Taguan, A Quickie Musical poster
#38135 This Week

Taguan, A Quickie Musical

Taguan, A Quickie Musical  ·  2020, Philippines
5.4
3,895 ratings
1
Film
0
Watchlisted
● Completed 🕑 2020

The musical tells of that one very special online video chat of two teenagers who, during quarantine, realized that they wanted to end their friendship. (Source: Artist Playground YouTube)

Synopsis
Cast & Crew
Episodes
Reviews (5)

Set against the isolating backdrop of the COVID-19 lockdown in the Philippines, 'Taguan, A Quickie Musical' captures a pivotal, soul-baring video call between two best friends, Tristan and Chris. Forced into quarantine, the teenage duo’s casual video chat takes an unexpected turn as Tristan, fueled by alcohol and tears, decides to finally confess a secret he has kept buried for years. This intimate, 15-minute musical short film weaves three original Filipino songs—'Ganito Pala,' 'Munting Ala-ala,' and the title track 'Taguan'—to transform a simple conversation into a heartfelt declaration of love. Directed remotely by Jose Jeffrey Camañag, the film innovatively blends musical theater and film, with both actors performing and filming themselves at home. The result is a raw, tender exploration of friendship, unspoken feelings, and the courage it takes to end one chapter to begin another—all while navigating the emotional weight of a world in pause. A love letter to quiet moments and the power of a single, honest confession.

MU
Music
Cast
SF
Short Film
Cast

Episode data is coming soon.

5.4
out of 10
10
487
9
487
8
487
7
365
6
852
TA
tristan_and_chris_forever
March 2024
9/10
I'm crying. This little film packs more emotion into 15 minutes than most full-length dramas. Tristan's confession through song was so raw and real—I felt every shaky note. The lyrics mirrored exactly how it feels to love your best friend and be terrified to lose them. Vince and Jayson's chemistry is off the charts, even through a screen. A hidden gem that quarantine gave us!
RB
realist_bl_watcher
July 2024
5/10
I appreciate the effort, especially given the pandemic constraints, but this is a very slight piece. The plot is essentially one extended conversation that could have been a 5-minute scene, padded with songs that are pleasant but not memorable. The acting is decent for amateurs, but the low production quality (phone cameras, basic lighting) distracts from the emotional impact. A noble experiment, not a classic.
MO
melody_of_love
December 2024
8/10
The music is the real star here. Jesse Lucas's compositions weave perfectly with the dialogue—each song advances the confession in a way that spoken words couldn't. 'Ganito Pala' is an instant earworm, and the harmonies between Santos and Conrad are surprisingly tight for a remote recording. If you love BL musicals or Filipino OPM, this short is a must-listen.
ER
ethical_romance
February 2025
7/10
As a representation piece, 'Taguan' does something quiet but powerful: it normalizes a young gay man confessing his love organically, without tragedy or shame. I do wish the script had addressed consent more—Tristan's confession comes after drinking, and Chris's response is a bit rushed. Still, seeing two boys navigate feelings during a global crisis feels hopeful and real. A gentle step forward for Filipino BL.
VS
visual_symphony
September 2024
6/10
Given the limitations of filming themselves at home, the cinematography is surprisingly thoughtful—the split-screen framing, the use of natural window light, and the way the camera lingers on small gestures (a tear, a hand reaching toward the screen) create intimacy. That said, it's a short film trapped inside a video call, so the visual palette is very narrow. I'd love to see what the director could do with a real set and budget.