‘Hello Stranger’ just premiered and the stanning has begun

MANILA, Philippines – Hello Stranger, Black Sheep’s first BL show and digital series, premiered late on Wednesday, June 24 – and by the time the 21-minute pilot was over, viewers were already looking forward to the next episode.

The show tells a story we’ve heard time and time again in rom-coms – except this time, we have two leading men.

In the first episode, we meet the “Young Padawans,” a dorky gang of university students which includes Junjun (Miguel Almendras), Seph (Patrick Quiroz), Kookai (Vivoree Esclito), and the straight-laced, uptight Mico (JC Alcantara).

In just a few minutes, we learn that Kookai is secretly pining for Mico – who doesn’t reciprocate her feelings, and instead has his sights set on a high-achieving future. As the gang gets together for an online quiz night, Xavier (Tony Labrusca), a basketball player from their university, accidentally drops in then quickly leaves – but not before getting a good laugh at the group.

Later on, Mico’s literature teacher Ms Tina (Meann Espinosa) tells him he’s at the top of their class (“Top ka, Mico, top ka!”), and partners him up with one of the bottom students. As fate (or a time-honored rom-com trope) would have it, that student is Xavier.

The two quickly get to work on their new project and start to get to know each other little by litte, and by the end of the episode, we see a crack in Xavier’s douchey exterior.

The premiere was an instant hit with “TOP KA” and “#HelloStrangerEp1” hitting the top of Twitter trends. Viewers instantly took to Mico and Xavier’s chemistry – which jumped out of the screen even as their interactions played out on video calls.

you know what? maybe xavier is right. mico is a whole baby sleeping with a plushie like that. #HelloStrangerEP1 pic.twitter.com/lwFjHO2FCI

— (@mixxiws) June 24, 2020

the way xav says "opo" to mico, then he blushed after they talked makes my burst! haha it so ‘filipino’ to add "po" & "opo" when flirting.

so far, im loving it! it doesnt sound & look cringey. im loving tony labrusca & jc alcantara! so cute together. #HelloStrangerEP1 pic.twitter.com/fB4tELYxT8

—baby yin(@sawadeekraps) June 24, 2020

Thoughts on #HelloStrangerEP1

Tony Labrusca exudes sexiness w/o even trying
JC Alcantara is promising, his character suits him
Nice cinematography and the virtual BL format is executed really well
Kilig and chemistry are there

Nice job @Black_SheepPH#HelloStranger pic.twitter.com/lDTZM2LfIc

— President PAUL (@PresidentPAUL24) June 24, 2020

OMG! Im so kinilig .
Can’t wait for Episode2 congrats guys#HelloStrangerEP1 pic.twitter.com/PtO7DVIzyO

— Gens Hansen (@gens_hansen) June 25, 2020

LOOK AT MICO’S REACTION! HEHEHE GHAD HE’S SOOOO CUTE!
LOOK AT XAVIER SMILE FCK HE’S HOT!#HelloStrangerEP1 #HelloStranger pic.twitter.com/xOUUAm1XEO

— THE_MEYM_THAM (@The_Meym_Tham) June 24, 2020

People also quickly began stanning the supporting characters – the “young padawans,” as well as Ms. Tina, who spoke the unforgettable “Top ka” line.

We need ‘The Young Padawans’ squad who will support us to see the best in ourselves. We need those "Kaya mo ‘yan" "I believe in you" in this world full of breakdowns and downfalls. @vivoree #HelloStrangerEP1 pic.twitter.com/FnGA15eEzw

— ≡ Joerge #DefendPressFreedom #JunkTerrorBill (@_superjoerge31) June 24, 2020

Ms. Tina was the stellar performance of the night. "TOP KA MICO, TOP KA!" Damn! that’s a good script writing right there. More Ma’am Tina moment @Black_SheepPH #HelloStrangerEP1 pic.twitter.com/adZEH0JzQY

— mac (@Inorimashou) June 24, 2020

Kookai’s music intro is the sound of chicken. Then we can see her post on facebook a picture of chicken as well. In thai, "ko" refers to letter "k" and kai means "chicken". So yeah. @vivoree@Black_SheepPH#HelloStranger #HelloStrangerEP1 pic.twitter.com/9EMzxTXXu8

— Peter Jay Corros (@PJayCorros) June 24, 2020

Mico, Kookai, Junjun and Seph kind of friendship please. Hahaha!#HelloStrangerEP1 @Black_SheepPH

— chumsela (@GODDSELA) June 25, 2020

The first episode of Hello Stranger is available for viewing now on Black Sheep’s YouTube channel. – Rappler.com