BOYS' Love (BL) series has been the in-thing in showbiz. Boys’ Love or BL is a literary genre or media depicting the romance between male characters.
There are several factors that entice audiences to consume BL media. These include good-looking male characters, idealized “pure love” and dynamic relationships that aren’t bound by societal norms. The genre also allows readers to explore themselves and their sexuality.
In the Philippines, one of the most pioneer series is entitled "Gameboys." The online series is nominated in the 2021 International Emmy Awards for Kids Live Action category which stars Kokoy de Santos and Elijah Canlas. The other nominees in the category are from Australia, Netherlands, and Argentina.
Produced by The IdeaFirst Company of Jun Lana and Perci Intalan, the series is about two teenage boys who met through online gaming and fell in love amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
The series, which premiered on May 22, 2020, has since earned a huge following. Kokoy and Elijah's love team is called "EliKoy" by their fans. It has also spawned a movie sequel shown in July 2021, and a second season is in the works.
Gameboys is also available for streaming on Netflix and had a TV broadcast on GMA-7's digital channel Heart of Asia from June to September 2021. The series is directed by Ivan Payawal and written by Ash Malanum.
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“Dito lahat napunta ang ipon ko. Blood, sweat and tears ito,” said veteran actor Gary Estrada.
Gorio (as he's fondly called in showbiz) is referring to his 3.5-hectare property that he acquired in 1993. That was the time when he was still a neophyte in showbiz. The actor spent most of his life in showbiz. He has lived in the glittery world of showbiz where one is expected to look great all the time, even when they’re just in their pambahay.
But Gary seems to have said goodbye to all that. In his Instagram posts, the former hot young leading man is seen delighting in the simple joys of living in the countryside, with wife of 19 years, Bernadette Allyson, and their daughters Garielle, Garianna and Gianna.
Gary and Bernadette, who tied the knot in 2001, are one in their goal to raise their children in a simple, carefree life, enjoying the beauty of nature. “Dito, nakakapag-drive ang mga anak ko ng hindi ka mag-aalala,” he said.
Bernadette added that exposure to a more “down-to-earth life,” will help them become well-rounded people. As for Gary, he said he’s happy to enjoy life sans the showbiz trappings. "Pwede ka magsuot ng butas or hindi maligo maghapon,” he quipped. You can catch him wearing pambahay in most of his videos, but that doesn’t mean he’s let himself go.
Gary, who at one point sported a sexy image in the movies, makes sure to maintain his physique by working out at his personal gym replete with all sorts of exercise equipment.
On its wall is a poster of his younger self, which probably serves as a fitspiration. He also has a basketball court when he feels like shooting some hoops.