Hook Up The Musical by Jude Gitamondoc is set to stage a return performance on June 13 at SM Seaside City Cebu Sky Hall. The show explores LGBTQ+ experiences with dating apps, identity and HIV.
The Cebuano musical follows fresh graduate Tim as he navigates the dating app Hooked and meets Manny, who grapples with his sexuality. Their story addresses hookup culture, internalized homophobia, body shaming and sugar baby relationships. Writer and director Jude Gitamondoc said the production required research on HIV dynamics within LGBTQ+ relationships. He noted that the narrative aims to show characters living normal lives with HIV rather than ending in tragedy. More than 300 HIV cases were recorded in Cebu province in 2025. The province recently adopted a right-to-care policy allowing LGBTQ+ members to make healthcare decisions for partners. Actors Shim Dagatan, Paul Pablo, Grant Bacaltos and Jan Echavarria will perform in the 4:30 p.m. regular show and 8 p.m. gala. The cast said the musical encourages genuine connections and open conversations about HIV.
