Rating from a non-Teume

Firstly, I accidentally discovered this show on YouTube during the release of Episode 2. After that, I've been following the weekly releases of the show.

Story:

At first, I was disappointed because the show already revealed the ghost in episode 3. However, the show is not a mystery show about who's the ghost because it was clear that Haruto is the ghost.

I gave 9/10 because some aspects were missed. Like, who's the reason for the teacher's accident? Who's the ghost or what's that bad aura that gives Junhyuk nightmares? Or what's the cause of that bird's crash in early episodes?

These questions were minor aspects of the show yet these questions make the show interesting at the start since they gave me reasons root for answers. Sadly, they weren't answered. Or I certainly missed them?

Anyway, the story is good and entertaining.

EDIT: There are cookie videos (exclusive videos) that are not available on YT viewers. There's a link on the comment below.

Acting/Casting:

As a non-fan, it was difficult for me to learn their names at first. Believe me or not, I've watched Ep 1-4 many times just so I could memorize their names. And for that reason, I appreciate the acting of each member.

Although some members don't have lines, at least the acting was commendable. Examples in mind would be Asahi and Yoshi. No explanation.

For Haruto, the main character. I have to applaud. Also, I love Hyunsuk, Junkyu, Jeongwoo, Junghwan, Junhyuk, and Dooyoung's acting.

Plus, the side character: the Homeroom teacher, and the two boys from the other section. I like their acting as well. They helped the show progress.


Music:

I like BFF (Best Friends Forever) soundtrack and the last song, I don't know the title. The final scene's OST made me sob. It was heart-wrenching.

The scoring and sound effects are also effective.


Rewatch Value:

Well, I've said it already. I've been rewatching the show multiple times.


Conclusion:

From a non-fan, it was a great experience. Though, I haven't heard TREASURE's whole discography—I only heard their title tracks, which are good btw—I finally learned all their names and their acting skills. Maybe in the future, I'll check other songs from them.

Read More

OFF ENDING

Dodosolsollalasol is literally one of the kdrama series where I like the FL and ML together. Most of the time, I am fond of the second lead and/or side characters—but this one, I like them as a couple. This is actually the second kdrama that I watch with Go Ara as a female lead, the first one will be Hwarang, and to be honest I find her acting off and her personality doesn’t scream her character that much on that historical drama. However, I love her in this one! *Good, good*

There’s nothing much I can comment on the technical aspects of the series, I like how the story flows and the plot twists were predictable but not. The plot twists were obvious but not. I don’t know how to word it but if you get what I mean, feel free to comment. Lmao.

The only thing I find disturbing is the very ending of the series. I mean, I cried a little when ML “died”, and I kind of agree that he really needs to die, I settle with that thought and kind of happy that they ended it that way—until the last five minutes suddenly changed just like that! I kind of predicted that it is possible to happen because it is a Korean drama after all, but seriously??

This is how I view it: imagine causing emotional distress to the people who love you—who thought you’re dead. They mourn for you for fuckng five years then you will just arrive smiling and laughing as if all these years they didn’t feel awful with your loss? THAT’S INSANE!

Dodosolsollalasol 🤝 My Bromance the series (Thai)

I think I’ve seen this film before, and I didn’t like the ending. Yes Taylor Swift, wbk.

The writers could’ve make it more decent, though! I know it’s unjustifiable to sprout like a mushroom when everyone thought you’re dead, but at least the producers gave a decent way to represent the means of ML’s decision to hide it from the people who love him. Imagine Mr. Kim died believing that Jun died before him—idk but the last minutes of the series dragged the whole show for me.

Overall it’s a decent and light series. I love Miss Jin and her daughter so much. Also, protect Seung-gi at all cost!

Read More

Relevant. Brilliant. Funny.

I am yet to watch the last episode because my broke ass cannot afford a premium subscription on WeTV. So, I have to wait till next week.

However, I decided to write my review to this series.

Story

Brilliant story.

This is a talk show in a show where the protagonist, Dr. Kara Teo, reads a problem from a letter sender about their problem related to sex. Also, it showcases Dr. Kara's own personal problems, and every character's—especially women—own struggles.

The problem of letter sender is a parallel to their current situation.

An episode about anorgasmia portrays a struggle of a woman who doesn't reach orgasm because her partner nuts in a minute or two. Foreshadowing Dr. Kara's 6-year struggle of not reaching climax in bed and how everyone deserves a great cum.

An episode about alterego tells a story of a woman who has two personality: the normal persona, and the kinky one (which is a secret persona). She met someone who loved her as her normal self, and she's afraid this guy would learn about her kinky side. Then, Dr. Kara explained how women are struggling to explore their sexuality because of the patriarchal-set standards for women. And we get to see Cassandra's life who escaped from a misogynistic, Christian household (probably my favorite episode).

And, an episode about a toxic relationship but has great sex. The letter sender is torn between keeping a guy who makes her cum multiple times a day but cannot give her peace after sex. We saw Amber finally realizes that her sexual relationship with Ferdie, who happens to be a fuckboy, should end.

Each episode will give you a time to think and ponder. You get to understand the characters' decisions and struggles.

It also respectfully discusses health concerns like STDs, and HIV-AIDS.

It was indeed brilliant.


Acting/Cast

Angelica Panganiban who played Dr. Kara Teo, certainly the best in her generation. She was perfect cast for this role.

I mean, each cast was perfect for their respective roles. Maris Racal as Cassandra, Kit Thompson as Garry. Everyone!

Music

The musical scoring is also good. But I don't think it's remarkable.


Rewatch value

I will definitely rewatch this. Certainly.


Conclusion

This drama deserves more recognition. Given that this stupid country reeks homophobia, misogyny, and toxic masculinity. On the top of that, the show is very relevant on today's political climate.

There's an episode who made me cackle when a character says: "I want you to destroy my ass like its an oppressive system," I swear to god, Antoinette Jadaone is a brilliant director and a screenwriter. All hail.

Season 2 when?

PS. These are the topics covered each episodes.

Episode Guide:

Ep 1: Micropenis
Ep 2: Toxic Masculinity/Gender Fluidity
Ep 3: Illicit Affair
Ep 4: Anorgasmia
Ep 5: Alterego
Ep 6: STD/HIV-AIDSEP
7: Toxic Relationship/Great Sex
Ep 8: Finale

Read More

Exquisitely done.

WHY R U? started strong, gets weak middle and decent ending.

When I started this series, it was mainly because of ZeeSaint. However, I stayed because of the cuteness of SaiZon.

Let's talk about the story:

There are many cliché storylines in this series that made it kinda predictable. There are many side couples that are skip-worthy tbh. (I only care about the 2 main couple and DayHwa). This reason made me question this series. Plus the pandemic did dirty in this story.

Knowing that this series is back-to-back with 2gether the series that made me compare them all the time.

However, when episode 9 came... I was shocked how mature this story compared to other series that I watched. The following points are as follows:

1. Female representation
Majority of the BL series, when they have female characters its either crazy gf, lunatic antagonist, sexual objects and the likes. And I always hated watching series that treats female characters this way. WHYRU is one of the series with strong female supporting character in the name of Hwa--Tor's bestfriend and Fighter's girlfriend.
Her character is stereotypical in the first episodes down to middle. However when she discovered that Fight and Tutor are dating, I expected her to be mad or be an antagonist. Because to be honest, every other BL series do this! But in this series, I love how it turned out. We need more series with female characters like this.
Best examples are Manaow and Del of "Until We Meet Again"

2. Femme gay representation
Whenever I watch BL series, I always observe how femme gays are represented. They always did it dirty. Gays are represented as lunatic, sexual predators, comedians and the likes. But to tell you honestly, femme gays are more than that. WHYRU did well in the character of P'Kae, the boss of Tutor in the café where he work.
I did not expect how P'Kae's character turned out. But I was screaming the whole time when they have conversation with Fighter's father. His lines are chief's kiss. On point and screams volume. It slappedt.
BL series forget to realize that gays are more than comedic stunts and sexual fantasies. We need more strong gay representation. BL is supposed to be a venue to showcase this so that people will stop stereotyping gays in general. Now that BL is highly accepted, we need BL with positive representation of our gay friends.

3. Parents
Fight and his father's conversation are always on the best in this series. I love Fight fight for his love (lmao). When his father slammed him that gay relationship are will never be happy, I love how Fight answered his father. It was strong yet respectful. Parents have their ways of showing love to their kids and they always fail to recognize that sometimes, their love is too much that it hurts their children.
It's natural to the parents to really react this way. I love how realistic it is. And the only way to address something like this is through a conversation. I applaud the team who wrote this specific scene. I am screaming and crying how beautiful the lines are. I'm sorry but that's a fact.


I will no longer discuss how good SaintZee in their acting. They are truly gems of BL world. Mii2 is cutesy and they're also good and has cute chemistry. WHYRU is in my A tier list. And that's on period.

Read More

I GOT BRAIN DAMAGE AFTER WATCHING

I didn't know something would surpass PILIKula to this level of cringeness. Welll, at least PILIKula got a good production despite the worst storyline and acting. This series is painfully dissatisfying from start to finish.

(Note: I actually hate myself, so my punishment is watching this series.)


Story

Is there a story? Oh right! Combining all clichés and overused tropes, pushing the concept when the budget can't achieve, and writing problematic lines.

Trigger Warning: Homophobia, Transphobia, Body Shaming, Manipulation

I understand that not all BLs got a good budget. And that's fine because even high-bugdeted prod can still make worst show (ex. 2gether the series). But this one lacks bugdet and it shows.

They really tried to shove it on our throats, huh! Like can you not push an exclusive private school concept with rich students and can't even afford to get a good setting!?

It seems like this series is made by JHS students for a school project. This one looks cheap and trash. It's trying-hard which gives me brain damage.

Well, I can squint and disregard the set design for the sake of story.... however, nothing's good about it either. Plus, the characters are spouting nonsense and bullshits that I can never forgive.

Sure, I applaud the series for hiring LGBT cast and letting them wear outfit that makes them comfortable. BUT. They're really acting from stereotypes. And there are unforgivable amount of homophobia and transphobia from this series.

I am tried with these bullshits. Please. This is so backward!!!

Another thing, the amount of body shaming showcased is beyong recovery. There's only one plus size character but they're making it look like being fat is a personality trait. Who wrote this series? Let me talk to you.

The only good thing about the series is that the main characters didn't end up together. I'm not into sad endings but this series made the right decision.

Please. I don't like the bully to lover trope. As a person who was bullied in highschool, whenever a drama has that kind of trope gives me flashbacks—bad memories. You don't fall in love with your bully!

Though, the main couple had sweet moments, at least they didn't end up together! Because the bully is a manipulator and if they end up together, we're romanticizing red flag behaviors.

(No justice for the second male lead.)


Acting/Cast

Ugh. Aside from the bad storyline and script, the acting is bad. They really casted too many starlets who can't act!

There are too many unnecessary characters. They did not even help the story progress! They're just there for the sake of filling the small classroom. Lmao.

I lost count how many times I facepalm-ed from cringing on their acting.


Music

I don't like the musical scoring. It's annoying. It does not give anything to the mood of the scenes.

The OST is fine, but the production of the song is novice.


Rewatch Value

Well, from my notes above...do you really I'll bother to watch this again?

Read More

Utterly disappointing

PILIkula tells a story of two best friends who lived together and sell stuff via FB live. Until a Banderswitch-esque choices were introduced to the MC and made him do something out of his will—in that scene was to kiss his best friend during a live.

Then, the MC went back to his hometown, leaving his best friend. And we're introduced to their clique which consists of a gay, a homophobic, and a spaced-out junkie (who doesn't really helps the story to progress).

Our MC is daze to label himself. Internalized homophobia crepts in, and Sotus-like bullshits about being gay is also present.

"We're not gays."

And then, back to live selling. MC's bestie and love interest received harsh and homophobic comments from the viewers, making him stop the live. MC, then confronted his bestie, clearing things about themselves. Are they gay? Confusion. Denial. Fear. Consuming our MC. (xoxad)

Another Bandersnatch moment—he chose to tell his feelings. Then, the gay bestie came to the rescue, saying it's not about labels, blah blah, with bland and underwhelming acting. Unconvincing. Cringe-worthy dialogues, and monologues of our MC telling himself he's not gay but he loves his best friend. So what should he do?

Love interest bestie cried without valid reasons, then his mother called, and finally answered it—resolving their beef.

Back to online selling again. Our MC, who lived miles away from his love interest, amid pandemic, surprises his bestie saying he knows what to call him: MINE. And so, they hug, facing the camera in front of the live viewers, they two reveals that they love each other.

The end.

I am proud of myself I finished this 30-minute film. Bold of me to continue a short film that seemed to be from the delusions of a 15 year old, novice Wattpad writer and a BL enjoyer/fetishizer. Sure, the production is okay. But that's just it: OKAY. They didn't even give the script and the story depth. It was shallow, uninspiring, and trying-hard.

They really tried to push the lecture on being GAY and how it works. It was meh. As a gay person, I wasn't even touched when they did that. I was holding back not to throw my cellphone because it was an utter BS.

Not only the acting, but the whole ass script is annoyingly cringey. My ear bleeds by listening to their arguments during the scene where their clique was playing an online game. The homophobic bestie spurts BS, and the gay bestie get mad. Long ass shallow argument follows.

There are some shows where the script is lacking but the acting and the storyline was fine. There are also with unskilled actors, but the script and storyline was interesting. But in this film everything was lacking.

OH, BUT IT WAS ONLY A SHORY FILM. WHY ARE YOU EXPECTING TOO MUCH?

Then, stop making a BL film.

Like, can we go back to the whole point of BL series (in PH context)? Isn't it for the public to finally understand the life of people who doesn't conform to the heteronormative concept of love? Isn't it about the struggles and status quo of those in the LGBTQ spectrum?

Why are we following the recipe Thailand follows? Are we producing BL contents for the sake of advocacy or for the sake of cishet gay fetishizers?

I don't know but tons of Pinoy BLs out there aren't even trying. Just put hot and handsome guys together, choose a trite story, then voila, a BL show. I don't understand when Gaya sa Pelikula and Gameboys are the forerunners of the industry yet the shows that follow them wasn't even near to their impact!

Well, the only good thing about this film is it ended.

Read More

Unexpectedly binge-worthy

Before I begin my review, I am very picky with BL series in general--especially if it's Pinoy one. First, I am a queer person and I think BL series should step up from being "made-to-female-mlm-shipper/fetishizer" to something that can portray or showcase LGBTQ+ life, love and struggles. (If you don't agree, then I'll gatekeep mlm. Jk.) Second, I am a Filipino and I notice the surge of BL series in PH media which gave me a lot of thinking. I understand that BL became mainstream because of the uprising of pinoy thai-BL fans, thus, media producers see this as an opportunity to make contents as such. But my problem now is....will it be the next Thai BLs?

Thai BLs are good, cute and funny. The problem is, that's the only thing they can offer. (Well, exemptions to UWMA and The Effect. Fight me!) Or should I say, majority of thai bls are decent but shallow. And PH is starting to become one.

Mainly the reason why I'd rather watch Taiwanese/Chinese or even Kdramas with BL/Bromance contents. And to be honest, PH only have few BL series that I can say worth watching.

One of which is this mini-series. BOYS' LOCKDOWN.

--

I gave this series 8.5/10 for the following reasons:

1. The story is simple and decent. There are lots of skip and unnecessary parts that should've been deleted or streamlined (tho I hope it's longer than 6 eps) But I can't deny the fact that it has impact on me tho.
2. The representation is on point. Majority of PH BLs are downright queerbaiting or written with lots of stereotypes. But this one was impressive. I'm not sure if the two leads are members of LGBTQ+ but I am all for the fact that the characters are GAY/BI like GMMTV should take down notes. It's not difficult to showcase gay person on a series. Tbh. I like the fact that Chen is open about his sexuality and so as Key who is very open about falling in love with same sex although he had a girlfriend. I am not saying people who are questioning and curious shouldn't have a story for themselves but the problem is MAJORITY of bl series offer us these mediocre characteristics as if being an openly gay or being a femme character is something not worthy of screentime! Okay. I'm crazy for this. Lmao.
3. It's straight forward and no unnecessary dramas for the sake of length. But I really hope the writers have explored the quirks of having a lockdown, though it's not something to be romanticized--which is one problem I noticed during the first episode, but gladly it's resolved. And hearing season 2 makes it more intriguing, how can they top this one? I hope they will stick to their formula and not on mainstream BLs.
4. The OST is on point. I will not shut up with it. It's self explanatory and case closed.
5. Although Key's friend was stereotypically written as a femme gay with "bookings" but I let that pass because as a gay person, I have known few friends using this as a joke. It's harmless as long as it does not involve minors.
6. Some scenes was a breach to protocols. Please someone tell them! But for the sake of the show, okay, maybe we can let that pass? No. Because I remember the timeline is just 3 weeks from lockdown so basically it's ECQ, right? Anyway... it's harmless. This is just me being paranoid.
7. The acting was not great, it's not bad either. It's decent and remarkable. And by the way, what's the point of having straight men flexing their bodies? Helppp, what's the point?
8. Lastly, their chemistry is there. I was moved and swayed by their eye contact and smiles.

So, I know this review is mixed but that's all I can say. I am glad I gave this series a chance. Because looking on other titles, it really gave me red flags already. Gladly, I trusted the reviews of people on MDL so I gave this series a chance! I am just sad I am very late but who cares? Lmao.

Read More

Science Ain't Sciencing #NoChem

The series is okay: its storyline is so-so; the script is inconsistent, there are times that I like their lines, sometimes I cringed with their nonsense throws; and, the acting is acceptable.

Each episode is filled with unnecessary fillers! Take for example: on episode one when gay trio entered and bullied other guests; the whole plot can move forward without them. They're not even funny. Lousy, repetitive, uninspiring, trite, insensitive jokes. Also, they really took 2 minutes of the show, and for what?

Let's talk about the characters:

Mario is an idealistic guy with victim complex. I don't understand where he gets the energy to blame it all to Jethro. Yes, sure, it's his past. But I get irritated with this type of character. I hate how shallow he is. (And don't start me with his 2-minute shower scene—another filler moment). Though, acting-wise, this guy's 8/10.

His love interest, called Jethro, a guy from New York with typical privileged ass and narcissistic tendencies. So, he thinks he did something. I cannot blame Mario for holding back when this guy was rude on their first meeting plus he's a blockhead for coming late on their first date—which is actually rescheduled since he's not available during the original schedule. Wtf. His acting reminds me of Sarawat (pls I forgot his real name) from 2gether, stiff and mediocre.

Perfect couple, I guess. I mean, sure both of them have flaws and all, but it was too much. And please, let's not lie ourselves...they don't have chemistry.

Meanwhile, the best friend, Chona (Donna Cariaga), has an ugly posture from carrying the whole show with her own back. Let's be honest, she's a scene stealer. There are times when I don't mind the romance between the main couple, I just want to hear her talk and watch her act. Her lines and acting is on-point, all out.

Additionally, Arnold (Ron Angeles), the G app boy, is such an eye candy. I love watching him. He's got talent in acting and he's got the looks, not gonna lie. At first, I thought, another handsome starlet with zero acting talent. But then, he proves me wrong. I want to see more projects from him. I hope, he'll get leading roles soon.

(Not gonna lie, Mario and Arnold would make a great couple. They have chemistry. Please. Their turo-turo date is cute while the ugly ass table cloth from The Manhattan could never.)

If this series will remove all the fillers, have Chona talk more, and pair Mario and Arnold instead...then it would be a top tier one. Don't get me wrong, Jethro guy was fine, it's just that he's stiff and lacks of eye contact plus inconsistent characterization makes it fail.

All in all, it was fine. At least, not the same bullshit as PILIkula of ABS-CBN. That show made me want to talk to a therapist.

Read More

Cute. Refreshing. Lovely.

This series is everything I needed in this quarantine. It's actually a cooking advertisement for Tops. But who's complaining if we're getting a cute and breath of fresh air of a BL series.

I am in love with Gameplay and Jeff Satur's A tier chemistry. From their mysterious "He She It" drama to this cute mini series. They look cute and perfect together.

It's still on going so I will go back here if the series has finished to complete my review. But overall, I am satisfied with how this series went.

I am rooting for the official soundtrack--sang by Jeff Satur.

Read More

Eye rolls

Please, I want to slap Heart's character in this story. The kaartehan is too much and out of hand. Like seriously? She lived in that place before, and now she's overreacting??? GMA always ruin female characters for the sake of their patriarchal satisfaction. I have never saw a single strong female lead from this stupid network. :/


Also, technical wise, it seemed like it was created by a newbie wattpad writer and produced by Junior High School students from the lowest section.


The only notable thing in this drama would be the Sorsogon and the sketches. Other than that, none.

Read More

Intriguing.

In Between is a Pinoy BL miniseries with 5 episodes. As of writing I've seen 2 episodes. It was promising and intriguing.

As a Filipino myself, I am very glad with the sprouting of BL industry. It's a high time to showcase the Philippine take on the said subgenre or anything of that sort. We've seen The Gameboys series and Hello Strangers as BL series with virtual setting and it's a breathe of fresh air to encounter this series--with new faces of course.

Let's start with storyline. So the story revolves around Tau and Otep who are ex-lovers and was reunited because of a birthday party with one of their barkada (friend). The storyline is focused on what's in between their first meeting and their good bye as a lovers (basically what the title is saying) but we can see the story revolves after their breakup and idk what will happen next.

The first sequence was cringey and off. The acting looks like shot in one take, maybe because they're neophytes in acting world? Idk. But that particular scene is the most important since it draws us to the whole point of the series, I'm just sad that wasn't executed well. However, as the scenes progresses, I find myself laughing and giggling their interaction with the whole gang.

Being a Pinoy, that's how barkadas act towards each other. However, it drags the whole storyline. Like this series have 5 episodes so some scenes were unnecessary.

What I like about this series is the title sequence. Idk, I'm impressed with the wittiness of their creative/editing team. It's a cute concept.

So the question I have right now, what happened between the hello and good bye? I'm dying to know.

Read More

tf is this?

If GMA thinks no one noticed... well I do.

It's like Be Careful With My Heart except the poor acting and cringe-y lines. I'm not saying BCWMH ain't cheesy but this one is another level. GMA didn't try hard this time. They just change the male lead's job and then boom! We’re done! They think it's smart to word play First Lady to First Yaya! Lol, try again.
The drama is bad. The writing is bad. Everything is bad.
What do we expect from you, GMA?
FL’s character is shallow and most of her actions are out of place. ML on the other hand is stiff and pure BS. Child actors are not even trying. Lmao. Some scenes are pure BS. I swear to god, when I’m watching theater act from a Public School here in my place, students’ acting are on-point! They’re just students but they are serious in their craft. GMA on the other hand, kept on casting “beautiful” faces with no talent. Please train your actors. And choose good and quality story.
In this current age, having women pit against each other is too 1900s.

Read More