'Bagets: The Musical': Meet the barkada bringing a classic onto the theater stage

Four decades after the film "Bagets" captured the spirit of youth in the 1980s, the beloved coming-of-age story is set to return to the theater stage in 2026. 

"Bagets: The Musical" invites a new generation to relive the excitement, mischief, and heartbreak of growing up, with a fresh cast ready to make the story their own.

At the center of this revival is Andres Muhlach, stepping into the role of Adie, the charming boy-next-door first played by his father, Aga Muhlach. 

For Andres, the experience is both surreal and meaningful.

“To be part of Bagets, let alone play my dad’s role, feels surreal. It’s such a huge part of many Filipino childhoods.”

The young actor, who recently made his film debut in "Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna," alternates the role with Mico Hendrix Chua, another young artist bringing his own energy to the character.

For Mico, who began performing in local theater before a stint working abroad, "Bagets" marks a homecoming.

“I had a stable life in Dubai, but my heart was always with performing. Now I’m back, and 'Bagets' is my first project since returning. It feels right," he shared. 

The barkada is rounded out by a talented ensemble of young stars, each offering a new take on familiar roles.

Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf play Topee, the martial arts ace and athletic heartthrob originally portrayed by J.C. Bonnin. Jeff, who grew up in Negros Occidental, connects deeply with Topee’s longing for home. 

"He treats his friends like family, but deep inside, he hides a vulnerability,” he said. 

Sam, who shares Topee’s love for staying active, added that he’s inspired by the vibrance of the ’80s. 

"Everything was full of life back then. That’s what I want to bring to the stage.”

As Arnel, the polished and composed “original conyo” made iconic by Raymond Lauchengco, Ethan David and KD Estrada explore the character’s mix of confidence and conflict. 

Ethan, a member of the P-pop group G.A.T., sees the role as a challenge that pushes him to reconnect with theater. 

KD, on the other hand, feels an uncanny similarity to his character. 

"If Arnel were real, I think he’d be exactly like me. We both try to do the right thing, even when it’s hard.”

Meanwhile, Milo Cruz and Migo Valid take on Tonton, the barkada’s daring and carefree member. Milo, soon to debut with the P-pop group Xerenade, shared Tonton reflects the lessons of growing up. 

"If you move past his pranks, you’ll see he’s just a kid learning life the hard way,” he explained.

Migo, who joins theater for the first time, admitted he connects to the character’s restless nature. 

"Like Tonton, I’ve had my share of doubts. But you just keep moving forward," he noted. 

Completing the group are Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez as Gilbert, the shy yet loyal friend known for his awkward charm. 

Noel, a theater veteran, aims to show Gilbert’s warmth beyond his geeky exterior, saying, "We all know what it’s like to like someone and not be able to say it."

Tomas of the boy group Alamat, on the other hand, is set to bring humor and relatability to the role. “Every barkada has a Gilbert—the quiet one who’s always in on the fun,” he added.

Together, this new generation of "Bagets" captures what made the classic film a cultural touchstone: friendship, courage, and the joy of growing up.

“At the end of the day, the hard work is on us, the new 'Bagets' cast,” said Andres. “We’re not here to copy the original. We just want to create something worthy for today’s fans.”

"Bagets: The Musical" will run from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. 

—CDC, GMA Integrated News