Sam Shoaf, Jeff Moses thrilled to be part of ‘Bagets: The Musical’

“Ang Mutya ng Section E” actor Sam Shoaf and Sparkle GMA artist Jeff Moses promised to give their best in performing the role of Topee in the forthcoming musical adaptation of “Bagets.”

Topee, the martial arts aficionado of the group, was first played by JC Bonnin in the 1984 coming-of-age flick directed by Maryo J. de los Reyes. The film also stars William Martinez, Herbert Bautista, Raymond Lauchengco and Aga Muhlach.

The now-cult classic film 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 PETA PLUS’ “Bagets: The Musical” is produced by Newport World Resorts and is presented by VIVA Communications, Inc. and The Philippine STAR in partnership with Sun Life Philippines. The show 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”).

“Bagets: The Musical” is set to open on Jan. 23, 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

Meanwhile, the musical marks the first theater experience for both Sam and Jeff. The former shared with The STAR that he has been learning martial arts to prepare for the role.

“Martial arts are really my hobby and also boxing. But now, I’m going to learn (more) martial arts (stunts) for this musical. I’m gonna stretch my hips and everything, and learn how to kick,” Sam said.

Sam jumpstarted his showbiz career when he was nine years old via the reality talent competition “The Voice Kids Philippines Season 1.” He then made an appearance in “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids” in 2017 and released two singles, Wimwy and Di Ka Na Maalis.

He is Edrix Knight in the Viva One’s hit teen series “Ang Mutya ng Section E,” topbilled by Andres Muhlach and Ashtine Olviga.

?Negrense thespian, Jeff, on the other hand, bagged his first Best Actor Award at the first CinePanalo Film Festival for his riveting performance in the festival’s Best Picture and Hiligaynon film “Under a Piaya Moon.” Jeff was also seen in GMA’s “Binibining Marikit” and “Abot-Kamay na Pangarap.”

“Grabe yung kaba but with a very grateful heart because as someone who loves music and this theater (musical), it’s really a big leap and I’m considering it as a milestone as well,” he said of his theater debut.

“This is new to me and I’m excited day by day, moment by moment to experience this and share these memories with my co-actors and the crew. Susulitin ko talaga yung moment na ‘to and will forever treasure this.”

The STAR had the chance to exclusively chat with the two during their photoshoot at Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts, to talk about their “Bagets” journey. Read on:

Can you take us back to your audition day? What was the experience like?

Sam: “It was a very memorable day because I’m with fellow actors in the show (‘Ang Mutya ng Section E’). We got to audition together.

“When I was in the audition, they made me sing and then freestyle dance. I thought that we’re gonna come up with our own piece, yun pala pina-freestyle po tayo. It was a good experience. It was fun.”

Jeff: “I was really nervous. Grabe! Because I saw other auditionees and they’re really good, not only in dancing but also acting and singing. So, I feel like I was the underdog. Grabe yung kaba ko and pressure at that moment.”

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

Sam: “Napa-wow talaga ako. I was surprised because I’ve heard of this from my friends na circulating around that there’s a ‘Bagets: The Musical’ audition. At first, I didn’t know what ‘Bagets’ was but I heard it was a big deal in the ‘80s. And I myself really love the ‘80s, including the music and stuff like that. I was excited and I was a bit nervous but then it’s good.”

Jeff: “Mixed eh. I was very excited and nervous at the same time. Of course, I’m also grateful. I said to myself, ‘Hala, I got the role. I have to give my 100 percent.’ Well, I always give my best all the time but this is something different.

‘Bagets’ is a very popular movie and kahanga-hanga yung mga gumanap. Knowing that, yung kaba and pressure on how to portray the role (I felt it). And at the same time, makuhang maging relatable sa generation ko and to give justice to the character because there are people who are rooting for ‘Bagets’ and they have expectations.”

In what ways are you similar to your character Topee?

Sam: “We both love martial arts. I’m a huge fan. So when I watched the movie, I see him like working out din po and stuff like that. He’s very similar to how I am and my personal life. He seems like a cool guy (and a) fun guy to be with.”

Jeff: “He’s a cool guy. But he has no one to open up to and his mom is always busy because artista. Kaya parang ang kasama niya lang palagi yung yaya niya and from time to time, umaalis yung nanay niya. So his friends became his sounding board and (constant) companions.

“I’m proud to say that I’m also like that in real life. I get to bond more with my friends because my mom and dad are not here, they’re abroad. So, it’s something that I really wanted to dive deep, to really know Topee’s character and how he is as a person.

“My mom is in Dubai and my dad just got home from Bahrain. Also, I’m a proud Hiligaynon. I’m from Negros. Parehas kami ni Topee who speaks Hiligaynon. Exciting. I really wanted to dive deep more and of course to try my best to, at least, magampanan ng maayos si Topee.”

“Bagets” is set in high school. Can you share unforgettable or crazy high school experiences?

Sam: “I spent my high school in the US. In our school, there’s this main event every lunch break. My classmates and I were excited every lunch break because may entertaining ‘fights.’ But we don’t idolize fighting, ano lang talaga siya for self-defense kumbaga to keep yourself safe.”

Jeff: “I was adventurous in high school. Of course, when we were younger, we’re curious about things… One time, tumalon ako sa bakuranng school with my classmates just to get out.”