‘Bagets: The Musical’ unveils first cast members Tomas Rodriguez, Noel Comia Jr.

Alamat’s Tomas Rodriguez and “Song of the Fireflies” actor Noel Comia Jr. are set to bring the character of Gilbert to life in the forthcoming “Bagets: The Musical.” The role was originally played by Herbert Bautista in the 1984 coming-of-age flick helmed by Maryo J. de los Reyes. Aside from Herbert, the film also starred William Martinez, J.C. Bonnin, Raymond Lauchengco and Aga Muhlach.

The story follows the lives of five teenage boys as they navigate adolescence, while dealing with family and friendship issues, as well as matters of the heart.

The musical is slated to open on Jan. 23, 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. It is helmed by Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) Maribel Legarda (“Rak of Aegis”) and written by PETA’s artistic director and award-winning screenwriter J-mee Katanyag (“Lilet Matias, Attorney-at-Law,” “Maria Clara at Ibarra”). It is a joint production of Newport World Resorts, VIVA Communications Inc. and Next by Philstar Media Group with PETA PLUS as the creative producer. Vince Lim is the music director. The tickets will go on sale starting Oct. 15.

While “Bagets: The Musical” serves as Tomas’ debut in theater, Noel, on the other hand, has been involved in stage plays since he was a child.

Tomas first ventured into showbiz in 2015 via the “Pinoy Big Brother (PBB): 737 Teen Edition” with Franco as his stage name prior to joining the P-pop group Alamat in 2020. He ranked third among his “PBB” batchmates.

The Bicolano actor and performer appeared in films, such as “Expensive Candy,” “Girlfriend Na, Pwede Na” and “The Ship Show.”

“I’m very amazed because this is a different (field) and requires a different set of skills. That’s why I want to learn more from our coaches here. It’s a huge help for me because art is a big deal for me,” Tomas told The STAR in an exclusive interview.

He has seen the original film “Bagets,” which his mother is a fan of.

Given the chance, he would like to meet Herbert in person to ask for tips on how to better portray his role.

“Aside from ka-cute-an, my butt kasi nagkaroon akong skincare because magpapakita ng butt si Gilbert,” Tomas teased on what makes this musical a must-watch.

Moreover, Noel got into showbiz at the tender age of six. He first auditioned for a milk commercial and entered the world of theater after that. He participated in the Kids Acts Philippines (TheCampArt Performing School) as a scholar and appeared in numerous stage productions, including the recent ones, “Silver Lining, “Buruguduystunstugudunstuy” and “Jepoy and the Magic Circle.”

He was also part of Lea Salonga’s team in “The Voice Kids Philippines Season 3.”

Noel earned several acting awards in the past, namely Best Supporting Actor at the Manila International Film Festival 2025 for his portrayal of Herbert in “Song of the Fireflies” and Best Actor Award at the Cinemalaya 2017 for his role in “Kiko Boksingero.”

He also essayed the role of young Carlo Aquino in the Philippine remake of “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,” Luis in “Incognito” and Niño in the TV5 drama series “Nina Niño.”

Meanwhile, The STAR sat down with the two young actors during their photoshoot for the musical, where they talked about their audition experiences, insights into their character Gilbert and memorable high school days. Here are their answers:

Can you share a memorable moment from your audition day?

Tomas: “When I auditioned for this and found out who else was auditioning, I said it felt just like when I auditioned for ‘PBB.’ I didn’t think about it much and just told myself that I was in it for the experience. I wanted to experience it even if I didn’t get accepted.

“During the audition day, I just did what they asked… I danced to one of Alamat’s songs since I didn’t get to practice much that time. They asked us to prepare for a retro dance. I just did repetitive steps. Parang hindi sila solved. They told me na magbigay daw ako ng dance na mabilis yung galaw. So I sang and danced to Maharani.”

Noel: “I was very nervous when I came in to audition because I didn’t know what to expect or what I should do. But when I saw a fellow actor, whom I worked with before, I calmed down.

“While we were waiting, we heard the songs that they wanted us to play so we studied them. We thought, ‘The songs are very interesting.’ Instead yung kaba yung mangibabaw, mas nangibabaw sa akin yung excitement. Because I was excited to experiment and just do what I could. I did my best and thankfully, I think they liked it and now, we’re here.”

What was your reaction when you learned that you landed the role?

Tomas: “I was in disbelief because bibigatin din nung ibang nag-audition.”

Noel: “I was elated and so happy to have received that e-mail from the ‘Bagets’ production team because I really didn’t expect it. I got it on a random day. I was just checking my e-mails and then, ‘Oh my god ‘Bagets.’

“I randomly told my parents, my family while we’re having breakfast, ‘Kasama po pala ako sa ‘Bagets.’ And they were excited and happy for me.

“Honestly, I didn’t watch the entire film of ‘Bagets’ before I auditioned for it. So my only experience with ‘Bagets’ is yung kwento ng family ko. My mom and dad grew up from that era.

“Actually in ‘The Voice Kids,’ I sang the theme song for ‘Bagets’ which was Growing Up by Gary V. So I’m a bit familiar with ‘Bagets’ and that’s when I started to research about my character and it’s very interesting.”

What’s your impression of Gilbert and how do you relate to the character that you’re playing?

Tomas: “Based on what I’ve seen, he’s rebellious but he has this hidden sweetness and clearly loves his family. That’s what I’ve noticed about his character. I’m not rebellious but I’m a loving person, so I can relate to that part of him. I’m a caring and loving child to my parents.”

Noel: “I can definitely relate to the character of Gilbert (and) his nuances. He’s very timid. Sometimes, he’s insecure because siyempre yung mga kabarkada niya very masculine. He actually has a crush on his friend. This is one of the key aspects here that I can relate with.

“‘Because I have a crush on a friend? No, no.’ We all have that experience you know — enjoying or having that deep connection with someone — but you can’t express it. Because you’re afraid they might reject you or maybe they don’t feel the same way or baka mawala yung pagkakaibigan.

“There’s also the jealousy aspect. Sometimes, Gilbert would get jealous and that’s one of the reasons why he couldn’t admit it because nakikita niya na may kasama lagi yung crush niya. That’s one of the things that I could align with Gilbert and myself – the human experience of liking someone and not having the guts to tell them that you do.

“And there’s also self-insecurity. And yung pagiging… I would say Gilbert somehow is one of the people that make the group alive.”

Since “Bagets” is set in high school, do you have any crazy or unforgettable memories from your own high school days?

Tomas: “Nabawasan oras ko sa class because of Dota (video games). I was really into computers back then. I’m also one of the students who had long hair. I used to be a member of a band. I would tell them that it was a requirement for a band competition. Pero wala naman talaga. Haha!”

Noel: “When we talked about crazy or wild experiences in high school, wala akong masasabi off the top of my head because when I was in high school, all I did was go to school, go to glee club after and then work after. Or, before going to school, I’d come from shooting. I didn’t really have that experience of having a barkada in high school. Yung solid talaga na pagkatapos ng school niyo punta kayo sa mall.

“I wasn’t like a lot of people in high school. Maybe that’s one of the challenges that I may find while building the character and portraying this character.

“I was actually a transferee in high school and that’s one of the reasons why I didn’t have a solid group of friends. Kasi meron na silang kani-kanilang grupo nung pumasok ako sa school.

“But eventually, when I was in Grade 9, 10 and 11, I became closer with them and became part of a group. I got to experience yung ayaan na, ‘O punta tayo sa ano ha pagkatapos nito.’ My friends served as my inspiration to keep on going to school and to keep on going in life.”