It's okay if you want to take a K-drama break. This gives you the option to explore other genres—say, catching up with our local indie scene! There are so many must-watch Pinoy indie movies and lucky for you, you can finally stream some of them for free. For starters, here are recos which you might end up liking even if you're a hardcore K-drama fan:
1. I'm Drunk, I Love You
Starring: Maja Salvador and Paulo Avelino
Watch if you liked: Fight For My Way
Where to watch: YouTube
Being in the friend zone sucks. Such is the case for Carson (Maja Salvador) who has been in love with her best friend Dio (Paulo Avelino) for seven years. Before graduating from college, they go on a road trip where Carson attempts to reveal her true feelings.
2. Senior Year
Starring: LJ Moreno, Ramon Bautista, and Dimples Romana
Watch if you liked: The Reply series!
Where to watch: Vimeo
Here we meet stereotypical students like the popular kids, nerds, and pasaway classmates who make high school so memorable! It also gives us a glimpse of their coming-of-age struggles like dealing with a crush, standing up against a bully, and figuring out what they want to do after high school. It's also interesting to see how the movie fast-forwards to the future and shows how these high school students have grown into young adults.
Fun fact: Senior Year is directed by Jerrold Tarog, aka the same genius behind historical flicks like Heneral Luna and Goyo.
3. Shift
Starring: Yeng Constantino and Felix Roco
Watch if you liked: Personal Taste and Coffee Prince
Where to watch: YouTube
This gender-bender narrative revolves around tomboyish Estela (Yeng Constantino) who falls in love with her gay co-worker and friend Trevor (Felix Roco). Aside from their eccentric pairing, they also talk about their passions and how adulting can sometimes get in the way of them. You better not miss watching this because it won the Grand Prix or Best Picture Award at the Osaka Asian Film Festival back in 2014. Just wow!
4. That Thing Called Tadhana
Starring: Angelica Panganiban and JM De Guzman
Watch if you liked: Lovers In Paris and Encounter
Where to watch: YouTube
Where do broken hearts go? Mace (Angelica Panganiban) and Anthony (JM De Guzman) find out for themselves as they embark on a spontaneous trip from Rome, Manila, Baguio, to Sagada! Throughout the movie, the two strangers open up and talk about their exes which results in a unique bond between them. Their convos are filled with hugot lines you'll end up sharing with friends!
5. My Paranormal Romance
Starring: Phoebe Kaye Fernandez and Van Roxas
Watch if you liked: Hotel Del Luna, The Master's Sun, and Oh My Ghost
Where to watch: YouTube
Watch this indie movie if you aren't afraid of ghosts! Merry (Phoebe Kaye Fernandez) accidentally inherits an old woman's third eye. And it's literally on her forehead! With her ability to see ghosts, Merry's college plans are put on hold as she seeks ways to get rid of her third eye so she can live a normal life. Through her search, she meets scam artist Lucas (Van Roxas) who tries to help her with the whole paranormal situation.
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