Aside from the constant releases of yuri anime for 2021, Noodletub Games has a treat for those looking for a new game to get into. Their latest 18+ yuri visual novel game, LOVE BAKUDAN is now available on Steam and Itch.io!
LOVE BAKUDAN is an 18+ erotic yuri dramedy, focusing on the life of Haruka Mishima. When she returns to her coastal hometown of Akiyama after a long time away, she finds that there’s much more waiting for her than just inheriting her family’s erotic bookstore, Bakudan Books. But between romancing girls and selling erotica to the locals, Haruka finds that she’s in for an even wilder ride than she expected…
The game gives you the option of dating the beautiful lovelorn bartender, your cheerful best friend, a dangerous mobster, a drop-dead gorgeous firefighter, a mysterious Korean idol or a shy mangaka in the making. Finding the girl you like is all entirely up to you!
The project was launched in February 2020 and funded via its Kickstarter backers.
Fans of GMA’s 2015 lesbian TV drama series The Rich Man’s Daughter cheered and went on throwback when actress Rhian Ramos posted a birthday greeting to her co-star Glaiza de Castro on Thursday, January 21 on her official Facebook page. Ramos and De Castro played the lead roles of Jade and Althea respectively.
As of press time, the said post has reached more than 21,000 reactions with almost 700 shares. The majority of the comments were birthday greetings to Glaiza with some saying that they missed The Rich Man’s Daughter. Their chemistry is well-loved by fans that their fandom ships are named RaStro (a combination of the girls’ last names) and JaThea (a combination of their TRMD character’s first names.) Posts (e.g. fanfiction, fanart, fan videos) related to this pair are still very much around the net even if the series has ended years ago.
Glaiza made a response for everyone who greeted her on her birthday on Twitter.
Nagising sa mga pagbati ng pagmamahal! Maraming salamat sa inyo! Gusto ko kayo yakapin isa isa!
Glaiza De Castro is a Filipino actress and singer notable for playing the role of Althea from GMA Network’s 2015 top-rating lesbian TV drama series The Rich Man’s Daughter. The show also starred Rhian Ramos as Jade. De Castro also stars in the 2016 remake of Encantadia as Pirena and the titular character of the network’s 2010 TV fantasy series Grazilda.
The third volume of Regarding Saeki Sayaka is now the final volume of the light novel series, while Syrup: A Yuri Anthology Vol 2. features works by Yoshimurakana (Murciélago), Kodama Naoko (NTR: Netsuzou Trap), and Milk Morinaga (Girl Friends, My Cute Kitten, Kisses Sighs and Cherry Blossom Pink), and more.
About The Final Volume of Regarding Saeki Sayaka
THIRD TIME’S THE CHARM
Saeki Sayaka is no stranger to unrequited love. What she’s not used to is having someone confess their feelings for her—until Edamoto Haru, an underclassman, does exactly that in Sayaka’s second year of college. Haru is forward and unhesitating in her affections, the opposite of cautious, reserved Sayaka—but if she can find the courage to reach back, this time, she might find what she’s been waiting for all along.
Secret love is sweeter! The second volume of this popular yuri anthology goes dark, with stories about love between women that’s hidden, unrequited, fantasy-based, or even taboo. Explore the forbidden side of love with new and returning artists in Volume 2 of SYRUP.
Philippine-based game company YangYang Mobile recently released a trailer for their yuri visual novel game Perfect Gold. They launched a Kickstarter campaign for the game and were able to successfully passed their initial USD $8000 goal in just 48 hours!
The alpha demo of the game is currently released on their Steam page for those who want to try. If you are interested in the game, it’s recommended that you support their Kickstarter campaign which is still up for 14 days.
Their Steam page gives us overview about the game:
Perfect Gold is a coming-of-age yuri visual novel about two former friends who escape detention in order to celebrate the Sunflower Festival. Set in the magical city of Castlecoast, readers get to know Audrey Clary, an alchemy student and heiress who secretly dreams of a different life, and Marion LaRue, a rebellious elemental magic student in search of someone she once loved.
As the reader, your choices affect the outcome of Audrey and Marion’s day together.
Game Features:
A Lesbian Story for the Lesbians: Follow a heartwarming, slice-of-life story between two girls as they get a second chance at love and friendship.
2 Playable Characters: See the story unfold through the eyes of Audrey and Marion.
Vibrant Visuals: Immerse yourself in the magical city of Castlecoast, brought to life by animated characters, backgrounds & illustrations.
Interactive Dialogue Choices: How would you like Audrey and Marion’s day to end? Your choice will determine which of the two unique endings they will get.
Original Soundtrack: Listen to beautifully composed music tracks that accentuates the story’s most emotional beats.
I will be trying out the alpha demo of the game soon. So please look forward to it. Also, continue to support this site and providing yuri updates and reviews by leaving a Ko-fi!
“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.
Well, hey! I am back (again), from the grave! For good reason, too. As a way to celebrate Pride Month, I went back into writing something I love the most.
So, a couple of weeks ago, I finally was able to fully marathon Card Captor Sakura: Clear Card anime without the fan noise and after so long of avoiding some key spoilers. Due to the immense hype and the return of an “O.G. magical girl series,” I knew that people would be talking about it for a long time. So I avoided it and waited. The wait was worth it. I enjoyed it to its full glory, and I wanted more.
Now also, as of this writing, the first Card Captor Sakura anime is now available for streaming on Netflix. Honestly, this write-up isn’t entirely a review about the anime series (I’ll probably make a separate one for this). This review, however, will be focused on two particular characters—the two specific people that got me into this beautiful genre of loving and shipping two-dimensional girls: Sakura Kinomoto and Tomoyo Daidouji.
While watching Clear Card, I am just wholly hands down to how very loyal and caring Tomoyo is to Sakura. Although her comedic moments were a bit too cheesy for me (I guess CLAMP wanted her to make part of the comedic relief aside from Keroberos), I am happy to know that we got to see more of Tomoyo being ahead and doing whatever it takes to help Sakura. Not missing an opportunity to get footage on all her heroic acts (though some of them didn’t go well as planned.)
Every time Sakura and Tomoyo had a “moment,” it always makes me want to fangirl and giggle. These two were just completely cute together. Also, let’s give props to Tomoyo y’all—she was there for Sakura all the way when Syaoran wasn’t around for a while. Imagine if Sakura didn’t have Tomoyo, and she had to deal with the pain of not having her date because he left for Hong Kong. She was there for Sakura when no one never did.
Also, it amazes me that because of wanting to capture almost all of Sakura’s heroic moments, Tomoyo upped her game. She let her mother (the President of Daidouji Toys, mind you) create better gadgets so she could get better footage of Sakura. Imagine that dedication. Never have you seen someone from anime go into this level just for the person they care about the most.
Aside from watching Clear Card, I also took the time to do a small rewatch of Card Captor Sakura the Movie. Oh, Lord! How I loved this movie—in fact, watching both the CCS movies have become a tradition of sorts for me every New Year’s Eve.
In the first movie, Sakura and the gang won a trip to Hong Kong and encountered a mysterious person calling for Sakura. When Sakura finally got to meet the said person (which appeared to someone from Clow Reed’s past), this person took all of Sakura’s friends, and our heroine Cardcaptor would have to defeat her if she wants them back. Sakura wasn’t able to rescue everyone with the magic she had (and time was ticking), but she was able to successfully rescue Tomoyo. This scene is probably one of my favorites as it shows how Sakura really cared for Tomoyo.
Okay, now we go back to Clear Card. Same as the first anime, Clear Card Tomoyo still plays the best friend-sidekick role. There was no hint of borderline romantic moves from her because, well, Sakura had Syaoran already. A lot of people would revolt if ever there was a hint that Tomoyo DID make a move on her.
As much as how I wish there was a hint of more romance between the two girls, but I think we would just end up having the CLAMP-flavored subtext that we have always gotten over the years. Regardless, I will always be proud enough to say that I got to love this genre (and writing Yuri-related stuff) because of the Tomoyo and Sakura ship. I would probably not stop talking about them anytime soon. In fact, I even talked about it a recent podcast with Jay Agonoy (keepsakes.).
I still look forward to what’s to come with the Card Captor Sakura franchise. Although the franchise itself isn’t really yuri, the subtext and the characters were my gateways into getting into this beautiful genre.
This is definitely one great comeback into writing Yuri-related stuff again after almost a month of no updates whatsoever here on the site. Hey, there’s definitely more to come. As always, Sakura and Tomoyo will always be one of my favorite Yuri ships of all time.
Now, to formally end this post, I would like to share one of my recent favorite Sakura and Tomoyo fan art created by @neko_cer on Twitter. Still can’t get enough of this, really. Come on, CLAMP! Give Tomoyo some love, please?
The popular yuri manga series Kannazuki No Miko (Kannazuki no Miko: Destiny of Shrine Maiden) by Kaishaku will return in a new spinoff manga. This was announced in the June issue of Dengeki Daioh magazine which was released on Monday.
The original Kannazuki no Miko manga was released in 2004 in Shonen Ace magazine. It was then compiled into two compiled volumes by publisher Kodakawa. The manga volumes were also published in English by Tokyopop but released under the name: Kannazuki no Miko: Destiny of Shrine Maiden in 2008.
The series got into massive popularity especially among yuri fans when an anime adaptation was released in 2004 in a total of 12 episodes. The anime then had a three-volume DVD release in 2006 by Geneon, and was later re-released by Sentai Filmworks.
Kaishaku is a manga duo composed of Hitoshi Ota and Terumasa Shichinohe. Aside from Kannazuki, their other work were Steel Angel Kurumi, Magical Meow Meow Taruto, UFO Ultramaiden Valkyrie, Key Princess Story: Eternal Alice Rondo, and Kyoshiro to Towa no Sora (Shattered Angels). All the mentioned series each have their own anime adaptations. Their recent work titled Red Blood Red Legacy ended in 2017.
Kannazuki no Miko’s Chikane and Himeko also appeared in other Kaishaku works like Shattered Angels, Hazama no Uta, Himegami no Miko, The Cross Triangle, and Zettai Shōjo Seiiki Amnesian.
While we are still waiting for more updates on the upcoming Kannazuki no Miko spinoff manga, I guess this is a pretty good time to rewatch all the anime, yes?
If you’ve missed Korra and Asami from The Legend of Korra, then here’s something to keep your spirits up in the midst of the ongoing health crisis (and more reason for you to #StayAtHome!)
American comic book and manga publisher Dark Horse Comics posted on their official Twitter account on Friday that a special live-reading event will be happening featuring the awesome voice actresses Janet Varney and Seychelle Gabriel as Korra and Asami respectively in reading The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars Part I. Be sure to head on down to the publisher’s official Twitch channel and catch them live on Monday, April 6, 2 pm Pacific.
Aside from the live reading (which will cover the first chapter of the book). Fans will also be given an opportunity to ask questions to the guests via the live stream chat. A moderated Q&A session will also take place during the stream.
Before the start of the stream, a free digital excerpt of Turf Wars Part 1 will be made available for download before the start of the live stream event so that fans can follow along. Also, to add more excitement, Dark Horse Comics will be giving away a prize pack which includes one copy each of the following books of The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars Library Edition and The Legend of Korra: Ruins of the Empire Parts 1-3. Instructions on how to join the giveaway and more will be announced during the live stream launch (so you better log in a little early, just a suggestion!)
We can’t wait for this cool livestream event and this is definitely something to look forward to for long-time The Legend of Korra fans. See you guys on Twitch!
About The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars
Relishing their newfound feelings for each other, Korra and Asami leave the Spirit World . . . but find nothing in Republic City but political hijinks and human vs. spirit conflict!
A pompous developer plans to turn the new spirit portal into an amusement park, potentially severing an already tumultuous connection with the spirits. What’s more, the triads have realigned and are in a brutal all-out brawl at the city’s borders–where hundreds of evacuees have relocated!
In order to get through it all, Korra and Asami vow to look out for each other–but first, they’ve got to get better at being a team and a couple!
Written by series co-creator Michael Dante DiMartino and drawn by Irene Koh T.M.N.T., Sensation Comics featuring Wonder Woman, Secret Origins: Batgirl, Afrina and the Glass Coffin) and with consultation by Bryan Konietzko, this is the official continuation of The Legend of Korra!
After a very long wait and a few teasers later, Ratana Satis’ upcoming GL webtoon series Soul Drifters finally has a release date. This highly anticipated series will debut on January 19th, Sunday on the premium webtoon platform Lezhin Comics. Ratana Satis posted a new visual of the series of her official Facebook page on New Year’s Day.
It was also announced that releases for the chapters will be from every 2nd, 12th, and 22nd day of each month. After the debut, the next release will be on the 22nd. The artist has been teasing art and revealing small info about the characters since last year.
DISCLAIMER:The following images used in this article are selected (not whole pages of the webtoon/s) and will only be used for the sole purpose of this review. The Lily Cat does not claim ownership of the webtoon art and images featured.
Official links to the author's webcomics are also included for the benefit of the readers and to support the creator's works.
Thank you for your understanding.
It has been a while since my last review on something related to webcomics (for a very good reason, I will explain later).
This has been long overdue. I honestly wanted to talk about this series for a (very) long time and those who have known for me for years can prove that while this series was ongoing, I couldn’t stop talking about it. So finally, here it is! My review on The Third Party by Enjelicious. Spoilers ahead!
The Basics
The Third Party was released in 2017 (during the hype of Lezhin Comics’ GL Renaissance) in the Lezhin Comics EN website. This was created by popular Filipino artist Enjelicious notable for doing cover arts for the physical release of the Diary ng Panget books as well as other local manga releases in the Philippines. Her ongoing work Age Matters can be read on LINE Webtoon and has earned a massive following to this day.
Going back to TTP, the webtoon won First Place in Lezhin US’ first webtoon competition. When the teaser of the series was released, yuri fans were excited and very much looking forward to it.
The Third Party is centered on the romance of two girls: Gu Jeong Hui and Moon Hae Jin. Gu Jeong Hui is the daughter of the CEO of a TV broadcasting company, GBS. Here’s the thing: Jeong Hui is in an arranged marriage with one of the TV anchors, Kang Sang Hun. She immediately obeyed her father’s wishes of marrying Sang Hun regardless if her life still feels empty. It took a different turn when she met Hae Jin, who is a Producer-Director of the company.
While Jeong Hui’s purpose in GBS was to obey her father and her husband’s wishes, Hae Jin had different agendas to why she was there: to get revenge and answers on the death of her father. She didn’t care if she had to manipulate people to do this. She did everything whatever it takes. However, her plans seemed to have slowed down when she met Jeong Hui. Eventually they fell in love with each other.
The webtoon is roller coaster of intense drama and romance. You are sure to be completely hooked.
Late Reaction to The Hype
Due to I was focused on another webtoon series What Does The Fox Say, I admit I never really got into the hype fully. It was when it reached to Chapter 10 when I finally decided to give The Third Party a read. And oh man, I regretted for not starting too soon.
My Undying Love for PD Moon
I am not ashamed to say that ever since her full appearance in the first chapter, I was completely in love with PD Moon (Moon Hae Jin). Just who wouldn’t? She works in a Media company (which is in my line of career), she’s very beautiful, and just whatever she does makes you wish that she’d noticed you. I always tend to joke that “I want PD Moon to step on me” because of how I greatly admire her from her character design to her constant change as the story progresses.
As The Third Party moves forward, you would probably notice that ever since Gu came into her life, PD Moon was torn of avenging her past or just embrace the present thing she has now. She had Gu, she didn’t need anything else. She was willing to let go of almost everything she worked for because of her. But on the other side of the coin, she was already at that peak where the answers that she always demanded and work FOR YEARS is still conflicting.
The Art, Drama, and Intensity
Reading this webtoon for the first time was really a ride. Almost 90% of the time, each chapter ends with a cliffhanger. But you really can’t ignore the art of this webtoon. This is probably the first webtoon series I’ve read in which 3/4 of each chapter has a background. Most of the time, webcomics are only filled with white background and not many details are added except the character. In The Third Party, however, every panel has a background and the artist really took a lot of effort to add in backgrounds to give the scene a bit more life.
Every Monday night was something to look forward to as the intensity of the story grew as each chapter moves forward.
The Ending
For the benefit of those who haven’t read The Third Party ending (or haven’t even started yet,) I won’t spoil much. When the last chapter was released, I was already expecting a lot of people to comment about the ending. How I wish I can elaborate more–but I have to say that that ending was definitely okay for me. It wasn’t sad or it was a happy ending. It was some that people didn’t expect. While people had a lot to say about it, it honestly gave me hope that there will be a continuation of Gu and PD Moon’s story. I don’t mind how long I will be able to wait for that happen. However, it was a good end for me. Let me know in the comments section what you think of the ending if you’ve read it already. I’m curious!
The Webtoon That Got Me Back to the Yuri Community
Yes, that’s PD Moon in a coffee shop. At the same time, it’s my laptop and me in a coffee shop.
Okay, this part may be a bit personal so incoming feels trip.
The time The Third Party was released, I was at that particular moment of my life when I wanted to leave the Yuri community. The story behind this is very long and I promised my friends to no longer talk about it. I honestly lost the energy and motivation to do the things that I wanted to do. So I made the decision to just quit. However, this webtoon got me back. I read this in one of the darkest periods of my life as a yuri fan. Until now, I am very thankful that this series was made. I think giving a hundred or even thousands of thank you’s to Enjelicious aren’t enough to express how this webtoon got me back to loving yuri and just do stuff for this fandom.
Also, I realized that I have such a connection to PD Moon especially when it comes to the topics of romance and life are concerned. We all make mistakes and we take the wrong risks along the way. However, a certain fragment of your past shouldn’t be a reason not to keep going. We keep going even if we have to keep that someone in our life or let go for the better.
Conclusion
No webtoon series is perfect and The Third Party is one of them. I do not want to go technical or critical on this because my overall conclusion is that this webtoon is a must-read. Some of you may be reading her current work Age Matters, but if you have extra webtoon coins to spare, please do read The Third Party. From art to story, and to the characters. I actually lost count to how many times I’ve read the series. I think you might say this is my go-to yuri webtoon to read, and I do hope it would be the same for you guys too.
