Noel Comia Jr. and Alamat’s Tomas Rodriguez revive the shy, mischievous heart of the ‘80s barkada

A new generation of stars is ready to bring fresh energy to the iconic Bagets barkada.

Bagets The Musical, the joint production of VIVA Communications Inc., The Philippine STAR and NEXT by Philstar Media Group, and Newport World Resorts, revives the friendships, mischief, and growing pains of high school life in a nostalgic return to the 1980s.

Get to know Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez as they step into the shoes of Gilbert, the geeky member of the group originally portrayed by Herbert Bautista.

Exploring Gilbert’s shy side with Noel Comia Jr.

What made the coming-of-age classic timeless was its relatability. That’s the spirit  Noel Comia Jr. is most excited to bring on stage.

“We all have that experience of liking someone but not being able to share how we feel,” he shares. “Gilbert is awkward, self-conscious, and still figuring himself out.”

Comia draws on his musical theater background to add such depth to the role. His notable credits include Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical, Pinocchio and The Secret Garden with Repertory Philippines, and Fun Home with Miss Lea Salonga.

“What the audience might not know about Gilbert is that he’s the life of the party,” he says. “I’m excited to show that side, especially the kulitan with the barkada, because I never experienced that in high school.”

It’s that energy and camaraderie he hopes the audience will feel throughout the show.

“To be part of such an iconic stage play is an honor,” he says. “I’ll do my best to pay tribute to the character with respect.”

Why Tomas Rodriguez feels right at home in Bagets The Musical

If Comia dives into Gilbert’s more reserved energy, Tomas Rodriguez leans into the character’s mischief.

“Kada high school barkada mayroong Gilbert. ‘Yung tipong mahiyain pero laging game sa kalokohan,” he begins with a laugh. “Doon ako nakaka-relate, sa kapilyuhan niya.”

A member of the P-pop boy group Alamat, the artist is known for his free-spirited nature.

He began his career in Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) 737 and later appeared in films like For the Love: Anghel, Kurdapya, The Ship Show, and Expensive Candy.

“This is my first theater stint, so medyo kinakabahan pero excited,” he admits. “Malaking tulong ang opportunity na ’to to help me grow in the arts and in acting.”

Rodriguez even went as far as training his glutes for a scene in the musical — a quirky kind of dedication that makes his performance all the more worth looking forward to.

“We have dancing and singing workshops lined up for this,” he concludes.

“Siguro ang dapat abangan ng mga manonood ay kung paano namin sila madadala sa panahon noon at maisasama sa pagtanda ngayon.”

Comia and Rodriguez portray Gilbert in his entirety. From playful antics to quiet reflection, every moment feels familiar yet fresh. It’s a performance that captures the magic of adolescence.

Bagets The Musical is scheduled to run from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. More cast members will be revealed soon. The musical is a joint production of VIVA Communications Inc., The Philippine STAR and NEXT by Philstar Media Group, 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.

For more information, follow VIVA Communications Inc. at @vivaartistsagency, The Philippine STAR @philippinestar, and Newport World Resorts at @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.

About Newport World Resorts:

Discover Newport World Resorts.

First established as the pioneer integrated resort in the Philippines in 2009, Newport World Resorts encompasses a newer and bigger world of extraordinary thrills within the bustling Newport City community. It is a one-stop, non-stop casino, hotels, and entertainment complex comprising two main wings, Newport Grand Wing and Newport Garden Wing that feature a wide array of gaming thrills and an innovative EPIC REWARDS program for members.

Centrally located within a prime tourism spot, right across the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, Newport World Resorts boasts of the highest hotel room key count in a single property with five international hotel brands, MARRIOTT Hotel Manila, SHERATON Manila Hotel, HOTEL OKURA Manila, HILTON Hotel Manila, and HOLIDAY INN Express Manila-Newport City. The sprawling property also features a wide range of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) venues, including a three-story convention center that houses the country’s largest hotel ballroom, the Marriott Grand Ballroom.

At Newport World Resorts, entertainment and lifestyle options abound. The award-winning Newport Performing Arts Theater seats over 1,700 audiences for live entertainment from plays and musicals to concerts and amazing performances. Likewise, the Newport Grand Wing’s The Grand Bar and Lounge and the Newport Garden Wing’s Bar 360 and El Calle Food and Music Hall provide nightly live entertainment for guests and patrons. The Newport Mall features international luxury brands and the state-of-the-art Newport Cinemas. Also within Newport City, are over 70 restaurants and dining outlets offering a diverse selection of local and international cuisine, prepared by top Filipino and international chefs.