Set in the slums of Manila, the film is about a gay teen who is torn between his love for a young cop and his loyalty to his family.

[3][4] Maxi (Nathan Lopez) is a 12-year-old effeminate gay boy who lives in the slums with his father and brothers who are petty thieves.

The story primarily revolves around the conflict between his love for handsome young police officer Victor (JR Valentin), and his family's illegal livelihood.

Neo-realist in orientation, the film is a tale of lost innocence and redemption amidst the poverty of Manila's slums.

The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros premiered at the 1st Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival on July 13, 2005, and was released theatrically in the Philippines on November 30, 2005.

[5] The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros grossed $28,041 in United States and Canada, and $10,650 in other territories, for a worldwide total of $38,691.

"[8] Tom Dawson of BBC wrote, "Newcomer Lopez is wholly convincing in the lead role.

"[12] Ernest Hardy of LA Weekly wrote "One of those all-too-rare films that handle preadolescent queerness with intelligence and unflinching honesty.

"[14] Dennis Harvey of Variety wrote, "an unusually low-key Filipino drama whose neo-realist air generally triumphs over the script's violent, fearful contrivances.

In November 2013, eight years after its initial release, The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros was adapted into a musical entitled Maxie the Musicale: Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros by Bit by Bit Productions, in association with Philippine Educational Theater Association.