Boys Love (BL) series is not just a flash in the pan, it's here to stay.
This according to Adolfo Alix Jr., director of the new BL series "Happenstance," during the digital press conference recently.
"It started in Japan pero nag flourish siya sa Thailand. Naniniwala ako hindi ito flash in the pan lang and it's an ongoing evolution like we have discovered Mexican telenovela and now K-drama. And then patuloy nag-e-evolve ang field na ito," Alix said.
Alix also said that this is an interesting time for people to discover BL series through digital platforms.
Alix rose to fame as a director in 2006 when his movie "Donsol" became the Philippines official entry for the 2006 Oscar Awards for Best Foreign Language Film category.
He shared his realizations about the Philippine dream for the Oscars.
"Siguro ang kailangan natin para makapasok sa major categories ng Oscars ay tulong ng iba't ibang sector para sa marketing ng pelikua at makakuha ng distributor," Alix said. "You are up against big films kasi eh. Exposure ng pelikula ay kailangan din para magkaroon ng word of mouth."
At the same digital press meet, the two lead male characters for "Happenstance" were introduced. They are relatively new to the craft but are willing to learn and take on challenges.
Kiko Ipapo, 21, is a social media personality and influencer. He started as a print model before deciding to try his luck in acting. Happenstance is his first foray into acting.
Jovani Manansala, 23, also entered show business by doing several commercial ads. After that, he acted in television shows like ‘Ipaglaban Mo’ & ‘Maalaala Mo Kaya’ and in the independent films Mamu, And a Mother Too and Jolly Spirit.
Kiko and Jovani play Wade and Jose Manuel, two people who magically meet though living in different times - one in 1974 and in 2020. Jose Manuel is grounded after his military father learned of his relationship with Luis, an activist.
Wade, on the other hand, is reeling from a broken heart with Eric and while on vacation is caught up in the quarantine because of the CoVid 19 pandemic. After the super moon, a portal seemed to open where these two heartbroken souls connect and open up to each other’s pains.
Written by Jerry B. Grácio, this GagaOOLala Original series is coming very soon on the streaming platform. The ensemble cast includes Bembol Roco, Rosanna Roces, Alan Paule, Angeli Bayani, Erlinda Villalobos, Ken Anderson, Shu Calleja & Ken Anderson.
“Atin Lang,” the series’ theme is composed and performed by Mikoy Morales. Music video will be out soon.