The phenomenal Philippine gay soap opera, My Husband's Lover, ended on Friday, Oct 18, after almost five months of high ratings. The bekiserye, which invited the scrutiny of Philippine Catholic bishops because of the controversial theme of the soap - a love affair between a married gay man and another single gay male - gave a win-win ending that likely pleased both the viewers and the church (or displeased them both).

For one, the much publicised on-screen liplock between the main stars did not materialise, but was almost there when the soap's final closing billboard was running.

Source: Photo collection of Vittorio Hernandez

But at the last moment, just before their lips touch, the scene ends. This ending is in keeping with the show producer's commitment not to offend the bishops as well as the general public with such a risky image, even if male-to-male torrid kissing scene is so common in independent films and even mainstream ones with gay themes like Brokeback Mountain as seen in this montage.

YouTube/Kurt Jake

However, what was surprising which many gay (and open-minded straight) viewers applauded was that Vincent, the married man and owner of a car dealership, played by Tom Rodriguez

Source: Photo collection of Vittorio Hernandez

finally reconciled and revived his romantic relationship with Eric, played by Dennis Trillo, his high school best friend and now an architect.

Source: Photo collection of Vittorio Hernandez

After years of separation, separate lives, trials and so many tears between the couple and their families and friends

Source: Photo collection of Vittorio Hernandez

they ended up as a couple, albeit live-in union since same-sex marriage will remain opposed by the conservative Philippine Catholic Church.

However, while the show may have a different ending from the traditional formula that Filipino movies and TV soap operas often have, usually capped with a grand wedding scene of the main characters, My Husband's Lover opens the eyes of viewers that different forms of love and friendship could evolve between two people, regardless of their gender preference.

Source: Photo collection of Vittorio Hernandez

Thus, in the end, Lally Agatep, played by Carla Abellana, the former wife of Vincent who also finds a new love in a widower, could call Eric, her husband's lover, also her best friend.

Followers of the TomDen love team could still continue to swoon to Philippine showbiz's only male love tandem as the two release a CD with three songs which were heard in the last week of the soap.

Source: Photo collection of Vittorio Hernandez

Those who still want to relive the last five months could also watch the My Husband's Love concert held a week ago but will be aired on Sunday night, Oct 20, at GMA-7's SNBO.

YouTube/GMA News