*Chef's Kiss*

I'm a newbie in the world of BL, I only started last April 2020. To be honest, I was a bit hesitant with watching Pinoy BLs. It's not because I didn't believe we can make a high-quality show, it's just that it might be difficult to accept if we produce shows that will have the same problematic tropes that some Thai BLs have. Being a part of the community here in the Philippines is already hard enough as it is, so having those problematic tropes presented to Filipinos (BL or non-BL Viewers) makes me think it's harder to sweep it under the rug.


I only watched this randomly because my YT feed has been filled with BL Recos. To be honest I only knew Kokoy, but now I'm regretting not knowing Elijah before and watching his films. (I'm catching up!) Episode 1, I would say, is enough to make you curious. Episode 2 though, is what made me crave for more. And boy, was I given more than I could ever ask for. I'm not complaining tho! Every episode is a rollercoaster of emotions, and you can't just predict something because you will always be surpised how things will turn out. It will play with your emotions, but you will gladly embrace it. The cliffhangers will frustrate the fuck out of you, especially when you see Direk Ivan Andrew Payawal's name flash on the screen, but I believe it has become a part of CaiReel's beautiful journey.

This series is tagged as BL but after watching it, I couldn't really agree 100% anymore – it's more than that. Aside from tackling LGBTQIA+ issues, it also tackled issues with Mental Health, Death, Family, Friendship, and Love. Every LGBTQIA+ needs parents like Leila and Arthur, who will understand and accept you for who you are. We all need a Pearl (best girl!) who will always support us, but won't tolerate us, who will be our family when we don't have any. We all need a Gav, who won't get tired of babying us and will always make you feel appreciated. We all need a Cai, who will fight for your love. We all need a Terrence and Wesley, who will make us realize why it won't work with them, and that there's someone out there that is really meant for you.

All the cast deserves a pat in the back, all of them are *chef's kiss* perfect for their roles. They were effective and convincing. Kokoy and Elijah have already made a mark in the industry, no doubt about it. This year, albeit disastrous and traumatic, is their year. No doubt about that.

Can we also talk about the songs??? All the songs are perfect for the situation of when they were first introduced. No song was used "just because". All the songs are singable and mirrors whatever is happening in the scene. I'm just here patiently waiting for all the songs to be complete on Spotify.

Kudos to everyone from The IdeaFirst Company for being able to create a relatable show during this pandemic. Aside from it being the FIRST Pinoy BL, it's also the first one to have this type of set-up where it maximizes all social media platforms for the entire show. Also, I love how they feed the FamDom with "ayudas" when we least expect them. They're also the first ones who included YT reactors in their MV, as well as their zoom sessions. In return, the FamDom loves and supports the entire TIFC and all their other projects.

This is The IdeaFirst Company Ecosystem, and the FamDom is here to stay..

P.S.
See you sa PND and Gameboys 2!

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