Philippine Concerts

Tag: Bagets

  • ‘Bagets’ generation and film stars react to Bagets The Musical!

    ‘Bagets’ generation and film stars react to Bagets The Musical!

    Cast members of Bagets The Musical bring the youthful energy of the beloved coming-of-age story to the stage.

    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.

    Aga Muhlach joined his son, Andres Muhlach, during the show’s gala night curtain call as the younger actor steps into the role of Adie in 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.”

    Singer and actor Raymond Lauchengco, who portrayed Arnel in the original Bagets, attended a performance of Bagets The Musical.

    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.”

    The film’s original stars (L-R) Herbert Bautista, Eula Valdes, Yayo Aguila, Cheska Iñigo Winebrenner, and Raymond Lauchengco reunited in support of the show and its new generation of cast.

    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.”

    Former beauty queen and actress Charlene Gonzalez-Muhlach showed support for her son Andres Muhlach during Bagets The Musical opening night.

    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.”

    Senator Risa Hontiveros watched Bagets The Musical, saying the production’s classic ‘80s songs reminded her of the music she listened to during her college years.

    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.

    Milo Cruz (Tonton), Noel Comia Jr. (Gilbert), Ethan David (Arnel), Andres Muhlach (Adie), and Sam Shoaf (Topee) take a post-show selfie backstage at the Newport Performing Arts Theater following the successful opening show of Bagets The Musical.

    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.

  • Bagets The Musical unveils full cast!

    Bagets The Musical unveils full cast!

    Four decades after Bagets captured the spirit of Filipino youth, the barkada is back to relive the magic on stage. Bagets The Musical officially introduced its full cast and creative team at a press conference held on November 14 at Newport World Resorts’ Grand Bar and Lounge. The exclusive preview gave members of the media a nostalgic first glimpse of the theater adaptation of the iconic 1984 film.

    Leading the cast of Bagets The Musical are Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf who play Topee, the martial arts ace and athletic heartthrob originally portrayed by JC Bonnin. Migo Valid and Milo Cruz take on Tonton, the barkada’s daredevil first brought to life by William Martinez. Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez portray Gilbert, the class clown made memorable by Herbert Bautista. KD Estrada and Ethan David step into the role of Arnel, the conyo boy, originally played by Raymond Lauchengco. Completing the barkada are Mico Hendrix Chua and Andres Muhlach as Adie, the baby-faced charmer and resident romantic first brought to life by Aga Muhlach.

    Adding heart and humor to the story are the ermats, or the mothers of the barkada. Neomi Gonzales plays Ana, the mother of Topee. Kakai Bautista and Natasha Cabrera alternate as Delia, the mother of Tonton. Mayen Cadd portrays Ditas, the mother of Arnel. Ring Antonio takes on the role of Luz, the mother of Gilbert. Carla Guevara Laforteza plays Virgie, the mother of Adie. Completing the cast is a talented ensemble of performers who bring the energy of the ‘80s to life on stage. The female ensemble features Ava Santos as Ivy, Sam Marasigan as Janice, Brigitta Marilla as Melissa, and Yani Lopez as Rose, along with Yna Arbiol, Andrea Babierra, Jana Baniasa, Misha Fabian, Mia Micucci, Air Paz-Pablico, Abi Sulit-Racho, Ada Tayao, and Abegail Turiano.

    The male ensemble includes Gie Onida as Father, together with Jon Abella, Ivan Arboladura, Roi Calilong, Carlos Canlas, Jay Cortez, Moi Gealogo, Gerald Magallanes, John Moran, Arnel Sablas, Vyen Villanueva, and Dan Wesley.

    Bagets The Musical’s creative and production teamgathers some of the most respected names in Philippine theater. At the helm are Director Maribel Legarda, Writer Jmee Katanyag, Musical Director Vince Lim, and Choreographer JM Cabling. Joining them are  Assistant Director Norbs Portales and Assistant Choreographer Michael Que. The show’s visual and technical elements are led by Lighting Director Jonjon Villareal, Technical Director Loren Rivera, Production Designer Ohm David, Costume Designer Hershee Tantiado, Sound Designer Happy Constantino, and Video Designer Bene Manaois.

    Wrapping up the team are Production Manager Pat Gascon,  Assistant Production Manager Yeyin De La Cruz, Head Stage Manager Happy Constantino, Deputy Stage Manager, Kiki Baento, and Assistant Stage Managers Emma Doverte, Zaldy Baldelobar, and Leila Rada.

    A production of Newport World Resorts with Philippine STAR and VIVA communications, the show is staged by PETA plus. This show is also presented in cooperation with Sun Life Philippines.

    Bagets The Musical runs from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Tickets are now available at Newport World Resorts Box Office 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. Sign up for the waitlist now via https://newportworldresorts.com/bagets-musical-waitlist to be the first in line for tickets.

  • Catch the Topee Fever with Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf!

    Catch the Topee Fever with Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf!

    These two are set to steal hearts as they channel the barkada’s cool martial arts whiz.

    The barkada gets an extra dose of cool with Topee, the martial arts ace and certified athletic heartthrob. Originally portrayed by J.C. Bonnin in the 1984 classic, Topee makes his stage debut in the 2026 production of Bagets The Musical, where Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf will take on the role. These young stars will spark high school kilig as they bring their own brand of charm and mystery to the beloved character.

    Embodying Topee’s Hiligaynon roots with Jeff Moses


    Jeff Moses is set to showcase Topee’s Hiligaynon roots in the upcoming Bagets The Musical, a detail that deeply resonates with his own background. Born and raised in Negros Occidental, Moses knows the weight of distance and the bittersweet pull of home.
    “Puli ‘ta Bacolod. Madalas ‘yung ‘yung sinasabi niya sa nanay niya (Let’s go home to Bacolod. That’s what he often tells his mother),” he shares. “Ako ramdam ko ‘yung bigat no’n kasi tuwing holidays na lang din ako nakakauwi sa’min. (I can really feel the weight of that because I only get to go home during the holidays.)”


    After signing with GMA Sparkle Artist Center, Moses moved to Metro Manila, where he began building a career in film and television. He has since starred in Under a Piaya Moon, earning Best Actor at the 1st Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, and appeared in the television series Abot Kamay na Pangarap and Magpakailanman. He was recognized as Outstanding Youth of the Philippines in the 2023 Philippine Outstanding Men & Women Awards.


    “Si Topee kasi mabait, mature, at tinatratong pamilya ‘yung mga tropa niya (Topee is kind, mature, and treats his friends like family),” he continues. “Pero deep inside, may tinatagong vulnerability (But deep inside, he hides a vulnerability).”


    Life does not make it easy for the beloved character. He is pushed to grow up fast, stand on his own, and figure things out.


    “Kahit ganun, siguro ang gusto kong ma-realize ng mga manonood ng Bagets The Musical ay hindi mawawala ’yung pagiging young at heart natin (Even so, what I hope audiences take away from Bagets The Musical is that our being young at heart never goes away,) ” Moses concludes. “Pwede pa rin tayong sumaya o malungkot na parang bata (We can still feel joy or sadness like a child.”


    The 24-year-old artist is looking forward to his first theater stint. He admits feeling nervous about performing on a stage with no take twos or edits, just raw, live acting.

    Finding Topee in Sam Shoaf
    Sam Shoaf has a fun side unknown to most people. He loves the ’80s—the music, the fashion, the bright, lively colors. “Everything was just full of life back then,” he says.


    It is the same spark he saw in Topee when he first watched the coming-of-age classic.
    “If he were alive today, I think he’d be the kind of guy obsessed with working out on TikTok, always on his phone but never missing the fun,” adds Shoaf.


    This is the quality he shares with the character. The young artist is passionate about learning different forms of martial arts. His role in Ang Mutya ng Section E even gained popularity for its fighter edge.
    “I see a lot of similarities between me and Topee,” he shares. “We love staying active, but at the same time, I think we both prefer keeping much of what’s going on in our lives to ourselves.”


    Most teenagers, or even adults, have felt emotions that are hard to explain. These feelings are at the heart of Bagets The Musical.“The story is about us,” he explains. “Just a different timeline, different variables, but the same plot.”


    Having appeared on The Voice Kids Philippines and Your Face Sounds Familiar, Shoaf says he is excited to bring that heart to the stage through acting, singing, and dancing.

    Such vibrant production captures that messy, thrilling ride of growing up. It shows that the magic of adolescence never truly disappears; it simply evolves over time.

    Bagets The Musical is scheduled to run from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, with more cast members to be revealed soon. Joining Moses and Shoaf in the lead cast are Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez as Gilbert, Milo Cruz and Migo Valid as Tonton, and Ethan David and KD Estrada as Arnel.

    The musical is a joint production of VIVA Communications Inc, The Philippine STAR, and Newport World Resorts, guided by the creative vision of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Plus, with director Maribel Legarda, playwright J-mee Katanyag, and musical director Vince Lim. Bagets the Musical is also supported through a partnership 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.

  • Introducing the OG conyo boy, Arnel

    Introducing the OG conyo boy, Arnel

    Ethan David and KD Estrada join as the third member of Bagets The Musical’s favorite barkada

    Ethan David and KD Estrada as Arnel shot on location at Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts

    Bagets The Musical shows no signs of slowing down its big barkada reveal.
    This time, the excitement is at an all-time high as the original conyo makes his entrance. First portrayed by Raymond Lauchengco, Arnel is a polished teen torn between following his heart and meeting his mother’s expectations.
    The 2026 stage production invites a new generation to rediscover the character through the performances of young stars Ethan David and KD Estrada.

    Ethan David on embracing the challenge
    Ethan David is exactly the performer the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) has been looking for. A member of the P-pop boy group G.A.T., he also boasts a solid acting resume, with credits in TV series such as Seducing Drake Palma, Ang Mutya ng Section E, and Avenues of the Diamond. “I did theater abroad, but since coming home, I’ve focused more on screen work than stage,” he shares. “On TV, subtle expressions can work,” he explains. “On stage, I have to make my movements bigger and project my voice for the audience.”

    Rather than shy away from the challenge, he embraces it by stepping out of his comfort zone with vocal training and stamina-building exercises. “Arnel’s always all-out for his friends,” adds David. “I want the audience to feel that energy and see he’s there for them, whether in big gestures or small ones.” This dedication reflects how deeply he connects with the character. The artist admits he has faced his own share of conflicts about what he wants. “Despite his flaws, I hope the audience sees how he musters up courage and motivates others to do the same,” he shares.

    KD Estrada on becoming one with Arnel
    There is no mistaking it: KD Estrada is a complete mirror of Arnel. The accent, the height, the vibe — everything about him exudes a well-mannered charm. “When I auditioned, my number one pick was Arnel because I see myself in him,” he begins. “I’d say if he were real right now, he would be exactly like me.” The beloved character is fun but responsible, chill but not one to give in to peer pressure. “I admire that about him. In the film, you can always see his hesitance,” he says. “That he just doesn’t do things because they’re ‘in’ or what you’re supposed to do.” Arnel’s strength, however, comes at a cost. Estrada notes that he empathizes with the role’s struggles, especially the uncertainty it brings.

    “I’m grateful to have a strong support system at home,” he shares. “But I guess we all go through that phase where we don’t know whether to follow our own dreams or what other people want for us.” Portraying such depth is not new to him. This is his second theater production, following his debut in Walang Aray with screen partner Alexa Ilacad. He has also appeared in several TV series, including Unloving You, Bola Bola, Run to Me, and his latest, Pira-pirasong Paraiso. When asked about his favorite takeaway and the lesson audiences should remember, the artist answered without hesitation. “The friends that you make in high school are some of the best friends you’ll ever have.” Arnel proves that the struggles of growing up never fade. With Ethan David and KD Estrada bringing him to life, his story of friendship, courage, and staying true to oneself continues to resonate across generations. Bagets The Musical is scheduled to run from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, with more cast members to be revealed soon. Joining David and Estrada in the lead cast are Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez as Gilbert, and Milo Cruz and Migo Valid as Tonton. The musical is a joint production of VIVA Communications Inc, The Philippine STAR, and Newport World Resorts, guided by the creative vision of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Plus, with director Maribel Legarda, playwright J-mee Katanyag, and musical director Vince Lim.