When asked about the relevance of their Ilocano movie All the Things I Leave You, Benedix Ramos welcomed what he described as the continuing evolution of the BL genre, particularly in terms of representation and cultural identity.
“Nakakatuwa kasi yung sinasabi nilang evolution ng BL (boys’ love)…” he said during the film’s press conference on June 15 in Taguig City, reflecting on how the genre has grown beyond the formulas and expectations established during its early rise in popularity across Asia.
Looking back, Benedix noted that many viewers were first introduced to BL through Thai productions, which helped shape the public’s perception of the genre and, in many ways, set the standard for audiences across the region.
“Kasi, di ba, nag-start ang BL—if I’m not mistaken, correct me if I’m wrong—parang nagsimula yung clamor sa Thailand: Thai BL.”
That influence, according to the actor, remains evident in the responses they receive from viewers. He shared that some audience members initially mistake their series for a foreign production, often assuming it comes from another Southeast Asian country because of the language being spoken.
“Tapos may magko-comment do’n sa series namin na, ‘Akala ko Thai,’ ‘Akala ko Indonesian,’ ‘Akala ko ganito.’ Akala nila ibang language…”
Rather than taking offense, Benedix sees such reactions as an indication of how audiences are becoming more open to stories told in different languages. At the same time, he believes local productions should take advantage of that openness by embracing the country’s own linguistic and cultural diversity.
For him, part of the genre’s growth lies in giving regional languages the same platform that international productions have enjoyed for years.
“I think part of the evolution din ng BL is for us to own our own native language — which is also Ilocano.”
The actor went on to express hope that more projects will eventually spotlight other Philippine languages and communities. He cited Kapampangan, Pangasinan, and Bisaya as examples of languages that deserve greater visibility onscreen, emphasizing that Filipino storytelling should not always revolve around Tagalog. “Sana magkaroon pa ng ibang mga series or films that also use their native language like Kapampangan, Pangasinan, Bisaya… not necessarily Tagalog.”
While he appreciates that some viewers compare their work to productions from abroad, Benedix admitted that such comments can also be bittersweet. Although being mistaken for a foreign production may be seen as a compliment to the quality of the series, he hopes audiences will also recognize and celebrate the fact that it is distinctly Filipino.
“Kasi, di ba, yung iba magko-comment, ‘Ay! Akala ko Thai.’ Nakakatuwa na isipin nila na production siya na galing din [sa ibang bansa] pero at the same time nakakalungkot kasi… hindi, sa atin yan.”
Emphasizing his point, he reminded viewers that regional languages are an integral part of the country’s identity.
“Meron tayong language na ganyan…”
For Benedix, the use of Ilocano is not merely a creative choice but also a form of representation. He pointed out that Ilocanos make up a significant portion of the Philippine population, making it all the more meaningful to see the language featured in a BL series.
“Also part ng majority din ng bansa natin itong… Ilocanos. So, nakakatuwa na makikita na nila finally yung kind of representation in the BL scene, at least.”
Benedix Ramos stars alongside Justine Paul Basoba in All the Things I Leave You, directed by Jade Castro and now showing in select cinemas nationwide.
Set in contemporary Ilocos and interwoven with memories from the 1940s, the film follows Jorge and Kiko as they uncover a hidden collection of letters and photographs that reveal a long-buried love story between Jorge’s grandfather, Tino, and his best friend, Bong. Their discovery forces them to confront their own fears, desires, and the enduring legacies of class, silence, and migration that continue to shape their lives.
TATAK MNL 
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