This review may contain spoilers
absolutely beautiful go watch it
this has a typical enemies to lovers kinda vibe but there are wondeful layers to this drama due to such an amazing performance from the cast and the creative writing.yes, it's very cute sO cute that it'll break your heart and it was bound to happen.
mico is someone who hasn't experienced falling in love and when xavier entered the picture, all emotions riled up. i can not fail to talk about how mico's actor beautifully portrayed his character; from the insecuities of not feeling one doesn't deserve the right to be loved and to a broken heart trying to get back up. the expressions and crying scene of mico coming out to his friends teared me up so hard.... it felt so natural, i honestly wanted to reach out and hug the guy.
xavier, someone who wasn't sure how to handle the situation but was already head over heels for mico. this guy was so used to not having a pair of ears that listens to his thoughts and worries. mico was the right person to make him realise there is someone to talk to and he is worthy to be heard of.
the girls !!! i'm so happy that this is the second filipino bl drama i watched with no toxic/villain female character. it's amazing to see that these female characters are written with thought and care, not just for a plot device or a catalyst to progress the story.
i was so used to those thai/chinese bls having revenge plots involving an ex girlfriend that i was kinda surprised with this one. i love how kokai has such a strong and understanding heart. she didn't brew or plot revenge on mico when she got rejected. instead, she realised they're better off as friends and there is someone else waiting for her. *cOugh* steph *cough* kaiseph is hella adorable btw.
same thing applies to crystal. at first, we saw her as the typical annoying girlfriend. it was so great to see her be mature enough to talk it out with xavier and end the relationship because she knew the guy likes someone else.
i'm really happy with all these filipino bl dramas coming out. i'm stoked to see more!!!
Was this review helpful to you?
Cute!
I finished this in one go. It was just so cute and fluffy omg! It reminded me of my past crushes, and how intense the feelings can be. I couldn't stop smiling throughout the drama. But i cried too :DI gave the story a 7, because it's a trope we've all seen numerous times, but i like the twist of it being digital. You can definitely feel the awkwardness of first meetings with someone you don't know, and on top of that don't have a good opinion on. Tho, Xavier's and Miko's interactions just go to show that we really shouldn't be too quick to judge. An added bonus is NO toxic females, no unnecessary drama!
I was melting with Miko, as he was slowly realizing he had feelings for Xavier, and the little panic attacks he had while talking/listening about him. Mikos dream and confession were so relatable xD Tho, ngl i was worried Xavier would turn out to be a jerk, i am so glad to be proven wrong.
I must say, episode 4 has my heart, it has all of my uwus XD
Given the limitations and the number of episodes , it pretty good. Actors are super cute too, and they portrayed their roles nicely :D
Was this review helpful to you?
A light, heartwarming story that doesn't pretend to be something that it is not
Hello Stranger is a light series that has that coming-of-age vibe to it, something in the likes of most books in the young adult genre. Miko and Xavier's struggles are easily relatable, because we have all been in their shoes: trying to find their own melody and them finally doing their waltz once the melody is found. Chemistry is also undeniable. The supporting characters' subplot, however, sometimes feel unnecessary and anticlimactic, so I find myself skipping/fast-forwarding. I marveled at the highlight on the themes of friendship and self-awareness. The last two episodes were the best and to give praise to these episodes without spoiling, I would say they're worth the rather slow (but bearable) pace of the first act.Was this review helpful to you?
Thank you Xavier and Mico for making me fall in love all over again.
I wanted kilig and they delivered. I was not expecting this much chemistry!!!I live for BL kisses well-delivered but I am not even mad this has none. That hug? Aaaggghhhhh! I felt it through my screen.
I was squirming and biting my pillow while watching their cute interactions. I cried every freaking time Mico cries. JC is one hell of an actor. Tony alone can drown the screen with charm but this show did not stop there - Seph and Kookai is super cute, Junjun is heaven sent and Crystal (bless her, may she find someone too). Let's not forget Miss Tina Moran's iconic lines hahahaha
The length of each episode is just right. The angst will make you frustrated and the cute moments will make you squeal. The perfect light and fluffy romance.
Was this review helpful to you?
Very Relatable and a Heart Warming series
The simplicity of the story yet the writer gave us the roller coaster of emotions made me love this series. Its very relatable depicting real life struggle yet with comedic skits in between will let you experience the laughs and cries. The chemistry of the characters are perfect, i love the cinematography and editing. Plus that these actors are good singers too. Also love the Pinoy take on BL giving different flavors to it, please let us not forget that the backbone of the script is a poem "Sa Kasintahang Nilimot Na" by Benilda S. Santos. Well written and i love how they inject the poem and made such a high quality series. Highly recommended.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Super Cute
This is a short, sweet and simple story line of the wave of BL's that have come out recently. I like that it's not all about the pandemic. I like that the girlfriend didn't turn out to be a psycho like so many BL's where they are shallow and want revenge. In the beginning, the gf did seem shallow and self-centered but then you realize that it was a failing and unfulfilling relationship. The friends were cool and added to the storyline. I did not think I would enjoy a BL series where they were virtual for almost the whole series AND no kissing but I did. The emotional chemistry and quality of acting between the two leads was really good and kept me satisfied. During this stressful times I really am gravitating to uplifting shows. It also never used the word gay but love. I think it's well worth watching especially for those new to BL.Was this review helpful to you?
but have to say didn't like Mico - tough character to like, its not that he's bad, just personality wise he is self-centered and narcissistic. everyone tends to sympathize with the nerdy gay that has just realized his sexual orientation, someone who is portrayed as the underdog. but in spite of everything Mico is anything but an underdog. and there was some mention / hints of family problems (guess a kind of expiation / excuse for his personality) which came to not... and the little u hear of his mother - she comes off mean. making u feel sorry for Mico. but when u see his actions and attitude, he so isn't the weak pushover that is being taken advantage off.
if anything the one that stole the show (for me) was Xavier - this dude - wow. first off his smile alone is infectious. and then u add his personality, sweet, funny, fun, loving, caring, understanding, strong and flirtatious (but not in a sleazy "i know i'm so hot" way- which he so is :D) more a natural - its freakin oozing from his pores way. and top this all off by being a genuinely good human-being who is also vulnerable and has a sad side - who can help but fall for this big fluffy puppy?!?
it was too short and i feel like Mico was undeserving of his friend's or Xavier, like i mentioned he tends to look at life as in "how this gonna benefit me" attitude - heck his whole outlook is revolving around himself, and maybe its understandable when u think about his family and all that mess - but who doesn't have baggage?? and yet almost every character could put their needs, worries even hurt to the side and treat the individual in front of them with respect and care. giving not only taking.
even the big heartache scene was caused by Mico - where he was so worried he was going to get hurt, he rushed to "run over" Xavier, not even noticing he was left "bloody and broken" - he was to involved in throwing himself a pity party.
and yet this was good and yeah a rewatch - heck need me a daily fix of Xavier's smile, even seeing more of Kookai and Seph budding romance, and last but not least Junjun's quirky personality -
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Predictable
well to be honest i only watched this because of Tony, but so disappointed with the story line which somehow affected their acting execution of the scenes. it's kinda predictable, cliche, unstable and again story is not that great. i think the only reason why most people watched this is because the actors are attractive. and beauty cant get this series far. i was so disappointed with the story build up and it left you hanging. i was not engrossed with the characters and the story, only with their faces. hahahahaha. but to be fair the actors have chemistry but somehow in some scenes there are unnoticeable awkwardness. i love seeing chuchai and patrick. im getting the kilig vibes from them rather than the main actors.Was this review helpful to you?
Best of the Pinoy BL bunch
"Hello Stranger" is the BEST of the bunch, I think. It's realistic, relatable, and passionate. It's oozing with "kilig" factor, proving that s3x isn't at all a magic pill to have a sizzling BL series. The real magic lies in the ACTING (much credit goes to Tony Labrusca), the PLOT (simple yet sophisticated, unlike most BL's that are either empty or shallow), and above all the DIALOGUE & EDITING. The editing is superb in many ways: it's compact-- leaving no slack time; it doesn't give you everything in one plate or in a boring predictable lineup of events from A-Z, but maintains a sufficient amount of thrill and surprise in each succeeding episode (one example is the root cause of the lead actors ending up as partners in a school project); and the TIMING-- evolving from the easy to more complicated scenes without losing coherence till the end. The episodes are stitched so well they make a solid whole. "Hello Stranger" comes in 2 parts: Hello Stranger TV Series (8 episodes, can view or download from YouTube), and Hello Stranger The Movie (sequel to the TV Series). I find the TV Series more romantic and memorable.Was this review helpful to you?
Hello, Love!
Remember, when reading reviews...That review is only good for the person who wrote it.
Please do not skip a series/movie simply because you saw a negative review.
That said, Hello Stranger, is the BL quality I enjoy.
It subtracts sex, lust, the need to be physical, love triangles, & confusion.
It simply addresses real life emotions & events. Tugs at the heart.
A story told...hmm...coherently. Actors with chemistry who were passionate.
This series should be included in the every BL list as a mainstay.
We should rewatch/revisit this title often as a reminder....
Was this review helpful to you?
Moc se mi tento menší seriál líbil. Jako kdyby ani nebyl z Filipín (až na učitelku). Příběh jednoduchý, bez okrasných nebo zbytečně zdržujících kudrlinek, covidově SOUČASNÝ a MODERNÍ. Sympatičtí herci, krásná úvodní píseň (jeden bod za Zvuk jsem snížil za to, že v pátém a především čtvrtém díle je uprostřed hudba hodně rozladěná, falešná), výborný střih a zpracování. Zásluhu na skvělém dojmu mají všichni herci, ale především dva hlavní - dvacetiletý JC Alcantara (Mico) a pětadvacetiletý Tony Labrusca (Xavier), narozený v USA a především tvůrci samotní, kteří za minimalistické náklady vytvořili tento roztomilý pandemický seriálek.
Was this review helpful to you?
An honest and emotionally captivating love story
'Hello Stranger' follows the life of Mico Ramos, the shy and socially inept college freshman, whose future revolves around four well-planned goals: get a college scholarship, graduate with honors, attend medical school and be rich. Having a girlfriend is not part of his plans, since a courtship could be, as he himself expresses, a distraction from his studies.It has the best three friends that any teenager could dream of: Kookai (Vivoree Esclito), Seph (Patricio Quiroz) and Junjun (Miguel Almendras). The four are part of an unpopular group of virgins and nerds, the Young Padawans, of which Mico is the leader.
The new coronavirus pandemic has caused the only contact between them and between them and the outside world to be through cell phones and, above all, virtual online meetings.
However, the protagonist's plans will be turned upside down when he organizes an online trivia night with his barkada, and Xavier de Guzmán, a popular and arrogant basketball player on the university team, arrives uninvited, insults them and virtually, without intending it. …changes everything Mico had planned with his life.
What would be Mico's surprise when he discovers, the next day, that his lively Literature teacher, Ms. Tina, whom the four friends call Jedi Master in a parallel universe, entrusts him with a rescue mission: to partner with Xavier to Make a school project together for your subject.
Xavier cannot refuse, as he is about to be kicked off the basketball team due to his low grades in Literature class. And this time he will not have the help of his girlfriend Crystal (Gillian Vicencio), who always does his academic work for him. He has to wade into the water even if it is up to his neck, as the student project, which consists of creating a dialogue based on a selected poem, “ Sa Kasintahang Nilimot Na,” by Benilda S. Santos, will be graded after being performed virtually.
Mico, for his part, will not be able to avoid contacting the haughty and failed student, since the final result of the other in the subject depends on the evaluation of one.
Did she know what the Jedi Master was doing when she paired Xavier and Mico for the class project? Did you know that this circumstance would cause significant changes in the lives of these two strangers, who didn't seem to like each other very much?
It is evident that all this happens with a well-defined objective: there would not be a story to tell if Xavier and Mico had not begun their relationship between insults and bad faces due to the hostility created beforehand, if there were not a school assignment to complete and the two of them paired to carry it out.
The truth is that if they learned anything from their schoolwork, it is to be honest with everyone, especially with yourself, and express what you really feel or you risk losing the person you love. In this sense, from the Literature teacher we will hear: "Happiness should not be based on how people perceive us, but on how we really see ourselves."
The series, filmed with zoom, revolves around this premise, and is revealing for those who hide their true identity. With just the right drama, it exposes only honest feelings waiting to be expressed from one to the other, seen from Kookai's confession to Mico, Seph's to Kookai and, above all, the one that the public impatiently awaits: the declaration of love. from Mico to Xavier.
It is never easy to confess deep emotions, but the protagonists find the courage to express their feelings, and thus find the freedom that is denied to them by a patriarchal and heteronormative society that tells you that loving someone of the same sex is not correct.
Even knowing that their feelings may not be reciprocated, the protagonists are convinced that choosing silence always leads to regrets and that those who are brave enough to be honest with themselves will be rewarded with the truth, because our own destiny is in our hands, we love who we want to love, and our choice and decisions in life will always win.
Therefore, the series strongly insists that what matters is that LOVE will always remain LOVE, and no one can break that.
'Hello Stranger' is not perfect. But what distinguishes it from other BL series is its simplicity and at the same time a great love story; its good writing and execution, in which each episode advances and deepens the story and makes the viewer intensely anticipate the next chapter.
At the same time as a romantic comedy and about coming of age, the series is directed by Filipino filmmaker Petersen Vargas, who has several films and series focused on identity and sexual diversity, such as '2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten', winner of the Best Film award at the Cinema One Originals Film Festival (2016) and Audience Award at the Turin LGBTQI Film Festival (2017). He is also known for being the creator and director of the first Filipino gay web series, 'Hanging Out', and the short film 'How to Die Young in Manila', starring Elijah Canlas and Kokoy de Santos.
A team of screenwriters led by Patrick R. Valencia (Always Be My Maybe) and made up of Kookai Labayen, Ella A. Palileo, Isabella Policarpio, Joanna Marie T. Reyes, Rhed Sandico, Daniel Saniana and Kris Ann de la Peña, are the charged with drawing characters and developing conflicts that revolve around the love attraction and unlikely relationship of Mico and Xavier, two seemingly straight boys, as they navigate schoolwork in the midst of a pandemic as strangers, enemies, partners, friends and much more further.
Although the series is not the most innovative in its plot, it makes up for it in the way in which all the characters do their staging and carry the plot.
The team behind the cameras, in which Carlos Mauricio also excels in Photography, comes together to provoke a roller coaster of emotions, while they let us visualize a calm and sincere story about the healthy love relationship of Mico and Xavier.
The acting of the protagonists is great. The character of Mico, played by actor JC Alcantara in his usual self, will bring tears to your eyes through his pain, and laughter due to his contagious joy and overwhelming joy, with his expressive eyes, sometimes tearful, sometimes smiling, and marked dimples that furrow his face. With a convincing performance, he adorably looks, shyly, away when he realizes that he has found love.
"Why do we have to become partners in this project? Why do you have to become friends with me? Why are you always teasing me? Why do you listen to me talk about my problems? Why did you give me the chance to find out who I really am I met the real Mico thanks to you. I learned to love because of you. I didn't want this to happen. And to be honest, this isn't really your fault. I like you, Xavier. You are the only thing that was never in my plans. But you are the only thing that makes me happy. I thought you taught me to fall, but honestly you are the one who taught me and showed me that I can fly," Mico will confess to Xavier.
And he, at another time, will respond: "Mico believed in me more than I believed in myself. He not only changed me. He made me a better person."
As for Tony Labrusca, he categorically dispels all doubts that the viewer may have about his character in the first episodes, proving himself worthy of the role of Xavier as the 8 chapters of about 20 minutes each progress, exuding the development of a character from a very popular bad boy image on social networks with more than 25 thousand followers on Instagram, to growing personally and spiritually as a man who deals with the confusion of having fallen in love with another man, at the same time that capable of feeling pain and expressing emotions.
Both actors, with amazing chemistry that exudes genuineness, convey love outside the heteronormative bubble with such reverence and authenticity.
With exquisite cinematography, all the supporting roles have their fair share of on-screen moments, achieving high marks.
I don't want to end the review without mentioning the soundtrack, in which its main theme stands out, "Kahit Na Anong Sabihin Ng Iba", performed by the same actors, which already occupies an important place among my favorite music.
Was this review helpful to you?
