'Hook Up' is Cebu's latest hit musical with an important message

“Where do good Catholic boys like me meet other good Catholic boys like me?” says Tim, one of the lead characters of “Hook Up: The Musical,” who is on a quest to find love in a world full of hookups.

- By JANUAR JUNIOR AGUJA

Paul Pablo and Grant Bacaltos play Tim (TimidTim) and Manny (IAmAnnoymous, respectively, in “Hook Up: The Musical” during the show’s November 29 run at Cebu Provincial Capitol’s Social Hall.

(Andrew Matthew Ortoño)

But don't mistake this as some kind of “I am not like other gay boys” story. In fact, the musical celebrates casual sex as long as protection, such as condoms, is used. Yet beneath its provocative nature is a heartwarming queer love story that shows romance is not dead at all.

After years in development, Jude Gitamondoc's latest production, “Hook Up: The Musical,” premiered over the weekend, November 29 and 30, at the Social Hall of Cebu Provincial Capitol.

The musical is presented like a concert, with the elevated stage blending with super energetic choreography and the pop sensibilities of its musical numbers, inspired by Western and K-pop boy bands, as well as male soloists such as Troye Sivan and Conan Gray.

The FREEMAN attended the Nov. 29 8 p.m. gala, where Paul Pablo and Grant Bacaltos played Tim and Manny, respectively. Shim Dagatan and Jan Echavarria took turns as Tim and Manny at the Nov. 30 shows.