When Anima Studios (producer of “Hintayan ng Langit,” “Dead Kids,” and “On the Job: The Series”) dropped a video introducing the cast of its latest romantic coming-of-age comedy series “Marahuyo Project,” I was immediately hit with nostalgia

It’s been a while since I’ve seen a *good* barkada serye. GMA’s “Tween Hearts” (2010) and ABS-CBN’s “Growing Up” (2011) and “Luv U” (2012) were the last shows I watched that made me want to keep up and tune in religiously. I’ll be honest, though: They aired too long ago that I can’t even remember the storylines anymore.

So, when Anima Studios (producer of “Hintayan ng Langit,” “Dead Kids,” and “On the Job: The Series”) dropped a video introducing the cast of its latest romantic coming-of-age comedy series “Marahuyo Project,” I was immediately hit with nostalgia. It felt like I was 12 again, watching KathNiel do cute—but low-key funny and cheesy—stuff on screen.

The plot is still under wraps, but it swears to “make us all believe in love again.” Created and directed by JP Habac (director of “I’m Drunk, I Love You” and “Gaya sa Pelikula”) and written by Benson Logroni and Juvy Galamiton, the series will star Tommy Alejandrino, Lance Reblando, Ryle Santiago, Yani Villarosa (a.k.a yanihatesu), AJ Sison, Nour Hooshmand, Ian Villa, Neo France Garcia, and Adrian Lindayag.

While “Marahuyo Project” is in the same vein as the classic barkada seryes we watched growing up, it seemingly has an exciting agenda that sets it apart from its predecessors: to break the monotonous portrayal of LGBTQIA+ characters in Philippine TV through romance and comedy.

In a society that still struggles with sexual diversity, I personally applaud the show for having faith in its rom-com premise. It wasn’t announced yet how exactly the series will tackle its queer theme, but knowing the director and writing team, I’m hopeful that it will deep dive into diverse—and borderline what society sees as unconventional—relationships.

We’re all aware of how mainstream media has unfairly represented queer people in the past, but this series might be the light at the end of the tunnel if done right. After all, increased representation could indicate growing acceptance of the queer community.

No details about the airing schedule of “Marahuyo Project” have been divulged. Nevertheless, at least we have one good thing to look forward to this year. Or perhaps next year?

(P.S. For those unfamiliar, “marahuyo” is an ancient Filipino word that means “to be enchanted.”)