MarketLove at First Spike
Company Profile

Love at First Spike

Love at First Spike is a Philippine sports romantic comedy television series directed by Ivan Andrew Payawal. It stars Emilio Daez, Reign Parani, Sean Tristan, and River Joseph. The series premiered on June 20, 2025 on iWantTFC.

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 ==
Cast and characters
Main Emilio Daez as Uno Santillan, the former captain of Brixton High's basketball team, who joined the volleyball varsity team to maintain his scholarship. • Reign Parani as Farrah Salcedo, the outgoing women's volleyball team captain at Brixton High. • Sean Tristan 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 as Olivia Alcantara • Dylan Yturralde as Ethan Villanueva • Sky Quizon 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 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 ==
Production
The series was announced on January 31, 2025, through an announcement video uploaded on April 8, 2025. The cast was revealed at the same event, with Emilio Daez, Reign Parani, Sean Tristan, and River Joseph leading the series. == Episodes ==
Marketing
An official trailer for the show was released on May 8, 2025. == Release ==
Release
The series was released on iWantTFC on June 20, 2025 consisting of 8 episodes. == Reception ==
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." 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." == References ==
tickerdossier.comtickerdossier.substack.com