Arzen Rose Dulzura

EXCLUSIVE: Director Theodore Boborol on pushing queer shows to the mainstream: ‘Sobrang importante siya’

Article (news)

Clarence Roi Gillego

Push Team

<p>Director Theodore Boborol underscored the importance of having more shows that champion queer representation in the mainstream media.</p><p>“For me sobrang importante siya kasi tama nga ‘yung sinasabi ni Mela [Habijan], lalo na ngayon na na-the-threaten ‘yung LGBTQIA+ community,&quot; he told PUSH ABS-CBN. &quot;May mga ibang bansa na ang mga nananalong leaders ay super conservative and inaapakan talaga nila ‘yung rights ng LGBTQIA+ people, [and] hindi pa talaga nabibigyan ng equal rights ‘yung mga nasa community.&quot;<em><strong></strong></em></p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1752294479366Thumb - 2025-07-12T122819.547.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>“Maganda na na-se-spread natin ‘yung mga products na ‘to, ‘yung mga shows na ‘to para makita nila na queers are here and they will always be here. And mga tao sila na dapat bigyan ng equal rights,” he added. </p><p>Direk Ted, the director of the queer dating reality show <em>Sparks Camp</em>, which is set to return on July 16, expressed interest in creating a BL (Boys Love) movie in a press conference in Makati City last Tuesday, July 8. </p><p>“As a director, I directed a lot of series and films, but parang ‘yun nalang ‘yung hindi ko pa na-achieve na makapag-direct ng isang BL, so sana soon magkaroon ng opportunity,” he told reporters.  </p><p>Citing the proliferation of BL shows in Thailand, the director told <strong>PUSH ABS-CBN</strong> in a separate interview that it has great potential in the country.</p><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-5" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DL3U3YkhmHS/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A5%2C%22os%22%3A8986336.400000095%2C%22ls%22%3A33280.700000047684%2C%22le%22%3A33297.5%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="889" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-5" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>“For me naman as a mainstream director, on a business level, okay din siya kasi diba sa Thailand, the BL genre really thrives there,” he said.  </p><p>Direk Ted also highlighted how helpful queer shows are in shaping Thai people’s views. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/movies-series/2025/6/30/5-must-watch-lgbtq-international-films-to-celebrate-pride-month-0306"><strong><u>READ: 5 Must-Watch LGBTQ+ International Films to Celebrate Pride Month</u></strong></a></div><p>“Kaya naman ang Thailand ngayon sa Southeast Asia, aside from Taiwan, sila ang pinaka-open-minded sa gay marriage, same sex union. Ibig sabihin nun mas naiintindihan ng mga tao, or ang mga tao ni-re-respeto nila ang LGBTQIA+ community [as well as] the majority ng kanilang lawmakers,” he said.  </p><p>“Kahit hindi ito researched based, the fact kasi na proliferating ‘yung BL genre or queer shows dun, nakakatulong ‘yun eh kasi nagiging mainstream, so ibig sabihin natatanggap siya,” he added.  </p>

<p>At a time when the LGBTQIA+ community continues to struggle, director Theodore Boborol emphasized queer shows should have more space in mainstream media.</p>

At a time when the LGBTQIA+ community continues to struggle, director Theodore Boborol emphasized queer shows should have more space in mainstream media.