“Our advocacy is being a responsible influencer, and that’s how we chose our cast. That’s why we have another platform where we offer free courses on how to become a good content creator and be a responsible influencer.” – Jag Cruz, Director –Online in Love 

In the past few years, particularly during the wrath brought by the Covid 19 virus, a new wave of entertainment has taken the digital media by storm – the BL (Boy’s Love) online series. It refers to the genre of fictional platform that focuses on romantic relationships between male characters. These series have gained immense popularity, particularly in Asian countries, and have become a significant cultural phenomenon. And the Philippines is indeed part of this growing culture. 

Today, a new bunch of characters is catching up on the bandwagon of the BL series trend… that is, Online in Love (#Oil). Produced by Mabuhay PH Digital Network, four new faces, known as social media influencers, were introduced to the press a few weeks ago, namely, Gab Rosales (Thadz), Daniel Bautista (Lance), Jassy Calupitan (Hannah), and Jewel Gines (Aira), with the participation of Marissa Joelle (as Lance’s absent mom), Pink Rose Santiago (as Thadz’ celebrity mom), Oreo Libios (the game master), and Elsa Droga (runner-up of It’s Showtime‘s Miss Q & A, 2018, as game coach). The series was conceptualized and directed by Jag Cruz, with Eldrin Veloso as the writer.  It will be streamed this month on various social media platforms.

According to Cruz, the series concept has been in the pipeline for years, but it was just waiting for the right time, particularly in looking for the right cast.  “We are very conscious of our advocacy, and I think all of them are responsible influencers. That’s the main reason why they are part of the series,” claimed the director.

“It was difficult writing for this series,” shared Veloso, “mainly because what we have to do is to lift something from their characters na hango sa tunay na buhay nila, like their characters, attitudes, relationships, but not to make it a documentary of their lives but need to be entertaining. So, we added some flavors and plot twists. And I guess, that’s the hardest part in creating a story.

“It’s fun, although sometimes I need to stalk them as part of my research. We need to make it relatable and palatable, especially for the viewers’ taste.” The series is meant for eight episodes for the initial season.                                                                                                                    

As social media influencers, how do they handle bashers?  “Ako dedma lang kasi lahat naman tayo may pagkakamali…pag pinatulan mo, mas lalo ka nila i-bash,” answered Elsa. “I have learned the art of dedma…just be yourself as long as alam mo na tama ka, there’s nothing to be ashamed of,” said Aira. “Dedma din ako,” replied Dan. “Kung alam ko sa sarili ko na mali ako, tinatama ko, because I try to improve for myself,” said Gab.                                    

Jassy, on the other hand, has a different opinion in life. “My goal is to make a better version of myself,” she mused. “And as long you inspire others, just do what is good for yourself.” But Oreo explained his thoughts differently, “Kung may basher ka, it means nakikilala ka na at interesado sila sa iyo….minsan naging positive para sa atin because it can help boost your confidence, at marami na ang nakakakilala sa iyo at pinapanood ka nila…kahit sabihin mong bashers mo sila, they still follow you.”                                                                           “Our edge from other online series? Since this is a show about influencers, I don’t think there’s a series existing right now with this kind of story…at yan ang advantage naming siguro. We are trying to be authentic and exciting because we feature actual content creators and influencers,” replied the director.

As the writer, Veloso claimed that writing the story of the two celebrity mothers (Pink Rose and MJ), was the most challenging part. “Mas nahirapan ako kay Pink Rose and Marissa, kasi mas establish na sila kaya medyo mahirap mag delete ng parts sa buhay nila. But I want them to shine as themselves, especially being mothers. Of course, I didn’t inform them I would stalk them, at ngayon lang nila alam,” he stressed.                                                                                          

In the process of the story, Cruz explained that relationships will be formed, but what is more current and evident to the theme is the intimate bonding between the two male actors. “Ma in love talaga si Thadz and Lance, at yun ang magiging twist ng story,” shared by Cruz.                         As of this writing, Gab admitted that intimate scenes between him and Lance haven’t started yet, but both actors claimed that they are ready for those intimate scenes, if necessary.

“Pinaghandaan na po namin, although di pa kami nag shoot for that. This early, we are trying to know each better and be closer, para mas relax na kami sa mga intimate scenes namin pag sinabi na ni direk sa amin ang mga gagawin namin,” shared Lance. “Ako din, I think we are ready now,” added Gab. “And if there are kissing scenes, yes I’m ready. Basta wag lang masyadong grabe ang mga love scenes (laughed).” And both influences admitted that they have watched BL series before, particularly during the hit of the pandemic.                                             

(From the Production Notes): Thadz, Lance, Hannah, and Aira, the first-ever contestants of “The Influencer Academy,” a groundbreaking reality search for the Philippines’ next biggest social media sensation. The winner will receive the grand prize of Php10 million. Little did they know that the journey would test not only their skills but also their hearts.                                                             

Thadz is a talented composer but reluctantly joins the academy under the pressure of his overbearing celebrity mother (Madam Pink Rose). Behind his icy demeanor, he seeks a genuine connection and hopes to find it within the academy’s wall. While Lance is a skillful dancer with a happy-go-lucky attitude. He is determined to make his absent mother proud by becoming an influencer and achieving success on his own terms.

On the other hand, Hannah, still nursing a broken heart, aims to prove her ex-bf wrong by showcasing her singing prowess as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery through content creation. And Aira, she dreams of stardom as she joins the academy, outrunning her real life that threatens to catch up with her projected persona.                                                                                                           

Contestants are housed in the Viral Villa and provided with state-of-the-art equipment for content creation, including cameras, ring lights, and backdrops. Their ultimate goal is to accumulate i-points, the social currency fans buy to support their favorite influencer. Each episode features a different challenge, led by a guest artist as a facilitator/mentor. Fans can gift i-points to their favored contestant, constantly shaking up the leaderboard.                                                                                           

The winner of “The Influencer Academy” receives Php5 million in cash, Php1 million worth of gadgets, and a one-year contract valued at Php4 million.