New ‘Bagets’ barkada brings iconic story to stage
MANILA, Philippines — Ten actors, one story and dynamic energy.
A new generation of young actors got introduced on Friday at a press conference at Viva Café to play the iconic roles from the 1984 coming-of-age film “Bagets” in its upcoming musical adaptation.
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.
Scheduled to open on Jan. 23, 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (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 screen-to-stage adaptation is helmed by PETA’s Maribel Legarda with Vince Lim as the music director and screenplay by PETA’s artistic director and award-winning screenwriter J-mee Katanyag.
The presale of tickets for waitlisted fans is on Oct. 15 and 16 while general ticket sales starts on Oct.17.
Meet the cast
Taking on the role of Aga Muhlach’s boy-next-door Adie is his son and “And Mutya ng Section E” star, Andres, as well as Viva Artists Agency talent and former “Born to Be a Star” contestant Mico Hendrix Chua.
Andres described the experience as “surreal” and a “full-circle moment” as he stepped into the role that his father originated.
Ethan David of the P-pop boy group GAT and Kapamilya singer-actor KD Estrada will essay Raymond Lauchengco’s character, Arnel, in “Bagets the Musical.”
Tomas Rodriguez of P-pop group Alamat and “Song of the Fireflies” actor Noel Comia Jr. will bring to life the character of Gilbert which was first played by Herbert Bautista in the classic film helmed by Maryo J. de los Reyes.
Completing the cast are “Ang Mutya ng Section E” actor Sam Shoaf and Sparkle GMA artist Jeff Moses who will assume the role of JC Bonnin’s Topee, the martial arts aficionado of the group, and vocal boy group Xerenade members, Milo Cruz and Migo Valid, as William Martinez’s Tonton.
Reinterpretation of characters
The boys shared that they will put their own spin on the characters they are playing while still remaining to the original portrayals.
Andres acknowledged that the “biggest challenge is implementing the sequences from the film into the actual stage.”
“We all know how generational talaga ‘Bagets’ is in the Philippine film industry and how much impact it made. The biggest challenge for us is trying to bring the (same) reason why people enjoyed it back in the ‘80s to the theatrical stage now. We’re going into a musical and instead of a lot of sequences of dialogue, of course, we have a lot more of songs, productions and everything.”
Andres assured the fans that he and Mico will try to bring Adie “in the most accurate way we can, just like how he was really in the original film.”
He likewise has been working on his singing, saying he has improved “by seven and eight points.” “I’m not rating myself, like eight out of 10, I mean my singing skills, but I’m referring to the improvement.
“I’m not saying I’m a super singer, but I love to sing. Dancing? I love dancing talaga, I really enjoy it. Even when I was a kid, I used to dance. I have videos, where you will see mga dance-offs namin. Partly, the reason why I am excited to do this project is the dancing. Because the songs are ‘80s, ang saya to dance to those songs.”
Meanwhile, his alternate Mico admitted that while Aga’s Adie is a “very big shoes to fill,” he “wouldn’t want to lose the essence of his character’s portrayal.”
“Because, of course, his performance there was superb. I wouldn’t lose the essence of his portrayal but also I would like to put some twist to it. Some modern twist to it so everybody could relate, especially we’re targeting all generations. I’m excited. It’s challenging for sure but I assure you all I will do my best,” promised Mico.
Noel as well vowed to interpret Herbert’s character Gilbert as truthfully as possible from the movie.
“Because of course, we are actors, we have to have our own take, own heart into the role. And it’s not just what’s written,” said the former Cinemalaya Best Actor winner.
“I have yet to discover what I have to do to make it my own. I know that I will get there throughout the whole process because Sir Herbert’s portrayal of Gilbert is his… I want it to be Gilbert as how truthful it can be, as seen on stage,” he added.
Noel’s alternate, Tomas, couldn’t make it to the presscon in person, but he expressed how thrilled he was to be part of the musical through a video message.
Ethan, for his part, would ask ideas from KD who had previous theater experiences, including PETA’s “Walang Aray,” in portraying Raymond’s character, Arnel.
“In terms of characterization, KD and I would talk. He’s always my workshop partner because hindi naman same kami but we have this same trajectory ng character ni Arnel. We give ideas on how we can portray him on live stage play. Humihingi ako sa kanya (tips and advice) because he had (theater) experience,” shared Ethan.
“We’re collaborating din sa mga singing stuff because honestly with us, we get some of the high notes din,” chimed in KD.
“And also that’s one of the challenges — applying your character to how your character would sing and that’s one of the challenges because, of course, this is a musical.
“It’s a different portrayal from Sir Raymond’s Arnel and of course, it’s a different portrayal for Ethan. But as long as, what he (Ethan) said, we have the same trajectory, same character arc, it’s just the way (how us) as actors handle these circumstances and react to these circumstances.”
‘80s Nostalgia
Bringing back the ‘80s nostalgic vibes into the musical production is one of the challenges for Jeff.
“And that’s the most challenging for us like how we mixed in ourselves as an actor, how I would blend Jeff Moses into Topee,” Jeff furthered and then thanked PETA for assisting them and honing their talents.
Describing the character originally played by JC as someone who is “headstrong, who has a lot of life problems that he keeps to himself,” Sam said he could relate to the role and would try to incorporate those traits into his performance in the show.
“I try to make it as authentic as I possibly can. The ‘80s is truly a magnificent era. It’s very beautiful and one of the most iconic decades of all time and we’re excited to portray the ‘80s.”
In essaying the role of Tonton, Milo shared that it was “much easier” for him to portray the character because he could resonate well with his personality.
“I think in my own case, meron akong kakulitan. Kahit mag-mature pa, nandiyan pa rin yung kulit na kumbaga wala sa age eh, yung kulit. So it’s really there, on how we look at life. Tonton is happy-go-lucky, masaya lang and for us, medyo madali siyang ilabas,” he explained.
Though set in the ‘80s, the cast members are confident that today’s audiences will see themselves in the new barkada introduced in “Bagets” as it gets reborn on stage.
“I think the new generation could relate sa tropahan namin,” said Migo.
“Even before, ganun din yung kulitan ng Pinoy eh and it’s normal… We will show kung ano yung nangyayari nuon and at the same time, the new generation could relate as well.”
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