GAT’s Ethan David, KD Estrada are the newest faces in ‘Bagets: The Musical’

MANILA, Philippines — Another batch of cast members has been welcomed into the fold of “Bagets: The Musical.” Among them are Ethan David of the P-pop boy group GAT and Kapamilya singer-actor KD Estrada.

They will play Raymond Lauchengco’s character, Arnel, from the original flick directed by Maryo J. de los Reyes, which also stars William Martinez, Herbert Bautista, J.C. Bonnin and Aga Muhlach.

Slated to open on Jan. 23, 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, “Bagets: The Musical” is helmed by Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) Maribel Legarda (“Rak of Aegis”) with Vince Lim as the music director and screenplay by PETA’s artistic director and award-winning screenwriter J-mee Katanyag (“Lilet Matias, Attorney-at-Law” and “Maria Clara at Ibarra”).

The PETA PLUS musical adaptation is produced by Newport World Resorts and is presented by VIVA Communications, Inc. and The Philippine STAR. Tickets will be available starting Oct. 15.

The 1984 coming-of-age movie follows the journey of five teenage boys as they grapple with the ups and downs of adolescence, facing family struggles, friendship dilemmas and matters of the heart.

To prepare for his role, KD has been working out and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to stay in shape and ready for the rigors of a theater production. In addition, he is also preparing himself for a topless scene.

“I’m preparing myself for a shirtless scene. Haha! There’s a beach scene in the movie. So I’m preparing myself, even though they’re not saying it yet, I’m trying to get myself in good shape and (do) singing lessons, recalling my acting lessons and dance also. Basta preparing everything, my body and my mind.”

He launched his singing career in 2019 under ABS-CBN Star Magic and has since dropped several singles, including Saves It, One of Many, Days, among others. The former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate was also a member of The Squad Plus, with Andrea Brillantes, Kyle Echarri, Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin, and part of the shows “ASAP Natin ‘To,” “Pira-Pirasong Paraiso” and “Bola Bola.”

PETA’s “Walang Aray” was his first major musical in 2023, with girlfriend and love team partner Alexa Ilacad.

“Yeah, she knows,” KD told this paper when asked about the support that he got from Alexa for the musical. “She’s super excited for this. She called me the same night that I learned that I will play Arnel. I showed her the screenshot then she called me. We’re both happy. She told me, ‘Please, I’ll watch you all the time.’”

Singer-actor Ethan, meanwhile, signed with Viva Artists Agency when he was 13 years old after dominating the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) 2015 Junior Vocalist Grand Champion of the World representing Canada.

He was also seen in the Viva One series “Ang Mutya ng Section E” and is currently appearing in another series, “Seducing Drake Palma.”

“I’ve always wanted to do musicals. I auditioned for ‘Lion King’ and I was very happy ‘cause I got to experience that. And now it’s such a privilege to get accepted ‘cause this is (based on) an iconic movie,” he beamed.

During the photoshoot at Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts, KD and Ethan recalled to this paper their audition day experience, their thoughts on playing Arnel and their most memorable high school moments.

Can you describe what it was like during the audition day?

Ethan: “I was really nervous because I haven’t auditioned in a long time. I’ve done competitions before but this is such a different experience for me because this is my first musical.

“Iba yung acting and singing dito. It has to be bigger and it has to be radiating to the audience, which is different from what I’m doing as a member of the P-pop group GAT.

“When it comes to acting, it’s really hard to show it to the audience. It’s more subtle on TV, ‘pag mas medyo malaki, mas weird tingnan. But in this musical, this is gonna be a different vibe for me.

“And that’s what they asked me to do during the audition. They told me that my speaking voice was a bit soft and my acting is very TV. I’m used to close ups. But with this one, you really have to use your hands, use your feet and everything. But it was so nice to make me repeat some of my performances and after that, I got a callback. Here I am now. I’m very happy to be part of ‘Bagets.’”

KD: “I was just really anxious and really tired ‘cause honestly on the day itself, I haven’t slept at all. I was overthinking what I was going to do at the audition. I haven’t danced in a long time and I know that this music is dance-heavy.

“I just told myself to just keep pushing. ‘You can do it. Whether you get the role or not, it’s gonna be OK as long as you give your best.’”

How did you feel when you found out you got the role?

Ethan: “My road manager sent the message to me. I didn’t actually expect it because ilang weeks na yung nakalipas eh. So I said, ‘Wala na ‘to. Hindi na ‘to. Sa iba na ‘to.’ I also heard from a friend that he got a part.

“I told myself, ‘At least, I tried my best. I could have done better.’ But when I received the text, I was very, very happy because I know that with the musical, it’s a very big production so kailangan ng matinding rehearsals and workshops. And I’m so happy and I’m looking forward to that.

“Because I know that I will improve my skills when it comes to acting. I’m going to learn a lot. And it’s gonna be a fun experience because I will get to mingle with other people, the ensemble, lead and supporting cast. I’m excited to bond with them.”

KD: “Grabe! I saw the e-mail at 10 p.m. I waited for two weeks and then got the message, ‘Congratulations, KD Estrada. You got the role of Arnel.’ I screamed, ‘Yesss!’ This is my first ever role that I auditioned for and I got it. So it’s a milestone for me. And I was so happy. My parents were also surprised. They asked, ‘Why are you shouting?’ I said, ‘Look!’ They were also happy.”

What qualities of Arnel did you find relatable?

Ethan: “There are also times that you have a misunderstanding with your mom and dad like my parents. When it comes to Arnel, he also experienced that because his parents are strict. I can say that my parents are very, very strict. Well, I can’t blame them because they are in Canada. I live alone here in the Philippines. So they’re stricter, which I understand.”

KD: “Off the bat, Englishero siya and he’s very conyo. And may pagka-arte din siya, which I also relate with. He’s also a good boy. I see myself in him. I said, if I’m auditioning for any role, this is No.1 na sana makuha ko.”

“Bagets” is set in high school. Do you have any crazy experiences from high school?

Ethan: “I was homeschooled during high school. But when I was in elementary school, I had a crush and I told her, ‘Will you be my Valentine?’ It was on a soccer field and I gave her Ferrero (chocolates). Imagine how old I was, 10 years old… It was a very memorable experience because it was a fun experience to look back (on). Hindi naman siya cringe.”

KD: “Like what they did in the movie, nagka-cutting (classes) din, which I don’t recommend.”