Cherrie

Not for me

Oxin’s BL series are honestly starting to feel like a joke. It’s like each new show gets worse than the last. The acting in this one is especially cringey during the argument scenes—so unnatural. Not everyone is bad though; a few of the supporting characters actually did a decent job.

What really threw me off were the green jokes. I was getting goosebumps—and not in a good way. If you’re familiar with Oxin Films, you’ll know they always sneak in these kinds of lines every episode. And yeah, they’re still cringey. If you understand Tagalog, you’d totally get what I mean.

But this time it’s even more vulgar. Like, lines that actually say "horny," "experiencing boner," "it seems like you’re cumming," or a guy doing a sex video call. Seriously? This is on YouTube where minors can easily access it. That’s just not okay.

I’m disappointed because Oxin usually nails the production value. Hermoso had real potential—honestly, I’ve never seen a BL with this kind of concept before. A love story between a fisherman and a boss? And the setting? A boat and a sardines factory! That’s actually refreshing and unique. But they should’ve toned down the green jokes and avoided the vulgar stuff. This series even have threesome scene on it, oh my!!! 😂 The other main lead already have a wife and still get involved with a guy.

Btw, the guys here are hot though with all the six-packs abs and a tanned skin—definitely that Filipino beauty vibe. They got that right this time. But, these actors seriously need acting workshops. No wonder it feels like Oxin Films always rushes their productions.

So overall, I liked the following things:

-Good production value
-Excellent cinematography and OST
-Hot guys

Dislike:
-Cringe acting
-Uses green jokes and vulgar words every episode
-Main lead has wife but have an affair with his boss
-Unnecessary threesome scene

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Cats and Slowburn Romance

This series is so cute. The moment the trailer came out, I got really excited because I’m such a cat lover. Bonus pa that the actors are also some of my favorites. 😻

I can actually relate to this series a little because I have three cats myself. Cats really don’t like changes since they’re very routine-based animals. Sometimes they don’t even want their food or litter changed. If you feed them late, they might suddenly pee or poop somewhere else. It’s not revenge — it’s usually stress. Cats are very sensitive to changes in their environment.

That’s why I appreciated how accurate and well-researched this series is when it comes to cat behavior. Like John Wick peeing or pooping everywhere even though he’s litter-trained — that can actually mean a cat is sick or stressed, or maybe the litter box is dirty. And the part about him having a UTI is also very realistic because UTIs are common in male cats.

I also love the small details, like the slow blinking. If a cat slow blinks at you, it means they trust you, love you, and feel safe around you. Kudos to the researchers and writers for making the cats feel realistic and not just “cute props” in the story. Even the cats themselves are so well-behaved and honestly feel like real actors too, haha. Ang cute nila sobra. 😹

The series is a bit slow-paced, including the romance, but because of the cats and the overall story, it still makes you excited for the next episodes. I usually don’t like slow-burn romance, but this series made me appreciate it more because the relationship development feels natural and well-built. I realized that falling in love slowly actually feels more realistic than romances with no proper buildup.

Another thing I like is that there are only a few main characters, so it’s an easy and relaxing watch for me. There’s also a little drama between Lynx and her mother, but I think it’s just enough to keep the story interesting without making it too heavy or stressful.

This is only the second series I’ve watched where cats play such a big role, and of course, I absolutely love it. 🐾

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This BL is Toxic and That's the Point

The plot of Burnout Syndrome is incredibly unique and refreshing. The first episode, where Jira struggles to find a job, really hit me hard. Although he is quite selective when it comes to work, it’s understandable—there are people who choose passion over jobs that don’t align with who they are or don’t allow them to express themselves. Jira is a perfect example of this, as he is deeply passionate about his art.

The series is also very brave because it portrays the complexities of relationships and how people can become confused at times. We’re not perfect, and the love triangle between Jira, Koh, and Pheem reflects that reality. Unlike many BL series that sugarcoat stories and show almost perfect relationships, Burnout Syndrome doesn’t shy away from the messy and uncomfortable parts.

If you’re not into toxic storylines or shows that involve a third party, this might not be your cup of tea. The storyline is undeniably toxic—and when I say toxic, I mean all the main characters are toxic. Jira keeps entertaining Pheem, gives him false hope, and even lies. Pheem is obsessed with Jira, while Koh is overly dependent on him and fails to understand how important Jira’s passion for art truly is.

The ending isn’t my cup of tea either—not because it’s bad, but because I actually didn’t want a happy ending. I wanted them all to separate, just to break away from the usual happy-ending formula. It would’ve been refreshing, honestly. 😅

As for the acting, everyone did an excellent job. We all know Gun is a versatile and outstanding actor, but I was also impressed by Dew. His acting felt very natural and effortless. This series feels like a piece of art—well executed, with strong direction and beautiful cinematography.

If you’re into toxic, realistic, and emotionally messy shows, you might actually enjoy this one.

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A Horror BL That is Comforting Me

It’s a bit sad that GBYFD has ended because it became my comfort show, even though it’s horror-themed. The series is a mix of horror, mystery, thriller, and romance. The plot is good, though it’s not overly scary—either it’s intentionally mild or I’m just not easily frightened. I was also mostly focused on the romance between Singha and Thup.

Speaking of their relationship, GBYFD feels very different from Pit Babe when it comes to romance. In this series, the love story is a slow burn—not forced at all and very natural. Their kisses and sweet moments are incredibly romantic, and the way Singha looks at Thup is so convincing that you can genuinely feel the love between them.

Normally, I’m not a fan of slow-burn romances, but in this series, their love develops so naturally that it never feels dragged or artificial. Every time they share a sweet moment, I find myself blushing and giggling.

As for the side couple, they have good chemistry, but their storyline is fairly typical. Still, I appreciate that they were clearly written as a real couple, not just friends or a one-sided love situation.

The story is also easy to follow, unlike many other horror or mystery series. The killer was quite predictable—I already had a feeling about who it was from the moment the character was introduced and started acting innocent.

In terms of acting, Pooh has improved a lot, although he’s always had talent to begin with. Pavel is also a strong actor, but whenever he cries, his aura completely changes—it really stands out. There are no pointless scenes or unnecessary characters; everything is connected to the main plot. The production and cinematography are excellent—you can tell the budget wasn’t cut.

Overall, I enjoyed this more than most other horror BL series, although there is another horror BL that I also rated highly.

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A Dark, Twisted For Power

The Wicked Game is a stressful watch, but I was 100% seated for all the drama and chaos. The story flow does feel quite repetitive in the first half—the siblings keep fighting over who will become the successor and run the hospital, and it seems like the father always sides with whoever currently has the upper hand. Just when you think things have settled, the story flips again and the cycle repeats. But honestly, it never bored me.

This series is heavy, filled with lies, deceit, betrayal, manipulation, greed, revenge—basically everything dark. As much as I hated Pheem’s character, I genuinely enjoyed the show. His character was clearly written that way, and he’s also heavily shaped by childhood trauma. This is one of those dramas where a main character is both the protagonist and the antagonist. If that kind of character isn’t your cup of tea, you might want to stay away from this series.

Pheem

A cunning, heartless, and greedy person shaped by insecurity and childhood trauma.

Than

An ex-police officer who meets Pheem by accident, later becoming his bodyguard and getting dragged into the family’s chaos. He’s righteous, honest, and easygoing.

Chet

Pheem’s half-brother and rival in almost everything. He’s also cunning, greedy, and a fentanyl addict. Like Pheem, he clearly needed love and care too.

Risa

The sister of Pheem and Chet. Although she appears quiet and innocent, I knew from the start she was the most dangerous among them. Whoever has the upper hand between her brothers, she can easily manipulate to climb her way to the highest position in the hospital. She constantly switches sides depending on who benefits her the most.

The plot twists—both early and late in the series—are somewhat predictable, but the way the story unfolds keeps viewers wondering how all the conflicts will be resolved, especially since everyone wants power and there’s so much happening. It keeps you engaged. It feels like it’s either someone has to die or someone has to compromise. There are a few plot holes, but I honestly didn’t mind.

If you rated this low because of Pheem or the other villains, that might not be entirely fair. The series has a heavy, dark theme with multiple antagonists, and that won’t suit everyone. If that’s not your style, it’s better to stop early instead of judging the show for something that’s part of its core tone. And to be fair, Pheem does get some character growth in the end.

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When Hate Turns Into Love

The Proper Way To Write Love isn’t actually as bad as some people claim, but it does have noticeable plot holes, and a few scenes feel pretty boring.

I know it’s fiction, but part of creating a good series or movie is making the storytelling believable. That’s why it felt unrealistic that Natsuo was already into Hiro from the very first episode. Even if he said it was “love at first sight,” no normal person would ask a stranger to date them the second time they meet — that would probably freak anyone out.

Another thing: they’ve already hung out several times and even dated, yet they still haven’t exchanged phone numbers? That just doesn’t make sense. And I still don’t get why Hiro pretended his hand was injured when the show never explains how it supposedly happened — especially since he was faking it. Even though the series is short, there are fillers and scenes that don’t really serve a purpose.

I did enjoy the rivalry/love triangle in episode 5, though. It added some much-needed spice to the story. And honestly, I have to admit that I enjoy dramas like this just as much as I love wholesome, fluffy ones.

It’s pretty shameless that Hiro’s former classmates are still criticizing him even though they’re already adults. They still act like high schoolers, which feels unbelievable to me. Conclusion: I see the series as a revenge story with a twist: Hiro ends up falling in love with Natsuo. The plot may start with revenge, but the genre evolves along the way — and I really love Hiro’s character growth. Natsuo, on the other hand, is a walking green flag. Hiro probably just misunderstood him back in high school.

Overall, it’s a watchable series and good for killing time, but nothing groundbreaking.

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Lame Plot twist

This series is hilarious, but I’m disappointed because I got fooled just like how Kat fooled her friends, lol. Kat’s excuse was pretty lame—she was just drunk and vomited, and then her friends scolded her. And after all that, look at how she did to her friends. He made them worry, put in effort, and do everything for her. It felt really unfair to them.

On the other hand, I can’t fully blame Kat because her friends also treated her differently and constantly badmouthed her. Still, I really didn’t like the plot twist. It felt like the writer ran out of ideas.

The four divas shine in their own ways, and they all delivered solid performances. My favorite in terms of appearance and acting is Neo, but as for the character, my favorite is Fluke.

Overall, this series is a disappointment, and it’s a shame because the four actors clearly gave their best. But I don’t regret watching it because it genuinely made me laugh a lot.

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Great chemistry, slow story

This series is a bit boring. The first four episodes are slow, and nothing major really happens even by episode 4. Most of the time, it’s just Phu constantly chasing Nawa. The only real event is Nawa being harassed by a customer in episode 4, which felt a bit weak—along with the love-triangle angle that runs throughout the series. I enjoy a little drama, but this one just didn’t hook me. It’s supposed to have a supernatural theme, yet it’s not as engaging as I expected. I’ve watched other mermaid shows in the past, so maybe I expected too much.

On the positive side, there are things I genuinely like. I absolutely love the chemistry between the main leads—it’s truly palpable. The acting is also solid, especially Hasun. The way he looks at Nawa makes it seem like he wants to devour him every single time, lol. All the actors are easy on the eyes and deliver good performances. Their chemistry is great, the beach setting is beautiful with its white sand, and the OST is calming.

I am satisfied with the ending even tragedy happens because it's Phraphai who poisoned Phu, so I think sacrificing himself is a good idea. Overall, this series is an easy watch but not best and it's not a must-watch for me.

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Watching This Series Means Feeling Different Kind of Emotions

If you’re looking for a pure, feel-good romance, Shine might not be the one for you. But if you’re into something more mature — with historical and political drama set in the 1960s — then this series is definitely worth checking out.

There’s a lot going on in Shine. The romance between Dr. Trin and Tanwa is a slow burn, but don’t worry — the emotional payoff is worth the wait. In the first three episodes, they barely have scenes together because the story focuses on other characters, subplots, and political events. Surprisingly though, I enjoyed those parts just as much. The storytelling feels layered and intentional.

One of the things I really appreciated is how every character gets their moment to shine — yes, just like the title. Even the supporting cast has depth, and I found myself caring about their stories and what they were fighting for.

Dr. Trin is serious, reserved, and idealistic. Tanwa, on the other hand, is outgoing, cheerful, and always has a smile on his face — though behind that smile is a painful, traumatic childhood. He masks it well, but you can feel the heaviness underneath. Dr. Trin has his own emotional baggage too, which is probably why, despite their contrasting personalities, they find comfort in each other.

Then there’s Krailert and Naran — two people instantly drawn to each other, even though Krailert is already married. That’s where the infidelity begins. Aside from their forbidden romance, they’re also on opposite sides of a political fence — Krailert is a soldier, and Naran is a journalist. Their love is tangled in the same national conflict that affects everyone else in the story.

Let’s not forget Victor. His character plays a surprisingly important role, and whoever decided to include his arc made a smart choice.

By episode 7, I honestly felt disappointed with how Dr. Trin treated Tanwa. He blamed him for what happened during the protest, when in reality, it was Victor and the other students who organized it. They should’ve taken responsibility. I get that Dr. Trin saw Victor as a younger brother, but putting all the blame on Tanwa — your own lover — felt unfair. And he just left him without any explanations. It was also at this point that I realized something: I thought Trin was the one totally smitten, but turns out, he may have fallen first, but Tanwa definitely fell harder.

The emotional rollercoaster really hit me when it came to Tanwa’s backstory, especially his relationship with his father. They argue a lot early on, but in the end, when Tanwa was at his lowest, his father just couldn’t turn his back on him. That moment hit hard.

Tanwa’s character development was probably my favorite — from a carefree, almost reckless hippie to someone who eventually becomes a novelist. Meanwhile, Dr. Trin’s character felt a bit monotonous. He didn’t really evolve much compared to Tanwa.

If I had one gripe about the ending, it’s the way they broke up and only reconciled after two years — especially considering there were no phones or easy communication back then. It felt a bit unrealistic. The only thing that reconnected them was the book Tanwa wrote and dedicated to Trin, which is romantic in theory, but still a stretch.

That said, Shine might just be one of the best BL series of 2025 so far. The performances were solid, the production quality was excellent, and the visuals and cinematography were top-notch. If you’re looking for something deeper and different from the usual BL formula, Shine is definitely worth watching. 💙

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I Thought This Is Weird

I honestly expected the series to be weird based on the plot summary—but surprisingly, I’ve ended up liking it so far. And no, I wasn’t creeped out at all, lol!

The story follows Zefang, Haiyuan, and Xia Cha (the grandfather). At first, when Zefang’s soul was still in his body, he was completely obsessed with Haiyuan—to the point where he would sometimes force himself on him. And it’s not that Haiyuan wasn’t into guys; it’s just… who would like someone that obsessive, aggressive, and borderline abusive?

Then one day, the grandfather and grandson fell down the stairs because they argue and had a commotion. When the grandfather woke up, he found himself in his grandson's body—Zefang had died. So yes, the plot involves body swapping after death.

Xia Cha (now in Zefang’s body) becomes very dependent on Haiyuan, probably because he's still adjusting to his new body and unfamiliar surroundings. He comes off as clingy, but honestly, I find his actions really adorable. Even though his body is Zefang’s, the soul inside is now the grandfather’s—affectionate, gentle, and warm. He has that “old soul” charm, which is the complete opposite of the original Zefang. That’s why Haiyuan eventually falls for him.

That said, I feel like the later episodes took a turn—and not necessarily for the better. Xia Cha’s character started to change in a way I didn’t enjoy. I’m not a fan of this kind of writing or direction. There weren’t enough sweet or heartwarming scenes between them, mainly because of the ongoing tension surrounding the body-swapping issue. Xia Cha wants Zefang to return to his body, even though Zefang’s boyfriend (the “other guy”) clearly isn’t a good person.

And another thing—I don’t understand why the writers made Xia Cha comfort Zefang’s boyfriend so much. He keeps hugging and consoling him when, in reality, their interactions should’ve stayed more casual or even distant. It just doesn’t make sense emotionally.

Still, the series isn’t bad at all—it just could’ve been better. What I really liked were the charming actors, solid performances, great visuals, and the side couple’s storyline (though they didn’t get enough screen time). I’d still say The Promise of the Soul is worth watching. And for what it’s worth, I think the filmmakers did a decent job handling the body-swapping theme.

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A ROBOT AND A HUMAN CUTE LOVE

A robot and human in a relationship? Sounds impossible, but honestly, it's a fresh concept for me, this is the first time I’ve watched something like this. I’ll admit, the first episode didn’t really hook me. It felt kind of slow, but after that, it just clicked.

✅ Episode 2: That fake argument between the girl and her boyfriend at the club? Totally cracked me up 😂

✅ I couldn’t stop giggling when the robot called Bu Shi “baby” after they kissed. Such a flirty little bot.

✅ Bu Shi, though… he can be so annoying sometimes with his constant mood swings. Like, bro, are you 12 years old? He’s hard to read.

✅ The kidnapping scene was kinda lame ngl, and then bam, Ever 4 shows up right away to save the day 😂

Even though Ever 4 is a robot, he’s basically a whole green forest. He even went out and found a job just to support his spoiled brat young master. Gotta love that about him.

I get where Bu Shi’s coming from emotionally, but man, his attitude doesn’t always make sense. One minute he’s all sweet to Ever 4, and the next he’s cold and always sulking.

That said, the main leads are solid actors, especially the one who plays Bu Shi. He honestly gets on my nerves, which probably means he’s doing a good job, lol.

The chemistry between the leads is okay, not exactly fire, and yeah, you can definitely tell there’s an age gap. But the side couple? Super cute and have great chemistry. As for the dad’s acting, it's kinda cringey. The production value isn’t the best, the audio's weak. I noticed the same house and club set from See Your Love. 😅 Also, the visuals in Taiwanese BLs are usually not that polished which I often noticed.

The ending makes me really smiled because of their lovey dovey moments. And finally, I can see Bu Shi's maturity. 😂

There were noticeable plot holes in this series, but still I really enjoyed it. Eternal Butler is a lighthearted romance with a good dose of comedy. Even though one of the characters complains a lot, the series is cute overall.

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Love Squares and Manipulation

Secret Relationships is a total roller coaster of emotions.

It’s not your usual BL series, it’s full of toxicity, possessiveness, and seriously flawed characters, but that’s what makes it so engaging. Without all the messiness, it would’ve been flat and boring.

What makes it even more intense is how possessive the characters get, even when they’re not in a relationship.

This show definitely isn’t for the faint of heart. You’ll either love it or absolutely hate it—no in-between.

And forget love triangles… this story gives us love squares.

If you’re into sweet, wholesome romances, this probably won’t be your thing. But if you’re in the mood for something messier and a little chaotic, it’s worth a watch.

Hints:

Guy 1 - the person who they fall in love with
Guy 2 - calmed yet manipulative, and also unreasonable, the craziest of all 3.
Guy 3 - possessive and violent
Guy 4 - green flag but kissed Guy #1 when he was drunk.

The cast may be underrated, but they seriously delivered excellent performances.

I do wish it had more episodes or maybe even a second season, but honestly, I’m happy with how it all wrapped up. If you're looking for something different from the usual BL dramas, definitely give this one a try.

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Why I Love We Are ❤️

This series had me hooked right from the start. It’s a bit on the longer side since it follows multiple couples, but that totally makes sense. I’ve always had a soft spot for rom-coms, and this one really hits the mark. I’m especially loving Phum and Peem’s story (PondPhuwin), the whole enemies-to-lovers vibe is just chef’s kiss.

Phum’s your typical rich guy with some serious daddy issues, while Peem has this super supportive and loving aunt, which adds a nice contrast. Also, I really appreciate that they focused on Fine Arts as a course instead of the usual Engineering angle you see in a lot of BLs, it’s a refreshing change!

Sure, it can be a little hard to keep up at times, but the story flows well, and all the couples have amazing chemistry. My favorites are definitely PhumPeem and TanKhaofang. Khaofang seems cold at first, but Tan is so persistent, it’s sweet watching Khao slowly warm up to him.

Overall, We Are is a beautiful story about deep friendship and love, and I’m totally here for it.

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Should I continue watching this series?

I dropped this series after the first episode. Why? Well, it’s part of the Between Us universe, and honestly, I felt like I already knew what was going to happen. They basically spoiled the plot from the start, so it just felt predictable. If you're planning to watch Between Us, I’d suggest you start with Until We Meet Again instead. Plus, BounPrem’s story is in this one too, and since I already know what happens in Between Us, it felt like a bit of a time waste, haha! Confusing, right? I think I will continue watching it when I run out of BL series to watch.

But, I’m trying to be fair here, so I didn’t give it a low rating. Since I didn’t finish the series, I gave it a 7.5.

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