Emilio Daez topbills ‘Love at First Spike’

iWant puts the spotlight on Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition housemate Emilio Daez as he topbills “Love at First Spike,” a coming-of-age sports romantic dramedy about second chances, acceptance, and identity, streaming exclusively on iWant starting June 20, 8 pm.

The new eight-episode iWant Originals series marks Emilio’s first major acting role after his PBB stint, where he gained a strong following for his authenticity as a housemate. In this series, Emilio plays Uno, a basketball varsity captain who loses his spot on the team after a violent incident. To save his scholarship, he joins the school’s only remaining varsity team –the boys’ volleyball team, made up of proud and openly LGBTQIA+ students.

Appearing alongside Emilio are “Beach Bros” lead and internet personality Sean Tristan, and “Pinoy Big Brother Otso” ex-housemate Reign Parani. They bring to life a story that tackles gender expression, social pressures, and the emotional rollercoaster of teenage life.

Things get complicated when Uno crosses paths with Jared (Tristan), his former childhood best friend, whose coming out years ago drifted them apart. The two must now navigate their unresolved past and work together again to save what may be their last shot at redemption.

Also part of the story is Farrah (Reign Parani), Jared’s cousin and the captain of the girls’ volleyball team. She quietly supports Uno and the team while hiding her long-time crush on him. Their journey creates a mix of friendship, teamwork, and romantic tension, set against the high-stakes backdrop of high school sports.

Directed by Ivan Andrew Payawal, “Love at First Spike” highlights themes of acceptance and second chances, showing how young people can grow when they are supported and accepted for who they truly are.

Also joining the series’ all-star lineup are “PBB Collab Edition” housemate River Joseph, “PBB Gen 11” ex-housemates Dylan Yturalde, Rain Celmar, Binsoy Namoca, and Lance Reblando, “PBB Connect” ex-housemate Andi Abaya, and “PBB Otso” alum Sky Quizon.

Former “Sparks Camp” campers Universe Ramos, Miggy Ruallo, Nick de Ocampo, and Bong Gonzales are also part of the cast.

Other Kapamilya stars included in the lineup are Adrian Alandy, Meryll Soriano, Jude Hinumdum, Lance Reblando, Gio Alvarez, and Alwyn Uytingco – ready to serve, set, and spike a wide range of emotions in iWant’s new series.