As the finale episode of the inclusive and youth-driven iWantTFC digi-series Love at First Spike aired, several of its cast members—Emilio Daez, River Joseph, Jude Hinumdum, and Lance Reblando—took to social media to bid farewell to their beloved characters.
On his personal social media page, lead star and former Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition housemate Emilio Daez reflected on his journey portraying Uno.
“I see a lot of myself in Uno. On the surface, Love at First Spike is a volleyball rom-com, but at its heart, it’s a story about acceptance and the importance of giving the LGBTQIA+ community the space, respect, and visibility it deserves,” he wrote.
He added, “Stepping into Uno’s shoes made me confront my own assumptions and realize that understanding each other takes more than just living side by side. It takes listening, learning, and being willing to challenge the stereotypes we’ve grown up with.”
Marking his first lead role in a series, Emilio highlighted how meaningful the project is to him, especially because of the stories it tells.
“This project means so much to me because these stories matter. They deserve to be told truthfully and without compromise, to be seen by audiences who might never have heard them otherwise, and I’m proud to have been part of bringing those truths into the light,” he expressed.
Emilio also expressed his gratitude to director Ivan Payawal and his co-stars, thanking them for making his filming experience a memorable one.
Fellow Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition housemate River Joseph also signed off from his role as Parker Robinson, the basketball team captain of Brixton High, with a carousel of behind-the-scenes photos from the set.
Meanwhile, theater actor Jude Hinumdum, who played Kidlat, penned a poetic message in Filipino: “Sa bawat palo at pagpasa, sa bawat salo at pagdiga ay kalakasan natin ang isa’t-isa. Tayo’y paboritong paksa ng kantyawan at laging dehado sa palakpakan, ngunit gayunman, taas kilay tayong lumalaban.”
Jude went on: “Wala raw tayong espasyo sa nayon nila? Puwes gumawa tayo ng sarili nating tahanan—mas matibay, mas yumayakap at umaakay. Pinanday gamit ang magkakaiba ngunit iisang danas. Ginawang haligi ang isa’t-isa, inilawan gamit ang pagmamahal natin sa bola, at iniwang bukas ang pinto para sa mga gustong makiisa.”
Jude emphasized how the series celebrates inclusivity, LGBTQIA+ representation, and the vibrancy of the volleyball and sports community.
“Tanaw na natin ang bughaw na kalangitan, ngunit hindi pa tapos ang bahaghari. Mahaba pa ang lalakbayin para marating ang dulo nito, pero tignan mo nga naman, natagpuan na natin sa isa’t-isa ang ginto. Hindi pa tapos ang kwento natin. Nagsisimula pa lang. Pero sa ngayon hanggang dito muna,” he expressed.
Lance Reblando also paid tribute to her character Diamond, sharing how the role resonated deeply with her identity and hopes for the transgender community.
“Lagi’t-lagi kang magkakaroon ng espesyal na lugar sa pagkatao’t kaluluwa ko, Diamond. Ikaw ay ako. Ako ay ikaw. Salamat sa pagiging matapang, maganda, at makapangyarihan. Dadami pa tayo. Sana ay wala ng transneneng sisitahin at uusisain ang suot, papalipatin ng palikuran at tatawagin sa pangalang salungat at hindi dumidikit sa ating pagkakakilanlan. Lipad nang matayog, Diamond. Mahiwaga ka. 🏳️⚧️🥹💎🤍🪷,” she remarked.
Love at First Spike premiered on June 20 and exclusively streamed on iWant. The series also stars Sean Tristan, PBB alum Reign Parani, Dylan Yturralde, Rain Celmar, Binsoy Namoca, Andi Abaya, and Sky Quizon. Supporting them are industry veterans Adrian Alandy, Meryll Soriano, Gio Alvarez, and Alwyn Uytingco.