Sakristan (web series) explained

Runtime:20 minutes
Director:Darryl Yap
Cinematography:Arel Ebana
Network:VinCentiments
Num Episodes:8
Num Seasons:1
Language:Filipino
Country:Philippines
Opentheme:"Delikado" by Marion Aunor
Creator:Darryl Yap
Inspired By:Thai boys' love series 2gether: The Series
Location:Olongapo City

Sakristan is a 2020 Philippine streaming television series starring Clifford Pusing and Henry Villanueva, directed and written by Darryl Yap.[1] [2] A story of two men coming to terms in finding love despite being a church servant. The series was released via YouTube on May 31, 2020.[3] [4]

Plot

The narrative follows the journey of two young men, Zach and Christian, as they navigate the complexities of love while serving as altar servers. The story illustrates that love manifests in various forms, faces, and circumstances.

Zach (Clifford Pusing) is mandated by the school board to become an altar server as a consequence for a misdeed he committed. The board believes this will steer him away from habitual misconduct. Within the altar servers, a mentor-mentee system is in place, where novices, referred to as "sheep," are paired with senior church youths, known as "shepherds." Due to his past behavior, Zach is assigned as the mentee of Christian (Henry Villanueva), the head of the shepherds.

Despite being a triathlete, Zach struggles academically. Conversely, Christian excels in various areas, being a Prom King, Mr. Nutrition Month, Ginoong Agham, Mr. Sportsfest, Campus King, and President of the Altar Servers. The relationship that develops between Zach and Christian transcends typical male friendship, presenting a narrative described as "courageous and liberating.[5]

Cast

Production

On April 13, 2020, Darryl Yap announced that he was writing a new web series titled "Sakristan," which would be a Boys' Love series. He also stated that the web series would consist of eight episodes.[6]

Background

Before the release of "Sakristan," Darryl Yap faced widespread criticism due to the nature of the series' title and promotional posters.[7] There were online calls for the cancellation of the series citing concerns that it was disrespectful to the Catholic Church. Critics argued that the series contradicted the teachings of the Catholic Church, specifically referencing Canon 2357, which states that homosexuality refers to relations between men or women who experience an exclusive or predominant sexual attraction toward persons of the same sex. The Canon notes that homosexual acts are considered to be of grave depravity and contrary to natural law, closing the sexual act to the gift of life and lacking genuine emotional and sexual complementarity.

In response to the backlash, Darryl Yap stated that he had no intention of damaging the Church's image.[8] [9]

Release

The web series was released on May 31, 2020.[10]

Reception

As of November 7, 2020

!Episode!Number of views
Episode 1: Touch-move1,240,353[11]
Episode 2: Bangkok806,859
Episode 3: Cuerdas576,459
Episode 4: Thick and White501,026
Episode 5: Barong479,573
Episode 6: The Goddess488,502
Episode 7: The Wall403,452
Episode 8: Amen352,226

Notes and References

  1. Web site: These Pinoy BL Series are taking over the internet and here's why!. 2020-10-29. thelookout.com.ph. en.
  2. Web site: Bukas. Leo. Direk Darryl Yap siniguradong mas daring ang Pinoy BL series na 'Sakristan' kumpara sa '2Gether' ng Thailand. 2020-10-29. Push.
  3. Web site: Salterio. Leah C.. Darryl Yap on Sakristan series: 'I'm ready for backlash'. 2020-10-29. Philstar.com.
  4. Web site: Eusebio. Aaron Brennt. LIST: Boys Love-themed series worth watching. 2020-10-29. www.gmanetwork.com. en-US.
  5. Web site: Gameboys, Hello Stranger, Sakristan, other Pinoy BL series making waves online. 2020-11-02. PEP.ph. en.
  6. Web site: Laurena. Kobe Adam Joshua. Jowable director Darryl Yap to helm and write Filipino boys love (BL) limited series Pikapika Philippine Showbiz News Entertainment News Trending Balita Celebrity Lifestyle Artista Fashion Beauty Tips Chika Philippine Hollywood Stars Celebrities. 2020-10-29. pikapika.ph. en.
  7. Web site: Series “Sakristan”. Darryl Yap Biography-Director Behind Controversial BL. 2020-06-16. Darryl Yap Biography - Director Behind Controversial BL Series "Sakristan". 2020-10-29. Philippine News. en-US.
  8. Web site: Balleras. Care. 2020-06-02. Sakristan: Forbidden love and religion. 2020-10-29. Daily Tribune. en-US.
  9. Web site: Salterio. Leah C.. 2020-06-06. 'Jowable' director Darryl Yap courts controversy anew with LGBT online series. 2020-10-29. ABS-CBN News. en.
  10. Web site: Laurena. Kobe Adam Joshua. Filmmaker Darryl Yap drops trailer of his BL series "Sakristan" which lands trending spot on YouTube Pikapika Philippine Showbiz News Entertainment News Trending Balita Celebrity Lifestyle Artista Fashion Beauty Tips Chika Philippine Hollywood Stars Celebrities. 2020-10-29. pikapika.ph. en.
  11. Web site: Boys Love series na Sakristan, arangkada ang views sa YouTube. 2020-11-07. PEP.ph. en.