Tired from spending half of my day watching the Senate hearing yesterday and the one at the Congress today, my break earlier was to watch the Naked Truth on Beetzee Play. One thing I learned, keeping an open mind is very important. Just like watching this vertical series. Don’t let the steamy opening scene or the teaser of Naked Truth deceive you — this isn’t just another “bold,” surface-level series. Beneath the sensual exterior (Yes, expect the whole thing to be peppered by a few steamy scenes) lies a story with heart, layers, and substance. What makes it stand out is how well thought-out a lot of things were: the attention to detail, the editing, the cliffhanger every two to three minutes, and the refreshing plot twists that keep viewers guessing. While many foreign vertical series fall into predictable clichés like the billionaire-in-disguise or the one-night-stand-turns-into-something-real, this one proves that local storytelling can be just as compelling – by combining teleserye flair with realism and depth. The speed by which I was able to watch a whole series was also satisfying.
Story and Themes
At the heart of Naked Truth is the journey of a field reporter named Mia (Monina Lawrence) in her late 20s or early 30s (I didn’t catch the exact number!) who has never been in a relationship. Because of this, she becomes the subject of teasing and finds herself in constant rivalry with Katrina, a colleague who secures the anchor position through an affair with their boss (Christian Bautista). Already, the story reflects the politics and compromises of professional life, showing how ambition and favoritism often collide.
Her personal life takes a turn when her supportive best friend drags her to an entertainment bar to cheer her up. There, Mia meets Billy (Paolo Gumabao), a dancer and male escort known as “Adonis.” While his profession is frowned upon by society, Billy’s true character shines through — he is a devoted breadwinner working hard to provide for his grandmother and brother. What begins as a chance meeting unfolds into a tale of love, rivalry, revenge, and the challenge of bridging two worlds that couldn’t be more different.
What’s admirable is how the series goes beyond the formula. Yes, the teleserye staples are there – office rivalries, betrayal, kilig romance, comic relief, and the “you and me against the world” theme – but what elevates it is its sincerity. It reminds viewers that flaws and vulnerabilities, once owned, can no longer be used against you. There is power in accountability. There is courage in authenticity. And ultimately, there is healing in love and forgiveness.
The Teleserye Experience
With almost two hours of content, Naked Truth feels like watching both a teleserye and a movie. It has the drama, comedy, and kilig of primetime, but packaged in a fresh vertical format. The story flows smoothly, with one twist after another that keeps you invested until the very end.
There’s even a touching sequence between Mia and Billy that highlight the series’ heart – love isn’t always glamorous, but it is steadfast, sacrificial, and deeply human. The mix of family duty, office politics, friendship, and romance makes for a narrative that is layered and relatable.
Performances
The acting brings this story to life. Paolo delivers a heartfelt performance as Billy/Adonis, portraying him with both strength and vulnerability. Monina, as the reporter, holds her own with sincerity and nuance, making their chemistry believable.
The supporting cast adds richness. Ruby Ruiz provides the effective lola acting that drives empathy, while Christian Vazquez’s annoying character yet pivotal role strengthens the story’s turning points. The ensemble, including Lienel Navidad, Andrew Gan, Keahnna Reyes, Roland Inocencio, Gaye Piccio, and John Arcenas, lightens and deepens the story.
Technical Strengths
Technically, the series is impressive. The editing is seamless, the pacing never drags, and the balance of emotions evoked is well-placed. The plot twists stand out most – while many vertical shows are easy to predict, Naked Truth offers surprises that elevate its impact. And though it carries the heightened drama of a teleserye, the ending is grounded in realism, which leaves the message stronger.
App Experience
As for the platform, Beetzee Play offers a smooth viewing experience. At just ₱45, Naked Truth is a steal – it delivers more value than what you shelled out. The website is easy to navigate, and while I hope for a future downloadable app beyond website access, the convenience and quality already make it worth revisiting.
Naked Truth goes beyond its sensual surface. Don’t be fooled by the opening and the spicy scenes you’ll find along the way – it’s a layered, heartfelt teleserye-inspired story with themes of love, rivalry, sacrifice, accountability, and authenticity. Again, it reminds us to use what we see as our “mess” as our “message” to the world.
For teleserye fans and new audiences alike, it’s proof that local vertical storytelling can rival foreign trends. Directed by Ritchie Balza Roño and written by Lawrence Nicodemus, Naked Truth on Beetzee Play is worth watching.
Rating: 4.5/5 (It would be perfect to watch it on an app soon!)
