Featured image courtesy of Kadasig Entertainment Production.
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Hot off a critically acclaimed debut, Kadasig Entertainment Production announces the return of “HOOK UP The Musical”.
The one-night-only major restaging promises a bigger, bolder, and more urgent exploration of modern connection on June 13, 2026, at Sky Hall Seaside Cebu.
Written and directed by multi-award-winning Cebuano playwright and songwriter Jude Gitamondoc, the original musical delves into the complexities of identity and digital-age romance. The show offers a resonant theatrical experience that mirrors the realities of the LGBTQIA+ community through a blend of humor, heart, and a contemporary pop score.
Image courtesy of Kadasig Entertainment Production.
“HOOK UP The Musical” follows Tim (a.k.a. #TimidTim), a young man navigating the high-stakes world of the gay dating app “Hooked.” His perspective is upended when he matches with #IAmAnonymous, who reveals he is a person living with HIV (PLHIV).
Beyond the central romance, the musical weaves together monologues and vignettes that showcase the diverse personas of the digital dating scene. It fearlessly tackles themes of safe sex, the stigma surrounding HIV, and the unique societal pressures faced by the queer community in the Philippines.
The production sees the return of its powerhouse leads: Shim Dagatan and Paul Pablo alternating as #TimidTim, alongside Jan Echavarria and Grant Bacaltos as the mysterious #IAmAnonymous.
Shim Dagatan and Paul Pablo as #TimidTim
(L-R) Shim Dagatan and Paul Pablo. Images courtesy of Kadasig Entertainment Production.
Danao City’s Shim Dagatan is a storyteller who balances public service with a vibrant career in the arts. As a member of the boy group KINTO BOYS and a professional in public information, he dedicatedly amplifies grassroots narratives and community identity.
His multidisciplinary approach to performing—rooted in a love for theater, film, and music—allows him to connect deeply with his audience. Reprising his lead role as #TimidTim, Dagatan continues to use the stage as a platform for meaningful, resonant storytelling.
“If you are looking for a story with truth, heart, and music that lingers, this is it. This play opens a much-needed, comfortable conversation about the LGBTQ+ community, dating apps, and the realities of HIV/AIDS in our modern world,” he notes in a press statement.
A powerhouse queer pop innovator, Paul Pablo is redefining OPM with bold electronic soundscapes and fearless storytelling.
A multi-awarded singer-songwriter and five-time Awit Award nominee, he has headlined major festivals, along with the Quezon City Pride, and recently composed the 2025 anthem, “LoveLaban!”. Pablo’s artistry bridges mainstream pop and queer advocacy. He brings this cultural influence and visual flair to the production, championing the next wave of inclusive Filipino theater.
“This musical carries a vital energy that deserves national and international attention. I am excited because this is only the beginning; there are so many dimensions to this story yet to be explored as we continue this much bigger journey,” Pablo shares.
Jan Echavarria and Grant Bacaltos as #IAmAnonymous
(L-R) Jan Echavarria and Grant Bacaltos. Images courtesy of Kadasig Entertainment Production.
Jan Echavarria’s career spans national television, film, and theater.
A finalist on GMA’s The Clash and SM Youth GoSee, Echavarria has starred in productions like “Gugmang Giatay” and “Scharon Mani”. With a background in pageantry and a debut single under the Kadasig name, he is a seasoned performer who excels across various platforms.
He returns to Hook Up as #IAmAnonymous, utilizing his dynamic vocal range and stage presence to explore the complexities of modern digital connection.
On the production’s key message, he shares, “HIV is not a death sentence; knowledge is power. Through science and the reality of U=U, we can replace fear with understanding. I hope this musical encourages everyone to live with an open mind—it truly is the key to happiness.”
Since his 2022 debut, Grant Bacaltos has swiftly transitioned from ensemble roles to becoming a leading man in the Cebuano theater scene.
His versatile portfolio has since comprised of standout performances in “In The Heights”, “School of Rock”, and the straight play “The Second Eulogy”. Known for his ability to navigate both musical and dramatic demands with ease, Bacaltos returns to the stage reprising his lead role as #IAmAnonymous, bringing depth to this production’s most enigmatic character.
He opens up, “Queerness is not a new phenomenon—we have always been here. We must remember that HIV is not a death sentence and that the world becomes a much better place when we are all finally free to love and be loved.”
Production image courtesy of Kadasig Entertainment Production.
The June 13 show is set to feature three distinct shows to cater to different audiences where 1:00 PM as an Exclusive Student Matinee; 4:30 PM is the scheduled Regular Show; while 8:00 PM for its Gala Performance.
Following this show, it is the production shared news of bringing the musical to Manila, offering an exclusive preview at the Manila International Performing Arts Market (MIPAM) from September 11 to 13 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater) in Pasay City.
Tickets are available now via Ticket2Me. For more information and updates, follow Kadasig Entertainment Production on social media.
Advisory: The show contains mature themes, sexual innuendo, strong language, and stylized depictions of adult situations, strictly for audiences aged 16 and above.
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