‘Bagets The Musical’ Announces Lead Cast Members

‘Bagets The Musical’ Announces Lead Cast Members

Bagets The Musical, a stage adaptation of the 1984 coming-of-age film Bagets, has announced its lead cast. The original movie followed a group of high school friends navigating adolescence, family, friendship, and young love. It starred Herbert Bautista as Gilbert, William Martinez as Tonton, Raymond Lauchengco as Arnel, J.C. Bonnin as Topee, and Aga Muhlach as Adie.

A production of Newport World Resorts in partnership with The Philippine STAR and VIVA Communications, the musical is directed by Maribel Legarda, with a book by J-mee Katanyag and music by Vince Lim. It is also presented in cooperation with Sun Life Philippines.

Ten young actors will alternate in the roles of Tonton, Topee, Gilbert, Arnel, and Adie. Most of the cast members are making their stage debuts, except for Noel Comia Jr., who has extensive theater experience, KD Estrada, who previously appeared in Walang Aray, and Mico Hendrix Chua, who began performing in theater productions in Iloilo.

Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez as Gilbert

Originally portrayed by Herbert Bautista, Gilbert was the class clown whose humor masked a deeper side. Noel Comia Jr., a theater actor since childhood, takes on the role. His most recent musicals include Silver Lining, Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical, and Jepoy and the Magic Circle. On film, he won Best Actor at the 2017 Cinemalaya for Kiko Boksingero and Best Supporting Actor at the 2025 Manila International Film Festival for Song of the Fireflies.
Joining him is Tomas Rodriguez of P-pop group Alamat, who has appeared in the films Expensive Candy and Girlfriend Na, Pwede Na, and in the VIVA TV series The Ship Show.

Milo Cruz and Migo Valid as Tonton

Milo Cruz and Migo Valid of P-pop group Xeranade will alternate as Tonton, originally played by William Martinez. Cruz appeared in the film Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna. Valid, known for his singles like “Kaylinaw” and for his acting roles in the VIVA series The Ship Show and Hold Me Close, also takes on the role.

Ethan David and KD Estrada as Arnel

Ethan David of P-pop group G.A.T. and KD Estrada will take on Arnel, first portrayed by Raymond Lauchengco. David, a 2015 WCOPA Junior Vocalist Grand Champion, has appeared in the VIVA series Seducing Drake Palma and Ang Mutya ng Section E. Estrada, who previously appeared in PETA’s Walang Aray, returns to the stage following his work in television and streaming series including Unloving U, Bola Bola, Run to Me, and Pira-Pirasong Paraiso.

Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf as Topee

Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf play Topee, the group’s martial arts ace and heartthrob. Moses, who won Best Actor at the 1st Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival for the short film Under a Piaya Moon, has appeared on TV in Abot Kamay na Pangarap and Magpakailanman. Shoaf, known for his stints on The Voice Kids Philippines and Your Face Sounds Familiar: Kids, and for his role in the series Ang Mutya ng Section E, joins him in the alternating role.

Mico Hendrix Chua and Andres Muhlach as Adie

The role of Adie—originally played by Aga Muhlach—will be performed by Mico Hendrix Chua and Andres Muhlach. Chua, who began performing in theater in Iloilo before joining the VIVA reality music competition Born to Be a Star in 2021, returns to the stage after working abroad. Andres Muhlach, Aga’s son, calls the role a “full circle” moment as he steps into his father’s shoes. He has appeared in the TV series Ang Mutya ng Section E and Da Pers Family, and in the film Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna.

Bagets The Musical runs from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, with pre-sale tickets available from October 15 to 16 and public sale starting October 17 via Ticketworld, Ticket2Me, and the Newport World Resorts website.