Pinoy BL Series
Thailand
Why Love Why Episode 6
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Episode 6: Redemption was a good set-up for next week's season finale. The plot/storyline progressed with Benjo apologizing to (ex-)girlfriend Ashley and Emil's mother Edna finding out about her son's relationship with Benjo. While sad, what happened to Kelly happens. It's good she learned her lesson and she has friends like Benjo and Emil who support her. I also liked that the town watcher Purot castigated Drake for what he said about Kelly. Screenplay was silly here and there but was also funny. Although I didn't find the rape joke funny. Acting was generally ok. Audio-visuals were fine. For next week's finale, I expect not only for Emil to reveal to his mother about Benjo's family history but also for him to end his relationship with his girlfriend.
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While I like Stigma's plot/storyline, my issue with it is its preachy screenplay. Episode 2: Ang Stigma ni Kian (Kian's Stigma) discussed another relevant social stigma: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) stigma. But because it was presented in a tedious manner, it was really off footing. It would have been better if it was at least informative [e.g. HIV is different from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), HIV and AIDS treatments and support services are 100% free in the Philippines, people with HIV can live a long and normal life, etc.]. The script did get it in one of its lines when Lei said "What kills people is not the disease, but the stigma attached to it." I also appreciated that Kian's friends were very supportive. Acting was still awkward in parts but largely ok. Audio-visuals were mostly fine. Let's see what other issue Stigma tackles in the next episode.
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I enjoyed Episode 4: Pagbangon sa Nakaraan (Rising from the Past). After the typhoon interlude, I think this episode was able to put this series back on track. I especially liked how realistic this episode depicted Filipino (Pinoy) rural folks' resiliency after a disaster. Pinoys, especially rural Pinoys, helping out each other in times of need is very common. And Pinoys finding something to laugh about even in the face of misfortunes is very relatable. What's also nice about this episode, it represented the plight of poor farmers and rice growers in the Philippines. I still have a few issues with this episode though. I was still bothered by the queer portrayals of Luningning and Bighani but I must admit I did laugh a little watching their scenes. Ditas was still obnoxious but hopefully the entrance of Christopher, given the gazes when he was introduced, will explain Ditas' attitude. Screenplay and acting still need to be more natural. Audio-visuals were mostly ok. Overall, I liked this episode.
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I liked Episode 3: Kwek Kwek (Deep-Fried Orange Covered Hard-Boiled Duck Egg). While the pace was still a bit slow, the plot/storyline moved forward on this episode. Character backgrounds were elaborated on this episode. We also got a glimpse of Bryce and Josh's history together. Screenplay was largely fine. Acting was also ok. Even with limited budget, production technicals were mostly good. No new episode on Christmas! The next episode will be on January 1!
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Simon was introduced on Episode 2: Prisoner. While the plot/storyline progressed a bit, the scenes weren't exciting enough. Screenplay was unnatural. Acting was cringy. John David's monologues were barely watchable. His dialogues with Miguel were unrealistic. The Amore actors were not excellent but they were at least generally good in acting. I was expecting The Shore actors to be at par and as prepared as the Amore actors. They're not. The Amore actors are far better in acting than these newbie actors. I hope the main cast members of this series will at least have chemistry together. We'll see on the next episodes. Audio-visuals were still mostly uneven. The visual effects for the helicopter were horrendous. All in all, this series needs improvements.
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Got'chu Fam! Episode 3
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Like previous episodes, Episode 3: Up for Sale was ok. The plot/storyline of Got'chu Fam, a situation comedy (sitcom), was quite simple. To enjoy this series, don't expect too much. I laughed a little and that was enough for me. Acting was decent. Redge was awkward but funny so he's probably my favorite character of this series, lol. Audio-visuals weren't great but were mostly fine. All things considered, I want them to find a way to stay in the boarding house but I think a garage sale will not be enough to raise the money (PhP2.5 million in 3-days) they need, lol!4
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I really like this series! It's the most daring Filipino (Pinoy) boys' love (BL) series. It's quite different not only because of its supernatural elements but also because of all the kissing and sex scenes which were all integral to the plot/storyline especially of Episode 3: Love and Deceit. I know cheating is bad and there's too much cheating left and right on this episode. Well, it's not called Cheat for nothing, lol! But seriously, I think the characters will eventually get what they deserve but in the meantime, I'm really enjoying the plot/storyline. Screenplay was generally ok although I would have preferred less archaic Filipino Tagalog lines. The dialogues of the otherworldly can also be contemporary. Acting performances were decent. The siblings Migo's Dong and VR's Jay were alright but Daryll's Vee, who has had most of the fun so far, lol, was something else. Allora's Jennifer and Tuesday's Mother were also good. I think all cast members fit their roles well. Production technicals were as solid as previous episodes. I can't believe we're already halfway through this series. It's a good thing that this is just Chapter 1. Hopefully we can expect a Chapter 2.
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Episode 1: Ang Stigma ni Harry (Harry's Stigma) was alright. It obviously had something to say about a social stigma associated with Filipino (Pinoy) gays. There was a problematic line about a transwoman ("You're not a woman") but I expect it to be corrected on a future episode focusing on Lei, the same way the view on gays as mere sponsors was called out towards the end of this episode albeit in a preachy way. Acting of newbies Ivan, Aj, and Gio needs improvement. Production technicals were fine. Overall, I think this episode was ok.
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I was quite disappointed with Episode 4. The plot/storyline was a let down. Screenplay was lazy and lousy. Since Very Truly Yours and Hook Up, I've invested on Marky's character Mark Lee. And for his character to end up the way he did on this episode was just super upsetting. The only thing that went well for this episode was Niko's acting. Audio-visuals were uneven and scene transitions were rough. If this was really the end of the road for Mark Lee (since JACE TV's reportedly shutting down), then it's really sad.
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Why Love Why Episode 5
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Episode 5: Status Quo was mostly hits with a few misses. Giving Kelly a more sensible character background was a hit. Showcasing relationship development among the characters was a hit. And Benjo and Emil's sex scene was a hit. But there were misses in terms of the dramatic scenes. Script and acting were still over the top on some scenes. Audio-visuals was a bit uneven on this episode. The OST "Gawin Mo Akong Boyfriend" (Make Me Your Boyfriend) by Pipo Cifra and Vince Tanada featuring Johnrey was ok though. With the finale next week, I'm really curious how this series will end.
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Episode 2: Hubad (Naked) was alright. The episode's pace was a bit slow but at least there's progress in terms of plot/storyline. Script still had unnatural lines but was generally better than last week. Acting performances by Kurt and Renz were largely fine. They're both gorgeous! Audio-visuals were solid. For next episode, I'm hoping for some romantic excitement!
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The plot/storyline moved a bit on Episode 4: Bound To Happen. At least two of the ships, Ram and Migo and Cassandra and Chesca, were sailing along but overall, not much excitement on this episode. Script wasn't memorable. And acting was quite dry. For next week, instead of a taped regular episode, Influencers announced that it will have a special live episode. I hope it's exciting enough.
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If there's an aspect of Episode 7: Antonyms that I liked, it's its clear message against medical prescription by a non-physician. This type of medication is dangerous and people should always consult a doctor. But one of the aspects I don't like about this series, as evident on this episode, was its terrible representation of healthcare workers as uncaring and unpleasant douches. I know there are a few bad apples here and there, but healthcare workers are generally nice people who actually save people. And I wish this series will somehow reflect that. Script was still poor. Acting was still barely watchable with all the overacting that went with this episode. Production technicals were the same as previous episodes. A recent Facebook post by The Powerhouse Ensemble promised more sensible and fun scenes in the coming episodes. I sincerely hope succeeding episodes improve from the previous episodes.
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Boys' Lockdown Episode 6
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Episode 6: Podmates was an enjoyable finale. Boys' Lockdown's first season ended the way it started -- absolutely charming and endearing. Everything was quite nice on this episode. Everyone seemed to have a happy ending with all the ships sailing: Dev and whoever she's on a virtual date with, Dicky and Libby, Martin and Whilce, and of course, Key and Chen, who had a long, natural-looking, and wonderful kiss. Script was really good. My favorite line was from Chen: "I felt like I was giving the coronavirus a big middle finger in its giant ugly face because I won." Yes, f*@k you, COVID-19! Ali and Alec were just perfect for their roles. Audio-visuals were cool and clean. I'm so looking forward to the second season!
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Episode 6 was a perfect ending for an excellent Filipino (Pinoy) boys' love (BL) series. Mando's finally free. He's gay! He has supportive parents and true friends. Time seemed to heal all the wounds of the past. Krisha's a star and she's happy. Barry and Mando have a second chance at happiness too... together. And Prof. Siwa is Ma'am, Ms. Siwa! Screenplay was great. Acting performance by Kokoy was outstanding. Barbie was equally amazing. Alex also delivered what was expected of him especially during the hospital scene with Barbie. Renzie and Marynor's combo brought the fun on this episode. Production technicals were solid as always. And the OSTs fit well with the scenes. Now, would I want another season? Hmmm... EliKoy on my mind, lol!
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