MANILA, Philippines — Philippine digital series “Love at First Spike,” produced by ABS-CBN Studios and iWant, has officially scored a nomination in the Kids: Live Action category at the 2026 International Emmy Awards.
The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced the selection, placing the show in competition with contenders from Chile, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
Helmed by director Ivan Andrew Payawal, the series stars Emilio Daez, Sean Tristan, and Reign Parani. The storyline follows basketball captain Uno Santillan (Daez), who transfers to his school’s volleyball team to retain his athletic scholarship—a move that forces him to navigate personal biases while playing alongside queer teammates.
The ensemble cast includes River Joseph, Dylan Yturalde, Rain Celmar, Binsoy Namoca, Sky Quizon, Jude Hinumdum, Lance Reblando, Bong Gonzales, Andi Abaya, Adrian Alandy, and Meryll Soriano.
This selection marks director Payawal’s second recognition in the Kids: Live Action category, following his 2021 nomination for the popular Boys’ Love (BL) series “Gameboys.”
In the 2026 race, “Love at First Spike” competes alongside Chile’s “31 Minutos: Calurosa Navidad,” the Netherlands’ “De Achterblijvers (Those Left Behind),” and the United Kingdom’s “Dexter Procter the Ten-Year-Old Doctor.”
Representatives for the nominated titles are scheduled to attend the International Emmy World Television Festival in New York from November 20 to 22, preceding the main awards ceremony on November 23.
The nomination adds to previous Philippine nods at the prestigious event, which include past nominations for the series “Bridges of Love” and “On the Job,” as well as actress Jodi Sta. Maria.