More than four decades after Bagets first captured the spirit of Filipino youth, its stage adaptation is stirring nostalgia among celebrities who grew up in the same era. From members of the original film’s cast to personalities who came of age in the 1980s, many are now sharing their excitement over seeing the beloved story return through Bagets The Musical.

No one perhaps feels that full-circle moment more deeply than Aga Muhlach, who played Adie in the original film and now watches his son Andres Muhlach take on the same role onstage. “I’m excited, I’m nervous, a bit emotional and like who would’ve thought 40 plus years after, my son would be playing my role? And the fact na na-revive yung Bagets is really, sakin, it’s parang out of this world, really,” Aga said.

But even with the weight of legacy, Aga was clear that this version belongs to the young cast carrying it today. “Bagets The Musical is not about me, it’s not about the Bagets cast, the original. It’s about you guys, so forget about us, just think about you. You guys are the stars of the show, so be like one and act like one.”

That same sense of joy was shared by Raymond Lauchengco, one of the original film’s stars whom played the role Arnel, who said the musical managed to give him an even bigger rush than revisiting the movie itself. “It was so much fun! I had so much fun! I think I had more fun watching the musical than I did watching the movie that I was in 42 years ago. So congratulations to everybody, thanks for all the energy, the wonderful, wonderful music that you’ve brought back to life.”

Yayo Aguila, who played Rose in the 1984 film, shared her excitement seeing fellow Bagets stars relive the memories together. “Happy ako kasi natutuwa ako makita ’yung reaction ni Raymond, Herbert, Eula, ni Cheska,” she shared. “Ang saya lang to go back.”

For Charlene Gonzalez-Muhlach, the production is just as emotional from a mother’s point of view. “I’m very excited. I’m also very nervous. Alam ko rin lahat ng hirap that Andres went through,” she said. “He’s really stepping out of his comfort zone because he’s never sing, dance, and act all together.” She added that the project means even more for Aga and Andres. “I’m just so happy and blessed that Andres was given opportunity to work with great actors and PETA, and such a fabulous project like Bagets. And for him to portray his father’s role as Adie, it’s a full circle moment for him and for Aga as well.”

Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros said the musical transported her straight back to her own youth in the ‘80s. “Oh my god, I really didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did, kasi nga Bagets The Musical, so akala ko yung anak ko at tsaka yung kaibigan niya ang mas mag eenjoy. But oh my god, from laughter to you know pleasure at the songs. Songs ng decade ko yan eh, ‘80s, nung nasa college ako.”

What delighted her most was seeing how the musical reached viewers across generations. “Super nag enjoy yung mga bagets ko, nag enjoy ako na nasa college nung ‘80s, and that older couple married in the 80s super nag enjoy. My god, bravo talaga! Mabuhay kayo.” And in the final moments of the show, she said, the production made the audience feel part of the experience itself: “Yung closing scene ‘no? Salamat sinama niyo kaming lahat bilang graduation class of 1984!” More than a nostalgic throwback, Bagets The Musical is turning into a reunion of generations for those discovering the story for the first time, and for those who lived it the first time around.

Catch the last few shows of Bagets The Musical until March 22, 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Tickets are available online at https://tickets.newportworldresorts.com/products/bagets-the-musical and Ticketworld: PHP 4,000 (SVIP), PHP 3,500 (VIP), PHP 3,000 (GOLD), PHP 2,000 (SILVER), and PHP 1,000 (BRONZE). For inquiries, contact Customer Care at 7908-8888.

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.