Love Beneath the Stars (Filipino Series)

This 6 part series is the sequel to the much loved Filipino movie 'The Boy Foretold By The Stars'. I actually remember enjoying the film and had been looking for this sequel ever since I heard that there was something in pipeline. Not sure why this was made in a series format, but the characters, the soul and heart of the show is exactly same way as its predecessor. But at about 30 minute each, the overall length of the show is pretty reasonable.

The story picks up from where the original left off. Dominic and Luke are entering a new phase of their school life. They have decided to trust in their love, even agreeing to attend their grad ball together as each other’s date. However, their romance will take a huge turn as, one by one, major issues arise that will test their love, as predicted by the fortune teller. Being in love in an all boys religious school is not going to be easy. After a few hiccups in terms of jealousy and friendship, the biggest hurdle comes when it comes to family. Luke tells his mother about Dominic and she is surprisingly very supportive of it. Dominic's story is different. His parents, especially mother has put a lot of pressure on him to be top in class and he cannot afford to mess that up. At the grand ball, the two boys end up kissing and their video goes viral forcing the principal to call their parents to take action. H decides suspension but only if the boys break up. Luke is against that and is ready to put his basketball career at stake for love, but Dominic, for a change, does not want to let his parents down. The boys take a temporary break and finish high school. But Dominic still feels that his parents will not accept him for who he is, until his father reminds him how love is important and is not easy to meet person of your dreams. He then finally confesses his love for Luke in front of the whole school in his graduation speech.

While the story could be branded as a typical boys love narrative you’ve probably seen in most shows, I liked the fact that it touches upon some real issues. The boys are confident of themselves , their love and ready to take on the world; but issues like the worries of a closeted gay about his family finding out his real identity, standing up and being brave in admitting to your loved ones about the love you have, discrimination in a traditional conservative society, and more and handled with care and aplomb here without being overdramatic or making a huge deal. Dominic's character sees a significant growth here as the boy struggling to identify his sexuality and come to terms with it and even embrace it openly. In contrast, the very confident Dominic from the film takes a back seat here. Feeling the pressure of his family, he refuses to be selfish, despite being deeply madly in love with Luke. What I appreciate the most in this series was that the makers didn't introduce any unnecessary evil ex-girlfriend fighting for the boy. Even the introduction of an old friend was for good old jealousy measures. It was nice too see Luke and Dominic openly talking about everything including the love, insecurities and jealousy. That goes to show much much important communication is in every single relationship. As actors both Luke and Dominic continue to do a fantastic job along with some very able and funny supportive characters. By the way the cutie Luke from the original has clearly put on some weight in this show and yes, thats my superficial side speaking and judging :)

I think the series brings a nice closure to the love story which just barely started in the prequel movie and how it grow over the course of their final year in school. You never know, we may get to see how this love will survive in college, now thatchy will both go to different university. (6.5/10)