The Affair poster
#27504 This Week

The Affair

The Affair  ·  2010, Philippines
6.7
2,986 ratings
1
Film
0
Watchlisted
● Completed 🕑 2010

An ex-seminarian slash communist runs a hotel in Baguio. He then meets a handsome upcoming lawyer. A once-a-year trip to Baguio by the lawyer and conversations with the hotel owner develops into an affair that encompasses…

Synopsis
Cast & Crew
Episodes
Reviews (5)

The Affair is a decades-spanning Filipino drama that follows Jun, a former seminarian turned communist, who now runs a quiet hotel in the mountain city of Baguio. Each year, Errol, a handsome and ambitious lawyer, visits the city, and their brief annual encounters slowly blossom into a secret relationship that defies time, political turmoil, and societal expectations. Set against the backdrop of Philippine history—from the Marcos dictatorship to the dawn of the new millennium—the film intricately weaves personal longing with the nation’s struggle for change. Jun and Errol’s love is tender, hidden, and fraught with sacrifice, as they navigate careers, marriages, and the weight of a conservative society that forces them to live double lives. What makes *The Affair* truly special is its unflinching honesty: it doesn’t shy away from the pain of the closet or the bittersweet joy of stolen moments. This is not a feel-good romance but a profound meditation on the cost of love in a world that wasn’t ready for it. A masterpiece of quiet resilience, it will leave you reflecting on how far we’ve come—and how much love still costs.

Episode data is coming soon.

6.7
out of 10
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RT
romance_through_time
September 2024
9/10
I cried so many times. This is not a typical romantic movie – it's a heart-wrenching journey of two men whose love survives decades of hiding and pain. The actors made me feel every stolen moment. A must-watch for anyone who believes love is worth fighting for, no matter the cost.
PW
plot_wrangler
March 2025
7/10
The political backdrop felt heavy-handed at first, but once the focus shifts to the central relationship, the storytelling becomes much tighter. The aging makeup is inconsistent – Errol's older son appears older than him – which broke immersion. Still, the emotional payoff in the final act is earned and genuine.
SL
sociology_lens
January 2025
8/10
As a student of queer history, I found this film incredibly valuable. It shows how political activism and gay identity intersected in 1960s Philippines, and how the closet forced tragic compromises. The film handles infidelity and marriage with nuance, never condemning the characters. A powerful conversation starter.
FB
frame_by_frame_fan
October 2024
6/10
The cinematography shows its age – 2010 digital filmmaking that lacks the warmth of more modern BLs. Some shots are beautifully composed (the Baguio fog scenes are gorgeous), but the lighting flattens many indoor sequences. The director's artistic ambition exceeds the technical resources available, but the intent is noble.
MW
music_whisperer_ph
July 2025
8/10
The soundtrack is subtle but devastating. Piano pieces and ambient sounds of Baguio rain perfectly underscore the longing and regret. No grand ballads – just minimalist scoring that makes the silences speak. I've been humming the main theme for days. It's a masterclass in using music to deepen emotional resonance.