Last weekend, some members of the Admin, Mod, and Creatives team of the Philippine-based Yuri organization, Yuri/GL Philippines have teased posts and screenshots of a recording session for an upcoming podcast series centered on discussing yuri and GL media. The said content was revealed in the team members’ personal Facebook accounts.
A representative has stated that the series will be posted on their Yuri/GL Philippines Facebook page “very soon” and will be available for listening on various podcast platforms later on. This will be a regular segment for the org as they have announced previously that they have to withdraw from any related events this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the org has been doing virtual events such as giveaways and unboxing videos to provide content for fellow Yuri fans.
Established in 2017, Yuri/GL Philippines aims to unite yuri and girl’s love fans all over the country (primarily through their Facebook group) and also to promote related works by Filipino artists and writers. They are hoping to partner with various groups and institutions to organize more events (and hopefully a convention dedicated to Yuri and Girl’s Love) in the future.
“So I will take this risk of loving you, and having you, cause my heart insists.”*
“Loving is not owning, We can let it go, We can let it go.”**
Last year, I went to Cebu to watch a locally-produced musical. Although this article is almost a year too late, the entire production was just beautiful enough to still talk about it at present.
Photo by The Lily Cat
I was speechless. Monsters the Musical captured by heart, made me sing, and got me to tears. This was the first Girls Love musical I have ever watched in my life—it is such a shame that I wasn’t able to be given an opportunity to watch it twice…perhaps even more.
How I Knew About the Musical
From Monsters the Musical Facebook Page
Time and time again, I am proud enough to say that aside from talking about Yuri and GL content, I always have a very deep love for theater. Musicals to be specific. I even flew to Manila a couple of times in a year just to watch them. I even called off one of my dates just to watch musicals. This is how it really means to me.
Now, how did I know about this musical? I have been seeing of some of my friends from my personal Facebook account sharing about Monsters the Musical, a coming-of-age love story musical produced by MDF Productions. Monsters isn’t the first musical they’ve ever produced for Cebu, they had a couple of musical productions way back. It was my first time seeing one of them and I can tell you, the musical was in level with all the top musical and theater plays that are produced in Manila.
The songs in this musical are written and composed by a Cebu-based artist, Cattski Espina. Monsters gave her songs a new spin that blend perfectly well with the characters and flow of the story.
I checked their show dates and it is quite timely that it falls on the same weekend as ARCHCON 2019. Without hesitation, I reached out to the musical’s FB page and reserved a VIP front row ticket. One of my seniors played one of the leading characters in the play so I was happy enough to support her during her gala performance. I watched the November 16 Gala performance at the SM Seaside Centerstage.
Monsters is centered on the lives of two friends: Bea and Elle. They have known each other since childhood and were there through thick and thin. Elle is a proud nerd—loves to write poetry and wanted to pursue it with a passion. Bea was an opposite of Elle. She was outspoken, loves to play the guitar, and very independent. The musical introduces you to other characters which played a part in Bea and Elle’s lives, both good and bad. Main ones are Dex (Elle’s long-time guy friend who admired her) and Jake (Bea’s abusive boyfriend).
Bea (Seated) | From Monsters the Musical Facebook Page
This musical was a roller-coaster of emotions and it kept me on the edge of my seat. The story and the situations that the main characters have to go through were so raw and relatable.
I really felt Elle’s emotions. I felt her struggle, her stress, and her pain. Imagine, she had a long-time crush with Bea ever since they were young. She continued to do poetry and was always inspired to do so, all because of Bea. My heart also ached for Bea. She was lost and confused—struggling who to follow or who to stay. I honestly can’t blame her for that.
Elle | From Monsters the Musical Facebook Page
As the musical progressed, Elle and Bea realized their feelings for each other. There was a part of their lives when they were torn of following their heart or following the perspectives of what society thinks is normal. Instead of pursuing her dreams, Elle went in a different career path as a nurse, while Bea continued to be with her abusive boyfriend Jake even there was less or no love to give anymore.
Realizing and thinking that both her and Bea will never be together in the end, Elle ended up dating and marrying Dex and started a family together. Knowing that they have been long time friends, Dex knew too well that Elle really cared for Bea so much and he knew that she still had feelings for her. Elle thought she was doing the right thing and what’s best for her self, but her mind and her heart were not in sync.
Love Wins
Bea and Elle | From Monsters the Musical Facebook Page
I honestly had no idea about what Monsters the Musical was about in case of synopsis and sneak-peeks are concerned because I honestly avoided them just to experience it as it is. I’ve been seeing headlines about their musical from notable musical and theater websites but never read the full articles.
Avoiding these were definitely worth it because when Act 1 was done, I froze on my seat. I was speechless and in awe of everything. I had to skip my bathroom break and spent it on a phone call with my friends Sei and Din (who are also my fellow co-admins of Yuri/GL Philippines). I will never forget the exact words I said to them: “Guys, you wouldn’t believe this! I watched a Girl’s Love musical.”
Bea and Elle | Photos from Monsters the Musical Facebook Page
When Act 2 began, this is when the tide of emotions roll in. I can hear a lot of sniffles and soft sobbing in the audience. I was so focused on the show that I only lately realized my tears flowing down my face. Just who wouldn’t cry about the situation of these characters? Bea was lost (she finally let go of Jake off her life) and finally accepted it was only Elle who could love her unconditionally. Elle realized that although she is now in this current part of her life, she could not stop her heart regardless of what she’ll do. Love will always find its way no matter what ever time or circumstance you are currently dealing with.
Bea and Elle | Photos from Monsters the Musical Facebook Page
The musical was now on its climax when it was to find out that Elle had cancer, and she might leave very soon. I really have huge respect for Dex, because he knows and understand the situation. All-in-all, it was Elle’s happiness that’s more important now. He accepted the fact that his wife still loved her first love and had no other way to make her happy but to give her last few days, moments, hours, and minutes, with Bea.
The most iconic scene for me in the musical based from memory was the bench where both Bea and Elle used to talk a lot together. It was very heartwarming moment for both. When they finally said their seemed-last words of goodbye, this is where my tears flow the most. Another favorite, but very emotional scene from the movie was when important people of Elle’s life came together when her ashes were finally scattered and her daughter read allowed the letter Elle left.
Bea and Dex | Photos from Monsters the Musical Facebook Page
Other memorable highlights in the musical for me was when Elle’s parents found out about Elle’s sexual identity and fully accepted who she was (although too late). Then the scene when Bea finally sang her heart out and performed in gigs again because this is what really made her happy, and it would have made Elle happy too.
I am honestly up until here. There’s so much that I still wanted to tell but due to it’s been so long since I watched it, I can not remember some of the stuff in between the show. But reading through this so far, I really did have a great time.
Conclusion
Photos from Monsters the Musical Facebook Page
In these current times when we are recommended to just stay at home, sometimes there are those thoughts of maybe the musical might have some professional recordings during their limited run so they can stream it online for everyone to see. Well, Ang Huling El Bimbo did it. But of course, I’m not expecting.
Monsters the Musical Cast | Photos from Monsters the Musical Facebook Page
Even until now, I still can’t get enough of the story and music of Monsters the Musical and I think the musical is flawless and perfect. It deserves a brave comeback in the theatre stage—hopefully once all of this is over. I was so happy that I was able to catch this theater musical gem in the heart of Cebu. I’ll look forward to what MDF Productions would have in store for us in the near future. This is definitely now one of my favorite original Filipino musicals so far. I do hope more people, especially fellow GL fans like me would get to experience this emotionally powerful musical someday.
I hope you enjoy this review. If you like this, want more reviews on GL content, or have been liking what I do, you may consider dropping me a cup of coffee at my Ko-Fi page or support me on my small Patreon page.
Philippine-based Yuri Community Yuri/GL Philippines posted on their Facebook page on Monday revealing their new logo.
The organization recently participated in Cosplay Mania 2019 as one of the convention’s exhibitors. The said event was held at the SMX Convention Center on September 28 and 29. They also confirmed that they would also be participating as exhibitors for Cosplay Mania 2020.
In relation to its new logo, they also released a statement in the caption which is as follows:
𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠, 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧.
We may have just finished with Cosplay Mania, but the team will not be content with simply hosting booths.
Big changes are afoot and we are all super excited to unveil all these plans for you guys!
For now, let this new look be a sign to all our followers of the exciting things that we are cooking up for all Pinoy yuri fans.
See you at our next events and activities! (Yes, in plural form)
*𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒌*
With this new change, Yuri/GL Philippines is now moving forward to more plans for 2020 and beyond for yuri and girl’s love fans all over the country.
About Yuri/GL Philippines
Established in 2017, Yuri/GL Philippines aims to unite yuri and girl’s love fans all over the country (primarily through their Facebook group) and also to promote related works by Filipino artists and writers. They are hoping to partner with various groups and institutions to organize more events (and hopefully a convention dedicated to Yuri and Girl’s Love) in the future.
Whenever I’m interacting in Yuri Facebook groups, one of the most common question that pops up every now and then is this: Where can I buy yuri manga?
As years go by, there has been a growing need and demand for yuri manga and related girl’s love literature in the Philippines. The demand is quite evident as more and more people leave a lot of inquiries related to them.
In this article, I will be sharing the basic places on where to get your Yuri manga based on my experience. If you’re a beginner of getting into the genre, then this guide might be really helpful. This will be updated every now and then as I get info on more sellers.
Whenever I’m looking for books, Fully Booked is one of my go-to bookstores. Its main branch located in Bonifacio Global City is one of the key places I go whenever I travel to Manila. For those looking for physical copies of yuri or girl’s love, this is the first place to look.
If you’re in their BGC branch, their manga section is at the top floor just near the door to their comics area. If you are looking for GL novels, you can check out the other floors which are separated by genre. They have guides when you inside so you wont get lost. Also, you can always ask the friendly Fully Booked staff to help you.
You usually get notable yuri titles published by Seven Seas Entertainment here. I was able to get my first volume omnibus copy of Whispered Words in this branch as well as one volume of Citrus. Milk Morinaga’s works like Girl Friends, The Secret Recipe, Hana and Hina After School, and The Secret of the Princess are also available.
Also if you are not near to any of their branches in the country, you can buy from them online but note that the books are subject to availability and the online prices may be different from when you go to the physical store.
If there is a specific title that you wish they have available, you can make a request in their customer service area. This is usually what I do whenever I drop by and I am just surprised on my next visit a couple of months later, they already have them in stock! Just provide them the name of the manga or book you want to request including important details like the author name and publisher. Sending a personal message to their official Facebook page won’t hurt too.
I added NBS to the list because some were able to buy some local GL works here (e.g. those published by BLACK INK comics). There’s a slim chance you’ll find GL novels here though since the place gives majority selling school and office supplies.
If you’re looking for locally-made GL comics like World Canvas* or DRIFT*, as well as the novel titled Strange Love**, you can find them in National Bookstore.
To be honest, my copies of World Canvas and DRIFT were given to me as gifts.I will still be in the hunt looking for a copy of Strange Love in the nearest NBS branch here.
If you want to get more Yuri titles and just build your collection, then Eiwa Manga Store is a place where I highly recommend. Aside from yuri, they also sell manga and graphic novels from other genres as well. They don’t really have a physical store, but you can contact them online through their Facebook page.
My first Omnibus volume of Milk Morinaga’s Girl Friends came from Eiwa and so far they have never failed to offer great yuri manga titles for fans like me. If there is one specific yuri manga or book that you want but have trouble in getting it outside of the Philippines, then they can possibly help you out as well.
BOOKSALE is a haven to find various titles of books for the lowest prices. I added this in the list here because this is where some of the yuri manga in my collection were bought. Believe it or not, I snagged a volume of Negima and a second Omnibus volume of Girl Friends here.
Please note however that currently, there’s been a noticeable decline of manga available in the branches. So if ever you have extra time to spare, finding yuri manga here is like finding a needle on haystack. But some do get lucky sometimes.
Know a local seller or business in the Philippines that sell yuri manga or novels? Please do reach out in the comments section and I’ll update this article as much as I can.
* – Published by BLACK INK Comics
** – Published by VIVA
*All logos are from each business’ respective Facebook pages.
