Sakristan (web series)

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]

Sakristan
Also known as
  • Sacristan
  • Altar Boy
Genre
Created byDarryl Yap
Inspired byThai boys' love series 2gether: The Series
Written byDarryl Yap
Directed byDarryl Yap
Starring
  • Clifford Pusing
  • Henry Villanueva
Opening theme"Delikado" by Marion Aunor
Composer
Country of originPhilippines
Original languageFilipino
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes8
Production
Production locationOlongapo City
CinematographyArel Ebana
Running time20 minutes
Production company
Original release
NetworkVinCentiments
ReleaseMay 31 (2020-05-31) –
July 19, 2020 (2020-07-19)

Plot

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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

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  • Clifford Pusing as Zach
  • Henry Villanueva as Christian
  • Xavier Reyes as Wolf
  • Darrel Rivera as Paps
  • Lhance Lintag as Melch
  • Juniel Eclio as Josie
  • Arkail Batoon as Gabby

Production

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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

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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

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

Reception

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As of November 7, 2020

Episode Number of views
Episode 1: Touch-move 1,240,353[11]
Episode 2: Bangkok 806,859
Episode 3: Cuerdas 576,459
Episode 4: Thick and White 501,026
Episode 5: Barong 479,573
Episode 6: The Goddess 488,502
Episode 7: The Wall 403,452
Episode 8: Amen 352,226

References

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  1. ^ "These Pinoy BL Series are taking over the internet and here's why!". thelookout.com.ph. Retrieved 2020-10-29.
  2. ^ Bukas, Leo. "Direk Darryl Yap siniguradong mas daring ang Pinoy BL series na 'Sakristan' kumpara sa '2Gether' ng Thailand". Push. Retrieved 2020-10-29.
  3. ^ Salterio, Leah C. "Darryl Yap on Sakristan series: 'I'm ready for backlash'". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2020-10-29.
  4. ^ Eusebio, Aaron Brennt. "LIST: Boys Love-themed series worth watching". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved 2020-10-29.
  5. ^ "Gameboys, Hello Stranger, Sakristan, other Pinoy BL series making waves online". PEP.ph. Retrieved 2020-11-02.
  6. ^ 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". pikapika.ph. Retrieved 2020-10-29.
  7. ^ Series “Sakristan”, Darryl Yap Biography-Director Behind Controversial BL (2020-06-16). "Darryl Yap Biography - Director Behind Controversial BL Series "Sakristan"". Philippine News. Retrieved 2020-10-29.
  8. ^ Balleras, Care (2020-06-02). "Sakristan: Forbidden love and religion". Daily Tribune. Retrieved 2020-10-29.
  9. ^ Salterio, Leah C. (2020-06-06). "'Jowable' director Darryl Yap courts controversy anew with LGBT online series". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 2020-10-29.
  10. ^ 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". pikapika.ph. Retrieved 2020-10-29.
  11. ^ "Boys Love series na Sakristan, arangkada ang views sa YouTube". PEP.ph. Retrieved 2020-11-07.
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