well done. See, when we get rid of the cringy and choose a direction (yes direction) we can almost produce (yes produce) a good drama emerging from the rest of the BS, Xion. The script in these scenes was tight, the emotions believable. Pity this wasn't so for the rest of the episode and series.
The exposition of the sister committing suicide was done somewhat tastefully, but some more explanation would have been nice. Hope we get more background of Fifth's home life and that it's not a forgotten plot. The cancer card was a well-used trope, but good motivation to get him home.
It's nice, Xion, to see that Zeke has lost his motivation to take pictures. He did say meeting Fifth gave him back that passion. I do hope, Xion, that we are going to use that properly. The small references every now and then about Zeke not having that spark anymore is how to use something to explain a character's motivation without it being annoyingly overused as a certain phrase I will not be repeating. This was well done.
That was the good from this episode. Now to the bad.
Mama Linda and Fifth have a good relationship. She seems to be over her kick-everybody-out phase, but her advice really, really sucks. She is in no way an ally or even acts as a proper sympathetic mother. Her advice is just so out of this world! Come on! I did like how she said Fifth's upbringing made him who he is. However, Xion, this was a good place to have some flashbacks so we could understand Fifth more. This was also a great opportunity to bring Sky's dad's memory into this story. We still remember his passing, don't we Xion? You missed the mark to correctly bring up the forgiveness theme Discount Sue Prado was trying to attempt to bestow upon Zeke at the best of the worst times.
Xion, dear Xion, what's this about Iris missing? She's actually missing this time and we just didn't forget to write her into the episode Xion? Did Matt kidnap her? Does he have her in a shed behind his house? Or his basement? Is she off doing SOGIE things? We had no build-up or motivation for her to be AWOL, so is this some late attempt to bring drama into a, well, drama? Talk about a royal misuse of a good character, well, like all the good characters in this story . . .
Jason, Joel, Oliver. Eh? Jason texting Joel like that? Didn't we want to pay James to actually be in the room? A face-to-face would have been oodles better to cement the friendship more! Come on Xion? Gosh! Please get someone, anyone, even someone who doesn't even speak Tagalog to review the script! And, while on that topic, Oliver exposing his plot in such a quick and unsatisfying manner was good for you? Eh, Xion? Also, didn't Jason know Oliver was plotting against them? Another plot we forgot, Xion?
As if this wasn't enough why do we have Kevin suddenly want to spend every waking and sleeping moment with Zeke? Doesn't he have his own family, or are they in New York? At least Discount Sue Prado is telling him he should go home. Well done. Well, not really, but you get the idea.
Oh. Almost forgot about Kim, Zim, or what's his name, and Vet. Why do we even have that story? The money saved by using Google Translate for the Korean scenes could have hired a good musical scorer for the very least! If we couldn't get Patricia Lasaten couldn't we look for anyone else???
Which brings me to the score. Yes, Xion, We get it: it's Christmas time. But do we need Christmas music over serious scenes? Diyos ko!
That Jelai and Jerome. The less said the better . . .
Xion, I know continuity is not your strong suit but is it hard to be consistent? Miguel Bien is doing a good job with costuming, but he needs an assistant to keep track of the actually used costumes between different scenes for consistency!
Xion, Xion, Xion. Each episode has some scenes that show how good this drama could be. Your talent as a director and producer is to, honestly, couch the good in so much bad that it cannot even be seen by the fandom! Hiro and Jericho are chemistry. Sadly you've put kerosine on sodium into that mix and made that good chemistry melt into something disastrous on the scale of Chernobyl and Fukushima combined. Sad.
At least Mama Linda went back to her old self from her screeching ways of kicking people out.
Again, Hiro and Jericho are epic actors with what is given to them. Hiro takes the Best Actor With the Worst Crap Award in this episode. His acting is so earnest and on-point.
But:
Let's talk about the Christmas music. Xion, dude, WTH? Really amazing scene with Fifth crying and you put Christmas music about a savior being born! Diyos ko!
Yes, Fifth may have overreacted. With the bad storytelling, I'll still give that tiny concession. Again I say may have. However, he did see Zeke about to kiss Kevin from his POV (holding the cake no less) on his way to the bathroom. Why is everyone telling him he is wrong? Did not one character realise what Zeke did? Not one is holding Zeke responsible for not opening the channels of communication? Well, at least that's somewhat in character for Zeke. It is well established at this phase that he prefers to run from problems than confront them. Just the stairs we took to get there felt like climbing Mount Everest with only joggers on.
I'm happy Iris is having a somewhat happy time, but don't we think, Xion, that's it just a little rushed and ridiculous? Couldn't we have some time to see the relationship grow? Suddenly that couple is at Netflix and chill?
Discount Sue Prado (sorry she's not credited) just seems to have a knack for making things worse. WTH was that dialogue between her and Fifth? That character is just the worst in a long line of worsts!
Xion, can you not decide what you really want this series to be about? Suddenly we have an NC scene straight out of Elite. Are we going in that direction? O, wait, that was just a one-off that was meant to be steamy after talk of corn and I don't want to go there.
Then, suddenly, Xion, we are switching gears, yet again, and introducing a SOGIE theme. Was this ever built up or even hinted at? O, Xion. If that wasn't bad enough we get an advert for cookies at the time Iris and company wants to talk about this serious topic affecting the college! Diyos ko!
Xion, making Jelai some sort of victim still doesn't make that story any more interesting. I do hope you have some long-term (sumpain ito, I'm using it now!) goal and reward with that story.
Kim, dear Xion, could be taking both of her admirers for an NC 3-some after drinking all the Soju in Manilla and we still won't care!
"Continuity" seems to be a curse word for you, Xion. Costumes shift scene to scene with no real huge passage of time to account for this. Maybe I don't understand as a non-Filipino, but do Pinoys have a team running around with them like Queen Amidala to be constantly refreshing their clothing?
O, and why do we have Zeke driving and talking on his phone with no seatbelt? Good example for teen drivers, Xion, although, at this point, all teens have probably switched to something else.
Xion. Your skill is creating these multi-vehicle wrecks that are as watchable as the opening scenes in any of the Final Destination movies, but not as good. The issue is that your wrecks make little sense and could, actually, kill the budding careers of Hiro and Jericho. I do, sincerely, hope they are not sunk to the depths of this hulking Titanic of a wreck.
While I love these everybody doesn't get what they wanted endings, Boston really got the raw end of the stick. When he slept with Top there were two consenting people. Top is very much to blame equally. Mew could have been a little more accommodating than telling Boston he would be alone forever. Quite happy to get back into Top's 10/10 fancy penthouse bed, but giving Boston such a curse. Not nice.
Firstly I can see the makings of a great drama. Makings. The story flowed more coherently, there was some point to the scenes, and the story almost progressed well. As well as we can progress in this mess that has been created.
The characters are just all over the place. Are Jason and Joel really angry with each other? Does Krissy have some unknown omnipotent power to crazy glue back relationships? It was nice to see them reconcile though. It had some emotional weight. See when something is properly scripted it can make sense. The speed of their making-up was a little rushed, but at this stage, we will take what we get. Is Oliver with Joel now? Is he over his revenge? Did we forget that little plot element?
What did you do to my sweet Tita Sky's mom (can't remember her name)? When did she become this mean character threatening to kick people out? Her daughter is now a big-shot spa owner so she forgot she took borders to help with the finances? This is so out of character for her!
I loved that Jason and Iris had so much more to do here! Jason is such an underrated character! Philip can act. Give him proper usage! The scene with him and Fifth was almost perfect. That's brotherly support!
Again, Xion, the timeline is all sorts of mess. We see Zeke and Kevin in the room. We see they don't leave. How did Zeke leave to meet with his mom without Kevin knowing? Wasn't he using Kevin's clothing, or did he have an entire wardrobe in the car? Come on, Xion, we need to fix errors in the timeline so they make some semblance of sense!
The actress playing Zeke's mom is no Sue Prado but she works. The conversation had some feeling but the theme was sort of off. Yes, it's understandable to forgive people but her husband cheated! How does she have to forgive herself and forgive other people before they die? Huh?
The attempted suicide scene. Gosh, Xion, again another opportunity lost to make a meaningful contribution to dramadom! Suicide is nothing to play around with. Zeke approaching the pool had quite a fierce intensity. His flashbacks did well to telegraph to us the weight on his shoulders. Well done Jericho. However, Xion, you wasted it. Out of nowhere comes our hero (no pun intended) Kevin (out of nowhere!) to save him. The last time we saw Kevin he was at the club. Zeke drove off, seemingly randomly. How did Kevin "follow" him? How? Satellite intelligence? 1898 is magic? Alright. Kevin's amazing powers aside, we don't get any discussion about it. Kevin never contacts Zeke's friends. Doesn't he think someone would be worried about him? We know Kevin has Fifth's phone number. For the very least we could have brought in Iris to cement her role as an ally!
The explanation of Zeke confessing to Kevin was, again, well done. We understand the motivations of the characters. It made Kevin less of a bad guy. We see some inklings of good writing. Easy did his job there, or did you take my advice to get anyone to read the script? We could actually understand Kevin distancing himself after the shock of the confession, and Zeke falling apart.
How in hell, heaven, and all seven thousand realms of the afterlife in all of sci-fi and video games does Kim run a business? You have a freeking make or break fashion show, basically your bread and butter, and you can't even properly schedule your models? Do you have to call in amateurs known by your photographer? This is not the first time either. Kim, get your act together! Well, at least it was better than a Chuck Chuck lost scene, but only marginally. I'm no fashion critic, but let's not go there. Just like Kevin, Vet suddenly appears. These powers of finding people are just uncanny, huh Xion?
Lorraine defending Iris was another good scene that had to be spoilt with Jelai screeching at the top of his lungs. I've read that Gio Emprese is a good actor. If I have to go with his appearances in Oxin Films he won't get any work from me, Xion! At least the staff meeting came after the incident although no verdict was reached. However, we just had an almost conversation about bullying and we see Jelai virtually bullying Mrs. Alcantara!
I don't like what you did to my boy Fifth. Yes, he has the world on his shoulders even before Zeke. Yes, he has other issues that we still don't really know about. But, would he really become an alcoholic in that short time? He works hard for extra money only to now throw it away as an upscale club? Would he treat people like Sky's mom in that manner? Hiro's acting, though, is on point. He can really act with what is given to him.
Xion, there is a concept in film we call "continuity." the definition according to descript is:
Please, please have someone see about this very critical aspect of a story! We can't have the actors dressed a certain way, then suddenly another with no passage of time! Miguel Bien is credited as your Wardrobe/ Stylist. He is doing a bang-up job, but he already has his hands full! Let's get someone in charge of continuity! In the credits, there is no body in charge of this and it shows!
Xion. We can see the makings of a competent drama. Please use Hiro and Jericho in a good project properly! Let's develop a good script, a competent story, and get some better directing (no offense, well some meant) for these two amazing up-and-coming actors!
1 
I do like how Uea and King are still in the story but in no way overshadow it, while still helping move the plot forward.
For sports dramas, it equals Project S: Spike for character development and story.
Here she has great chemistry with both Jimmy and Sea. Phojai's conversation in the cafe with Day was just so nicely done!
Anyway, I'm always in for a Namtan appereance!
1. Worst Pinoy Drama
2. Worst Pinoy Drama with a GL
3. Worst Pinoy Drama that mentions SOGIE (Dethrones BenxJim 2)
4. Worst Asian drama from an established studio
5. Worst Asian drama with a Christmas soundtrack
6. Worst Asian Drama with the Best New Actors
7. Worst Hospital Scene in an Asian Drama
8. List goes on!
Wow. What a wasted opportunity. Wasted like GTA when the character dies. Wasted like an ice cream falling to hot pavement. Wasted like . . . well like Our Story.
Hospital scenes are always sad. Well were. Even hospital scenes in Physical Therapy were better! Does Oxin have access to some sort of time/ space transfer technology we don't know about? All the cast from Manilla were able to magically appear in a hospital in Baguio in record time! Even before Zeke, as an emergency case no less, could be properly treated! Wow! The overacting in the hospital was just pitiful. All that water works for no end.
As a production house, I'd think Oxin would at least have some ideas for the use of flashbacks. J&J's story would have slotted in nicely as one to explain what happened with Oliver instead of the teleportation we saw between the hospital scene.
The continuity was, yet again, crap. Fifth had on the same shirt for all the hospital scenes. Yes, the scrubs were supposed to hide it, but his brown shirt showed up. If he went to Zeke's house, wouldn't he have put on some clean clothing to get back to the hospital the next day? We saw him in sleeping clothes on Zeke's bed.
The less said about the other characters' Disney end the better.
Oxin had the goose that laid the golden eggs with Fifth and Jericho. They killed the goose with this drama and tried to make Balut with the remaining eggs, then tried to hatch the eggs, then realised they were better as Balut, but by that time the eggs were really spoilt.
Hiro is an amazing find. Don't get me wrong, Jericho is also. It's just that Hiro steals every scene he is in. His emotional range is amazing. He is almost like a new Elijah Canlas in his abilities. Can't wait to see him in other works, even if not BL.
There is a small production house called Wayufilm Production (look them up on YouTube) that produces some nice, short BL films with new, unknown actors. The studio has no sponsors and are able to do amazing work. Imagine if such a studio had the resources of Oxin!
1. Discount Sue Prado has her son missing and never thought to call the hospitals or police. Many people will say something about Asian culture, but even in Asia, they call the police if someone is missing! Diyos ko!
2. Fifth's mom was sick last episode. She tells him to run to his lover and that’s it? He just leaves her there? I don't live in the Philippines, but isn't Baguio like a 5 hour from Manilla? It's not like on the other side of the city, which would still be far. What's Fifth's real motivation to make that journey? And by public transport no less . . .
3. After the outburst for Kevin to go home because he caused the issue with Zeke, discount Sue Prado still takes him with her to the hospital! Does Kevin live next door to come running whenever someone whispers his name?
4. Kim and Bim finally get together after wine drinking and I-don't-need-no-man talk. Diyos ko!
5. Jelai telling Jerome he's a good person? Diyos ko! Jerome had Jelai like a slave! Diyos ko! What is Xion trying to say here?? Diyos ko!
6. J&J is now a parody of some 13-year-old trying to write some kind of fan fiction. What is really the point of that plot? Jason is the offending party, but wants to get rid of Oliver? Yes, Oliver was evil, but Jason caused all this!
7. Matt's breakdown was so funny. Best thing Xion ever directed! Just apply a laugh track to it and we have the Pinoy Award for Best Comedy Performance by the Non-Scripted!
8. We have a scene with Iris and her girlfriend from last episode attempting to become GFs again? Xion, continuity! Did you forget that last week the confession when Iris was going to Canada and then suddenly was not? Diyos ko!
9. The fake crying we could have done without. Comeon!
Now I direct this to Xion once again. Dude. You almost had it! Chemistry, good characters, nice set-up! You wasted it on this parody of a parody parodying itself because there's nothing to parody!
How about this for story: We focus more on Fifth's home life. We see he came from quite a broken home, but has still become a successful, ambitious young man. The exposition from Mama Linda could more than establish this if we don't want to pay the actors.
Fifth's mom has cancer. Trope, but good motivation to get Fifth home. His relationship with his dad is icy. We still have the same sub-story with Zeke, even involve Kevin, but handled much better. Instead of Fifth going to Baguio we see Zeke arrive at Fifth's house, hugging him on the porch. Fifth's dad interrupts. They separate. Fifth wants to take Zeke into the house but is being blocked by a demand to know who this man is. Zeke introduces himself with his last name but just says he's a close friend of Fifth. Ronnie recognises the last name and asks Zeke if (insert Zeke’s dad’s name here) is his father. Turns out Zeke’s dad was Ronnie’s batch mate in the army. They hit it off. Well, sort of.
We now turn to Fifth’s mom’s bedroom. The door is closed. Fifth is introducing Zeke to her as his love. Just as she is holding Zeke’s hand Ronnie rushes in and in a loud voice demands to know what’s Zeke’s and Fifth’s real relationship. Not giving any more ideas, Xion work it out.
See, Xion, with a little thought we could have had a much better storyline with these amazing actors!
Honestly speaking I wanted to see this one best the best of 2023. The other Oxin productions were fun to watch for the mere rubbish plots and campy acting such as Rainbow Prince and My Day. However, seeing these two amazing talented actors, Hiro and Jericho, succumb to such mediocrity is just heartbreaking. This was a great missed opportunity to really make an impression on the GL scene too. Sadly, wasted.
They are handling Day's disability in a sensible way too. Day was extremely independent. He was an athlete. Suddenly suffering a debilitating disability would be a major blow. His reactions are quite realistic.
Anyway, loved the acting. Nice to see Nut in a more serious role.
I used to write these in fun, but all jokes aside WTH are you really doing?
The good:
Hiro's acting is top-notch with the crap he's given. He basically steals any emotional scene he's in. He has an epic range in his acting.
Angelgrace continues to be a good actress also.
Zeke's post-crash makeup was a bit gory, but really got the point across. The single bloody tear was really dramatic. Nice.
But I think that's all for this episode.
The bad:
Where do I start Xion?
Kevin was touted as the bad guy at first. Ok. You did the character a solid and showed he wasn't all bad. He reacted negatively to Zeke's confession. Ok so far. You made Zeke look as if that rejection is what spurred his downward spiral. Ok. Now, in the 11th episode, you finally show us how abusive Kevin was. A little late don't you think Xion and Easy? We already have his personality down! You had ample opportunity to show us that part of him! Why now?
Why did Zeke get so angry at Kevin? What was his motivation? Did he realise Kevin deleted Fifth's call? That would have been motivation. That term, motivation, is critical to the audience's understanding of the actions of a character. Did Zeke suddenly remember what Kevin really did to him and this got him angry? Did Zeke not like Kevin telling him about new tourist areas? Zeke being angry just came out of nowhere. As a director with staff does a nobody amateur have to tell you about writing techniques Xion and Easy?
Why does every scene with Zeke and Kevin feel like it was filmed on the same day in one go? Probably because it was. Xion, couldn't some editing, lighting, or something make it feel like these scenes had time passed? Xion, you're the director and producer, come on!
J&J are now a parody of some other show. Do you realise that the entire incident occurred because Jason used Joel's image in the app? Oliver was evil, yes, but he is the innocent party here! Jason and Joel plotting like that was just too much! He is, honestly, the innocent party here! Could have been handled much better Xion. Oliver's life is now destroyed because of Jason's stupidity. Are we supposed to be rooting for what they did? Diyos ko!
While I like taking Fifth home these scenes were extremely rushed. Why wasn't this done earlier? His dad is an ex-army officer. Do you really think this one screaming scene between them would make Ronnie break down like that to ask for forgiveness? After decades of abuse? That turnaround was faster than a race car going off-track at a Grand Prix event. You had the greatest opportunity to explore Pinoy culture, parents causing psychological damage and so many other worthy topics. Xion and Easy do you even watch other dramas, lakorns, tele novellas, and Indian movies? His sisters are given less presence and importance than Chuck Chuck! They are the main victims! For heaven's sake, one of Fifth's sisters killed herself! Killed herself Xion! Diyos ko!
Xion. I doubt that you are a parent. I hope you or someone on your team was once a child. Do you really think parents ground children from going to school? I can tell you if that was the case I'd misbehave all the time not to go to school. Iris' father grounded her for what? Again, what was the motivation? Did he know she was in another girl's bed kissing her?
And while we're there, the entire thing between Iris and Lorraine was developed so quickly and resolved. What? What? What? Suddenly Iris was going to Canada and just as quickly she's not? What? you had an epic opportunity to introduce an amazing GL relationship and side couple into Pino Dramadom. There was a good set-up, with Iris leaving. That was something called a plot thread, Xion. A really good way to get characters motivated to act a certain way. Instead, we get whatever that was. Diyos ko!
As for Jalei and his situation. Yes, we solve all our man problems with wine. You go Xion! We could have a psycho stalking him now, but never mind: we'll just sit and sip wine.
The less said about Kim Mim and Bim (I can't even be bothered to write their names again) the better.
Xion, Xion, Xion, what's up with the music score? All that Christmas music at just the perfectly wrong time! I know we probably couldn't get Patricia Lasaten to score, but virtually anyone into sound would tell you the emersion with Christmas music in the background that does not involve angels, baby Jesus, Joseph, Mary, Wise Men or Santa is not a good idea. Again Diyos ko!
Xion, again I say you do have a talent for making these utter disasters that we can't stop watching. There are moments where what this show could really be shine through, but then you just drag it back to the bleakness that is the constant rain of wherever Zeek's house is, where the rain never stops.
You had something mind-blowing here. Had. Fifth and Zeke are amazing characters with epic, well-rounded backgrounds that are not being used! Hiro and Jericho, I keep saying, are great actors with amazing chemistry between themselves and among the cast. Why, oh why, are we misusing them like this? Why Xion, why?
Saying that some good was done with Fifth's background. Those actors held their own. Apollo Abraham had the striking screen presence of a chiseled ex-military officer in all his scenes. Gaye Piccio gave us the battle-hardy military wife defending her children. The way Fifth overheard their fight was, actually, quite believable too. Well done. See, when we get rid of the cringy and choose a direction (yes direction) we can almost produce (yes produce) a good drama emerging from the rest of the BS, Xion. The script in these scenes was tight, the emotions believable. Pity this wasn't so for the rest of the episode and series.
The exposition of the sister committing suicide was done somewhat tastefully, but some more explanation would have been nice. Hope we get more background of Fifth's home life and that it's not a forgotten plot. The cancer card was a well-used trope, but good motivation to get him home.
It's nice, Xion, to see that Zeke has lost his motivation to take pictures. He did say meeting Fifth gave him back that passion. I do hope, Xion, that we are going to use that properly. The small references every now and then about Zeke not having that spark anymore is how to use something to explain a character's motivation without it being annoyingly overused as a certain phrase I will not be repeating. This was well done.
That was the good from this episode. Now to the bad.
Goodness gracious me! Mio dios! Diyos ko! 我的上帝! พระเจ้า! हे भगवान!
Mama Linda and Fifth have a good relationship. She seems to be over her kick-everybody-out phase, but her advice really, really sucks. She is in no way an ally or even acts as a proper sympathetic mother. Her advice is just so out of this world! Come on! I did like how she said Fifth's upbringing made him who he is. However, Xion, this was a good place to have some flashbacks so we could understand Fifth more. This was also a great opportunity to bring Sky's dad's memory into this story. We still remember his passing, don't we Xion? You missed the mark to correctly bring up the forgiveness theme Discount Sue Prado was trying to attempt to bestow upon Zeke at the best of the worst times.
Xion, dear Xion, what's this about Iris missing? She's actually missing this time and we just didn't forget to write her into the episode Xion? Did Matt kidnap her? Does he have her in a shed behind his house? Or his basement? Is she off doing SOGIE things? We had no build-up or motivation for her to be AWOL, so is this some late attempt to bring drama into a, well, drama? Talk about a royal misuse of a good character, well, like all the good characters in this story . . .
Jason, Joel, Oliver. Eh? Jason texting Joel like that? Didn't we want to pay James to actually be in the room? A face-to-face would have been oodles better to cement the friendship more! Come on Xion? Gosh! Please get someone, anyone, even someone who doesn't even speak Tagalog to review the script! And, while on that topic, Oliver exposing his plot in such a quick and unsatisfying manner was good for you? Eh, Xion? Also, didn't Jason know Oliver was plotting against them? Another plot we forgot, Xion?
As if this wasn't enough why do we have Kevin suddenly want to spend every waking and sleeping moment with Zeke? Doesn't he have his own family, or are they in New York? At least Discount Sue Prado is telling him he should go home. Well done. Well, not really, but you get the idea.
Oh. Almost forgot about Kim, Zim, or what's his name, and Vet. Why do we even have that story? The money saved by using Google Translate for the Korean scenes could have hired a good musical scorer for the very least! If we couldn't get Patricia Lasaten couldn't we look for anyone else???
Which brings me to the score. Yes, Xion, We get it: it's Christmas time. But do we need Christmas music over serious scenes? Diyos ko!
That Jelai and Jerome. The less said the better . . .
Xion, I know continuity is not your strong suit but is it hard to be consistent? Miguel Bien is doing a good job with costuming, but he needs an assistant to keep track of the actually used costumes between different scenes for consistency!
Xion, Xion, Xion. Each episode has some scenes that show how good this drama could be. Your talent as a director and producer is to, honestly, couch the good in so much bad that it cannot even be seen by the fandom! Hiro and Jericho are chemistry. Sadly you've put kerosine on sodium into that mix and made that good chemistry melt into something disastrous on the scale of Chernobyl and Fukushima combined. Sad.
Dude, WTH?
At least Mama Linda went back to her old self from her screeching ways of kicking people out.
Again, Hiro and Jericho are epic actors with what is given to them. Hiro takes the Best Actor With the Worst Crap Award in this episode. His acting is so earnest and on-point.
But:
Let's talk about the Christmas music. Xion, dude, WTH? Really amazing scene with Fifth crying and you put Christmas music about a savior being born! Diyos ko!
Yes, Fifth may have overreacted. With the bad storytelling, I'll still give that tiny concession. Again I say may have. However, he did see Zeke about to kiss Kevin from his POV (holding the cake no less) on his way to the bathroom. Why is everyone telling him he is wrong? Did not one character realise what Zeke did? Not one is holding Zeke responsible for not opening the channels of communication? Well, at least that's somewhat in character for Zeke. It is well established at this phase that he prefers to run from problems than confront them. Just the stairs we took to get there felt like climbing Mount Everest with only joggers on.
I'm happy Iris is having a somewhat happy time, but don't we think, Xion, that's it just a little rushed and ridiculous? Couldn't we have some time to see the relationship grow? Suddenly that couple is at Netflix and chill?
Discount Sue Prado (sorry she's not credited) just seems to have a knack for making things worse. WTH was that dialogue between her and Fifth? That character is just the worst in a long line of worsts!
Xion, can you not decide what you really want this series to be about? Suddenly we have an NC scene straight out of Elite. Are we going in that direction? O, wait, that was just a one-off that was meant to be steamy after talk of corn and I don't want to go there.
Then, suddenly, Xion, we are switching gears, yet again, and introducing a SOGIE theme. Was this ever built up or even hinted at? O, Xion. If that wasn't bad enough we get an advert for cookies at the time Iris and company wants to talk about this serious topic affecting the college! Diyos ko!
Xion, making Jelai some sort of victim still doesn't make that story any more interesting. I do hope you have some long-term (sumpain ito, I'm using it now!) goal and reward with that story.
Kim, dear Xion, could be taking both of her admirers for an NC 3-some after drinking all the Soju in Manilla and we still won't care!
"Continuity" seems to be a curse word for you, Xion. Costumes shift scene to scene with no real huge passage of time to account for this. Maybe I don't understand as a non-Filipino, but do Pinoys have a team running around with them like Queen Amidala to be constantly refreshing their clothing?
O, and why do we have Zeke driving and talking on his phone with no seatbelt? Good example for teen drivers, Xion, although, at this point, all teens have probably switched to something else.
Xion. Your skill is creating these multi-vehicle wrecks that are as watchable as the opening scenes in any of the Final Destination movies, but not as good. The issue is that your wrecks make little sense and could, actually, kill the budding careers of Hiro and Jericho. I do, sincerely, hope they are not sunk to the depths of this hulking Titanic of a wreck.
When he slept with Top there were two consenting people. Top is very much to blame equally. Mew could have been a little more accommodating than telling Boston he would be alone forever. Quite happy to get back into Top's 10/10 fancy penthouse bed, but giving Boston such a curse. Not nice.
Firstly I can see the makings of a great drama. Makings. The story flowed more coherently, there was some point to the scenes, and the story almost progressed well. As well as we can progress in this mess that has been created.
The characters are just all over the place. Are Jason and Joel really angry with each other? Does Krissy have some unknown omnipotent power to crazy glue back relationships? It was nice to see them reconcile though. It had some emotional weight. See when something is properly scripted it can make sense. The speed of their making-up was a little rushed, but at this stage, we will take what we get. Is Oliver with Joel now? Is he over his revenge? Did we forget that little plot element?
What did you do to my sweet Tita Sky's mom (can't remember her name)? When did she become this mean character threatening to kick people out? Her daughter is now a big-shot spa owner so she forgot she took borders to help with the finances? This is so out of character for her!
I loved that Jason and Iris had so much more to do here! Jason is such an underrated character! Philip can act. Give him proper usage! The scene with him and Fifth was almost perfect. That's brotherly support!
Again, Xion, the timeline is all sorts of mess. We see Zeke and Kevin in the room. We see they don't leave. How did Zeke leave to meet with his mom without Kevin knowing? Wasn't he using Kevin's clothing, or did he have an entire wardrobe in the car? Come on, Xion, we need to fix errors in the timeline so they make some semblance of sense!
The actress playing Zeke's mom is no Sue Prado but she works. The conversation had some feeling but the theme was sort of off. Yes, it's understandable to forgive people but her husband cheated! How does she have to forgive herself and forgive other people before they die? Huh?
The attempted suicide scene. Gosh, Xion, again another opportunity lost to make a meaningful contribution to dramadom! Suicide is nothing to play around with. Zeke approaching the pool had quite a fierce intensity. His flashbacks did well to telegraph to us the weight on his shoulders. Well done Jericho. However, Xion, you wasted it. Out of nowhere comes our hero (no pun intended) Kevin (out of nowhere!) to save him. The last time we saw Kevin he was at the club. Zeke drove off, seemingly randomly. How did Kevin "follow" him? How? Satellite intelligence? 1898 is magic? Alright. Kevin's amazing powers aside, we don't get any discussion about it. Kevin never contacts Zeke's friends. Doesn't he think someone would be worried about him? We know Kevin has Fifth's phone number. For the very least we could have brought in Iris to cement her role as an ally!
The explanation of Zeke confessing to Kevin was, again, well done. We understand the motivations of the characters. It made Kevin less of a bad guy. We see some inklings of good writing. Easy did his job there, or did you take my advice to get anyone to read the script? We could actually understand Kevin distancing himself after the shock of the confession, and Zeke falling apart.
How in hell, heaven, and all seven thousand realms of the afterlife in all of sci-fi and video games does Kim run a business? You have a freeking make or break fashion show, basically your bread and butter, and you can't even properly schedule your models? Do you have to call in amateurs known by your photographer? This is not the first time either. Kim, get your act together! Well, at least it was better than a Chuck Chuck lost scene, but only marginally. I'm no fashion critic, but let's not go there. Just like Kevin, Vet suddenly appears. These powers of finding people are just uncanny, huh Xion?
Lorraine defending Iris was another good scene that had to be spoilt with Jelai screeching at the top of his lungs. I've read that Gio Emprese is a good actor. If I have to go with his appearances in Oxin Films he won't get any work from me, Xion! At least the staff meeting came after the incident although no verdict was reached. However, we just had an almost conversation about bullying and we see Jelai virtually bullying Mrs. Alcantara!
I don't like what you did to my boy Fifth. Yes, he has the world on his shoulders even before Zeke. Yes, he has other issues that we still don't really know about. But, would he really become an alcoholic in that short time? He works hard for extra money only to now throw it away as an upscale club? Would he treat people like Sky's mom in that manner? Hiro's acting, though, is on point. He can really act with what is given to him.
Xion, there is a concept in film we call "continuity." the definition according to descript is:
"... continuity is the notion that a sequence of shots all need to feel as unified and fluid as if they were a single shot. If a director chooses to cut from one shot to another, audiences should feel like nothing has changed in terms of time and space."
https://www.descript.com/blog/article/the-importance-of-continuity-editing-in-film-and-video
Please, please have someone see about this very critical aspect of a story! We can't have the actors dressed a certain way, then suddenly another with no passage of time! Miguel Bien is credited as your Wardrobe/ Stylist. He is doing a bang-up job, but he already has his hands full! Let's get someone in charge of continuity! In the credits, there is no body in charge of this and it shows!
Xion. We can see the makings of a competent drama. Please use Hiro and Jericho in a good project properly! Let's develop a good script, a competent story, and get some better directing (no offense, well some meant) for these two amazing up-and-coming actors!