A Boys’ Love series that is not your usual BL series, that is how Philippine Stages Foundation founder and artistic director, Atty. Vince Tañada, describes “Why Love, Why,” the theater company’s first foray into the genre.
What makes “Why Love, Why” distinct is its Filipino flavor and the Pinoys’ unique expression of love, said Tañada, the writer and director of the series.
“This is the first BL not based on Thai BL. This is the first ‘Filipinized’ BL, kasi meron sinusundan na formula kapag sinasabi na BL. There is a lady bestfriend that is an ally, ‘yung shipper na magpu-push sa dalawang magkaroon ng relationship, wala kaming ganun dito.”
Tañada, an Aliw Award Hall of Famer and a Carlos Palanca awardee, also recognizes the responsibility of art to educate, so he is proud that “Why Love, Why” has many layers. It has historical fiction elements, as it is a sequel to his earlier work, “Pula o Dilaw” which delves into the politics of two warring men — one a Marcos loyalist and the other an Aquino ally. These two feuding men are later introduced as the grandfathers of Emil and Benjo, the love birds in “Why Love Why.”
“There’s a flashback, ‘yung nag portray nung mga lolo nila sila rin,” said Atty. Vince.
It is also multi-character and multi-plot, he added. “Why Love Why” is a story that not only revolves around two alpha males who find themselves in love with each other, but also trains its spotlight on a myriad of relationships around the two leads.
Playing Emil and Benjo are Carl Aderon and Johnrey Rivas, respectively. Carl and Johnrey come from the deep pool of Philstagers’ talents who not only have acting prowess but also dashing Pinoy features.
“Lalaking-lalaki sila, wala silang sign ng pagiging effeminate. Pati mga itsura nila, parang mga kanto boy — tan na tan at hindi mga tisoy,” added Atty. Vince.
With an interesting and original story, plus a strong cast that also includes the likes of OJ Arci, Vance Larena and Beverly Salviejo, it is no wonder season two is already in the works.
“We are already a family. Nung natapos ang shoot, may mga nag-iiyakan kaya, maybe because of kalasingan, nasabi ko na may season two kami. Alam na nila ang story at nag pre-prepare na sila para mag shoot tutal naman this is just for YouTube at may gamit na akong sarili at sila naman magkakasama lang kami sa building,” Atty. Vince revealed.
The six episodes of “Why Love, Why” air every Saturday, 8 p.m. on the YouTube Channel of Philippine Stagers Films.
