Love at First Spike
| Love at First Spike | |
|---|---|
 Promotional poster | |
| Genre | |
| Written by |
|
| Directed by | Ivan Andrew Payawal |
| Starring |
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| Country of origin | Philippines |
| Original languages | Filipino English |
| No. of episodes | 8 |
| Production | |
| Camera setup | Single-camera |
| Running time | 45–109 minutes |
| Production company | ABS-CBN Studios |
| Original release | |
| Network | iWantTFC |
| Release | June 20 – July 11, 2025 |
| Network | iWant |
| Release | July 11 – August 8, 2025 |
Love at First Spike is a Philippine sports romantic comedy drama television series directed by Ivan Andrew Payawal.[1] It stars Emilio Daez, Reign Parani, Sean Tristan, and River Joseph. The series premiered on June 20, 2025 on iWantTFC.[2]
Synopsis
A former basketball team captain finds himself in a difficult situation when he is compelled to join the school's boys' volleyball varsity team, known for its queer members.
Cast and characters
Main
- Emilio Daez[3][4] as Uno Santillan, the former captain of Brixton High's basketball team, who joined the volleyball varsity team to maintain his scholarship.
- Reign Parani[5] as Farrah Salcedo, the outgoing women's volleyball team captain at Brixton High.
- Sean Tristan[6] as Jared Aragon, the team captain of Brixton's men's volleyball team and cousin of Farrah Salcedo.
- River Joseph as Parker Robinson, Uno's former basketball teammate.
Supporting
- Andi Abaya as Sinag Bartolome
- Rain Celmar[7] as Olivia Alcantara
- Dylan Yturralde as Ethan Villanueva
- Sky Quizon[8] as Lucien Ong
- Jude Hinumdum as Kidlat Gallente
- Lance Reblando as Diamond Hernandez
- Bong Gonzales as Hans Mendejar
- Binsoy Namoca as Rey Vargas
- Universe Ramos as Albert Palma
- Nick Deocampo as RJ Reyes
- Miggy Ruallo as Macky Vargas
- Drei Sugay[7] as Kenneth Lacie
- Gio Alvarez as Coach Larry Dumlao
- Alwyn Uytingco as Coach Noel Valdez
- Luis Alandy as Ato Santillan
- Meryll Soriano as Carmen Nolasco
Production
The series was announced on January 31, 2025, through an announcement video uploaded on April 8, 2025.[9] The cast was revealed at the same event, with Emilio Daez, Reign Parani, Sean Tristan, and River Joseph leading the series.[2]
Episodes
| No. | Title | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Serve & Receive" | June 20, 2025 | |
|
Uno gets kicked out of Brixton High's basketball varsity team after being involved in a brawl during a game. Desperate to save his athlete scholarship, he tries out for the boys' volleyball team led by his estranged friend Jared. | |||
| 2 | "Save" | June 27, 2025 | |
|
When the boys' volleyball team faces dissolution, Jared asks his cousin Farrah to help recruit players. Though Uno shows promise, his troubled history with Jared complicates his tryout chances. | |||
| 3 | "Monster Block" | July 4, 2025 | |
|
A high school athlete's hostility toward a new teammate creates mounting friction with his coach and fellow players, leading to an explosive showdown. | |||
| 4 | "Mine" | July 11, 2025 | |
|
Coach Larry sets up a team-building activity in hopes of easing the tension with Jared and unifying the group. While unresolved issues hang in the air, Uno finds himself in a dilemma between his team's dispute and a stalled connection with Farrah. | |||
| 5 | "Unforced Error" | July 18, 2025 | |
|
Uno makes an effort to clear things up between him and Jared as he grows determined to prove himself to be a valuable teammate. Soon, the team engages in a tune-up game where Uno has to overcome his frustrations and insecurities. | |||
| 6 | "Crossing the Line" | July 25, 2025 | |
|
Uno struggles as he fears missing the upcoming game in light of his ankle injury. Following Farrah's advice, Uno shows his willingness to change and become a friend to every member of his team, especially Jared. | |||
| 7 | "Red Card" | August 1, 2025 | |
|
Jared fears losing Uno after making a reckless action, while Farrah struggles with the guilt of liking the same person that her cousin likes. At the Athlete’s night, an unforeseen situation causes a fight among the boys' volleyball team. | |||
| 8 | "Match Point" | August 8, 2025 | |
|
Uno finds himself at a crossroads when he receives an unexpected offer to return to the basketball team. His decision shakes the Brixton High boys' volleyball team as they go on a crucial match against the defending champions, Daneswood High. | |||
Marketing
An official trailer for the show was released on May 8, 2025.
Release
The series was released on iWantTFC on June 20, 2025 consisting of 8 episodes.
Reception
Critical response
The series generally received positive reviews from media outlets. JE CC of LionhearTV remarked that the series "delivers a refreshing and heartfelt narrative that seamlessly blends youthful exuberance, queer representation, and the high stakes of varsity life."[10] NYLON Manila included the series in its NYLON Manila Picks for June 2025, noting that it "has non-cringe writing, engaging plot points, complex characters, and something important to say."[11]
References
- ^ "iWant serves coming-of-age sports dramedy 'Love at First Spike'". Philstar.com. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ a b "Stars of iWantTFC's 'Love At First Spike' revealed | ABS-CBN Entertainment". ABS-CBN. Archived from the original on April 15, 2025. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
- ^ "Emilio Daez, bibida sa iWant Original series na "Love at First Spike"". abs-cbn.com. April 10, 2025.
- ^ Digital, Sun Star Davao (July 11, 2025). "Emilio Daez takes lead in 'Love at First Spike'". SunStar Publishing Inc. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
- ^ Santos, Rhea Manila (April 27, 2025). "EXCLUSIVE: Reign Parani on being cast in 'Love At First Spike': '2025 is definitely my year'". PUSH.com. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ Gillego, Clarence (June 22, 2025). "Sean Tristan on working with 'Love at First Spike' co-stars: 'I couldn't have asked for a better team and a better family'". abs-cbn.com.
- ^ a b Castillo, Janella P (July 3, 2025). "Rain Celmar, Drei Sugay Join iWant's Love at First Spike | One Music PH". abs-cbn.com.
- ^ Santos, Rhea Manila. "Sky Quizon on playing a gay role in new BL series: 'Totally iba siya from who I am' | ABS-CBN Entertainment". ABS-CBN. Archived from the original on April 16, 2025. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
- ^ iWantTFC (April 8, 2025). LOVE AT FIRST SPIKE: iWantTFC New Original Series Project Announcement. Retrieved May 15, 2025 – via YouTube.
- ^ "REVIEW: 'Love At First Spike' – A Vibrant, Queer-Inclusive Sports Drama That Packs a Punch - LionhearTV". June 26, 2025. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
- ^ Manila, NYLON (June 30, 2025). "NYLON Manila Picks: The Media We Recommend This June 2025". nylonmanila.com. Retrieved August 5, 2025.