Gameboys (2020)

Exquisitely Phenomenal

The interactions between the main leads, Cairo and Gavreel, are a marvelous interpretation and reflection of Filipinos/Filipinas. A modern-day courtship through the use of social media, highlighting the importance of connecting to others during this COVID-19 pandemic.

And it gets better every episode with additional characters, deeper and more heightened emotions shown through marvelous acting skills. The show also effectively handles sociopolitical issues with outstanding comebacks and quotes and dialogues.

It deeply resonates with all kinds of people. Definitely worth watching!

"Don't be sorry. You don't apologize for being who you are." -- and I hope that with these sentences, you'll decide to watch it.

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Must Watch

Language is very beautiful!

Great actors! Elijah Canlas deserves an award.

Their story is very timely and relevant.

Well written script - writer is genius!

I thought Episode 7 was the best episode, but when I watched Episode 8, I changed my mind. It keeps getting better and better. One of the reasons why I look forward to the next episode every Friday. They never cease to amaze me!

With limited resources due to the pandemic, I must say this series is brilliantly made and well executed.

Can be considered as one of the best BL series ever created.

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Real Life ... heartbreaking ... hits home

Okay first off I am probably real late in watching this drama... but OMG I am not sorry I started and ended this in the day.

Firstly this drama for me was real life with the pandemic still at large in many places. And I am sure that we have all lost someone dear and loved by us, and also witnessed the strength of many who have pulled through. So hats off to the writer/producer/ML/ and screen writers/ and all those who made this drama real and emotional and heartbreaking.

The backdrop of the drama is centered around the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect world wide, particularly in the Philippines. The main characters find themselves on mandatory lockdown by the government and must spent majority of their times indoors. Cairo, a self-proclaimed gamer and a nerd, spends his day doing live broadcast, amassing a following that include the cheeky and always smiling Gavreel —who we later learned has been following Cairo’s live streams after the death of his grandmother and went into depression-and develops a crush on the gamer.

This drama touched on a lot of things, but for me the most amazing part was the way that Mental health, guilt/blame, and forgiveness took center stage.

Pearl- Wow, Pearl was literally my favorite female character not just in this series, but possibly ever. She was the shipper female friend that was there for the couple, defended them, but also knew when not to interfere with their love lives. She had a strong sense of right and wrong and would even argue with her best friend on Cairo’s behalf if she thought he did something wrong. My favorite quote of hers is “if you did something stupid don’t use mental health as an excuse, own up to your mistakes make up for it and don’t do it again”. She literally made this drama and I loved her positive attitude throughout this drama, she had a sense of security but at the same time always made sure everyone was safe, she also knew when or sign off when the guys need there time, she truly was the star of the drama.

This is an amazing BL series , maybe one of the best BL series not just from the Philippines but from all over. Thank you so much for this, and the fact it centered around what is currently happening, makes this drama even more real and realistic.
Love can be found anywhere

#staysafe

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baby, baby, baby (times infinity)

Overall: this series was filmed and released during the covid19 pandemic, it also has a main plot point that directly ties into covid19. I enjoyed the series when it was released though season 1 is on Netflix in some countries and on YouTube without all of the many language subtitles that it had when it first aired. 13 episodes that vary quite a bit in length, average is around 20 minutes. There is also a season 2 and a movie (the movie is a shortened season 2)

Content Warnings: there is a major one, I'll put all of them in a comment with a spoiler

What I Liked
- sweet moments
- funny moments
- Gav was flirty/forthright*
- Pearl as a supportive friend
- music
- production value considering it was an indie production during covid19

Room For Improvement
- *Gave was too aggressive/ignored boundaries
- Cairo was too reluctant for too much of the runtime
- cliche plot points with the friend/ex and poor communication although it felt more realistic than most

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A DIFFERENT SIDE OF A FILIPINO BL!

This Filipino BL is a breath of fresh air as it stays away from the low-quality borderline porn Filipino M2M. Given with the very low expectations from a Filipino BL, the story is excellent and beautiful. I’m very much willing to re-watch it because they did an amazing job!

Perfect cast for a show that is a work of art. I can’t say anything bad about the acting. There were several scenes that I felt the character’s pain, and there are also scenes that I find both leads cute and funny. What’s amazing is that, they deliver all of these and established a strong connection and attachment to the viewers even though the setting of the series is a video call due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

Music is good and fits the mood of the show.

It might've been just me, but I wish to see the show where they produced it without any restrictions due to pandemic. I'm sure it will be 100x better.

Hope to see more quality BL from a Filipino cast and production.

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"THIS IS THE BAG!!!!!!!!!" "BELLISIMO PER-PER-PERFECT!!!!!!"

The story is well-defined and the cast really did that! For such an amazing series being done during lockdown, this is gorgeous. I was really eager to watch this when I saw this on YouTube. This series is one of the best out there. Being an amazing god-tier Filipino series, it really ties closely with Gaya Sa Pelikula. It really takes no steamy scenes just to get your viewers to love a series, it's just the story, the cast and the feelings you want to invest to your viewers. What can I say to this exceptional series? While being constricted by this lockdown set-up with just a screen they could keep each other in touch, they really elaborate certain issues that each of us are really dealing with. They showcased issues regarding LDR, "fear of coming out" thing, relationship struggles, third wheels and everything in between. They really paved the way to appreciate the people around you and the ones who care the most. The way the story flows is beautiful and the cast is not problematic but adds a lot to the series more. They really carried the series the way most of us love. The first outdoor scene of the main leads together in the series is far iconic and remarkable and Pearl being a supporting character really gives much comic relief and a really "good time" that's why she really deserves praise from us. Overall, this series, together with Gaya Sa Pelikula really stood out to me among other Filipino BL out there.

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This was really fun. As expected with a series called Gameboys.

Story: This was able to convey multiple plot elements, the struggles of pandemic life, family, friendship, moving on, and relationships (both platonic and romantic) without making it feel rushed or unfocused. This feels like a love story that I'd see from a "normal" hetero romance film, which is nice. The plot isn't treating Cairo and Gavreel different and fetishizing them just because they are two men. They're allowed to just flirt and fall in love.

Acting: Kokoy De Santos feels so genuine even in moments where he's portraying a more flirty character. He feels more like a person, rather than just a playboy, Elijah Canlas really pulled of Cairo's subtleties. Both of their body language was really strong. This is going without even mentioning everyone in the supporting cast, (Adrianna So, Kyle Velino, Sue Prado) Everyone left a distinct impression even if I saw them for only an episode (Achilles).

I've noticed that after a while, their was a point where it stopped feeling like I was watching a produced web series and it just felt like I was watching people. It was really sincere, the drama, romance, even the fan service felt like it was something these characters would react like in these situations.

Music: I feel that the music, both background and actual songs with vocals were very good. This has a very memorable soundscape. On a more personal note, the music reminds me of the cheesy Filipino romance films I grew up watching. That really added to the concept of "Hey these are two people, it doesn't matter if they're two men, two women, or hetero, they'd still be stupidly smitten for each other!"

Rewatch Value: I'm not sure what this fully entails, so I'll just point out what it means to me. If you rewatch the series it will be just as fun as the first time. There's a lot of stuff you can find in a rewatch that will add to the characters and their personalities. Some examples are the record player Cairo has, Gavreel's big photos of himself in the background, Pearls tapestries, the stuff written out in their Facebook (sorry, Screentime) and Vidgram feeds. There's a lot of little details in their that really bring out stuff about them.

Overall, well done, I'm absolutely ready for more.

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A Bold yet Beautiful series

Things that I like about the series:
- The concept of this show is very brave and a stroke of genius. The fact that this whole series is about finding love and support during a real life pandemic that was happening all over the world, and while this series was filmed, was brilliant. Because of this, Gameboys has the strongest sense of realism found in a BL since we're all living through the same pandemic.
- Because the pandemic, the show was mostly recorded through web cams and iphone, which further adds to that realness I was talking about. The makes the show completely unique from any other BL that came before it, and gives it a fresh new look we've never seen before.
- Cairo and Gav's relationship was so strong, and so beautiful. The actors, Elijah and Kokoy, have such great chemistry even though they've never actually met face to face before this series. (At least that's what I heard. If I'm wrong, please lmk.) You can tell that Cai and Gav love each other so much despite the distance, and despite all the obstacles that have tried to tear them apart. Their relationship felt natural. The fights they had were relatable. The outcome was perfect. The need to be there for one another. And THANK YOU, they even talked about consent. Gav never did anything without Cai's say-so and I love that so much. Please, let's have more consent in the future! They are one of the best examples of true love conquering all.
- Speaking of the actors, I have to give credit to the rest of their performance. Elijah and Kokoy made this show so strong. They were able to perfectly capture every emotion so flawlessly, and given how real this show felt, you'd swear it was actually happening and not just acting. All the supporting actors, including Elijah's brother and father who both also played Cairo's father and brother, were all spectacular. Elijah's family is one with so much talent.
- Speaking of supporting actors, there's one in particular that definitely deserves her own shout out. I FUCKING LOVE PEARL!! SHE IS MY QUEEN! I STAN HER FOR LIFE!!! OMG Pearl was the perfect wingwoman and best friend to both Cai and Gav. She literally took on every problem the boys had and worked to help make everything right while also spouting some real life facts that everyone should listen to, such as never using mental health as an excuse for doing something wrong. That was my favorite quote of the entire series!
- Onto another supporting actor who not a lot of people enjoy his character, but I have some things to say about it. TERRANCE. I actually like how the show handled Terrance's redemption. We see that Terrance did act foolish and everyone deserves to be pissed, but after some more of Pearl's words of wisdom, Terrance actually moved towards moving on and trying to be a better person. We rarely see a moment like that in BL where the supposed bad guy is actually working towards doing better. Even going so far as to help Gav and Cairo during their own lover's quarrel during the final episodes. We even got to see more of Terrance in a bonus episode where we learn more about him and his feelings. I appreciate his redemption.
- This show was not afraid of tackling some hard topics that a lot of us have been going through since the pandemic began. We've dealt with the loss of loved ones, feeling alone, the need to communicate, and more importantly understanding that we're all in this together. Even still, we had some other topics outside of COVID such as coming out, and accepting yourself, forgiveness, and learning to trust. I applaud this show for all the lessons it gave us.

Things that I didn't like about the series:
- There isn't a lot of bad things I have to say about this show. I've seen other people's thoughts about Gameboys, and one thing that everyone seemed to agree upon is how cheesy the show is. Okay, is the show cheesy? It is. If you don't like cheesy dialogue, then you might not enjoy this show all that much. For me, I didn't mind it as much. Did it get ridiculous at times? Of course! But I also enjoyed it, so it wasn't much of an issue for me, but it may be for others.
- I've talked about how Gav and Cairo's relationship was realistic, and it is. Unfortunately that also means they can be quite frustrating at times. A lot of couples in BL always seem to have this problem. COMMUNICATION!!!! Seriously, there was so many times where I was literally screaming at the screen for them to JUST TALK! SAY WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND! Okay yes, if they did, then we wouldn't have a show. I get that, but it was still frustrating. I also didn't like how Cai was willing to believe a total stranger's words about Gav without actually talking to Gav about it first. Like, why would you do that? Also Gav's jealousy towards the end of the series when Wesley was introduced was so juvenile, it hurt to watch. Granted yes, I've seen guys irl get that petty. It's realistic, but it's still annoying.
- Since we're already talking about the end of the series, episodes 11-13, while they were good in their own right, I felt they didn't really mesh well with the series. From what I heard, and I could be wrong about this, the show was originally going to end at episode 10, but then 3 more were added. If that was the case, it shows that the last 3 were add ons. There was no real cohesion. The whole thing with Wesley being introduced and Gav being jealous felt like a repeat of the whole situation with Terrance, but in reverse. I guess it was so Wesley could be introduced since he and Terrance will be returning for season 2, but I felt like he could've been introduced without the unnecessary jealousy.

Overall Thoughts:
This show is definitely one for the history books. Congrats to the Philippines for creating such a bold and successful series. I adore Gav and Cai, and I'm so excited to see season 2 when it airs. The show definitely makes you forget that it's a show because of how real it feels. It's like you're intruding on someone else's private affairs. Pearl was definitely the MVP of this series, and I actually did watch her spinoff series "Pearl Next Door." I know it's a GL, but if you guys want me to review it, let me know. I love all the lessons this show has tackled, and how it makes us all feel like we're in this pandemic together. It did have some minor flaws, but if you're in the mood for a cheesy AF show to relax into, I'd definitely check this show out. Just make sure to bring tissues when the more sensitive topics come about.

Rank: 9/10

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Love in the Time of... COVID

A completely non-toxic BL. I know, this should be a given, but still isn't, so I guess it's worth emphasising. At first, the characters seem rather flat and predictable, maybe even shallow, but when we get to know them better, we discover their depth. Acting is great. It's a real pleasure to watch the characters' faces, how Cairo opens up and starts to smile, and how Gav shows something more that that charming playboy-smile - still remaining charming, of course. Pear is my personal favourite: I dream to have somebody like this around. A person with positivity, kind heart and a truthful word to share, when needed. The idea of hyper-realistic camera work, where we remain in the world of social-media all the time, together with the characters, who are in the lockdown, is not new, but it represents accurately the experience shared by people around the world during the pandemic. This show is heartwarming and brings sunshine to your day, regardless of the weather. Strongly recommended, if you want to improve your mood and get sentimental. <3

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An Extraordinary but simply Marvelous Story.

Hey I'm from India ?? and after watching this series I want to go and live in Phillipines. Game Boys is really a awesome series if u want to watch please give a shot then you will know it's a gem in BL World. This series is very realistic and have so many marvelous dialogs. By using only web cam this show proved it that u don't need expensive things to make a good content. The Characters in this show were most amazing Characters in this world. Cairos character development is so good to see like how he says "Baby" and Gav we all need in our life ❤ Pearl is such a Queen The President of our Fandom "Third Wheel". I know my review not good enough but I'm genuinely telling that this show is a gem ♥...Thank You.

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Cute and Touching

I started watching this a while back and stopped after episode one because I didn't want to watch something about Covid-19 and social distancing--I read and watch romance as a form of escape. But I decided to give it another try, and I'm glad I did.
The adorable leads made the show. What good actors for such young guys. There are some real tear-jerking moments, so be prepared for that.
The only negatives were that I wished for more time face-to-face without masks and about 50 less repeats of the word "baby." I also would have loved a more permanent happy ending, but I think they're gearing up for a season 2.
There were several side-stories that were really worthwhile, including the one with Cai's ex bestfriend and Gav's ex-boyfriend. Themes are acceptance, jealousy, loss, guilt, loneliness, and coping with the pandemic.

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