The Day I Loved You (Filipino/English Series)

This is probably one of those series which is likely to go under the radar. A cute, fluffy BL set in a high school, it has all the elements of love triangle, first love, prom etc giving a "Stars under the sky" vibes. And it sonly 10 episodes that too of about 18 minutes each. The show focuses only on the main story and there is absolutely no distraction whatsoever. Now, if this was a Thai series, we would have had tropes overload, some random comic side stories, some 3-4 other parallel love stories and they would stretch and extend the show of Ron reasons. In that sense I really am glad that this show knew exactly what it wanted to say and portray without digressing us from the main story.

We meet Eli, a rebel kid who gets caught trying to steal school paper. Eli is a foreign student from Singapore who acts out to get attention from his mom. As a punishment, he is made to join the dance club where the school her, topper gay boy Nikko will teach him. Nikko has a best friend Justine who have known each other since they were kids and Justine actually likes and loves Nikko. Initially Eli completed ignores Nikko but eventually gives in to learning dance, thanks to a very positive outlook towards life from Nikko. Both Eli and Nikko feel a strange spark towards each other and Eli soon realizes how Nikko might be the nicest, kindest and most optimistic person he has ever met. Justine is not unaware of Eli's growing fondness for Nikko. When it's time for prom, they both ask Nikko to be his date, at which point Nikko faints. It is revealed that Nikko is suffering from ALS and has been getting treated for it for few years now, and so it is not sure if he will ever be even able to dance. Justine and Eli both help Nikko's mother during this time and Justine finally realizes that even Nikko feels much more strongly about Eli and he will only be a friend for him. In one the most touching finale episode. Nikko is paralyzed waist below and can't stand, but dancing in the prom was alway this bog dream; so how Eli confesses his love for Nikko and makes his dream cum true for not just dancing in prom but also him becoming the prom king.

I have to say that I wasn't expecting much from the show even after a couple of episodes, but it took me by surprise. The show may be simple but it has heart and soul. What seems to be quite a conventional enemy-to-lovers and love-triangle high school BL series in the first episodes, suddenly turns into a heartbreaking drama, and something that grabs and keeps your attention. The short episode format is definitely a huge plus. All the characters slowly evolve in the show. Thanks to Nikko and his love and optimism, Eli gives up his rebellious behaviour over time and even reconciles with his mom. Justine finally accepts that he won't be Nikko's lover, and he gives up in a heartbreaking scene. He proves that he is Nikko's best friend when he teams up with Eli trying to support Nikko. And to top it all, the positive uplifting spirit of Nikko, despite being called homophobic slurs, always knows exactly when to give it back. He wants to enjoy as much of a normal life he can dancing, laughing, falling in love and with friends. It is a good blend of comedic, joyful, sad, tragic, and emotional scenes. Coming to the actors, the boy playing Eli is super hot, like hot. And It the Nikko's spirit that eventually wins you over. A classic case of beauty lies within and show with your attitude. I loved the fact that there is nothing over the top, no unnecessary drama, even the love triangle is handled with love and maturity. All of this is in complete contrast to what you get from any Thai school/unoversoty based BL shows. It is not a perfect sow by any means and may feel a bit too simple, but somehow the zest of life and the soul of the show came across very positive to me and I binge watched it in one go. If for nothing else, watch it for the hot Eli. Hahaha.Jokes aside, I think the show deserves to be seen. (7/10)