‘Love at First Spike’ earns International Emmy nomination

MANILA — ABS-CBN Studios and iWant’s original series “Love at First Spike,” starring Emilio Daez,  Sean Tristan, and Reign Parani, bagged nomination at the 2026 International Emmy Awards.

The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced the full list of nominees on September 23. “Love at First Spike” was nominated in the Kids: Live Action category.

A coming-of-age sports romantic dramedy, “Love at First Spike” explores one’s “identity, second chances, and friendship set against the vibrant world of high school volleyball.”

Directed by Ivan Andrew Payawal, the series also stars River Joseph, Dylan Yturalde, Rain Celmar, Binsoy Namoca, Sky Quizon,  Jude Hinumdum, Lance Reblando, Bong Gonzales, Andi Abaya, Adrian Alandy, and Meryll Soriano.

In a social media post, Payawal shared the nomination from Emmys.

“It happened again. Unbelievable!!!!!” wrote Payawal, whose series “Gameboys” also earned Emmy nomination in 2021.

Daez, Parani, and Tristan also turned to social media to express happiness over the nomination.  

For the 2026 Emmy Awards, there are 64 nominees across 16 categories and spanning 22 countries.  

Winners for the  54th International Emmy Awards will be announced on November 23 in New York City.