The boys’ love (BL) genre, which found renewed popularity in the Philippines during the pandemic, remains an evolving space for creators like director Xion Lim of Oxin Films. Though the genre originated in Japan in the 1970s, it was Thailand that brought BL into the mainstream with hits like 2Gether (2020).
During the lockdown, the Philippines experienced its own BL moment, with series such as Gameboys, Hello Stranger, Gaya Sa Pelikula, and Lim’s My Day capturing the attention of audiences. These shows became a staple for Filipinos working from home and binge-watching content.
Lim recently hosted a screening in Quezon City for his latest BL series, Sky Valley, which was attended by celebrity friends and cast members.
In an interview, Lim addressed the question of whether the genre remains relevant.
“If we look at countries like Thailand, they’re still making BL. As for Oxin Films, I want to continue doing this to keep the Philippines’ representation in the BL world. Tuluy-tuloy pa rin akong gagawa,” Lim said. “Marami pa rin talagang nag-aabang ng magandang kuwento. This is my advocacy, to create a series that can be watched by many on a free platform like YouTube.”
Despite the initial surge of excitement around Filipino BL series, production has slowed, and fewer new titles are being developed. Some notable actors from popular BL pairings have moved on to solo projects, and fan demand for more seasons or films remains unmet. The genre, once a rising star, now faces questions about its longevity.
But Lim is determined to keep the flame alive, stating that the genre is “not a fad” and that it continues to receive strong support. His new series, Sky Valley, currently streaming on Oxin Films’ YouTube channel, has been amassing at least 1 million views per episode.
Set in the scenic Sky Valley Resort in Zamboanga City, the show follows the relationship between Fourth, a guest, and Junjun, a horseman at the resort. Alongside this storyline, a GL (girls’ love) subplot features Paris, a travel vlogger, and Taylor, the daughter of the resort owner.
The chemistry between the actors has been praised, particularly the authenticity of both the BL and GL pairings.
Lim also emphasized the significance of incorporating Chavacano, a Spanish-based creole spoken in Zamboanga City, into the series, adding a cultural layer to the story.
Believing that the genre is here to stay, driven by the support from local and international audiences, Lim expressed his desire to continue creating both BL and GL stories. He highlighted the global reach of his content, with viewers from countries such as India, Indonesia, and the U.S. tuning in.
“Filipinos and the LGBTQIA+ community are being represented properly in the series we produce at Oxin,” he said.
Lim’s commitment to offering free shows on YouTube remains part of his advocacy to tell and spread stories from the Filipino LGBTQIA+ community. Sky Valley airs new episodes every Saturday and Sunday at 8:30 p.m. on Oxin Films’ YouTube channel.
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