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“Hindi tayo mapapagod na magkwento kahit na may coronavirus."

This is what director Jay Altarejos stated when asked why he still pursued his LGBTQIA+-themed digital series "Balangaw" despite community quarantine.

The seasoned director admitted that the quarantine protocols added new challenges to independent filmmakers, but he maintained a positive outlook to finish his series even when on lockdown.

"Patuloy na magkukwento. Oo, may mga ipinapatupad na guidelines sa pagsu-shoot, pero ang independent filmmaking naman ay may sapat na bilang tuwing magsu-shoot," he said during an online conference with select entertainment media recently.

“Challenging ang pandemic na ito pero tayo naman ay magkukwento lang. Kwento ng katotohanan. Kwento ng pag-asa."

“I am hoping na makabangon ang lahat."

Through Balangaw, Direk Jay does not only want to relay colorful stories eight individuals who are members of LGBTQIA+ community, but also wants to offer an eye-opener to current political and social issues.

He said, "It's LGBT-themed but it's going to discuss not just the problems that the LGBT community encounters

“Balangaw means rainbow. And just like a rainbow, the series has so many layers that you might realize that it's already tackling different issues in politics and society."

Produced by 2076Kolektib, Balangaw follows the life stories of eight diverse people bonded together, each individually locked down during the pandemic, who will go through individual challenges while still trying to help resolve one another's predicament.

Life as they know it will never be the same. But as each goes along traversing their own rainbows, they will gather that the only way to move along is staying and surviving together no matter how tough are the odds.

Balangaw features Jal Galang, Karen Toyoshima, Tads Obach, Rap Robes, CJ Barinaga, Mac Mendoza, and Mela Habijan.

It will be shown on 2076 Balangaw Channel every Saturday, 9:00 p.m. starting on June 27.