Rome & Juliet
Year Released: 2006
Cast: Mylene Dizon, Andrea Del Rosario, Liza Diño, Rafael Rosell, Glydel Mercado
Rome & Juliet is a Cinema One Originals film widely regarded as a classic and iconic piece of Filipino lesbian cinema. At a time when same-sex love stories were rarely portrayed on screen—much less with a strong script and solid production—this film stood out as a bold, heartfelt narrative during an era when LGBTQ+ themes remained taboo in the Philippines’ conservative society.
The story follows Rome Miranda (Mylene Dizon), a florist, and Juliet Flores (Andrea Del Rosario), a schoolteacher. Their paths cross in a church when Juliet notices Rome with a napkin stuck to her heel—an amusing yet fateful first encounter. Coincidentally, Juliet is searching for a florist for her upcoming wedding, and she and her fiancé soon hire Rome to design the floral arrangements. What begins as a chance meeting soon blossoms into a tender, undeniable connection. As their bond deepens, both women struggle with fear, doubt, and the weight of societal expectations. Yet, in the face of judgment and inner conflict, Rome and Juliet learn to embrace their feelings and ultimately fight for the love they know to be true.
Baka Bukas
Year Released: 2016
Writer & Director: Samantha Lee
Cast: Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Louise delos Reyes
Baka Bukas, written and directed by Samantha Lee, stars Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Louise delos Reyes. The title, which literally translates to “Maybe Tomorrow” in English, sets the tone for a story about love, longing, and the blurred lines between friendship and romance.
Alex (Jasmine Curtis-Smith) is a queer media creative who has secretly been in love with her best friend, Jess (Louise delos Reyes), an aspiring actress new to the entertainment industry. Though Jess identifies as straight, she has long sensed Alex’s feelings but has chosen not to confront them. As Alex grows bolder in expressing her affection, their friendship is put to the test. Will Jess acknowledge and reciprocate Alex’s love, or will the two choose to preserve the bond of friendship they’ve always known?
Billie & Emma
Year Released: 2018
Screenwriter & Director: Samantha Lee
Cast: Gabby Padilla, Zar Donato
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Distance
Year Released: 2018
Cast: Iza Calzado, Nonie Buencamino
Rookie
Year Released: 2023
Director: Samantha Lee
Cast: Pat Tingjuy, Aya Fernandez, Agot Isidro, Mikoy Morales
Special Appearances: Alyssa Valdez, Ara Galang, Tots Carlos
From director Samantha Lee comes another heartfelt story, this time set against the world of high school volleyball. What begins as a rivalry between two young athletes slowly transforms into friendship, and eventually, into something deeper.
Maria Isabela “Ace” Asuncion (Pat Tingjuy) transfers to a new school in her third year after the passing of her father. There, she accidentally bumps into Jana Ramos (Aya Fernandez), the school’s star senior volleyball player. Recognizing Ace’s talent, her PE teacher recruits her to join the volleyball team, sparking tension with Jana, who fears that Ace might steal her spotlight.
Their rivalry takes a sweet turn during a volleyball camp when the two are unexpectedly assigned to share the same bed. As the days pass, Ace and Jana discover each other’s vulnerabilities, forming a bond that blossoms into something more than friendship. Featuring special appearances by volleyball stars Alyssa Valdez, Ara Galang, and Tots Carlos.
I Fell, It’s Fine
Writer & Director: Sigrid Andrea Bernardo
Cast: Rhian Ramos, Glaiza De Castro
After a decade since their iconic GL series The Rich Man’s Daughter on GMA, the beloved RASTRO loveteam makes a highly anticipated comeback—this time on the big screen. Rhian Ramos and Glaiza De Castro reunite in I Fell, It’s Fine, a new GL film produced by Wide International Film Productions and helmed by acclaimed writer-director Sigrid Andrea Bernardo.
Open Endings
Upcoming Release Date in Cinemas: October 3–12, 2025
Director: Nigel Santos
Writer: Keavy Vicente
Cast: Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Klea Pineda, Janella Salvador, and Leanne Mamonong
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We are a team of writers deeply passionate about LGBTQ experiences, LGBTQ cinema, and the vibrant world of entertainment. Our journey as writers is intertwined with a personal connection to the LGBTQ community, motivating us to craft narratives that authentically portray its diversity and challenges. Through our words, we celebrate the beauty of love and identity while delving into the intricate realities faced by LGBTQ individuals in today's ever-changing world. In the realm of LGBTQ cinema and entertainment, we take pride in being perceptive critics and storytellers, shedding light on the films, TV shows, and artistic expressions that empower, enlighten, and entertain. Our mission is to inspire change and inclusivity, fostering a more diverse and accepting world for all. My journey as a writer is intertwined with a personal connection to the LGBTQ community, motivating me to craft narratives that authentically portray its diversity and challenges. Through my words, I celebrate the beauty of love and identity while delving into the intricate realities faced by LGBTQ individuals in today's ever-changing world. In the realm of LGBTQ cinema and entertainment, I take pride in being a perceptive critic and storyteller, shedding light on the films, TV shows, and artistic expressions that empower, enlighten, and entertain. My mission is to inspire change and inclusivity, fostering a more diverse and accepting world for all.
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