Stay (Web Series) (English/Filipino)

For a change a BL story that felt very realistic in terms of storyline or even how characters would talk and react etc. They’re messy and unpredictable. Which gives the viewers a roller coaster journey as the leads try to figure out themselves and their relationship in the story. I did not think that a BL story between a Filipino and a Korean guy set in LA could have to much merit, but actually this series turned out to be good fun. With just 7 episodes of about 22-25 minutes each, it is an easy watch.

Filipino filmmaker Andre Lee wins the Grand Jury Award at a Los Angeles film festival for his short film, but his celebration is cut short when he falls victim to a scammer ho takes away a lot of his money with big Hollywood dreams. He nows needs a place to stay and he is also determined to find the thief. He finds Joshua, a hardworking Korean immigrant, online who is looking for a roommate. As they share the space, there s something about Joshu that Andre becomes drawn to Joshua but Joshua is a very reserved man who doesn't let Andre enter his space. HE secretly does care for him trying to find him odd jobs here and there, but there is something thats keeping Joshua at a bay. We find out how one of his exes, whom he cared for too much cheated on him in name of green card and also how his conservative father threw him out of house when he found about him being gay. Eventually the two start a happy relationship, but sadly Andre doesn't have required papers to continue to stay in LA. Also these both guys don't know where really this long distance relationship can go. The series ends with Andre moving back to Philippines. He makes a new film and there will be possibility of him visiting US again to showcase his work.

Both actors are absolutely gorgeous especially Andre. That filipino-latin combo look is a killer. And to top that they are both good actors, so it's like you are not watching anything cringe worthy. The nagging banter between the two roommates feels very natural. This series is real, honest, brutal, and contemporary. It is a middle-class love story about two rather baneful individuals who found each other at the wrong time in the right place. There is great sadness in this series but also hope. Despite everything, this is a story of human tenacity and fortitude. At some places it does feel dramatic like when Joshu's sister shows up to tell Andre the whole back story of him. But other than some minor hiccups, as audience you wanna see where this banter, foes turned friends turned lovers will eventually lead to. Overall, it’s a journey filled with laughters, tears, romance and lots of surprises with some very good looking leads. The drag queen who is Andre's bestie adds to humour. (6/10)