Enzo Santiago (left)
and Darwin Yu
Enzo Santiago and Darwin Yu, lead stars of TV5’s BL (Boys Love) series “My Extraordinary,” said they agreed to do the project because they hoped for it to spark discourse among viewers on the stigma and discrimination experienced by members of the LGBTQIA community.
“We want to help start a conversation, especially among families who would be watching this at home,” said Enzo, 19, adding that this was because all “problems or disagreements” related to gender identity begin at home.
“My Extraordinary” is the first locally produced BL story to be shown on free TV. It will premiere on TV5 on Sept. 27 at 11 p.m.
“This is to orient viewers on the struggles that LGBTQIA members go through, particularly issues on acceptance. For many gay people, acceptance took a long while to achieve, and with a lot of heartaches. On the other hand, this story also tells us not to give up on our families no matter what,” Enzo declared.
For Darwin, 21, working on “My Extraordinary” was his gift to the LGBT community. “The series attempts to teach the audience to do away with discrimination,” he pointed out.
“I actually expect this to have its own bashers. I just want to say to them, ‘Watch it first. Give this show a chance. Be open-minded,’” Darwin stressed.
“My Extraordinary” is a tender love story between two college students, Shake (Darwin) and Ken (Enzo), and how they try to express themselves despite society’s many expectations. Jolo Atienza directs the story written by Vincent de Jesus.
During a recent virtual media gathering, the cast was asked whether they were proud enough to recommend the series to their younger brothers or members of the family. To this, Darwin said: “Since we’re on free TV, we are very careful not to offend viewers’ sensibilities. So, yes, I would suggest for the youth to watch this show.”
Darwin, however, pointed out that more than educating the youth, it is really the older generation the show is targeting.
Enzo added, “This show is about loving yourself and your partner, regardless of gender. This is also about making love triumph over rejection and discrimination. And, yes, we are conscious not to violate any rules and regulations for TV. We are not worried that this would eventually get canceled (by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board) because kuhang-kuha nito ang kiliti ng Pinoy.”
The onscreen partners were also asked a hypothetical question: If your adult gay son brings home a partner and asks you if they, as a couple, could live with you until they are finally able to afford a home of their own, would you agree to his request?
Enzo replied in the positive. “I’m all for breaking the stereotype. I want to help change the mindset of people about homosexual relationships. Sadly, most Filipinos still don’t regard gay people as their equal.
“Part of the reason I’m so involved in this project is that if ever I’d have a gay son, I don’t want him to experience what this show’s characters have to go through because of who they are. I don’t want him to experience the stigma,” Enzo said. “So … I’d welcome them (he and his partner) into my home.”
Each episode of “My Extraordinary” will be uploaded on the YouTube channel of Asterisk Digital Entertainment 30 minutes after its showing on TV5 and on GagaOOLala.