In a quarantine period where Pinoy viewers were hooked and laser-eyed to the popular Boy Love (BL) series from Thailand, '2gether', Filipino BL series 'Gameboys' surely made a mark.
Premiered last May 22, 2020, on The IdeaFirst Company's Youtube page, the show's first episode, 'Pass or Play,' opens with the lead actor, Cairo, played by Elijah Canlas, Facebook live-watching his online play with fans. Next comes Gavreel, starring Kokoy dos Santos, who defeated Cairo in an online match. And the rest is history.
Off with a great start
The first time I watched the pilot episode, I was in awe, maybe because I didn't expect this kind of a daring move for a show to be shown in the country. But then I found myself glued to the love story of Cairo and Gavreel as the episode ran— that when I realize that the series is off to a great start.
The next thing I know, 'Gameboys' is already making history in the theme of LGBTQ+ in the country. The show easily started the discussions and discourse about the important matter that has been long overdue. And it's the best thing that a BL series can do.
Elijah and Kokoy Supremacy
With two actors who have been harnessed by numerous indie films, Gameboys' success is not a surprise. Elijah and Kokoy amazed me with their acting skills each and every episode. They’ve proven that they’re such powerful actors individually, and their combined prowess is just awe-inspiring.
Gameboys Season 2
After receiving massive success, Netflix also released the popular Filipino BL series on their services, Gameboys Level-Up Edition. It features never-seen-before scenes from the original series.
But series like Gameboys are hard to let go. That's why The IdeaFirst Company has decided to give the love story of Cairo and Gavreel a second season.
After the season finale's airing, its writer Ash Malanum confirmed the show's sequel in his social media account. "S2. You asked for it. You got it," he said.
Watch the Season 1: Episode 1 below
—Written by Kyle Cadavez
