At the height of the pandemic, the boys love (BL) genre hit the Philippine shores and some of the most loved Filipino BLs were Gameboys with Kokoy de Santos and Elijah Canlas as leads; the Pangilinans, Ian and Paolo, as the protagonists of Gaya sa Pelikula; and Tony Labrusca and JC Alcatara, the mains of Hello, Stranger.

When the pandemic ended, the fascination for BLs waned, and most the stars in the audience-favorite shows separated and pursued individual careers. There are no talks that we will see the continuing twists and turns in the mentioned Filipino BL online offerings.

The BL genre continues to dominate and is big business in other Asian countries, still followed by global audiences. Its leads, specifically those produced in Thailand, Taiwan and Japan, have a predominantly female fandom, but a handful have said goodbye to their fan servicing phase and are opening up about their romances, some even tying the knot.

Of late, the international BL production of Heated Rivalry has gotten plenty of buzz from online and traditional media, even declaring it as a cultural and LGBTQIA+ sensation. The straight demographic cheers for Harold and Ilya, the characters given life by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie. Leading men’s fashion magazines are getting Williams and Storrie to pose for them; positive public reception equals massive magazine sales. 

Thus, I cannot help but wonder: why is Heated Rivalry getting all the love and will Manila be ever ready in case somebody gambles on a Filipino adaptation?

Harold and Ilya

It is a no-brainer why worldwide fans immediately embraced the BL series. Credit goes to its director and writer Jacob Tiereny. He was able to translate and capture all the feels, tension, teasing, taunting, “sexting,” longing and the unapologetic aspects of the novel written by Rachel Reid in the series. The great acting, toned bodies, handsome faces and sexual chemistry of its leads were also its biggest audience magnet.

Another aspect why there was much support for it was when the director admitted in an interview that he had requested Williams and Storrie to watch the Young Royals, and learn the art of yearning from its stars Edvin Ryding and Omar Rudberg, who played Prince Wilhem and Simon, in the “you and me against the Swedish royals and society” main story arc of Sweden’s biggest contribution to the BL and teen drama genre. The Young Royals fandom’s support to the Canada-produced BL helped propel its place and importance in the BL universe. 

The narrative of Heated Rivalry presented a hopeful, optimistic and romantic relationship between two hockey players. The intimate scenes between Harold and Ilya, as shown is the series, were intimate and loving, never bordering on the gratuitous, thus presenting and showcasing this different kind of love to an all-new level which was never seen before. 

Yes, with Harold and Ilya, love is a choice. Love is commitment. Love is daring. Love is dazzling. 

Ready, get set, go!

A Filipino adaptation may not happen now since there is still a Heated Rivalry season 2. 

In terms of being ready, we have actors like Donny Pangilinan and Kyle Echarri, Jermiah Lisbo and Argel Saycon and Michael Sager and Emilio Daez who can fill in the shoes of Harold and Ilya.

For the sports angle, it can be made into a rivalry between collegiate basketball teams. To add more degree of difficulty, the two are from opposing sepak takraw groups. For more elitist branding and fan service moments, the protagonists are from feuding water polo squads.

It must also be shown on streaming entertainment platforms so that the sincerity and feels of the intimate scenes will not be compromised since these moments are integral to the movement of the narrative.

It is hoped that because of Heated Rivalry, there will be more shows that celebrates and does not disdain about a different kind of love, challenges the ever-macho sports culture and achieve mainstream success because of its depiction of the reality that love truly knows no gender and that is a commitment that you work for and happen.