Featured art by Glaciane Lacerna. With images courtesy of Newport World Resorts.
MANILA, Philippines — It’s official! Following a nationwide call for auditions, the Bagets barkada is finally complete. See the cast of new and emerging young actors as they navigate adolescence—balancing family, friendship, and matters of the heart — in the upcoming “Bagets The Musical”. The stage adaptation of the 1984 classic film, gives viewers a new generation of stars taking center stage as Gilbert, Tonton, Arnel, Topee, and Adie, all set to capture the hearts of thousands of theatergoers.
A production of Newport World Resorts with Philippine STAR and VIVA communications, the show is staged by PETA plus led by director Maribel Legarda, playwright and new PETA Artistic Director J-mee Katanyag, and musical director Vince Lim. The musical gives the beloved film classic a vibrant new life on stage, with a fresh experience every night as the barkada gets dynamic performances from its lead cast.
The cast of “Bagets: The Musical”. Image courtesy of Newport World Resorts.
Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez as Gilbert
(L-R) Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez as Gilbert. Images courtesy of Newport World Resorts.
Herbert Bautista first breathed life to what is now an unforgettable character of Gilbert, the class clown whose jokes mask a deeper side of him. Noel Comia Jr. brings those layers to life. Performing on stage since he was six, he has appeared in “Silver Lining”, “Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical”, and “Jepoy and the Magic Circle”. He has also won Best Actor at Cinemalaya 2017 for Kiko Boksingero and Best Supporting Actor at the 2025 Manila International Film Festival for Song of the Fireflies.
“Being part of such an iconic play is an honor,” he says.
Joining him as Gilbert is Tomas Rodriguez of P-pop group Alamat. Making his theater debut, he draws on his work in Expensive Candy, Girlfriend Na, Pwede Na, and The Ship Show. “This is my first theater stint, so medyo kinakabahan, pero excited,” he says. “Malaking tulong ang opportunity na ’to to help me grow in the arts and in acting.”
Rodriguez first appeared on TV in 2015 as Franco on Pinoy Big Brother: 737 Teen Edition.
Milo Cruz and Migo Valid as Tonton
(L-R) Milo Cruz and Migo Valid as Tonton. Images courtesy of Newport World Resorts.
Two members of the P-pop group Xeranade take on Tonton, the barkada’s daredevil first played by ’80s matinee idol William Martinez.
Milo Cruz, from his first film Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna to his stage debut, is steadily carving his path. He says, “They say experience is the best teacher,” he says. “I hope ‘Bagets The Musical’ can help me learn and grow in this industry.”
Taking turns as Tonton is Migo Valid, who began his career in 2021 with singles like “Kaylinaw” and later moved into acting in The Ship Show and Hold Me Close. “First time ko mag-audition sa PETA,” he says. “Being cast as Tonton is such a blessing.”
For both, the opportunity allows them to explore and discover new sides of themselves.
Ethan David and KD Estrada as Arnel
(L-R) Ethan David and KD Estrada as Arnel. Images courtesy of Newport World Resorts.
Arnel struggles with following his heart while honoring his mother’s expectations—a role first brought to life by iconic crooner and actor Raymond Lauchengco.
Ethan David of P-pop group G.A.T. is set to portray the role, joining VIVA Artists Agency at 13 after winning Junior Vocalist Grand Champion at the 2015 World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) representing Canada. “When it comes to acting, it’s really hard to show it to the audience,” he admits. “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.”
With TV credits that include Seducing Drake Palma, Ang Mutya ng Section E, and Avenues of the Diamond, David is eager to refine his craft alongside the coaches and fellow cast members.
Playing the same part in the barkada is KD Estrada, who brings his own charm from projects like Unloving You and Bola Bola. “I see myself in Arnel,” he says. “This was the role I hoped to get.”
Estrada made his musical debut in the award-winning original historical musical PETA’s “Walang Aray” and this marks as his return to the stage for his second major theatrical production.
Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf as Topee
(L-R) Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf as Topee. Images courtesy of Newport World Resorts.
The barkada gets an extra dose of cool with Topee, a martial arts ace and certified heartthrob.
Once iconic in JC Bonnin’s hands, the role now shines with Jeff Moses. The Kapuso singer-actor won Best Actor at the 1st Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival for Under a Piaya Moon and has starred in Abot Kamay na Pangarap and Magpakailanman. In 2023, he was recognized as Outstanding Youth of the Philippines.
“When I first learned I was cast, I was elated. I love exploring all forms of performing—acting, dancing, even creating behind-the-scenes content,” Moses says. “Performing makes me feel truly alive, so ‘Bagets The Musical’ is like food for my soul.”
Alternating in the role is singer-songwriter Sam Shoaf, known for The Voice Kids Philippines, Your Face Sounds Familiar, and the TV series Ang Mutya ng Section E. “I see a lot of similarities between me and Topee,” Shoaf shares. “We love staying active, but we both like keeping much of our lives private.”
Most teenagers—or even adults—have emotions that are hard to explain. These feelings are at the heart of “Bagets: The Musical”. “The story is about us,” he adds. “Just a different timeline, different variables, but the same plot.”
Mico Hendrix Chua and Andres Muhlach as Adie
(L-R) Mico Hendrix Chua and Andres Muhlach as Adie. Images courtesy of Newport World Resorts.
Adie, originally played by Aga Muhlach, is the boy-next-door trying to figure out love and meaningful connections.
Mico Hendrix Chua gives the role a fresh take. He has been performing on stage since his teens in Iloilo and joined Born to Be a Star in 2021, earning a contract with VIVA. After returning from Dubai, “Bagets: The Musical” is his first project back. “The pressure is high, but it’s also a great challenge,” he says. “I’m excited and honored to play someone as legendary as Aga Muhlach.”
The legacy of Adie also continues as Andres Muhlach completes the barkada. He calls it a “full circle” moment as he steps into the role made iconic by his very own father. “Bagets is a huge part of many Filipino childhood,” he says. “To play my dad’s role feels surreal.”
The original Adie couldn’t be prouder. “He was super happy,” he adds. “And excited to see how I am going to approach the character.” He first caught audiences’ attention in Ang Mutya ng Section E and Da Pers Family, followed by films like Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna.
Official poster courtesy of Newport World Resorts.
“Bagets: The Musical” captures the spirit of coming-of-age for every generation, combining rising talent, reinvented staging, and music that speaks across time. The production runs from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, with tickets available starting October 15. This show is also presented in cooperation with Sun Life Philippines.
Learn more about the artists and the production through VIVA Communications Inc. (@vivaartistsagency), The Philippine STAR (@philippinestar), and Newport World Resorts (@newportworldresorts) on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Sign up for the waitlist now via https://newportworldresorts.com/bagets-musical-waitlist to be the first in line for tickets.
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