Hanging Out (2016)

This series strays from you typical BL fan service drama and instead focus on the point of view on what it’s like to be a gay millennial in The Philippines.

For reference, the Philippines is a predominantly Christian/ Catholic country with the older generations being more traditional sided. This show, however, cleverly tackles issues within the gay community with the point of view of millennials so topics such as hookup apps, HIV scares, and much more are cleverly woven into each 12 minute episodes like vignettes to portray an overarching image of love, lust, and life.

Another strong point of the series are the two main characters. The chemistry brought by the actors and the contrast between the characters produce a personal romance that viewers can relate and identify with. Sometimes the show just shows them talking for the whole episode, but it’s scenes like these that develop the differing characters and gives the audience an idea on where each opposing side is coming from.

The music is great! It has a modern indie pop vibe that goes well with the setting and the mood of the show. My personal favorite is the closing track “twenty years from now” that plays like a dance number but has lyrics that reflect upon the situation between the two main characters! (Seriously, it’s catchy af and quite unfortunate that the shows version isn’t on Spotify :/ )

I didn’t really have a problem with the acting but most of the side characters are a bit underused so it’s kind of hard to see their full potential! For example, there’s a straight character that has no significance in the show. I would have really liked for the show to have expanded on the idea of a straight man with a group of gays a bit more.

Overall, this show isn’t your typical Lovey-Dovey BL cheese feast but instead puts LGBT issues to the forefront with the point of view of millennials within a country with an unconventional social environment.

Leer más

This was SO good!!!!

I had no idea what to expect with this. I discovered it by watching Gameboys and it being a recommendation, so I went in blind. It was one of the best bay shows I've seen in ages. I could relate to every experience. This was actual gays characters, not your typical BL. Everything about this rang true. I've had friends like every character in the series and I liked that it didn't revolve around one storyline. There was a common thread, but we've all been there. Meeting friends and then getting introduced to a whole new circle of friends. My only very minor complaint was with the main character. He was all over the place with how he behaved and I had no idea what his motivation really was. With that said, I liked every character in it and everything about them. I wish this had more episodes though. I would loved it if they had a follow up, just to see where these characters had progressed. I liked so much about this and was almost tempted to rewatch it the next day. I want my partner to watch it so I am waiting to watch it with him hopefully soon.

Leer más

This is the first Filipino gay series, and it could have been developed way better. WARNING: may contain spoilers.

STORY: nothing special. This guy, David, meets a boy on an application and then goes to his apartment and knows his friends, they go out to drink together, they eventually manage to fall in love and go beyond the one-night stand thing. I didn't really get the ending. Also, the episodes were quite short (about 12 minutes each) and they were only 6, so everything was a bit rushed.

ACTING: not bad actually. I especially liked the only girl in the group and also Adrian's best friend.

MUSIC: I don't even remember hearing music.

REWATCH VALUE: won't rewatch it.

OVERALL: I give a 7 because it's the first Filipino gay series, but it could have been much more better than this.

Leer más

An excellent starter for anyone who wishes to delve into BL/Queer stories

Wow, what can I say. Hanging Out is like an old friend who has taught you a lot of truths and lessons and you find yourself coming back to just to hear their comforting words or to remind yourself all of that. The chemistry of the lead characters is so subtle that I did not realize I was rooting for both of them at the very start. They are equally flawed characters and they are never too difficult to identify with. The supporting cast is solid that I can't help daydream having their friendship's kind of dynamic. If one seeks a buffet of themes that are for sure immaculately served and executed, Hanging Out is for you!

Leer más

Hanging out

A série "Hanging out", não pertence ao gênero BL, é realmente uma série LGBTQIAP+, que inclusive tem um valor histórico muito importante, pois foi a primeira web série gay da história das Filipinas, criada a partir de uma parceria com a revista "Out", que é (ou era, pois não sei se ainda existe e a série é de 2016) voltada para o público gay. Depois dessa série, timidamente foram surgindo outras, mesmo que uma vez ao ano, até chegar em 2020 e o boom do BL no país acontecer.
A série conta a história de um grupo de amigos, David, que conheceu Adrian e seus amigos depois de um mal entendido e com o tempo e a aproximação passaram a nutrir sentimentos um pelo outro. Falando assim, parece mais um clichê BL, mas não é. A série mostra aspectos da vida deles, de seus relacionamentos com amigos, ficantes ou namorados de uma forma tão real que podemos facilmente nos identificar como algo que já vivenciamos ou presenciamos. Não se trata de uma grande produção, com muito investimento, as locações são basicamente as ruas de Manilla e algumas casas, mas a escolha dos atores fez toda a diferença. Senti falta de uma boa trilha sonora, mas no geral eu recomendo a série, isso se vc tiver interesse em um tema mais adulto e menos ilusório.

Leer más