Hello Stranger (sometimes styled as Hello, Stranger) is a 2020 Philippine web series starring Tony Labrusca and JC Alcantara.
| Hello Stranger | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre | |
| Created by | ABS-CBN Films |
| Written by | Patrick Valencia |
| Directed by | Petersen Vargas |
| Starring |
|
| Opening theme | "Kahit Na Anong Sabihin Ng Iba" by Seth Fedelin |
| Composer | Gabriel Tagadtag |
| Country of origin | Philippines |
| Original languages |
|
| No. of episodes | 8 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | |
| Producers |
|
| Editor | Apol Dating |
| Running time | 16 – 27 minutes |
| Production company | Black Sheep Productions |
| Original release | |
| Network | |
| Release | June 24 – August 19, 2020 |
Directed by Petersen Vargas and produced by Black Sheep Productions, the series premiered on YouTube and Facebook on June 24, 2020, airing on Wednesdays at 8:30 PM PST.[1][2] It concluded on August 19, 2020, and is available for streaming on iWantTFC.[3] This series is currently available on Netflix PH May 10, 2021.
Plot
editAmidst the lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, two college boys in Adamson University are about to cross paths for a school project. Mico (JC Alcantara), a nerdy college student gets to partner with the star basketball player Xavier (Tony Labrusca). Despite their stark differences, the two boys get to form an unlikely bond that goes beyond friendship through their several online interactions.
Cast and characters
editBelow are the cast of the series:
Main
edit- Tony Labrusca as Xavier de Guzman
- JC Alcantara as Mico Ramos
Supporting
edit- Vivoree Esclito as Kookai Yambao
- Patrick Quiroz as Seph Policarpio
- Miguel Almendras as Junjun Sandico
- Gillian Vicencio as Crystal Santos
- Meann Espinosa as Prof. Kristine Moran
Production
editOn June 14, 2020, Black Sheep Productions, a division of ABS-CBN Films, previewed a teaser about their launching their first boys' love series at the height of the popularity of 2gether: The series, a Thai boys' love series. Petersen Vargas, who also directed 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten, Lisyun Qng Geografia, and Hanging Out, was named as the web series' director.[4] Tony Labrusca was among the first cast revealed to be part of the series[5] along with JC Alcantara, who played the role of Bogs in Halik.[6] Aside from Labrusca and Alcantara, Gillian Vicencio, Vivoree Esclito, Patrick Quiroz and Miguel Almendras were also announced as part of the cast.[2]
Episodes
edit| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Hello Enemy!" | Petersen Vargas | Patrick Valencia | June 24, 2020 | |
|
When Mico organizes an online quiz night with his barkada, he is surprised when the school's popular basketball player, Xavier, joins in and insults them. Little does Mico know that this won't be the last time he'll be seeing Xavier. | |||||
| 2 | "Hello Feelings" | Petersen Vargas | Patrick Valencia | July 1, 2020 | |
|
After Mico liked his photo, Xavier teases him about not accepting his follow request. Meanwhile, Mico gives unsolicited advice to Xavier that may ruin their partnership. | |||||
| 3 | "Hello Heartbeat" | Petersen Vargas | Patrick Valencia | July 8, 2020 | |
|
A failed attempt to workout with The Young Padawans leads Mico to notice his surging heartbeat at the thought of Xavier. This giddy yet confusing feeling escalates as a heartbroken Xavier invites Mico to a watch party. | |||||
| 4 | "Hello Happiness" | Petersen Vargas | Patrick Valencia | July 15, 2020 | |
|
The Young Padawans' quiz night takes a surprising turn when an unexpected guest joins the fun. Later on, Xavier asks Mico for a favor he can't refuse. | |||||
| 5 | "Hello Sadness" | Petersen Vargas | Patrick Valencia | July 22, 2020 | |
|
Tensions rise among The Young Padawans which could put a dent in their friendship. Meanwhile, Xavier tries to cheer Mico up with a few surprises. | |||||
| 6 | "Hello Heartbreak" | Petersen Vargas | Patrick Valencia | July 29, 2020 | |
| 7 | "Hello Truth" | Petersen Vargas | Patrick Valencia | August 5, 2020 | |
|
As the two practice their final performance, Mico and Xavier find themselves in an awkward and heart-rending situation. With both parties wounded, will either one be brave enough to save this partnership? | |||||
| 8 | "Hello Promise" | Petersen Vargas | Patrick Valencia | August 19, 2020 | |
Reception
editIts pilot episode garnered more than one million views from its digital medium several days after it was released on June 24, 2020.[7] Prior to the release of its eighth and final episode, the web series accumulated more than fourteen million views.[8] On August 16, 2020, the cast held its first digital fan conference.[9]
Film sequel
editA full-length film sequel to the web series was announced by its lead actors during the digital fan conference on August 16, 2020, and was confirmed by Black Sheep Productions with a tweet saying "Not a Zoom movie guys, but an actual live movie!".[10][11] The film sequel was released on 12 February 2021 on KTX, iWantTFC, TFC IPTV PPV, Sky Cable PPV and Cignal PPV.
Soundtracks
edit| Song Title | Artist | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| Kahit Na Anong Sabihin Ng Iba | Seth Fedelin | [12] |
| Kahit Na Anong Sabihin Ng Iba (Cover) | Tony Labrusca JC Alcantara |
[10] |
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Where to watch BL series 'Hello, Stranger' for free". ABS-CBN News. June 18, 2020. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
- ^ a b Biong, Ian (June 19, 2020). "Boys' Love series 'Hello Stranger' starring Tony Labrusca, JC Alcantara to premiere next week". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
- ^ "'Hello, Stranger' hits 9 million views leading up to finale". ABS-CBN News. August 10, 2020. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
- ^ "Black Sheep is doing a BL series starring Tony Labrusca". Rappler. June 16, 2020. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
- ^ "Tony Labrusca to star in BL series". Panay News. June 16, 2020. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
- ^ "Meet Tony Labrusca's partner in BL series 'Hello, Stranger'". ABS-CBN News. June 16, 2020. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
- ^ "Pilot episode of BL series 'Hello Stranger' gets over 1M views". ABS-CBN News. June 29, 2020. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
- ^ Jaucian, Don (August 19, 2020). "EXCLUSIVE: "Hello Stranger" behind the scenes photos". CNN Philippines. Archived from the original on October 1, 2020. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
- ^ "Pinoy BL 'Hello, Stranger' stages first digital fancon". Manila Bulletin. August 14, 2020. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
- ^ a b Biong, Ian (August 18, 2020). "Boys' Love series 'Hello Stranger' to get movie sequel". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
- ^ "'Hello Stranger' is getting a movie sequel". Rappler. August 16, 2020. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
- ^ "'Hello Stranger' stars release duet". Daily Tribune. September 4, 2020. Archived from the original on May 23, 2021. Retrieved September 28, 2020.