Dading

Dading is a groundbreaking Filipino melodrama that centers on Ricardo (Carding), an openly gay man whose life changes forever when his best friend and secret crush, Beth, is abandoned by her lover JM and forced to leave for the US. Before she goes, Beth entrusts Carding with her newborn son, setting off a decades-long journey of unconventional fatherhood. As Carding raises the child alone, he faces societal judgment, family pressures, and his own unspoken feelings, all while forging a powerful bond that redefines what it means to be a parent. With 80 episodes, the series dives deep into themes of sacrifice, identity, and unconditional love, offering a heartfelt exploration of chosen family. While the production values reflect its early-2010s origin, the emotional core remains timeless, making Dading a landmark for LGBTQ+ representation in Philippine television.