The stars aligned for four individuals who’ve got the mutual spark in the Philippines’ first queer reality dating show “Sparks Camp.” Let’s refresh Karl Bau and Nick Deocampo, and Alex De Ungria and Justin Macapallag’s story, and catch up with them in this episode of Kapamilya Chat.

“Nakakapagod but worth it,” was the campers’ shared sentiment when asked how they’re doing after the ‘spark reveal’ episode. They’re busy promoting the “bonus” episodes of the program and overwhelmed with the popularity that greeted them outside the camp.

“’Pag lumalabas ako, ang daming nagpapa-picture kahit naka-sando lang ako,” smiled Alex, drawing laughter from his co-campers. He turned a bit shy talking about the amount of love they’ve been receiving online, acknowledging also the hate comments since love triangles sprouted in the camp.

Sadly, the bashing and judgment were a few reasons why the campers were initially hesitant to join the program. Nick, for instance, was worried that it might affect his reputation as a businessman. But, just like the rest, except for Karl who was handpicked, they took the risk to audition knowing they can create a ‘spark’ not just with their fellow campers, but a bigger fire in the hearts of their co-queers who are otherwise scared to come out.

“I’m putting forward my story, so others can put theirs, too,” said Justin of why the show and viewers’ feedback matter. “Nabibigyan pa lalo ng spotlight ‘yung community.”

They just wanted to show that the queer dating scene is just as happy and awkward and as normal as how straight people date. There’s really no difference. “We’re authentic queer people just showing how we date,” Karl stated, adding that they’re overjoyed with the amount of support that poured in; even non-LGBTQ members were invested in the episodes. Not only did they entertain viewers, but they also kept them educated.

There were smiles on the campers’ faces as they flashbacked their journey, saying they were blindfolded on the way to the camp, hence clueless as to who they were going to meet. The shocked and delighted reactions you saw when they introduced themselves were organic. Some of them were total strangers to one another, but some knew each other prior since the gay community seems to be pretty tight-knit.

Although they signed up for a dating game, the campers didn’t dwell much on the competition or finding romance. Nick even took the camp as a vacation. Karl just wanted to get to know his co-campers and bond with them. “’Yung competition sa akin is ‘yung mga challenges, hindi naman ‘yung pang-aagaw ng guys,” he quipped.

Alex pressed that he was the same introverted guy off-cam. Meanwhile, Justin only saw the program as a way to come out and make new friends but not really in a romantic sense. However, his heart raced when he saw Alex.

"The moment I saw him during the introduction, medyo na-conscious ako kasi we had some interaction in the past at ayoko naman na parang ipa-feel sa kanya na nanlalandi ako dito,” he just knew right away that he wants to pursue Alex again. Talk about second chances!

Speaking of coming out, Justin shared that coming out made him feel awful. The good thing was “Sparks Camp” host Mela Habijan was there to cheer him up. She was the first person to offer him a warm hug.

Mela “mothered” the campers and the show so well; she got nothing but sweet words from Karl, Nick, Alex, and Justin. They appreciate Mela’s matchmaking abilities and her wise, beautiful words that made the guys feel better even after rejections and heartbreaking events in the camp.

They went on to talk about dating. Asked what they consider a red flag in a partner, Karl mentioned that he loses interest when he discovers the other person is inconsiderate. Nick’s biggest turn-off is having zero sense of drive or direction in life. Alex once dated a person who is rude to a fast food staff – a major no, no for him. Justin would rather not date closed-minded people.

However, Justin believes that love is also about acceptance. “When you’re dating, kailangan you’re ready to embrace their flaws tapos ready kayo to work around those things,” he imparted.

Justin doesn’t really look into a person’s physical appearance; rather he’s easily drawn to sense of humor during the first date. The same goes for his “ka-spark” Alex, although the latter likes to have a balance between fun and serious talks.

Nick is easily attracted to physical looks but believes that it’s not what spark is all about. He said that having something unexpected with the person really captures him instead, which he experienced with his “ka-spark” Karl, who, in turn, was impressed when he found out that Nick likes a variety of activities.

Asked their advice to young people about dating and letting go, 21-year-old Justin admitted that he started dating young. So, his advice is to take your time and be open to possibilities. Also, don’t keep a relationship if your only reason for staying is that you’ve invested years into it. In that vein, Karl touched on the power of knowing your worth.

Alex acknowledged that the modern dating scene can be a bit draining. So, instead of giving in to the pressure, just live the moment, “Gawin n’yo lang kung ano’ng gusto n’yo gawin together. Just love each other.”

As for the hopeless romantic Nick, his advice is to just plunge into it. Don’t be scared. Falling in love, it’s a beautiful feeling.

"Sparks Camp" is directed by acclaimed TV and movie director and story editor Theodore Boborol.

Watch Karl, Nick, Justin and Alex and the rest of the campers in "Sparks Camp" Group Fun on July 22 & 26 on Black Sheep’s YouTube channel!