Since the enhanced community quarantine was imposed in March 2020, Filipinos needed to stay at home and had so much time to watch movies and series of varying themes, locally and internationally.
One of the genres that caught the attention of Filipinos was Boys' Love (BL), a subgenre of romance that started in Japan as early as the 1970s where two male characters take the lead.
Several production companies saw this as an opportunity and created their own version of Filipino boys' love series.
Arguably the most successful and famous of the Filipino boys' love series is 'Gameboys,' starring Kokoy de Santos and Elijah Canlas.
Aside from them, many Filipino actors have starred in several BL series like Ian Pangilinan and Paolo Pangilinan in 'Gaya Sa Pelikula;' and Teejay Marquez and Jerome Ponce in 'Ben X Jim.'
Get to know more about these BL actors who made us feel kilig this quarantine here:
Before starring in 'Pepito Manaloto: Ang Unang Kwento' as young Patrick, Kokoy de Santos became well-known to netizens for his portrayal of Gavreel in IdeaFirst's BL Series titled 'Gameboys.'
Kokoy also starred in the 2019 Cinemalaya movie 'Fuccbois,' alongside Kapuso actor Royce Cabrera and veteran actor Ricky Davao. After 'Gameboys,' Kokoy starred in another BL series 'Oh, Mando!' alongside Alex Diaz.
When talking about 'Gameboys,' it wouldn't be complete without mentioning Elijah Canlas, who portrayed the character of Cairo.
At the young age of 20, Elijah has already won multiple acting awards locally and internationally. For portraying the titular role in the 2019 movie 'Kalel, 15,' Elijah won the Best Actor award at the 17th Asian Film Festival, 68th FAMAS Awards, 43rd Gawad Urian Awards, and 16th Harlem International Film Festival.
Kapuso actor Royce Cabrera showed his versatility as an actor when he portrayed Rocky in the BL series 'Quaranthings,' opposite content creator Kyo Quijano.
Before 'Quaranthings,' Royce starred in the 2019 Cinemalaya movie 'Fuccbois' alongside Kokoy de Santos and Ricky Davao, where he was nominated as Best Actor at the 2020 Gawad Urian Awards. Royce will star in GMA's upcoming series, 'Nagbabagang Luha' starring Glaiza de Castro and Rayver Cruz.
Alex Diaz, himself a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, starred in 'Oh, Mando!' alongside Kokoy de Santos. He also starred in a fantasy BL episode of 'My Fantastic Pag-ibig' titled 'My Fairy Tail Romance,' along with Yasser Marta.
Unknown to many, Alex can do more than acting as he also sings, and hosts. He also maintains a YouTube channel named Alexander Diaz.
Jerome Ponce starred in Regal Entertainment's two-season BL series 'Ben x Jim' with Teejay Marquez.
Jerome rose to fame when he starred in 'Be Careful With My Heart,' portraying the son of Richard Yap's character.
Teejay Marquez is the other half of the 'Ben x Jim' duo, portraying Benjamin.
Aside from being famous in the Philippines, Teejay also made some works in Indonesia, the most famous was being a part of the F4 in the country's version of 'Meteor Garden.'
Ian Pangilinan made netizens swoon when he starred in Globe Studios' 'Gaya Sa Pelikula,' alongside Paolo Pangilinan.
Before starring in 'Gaya Sa Pelikula,' Ian is a theatre actor who starred in several plays likes Ateneo Blue Repertory's 'Spring Awakening,' musical adaptation of 'Tabing Ilog,' and 'Reasons to Be Pretty.'
Paolo Pangilinan is a showbiz newcomer when he joined 'Gaya Sa Pelikula.'
While doing 'Gaya Sa Pelikula,' Paolo studies at St. Lukes College of Medicine. He got his bachelor's degree in Sports Science from the University of the Philippines.
Genesis Redido starred in USPHTV's 'In Between,' alongside fellow athlete Migs Villasis. Kapuso actor Kimson Tan is also part of the series.
Before entering the world of show business, Genesis played volleyball for UST in the UAAP.
Before landing the lead role in 'In Between,' Migs appeared in 'Fuccbois' as a supporting character.
Before joining showbiz, Migs played basketball for the Letran Knights at the NCAA.
Kapuso actor Kimson Tan was part of 'In Between,' starring fellow Kapuso actor Migs Villasis and fellow Thomasian Genesis Redido.
Before joining showbiz, Kimson played basketball for the University of Santo Tomas.
Kapuso actor Kaloy Tingcungco was part of Ticket2Me's boys' love series 'Boys' Lockdown,' which starred Ali King and Alec Kevin.
Kaloy can make everyone's heart melt not just with his looks but also with his voice.