KD Estrada, Andres Muhlach, and More to Star in Bagets, the Musical
Back in 1984, William Martinez, J.C. Bonnin, Herbert Bautista, Raymond Lauchengco, and Aga Muhlach starred in a coming-of-age-comedy film titled Bagets, where the five boys were the...well, bagets (or teens). The movie focuses on the lives of the five characters: Tonton, Toffee, Gilbert, Arnel, and Adie, as they go through the typical misadventures common to adolescents.
Fast forward to 2026, a new generation of young men is taking on the roles, but this time, for a theatrical adaptation: Bagets, the Musical—directed by Maribel Legarda, with playwright J-mee Katanyag and musical director Vince Lim. Muhlach's son, Andres, is even portraying the same character as his dad once did. The production runs from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
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Here are the five bagets of Bagets, the Musical:
Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez as Gilbert
Gilbert was originally played by Herbert Bautista, the class clown whose jokes often masked a deeper, more thoughtful side.
Noel Comia Jr. is a seasoned performer on stage since age six, with credits including Silver Lining, Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical, and Jepoy and the Magic Circle. He was awarded Best Actor at Cinemalaya 2017 for Kiko Boksingero and Best Supporting Actor at the 2025 Manila International Film Festival for Song of the Fireflies.
About joining this production, Comia said: "Being part of such an iconic play is an honor."
Tomas Rodriguez, a member of the P-pop group Alamat, joins him as Gilbert, making his theatrical debut. He has previously appeared in the films and shows Expensive Candy, Girlfriend Na, Pwede Na, and The Ship Show. Rodriguez first gained public notice on TV in 2015 as Franco on Pinoy Big Brother: 737 Teen Edition.
"This is my first theater stint, so medyo kinakabahan, pero excited," Rodriguez said about the production. "Malaking tulong ang opportunity na ’to to help me grow in the arts and in acting."
Milo Cruz and Migo Valid as Tonton
Tonton is the barkada’s daredevil, a role first made memorable by William Martinez. This character is shared by two members of the P-pop group Xeranade.
Milo Cruz is steadily carving his path in the industry, from his first film, Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna, to this major stage debut.
About his first time in a major production, Cruz said: "They say experience is the best teacher. I hope Bagets The Musical can help me learn and grow in this industry."
Migo Valid shares the role of Tonton. He began his career in 2021 with singles like “Kaylinaw” and later moved into acting in The Ship Show and Hold Me Close. This is his first casting with PETA (Philippine Educational Theater Association).
"Being cast as Tonton is such a blessing," Valid added.
Ethan David and KD Estrada as Arnel
Arnel, first brought to life by Raymond Lauchengco, is the character who struggles to follow his heart while trying to honor his mother’s expectations.
Ethan David, a member of the P-pop group G.A.T., is set to portray the role. He joined VIVA Artists Agency at 13 after winning Junior Vocalist Grand Champion at the 2015 World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) while representing Canada. His TV credits include Seducing Drake Palma, Ang Mutya ng Section E, and Avenues of the Diamond.
"When it comes to acting, it’s really hard to show it to the audience. It’s more subtle on TV, ‘pag mas medyo malaki, mas weird tingnan. But in this musical, this is gonna be a different vibe for me," David said.
KD Estrada plays the same part. He brings his charm from projects like Unloving You and Bola Bola. He made his musical debut in PETA’s Walang Aray and returns to the stage for his second major theatrical production with Bagets The Musical.
Estrada expressed that he sees himself in Arnel. "This was the role I hoped to get."
Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf as Topee
The barkada's martial arts ace and certified heartthrob, Topee was an iconic role first portrayed by JC Bonnin.
Jeff Moses, a Kapuso singer-actor, now shines in the role. He won Best Actor at the 1st Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival for Under a Piaya Moon and has appeared in the TV series Abot Kamay na Pangarap and Magpakailanman. In 2023, he was recognized as an Outstanding Youth of the Philippines. Moses expressed his excitement for the musical, stating, "Performing makes me feel truly alive, so Bagets The Musical is like food for my soul.”
Alternating in the role is singer-songwriter Sam Shoaf, known for his time on The Voice Kids Philippines, Your Face Sounds Familiar, and the popular TV series Ang Mutya ng Section E (where he played Edrix Knight Peñaflor). Shoaf identifies closely with his character, sharing, “I see a lot of similarities between me and Topee. We love staying active, but we both like keeping much of our lives private.”
Mico Hendrix Chua and Andres Muhlach as Adie
Adie, the charming boy-next-door, figuring out love and meaningful connections, was originally played by screen legend Aga Muhlach.
Mico Hendrix Chua gives the role a fresh take. He has been performing on stage since his teens in Iloilo and earned a contract with VIVA after joining Born to Be a Star in 2021. This production is his first project after returning from Dubai. He acknowledges the weight of the role: “The pressure is high, but it’s also a great challenge. I’m excited and honored to play someone as legendary as Aga Muhlach.”
Completing the barkada is Andres Muhlach, the son of the original Adie, making this a truly “full circle” moment. He first caught audiences’ attention in the sitcom Da Pers Family and the popular digital series Ang Mutya ng Section E (where he played Mark Keifer Watson). He has also appeared in films like Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna. Stepping into his father's shoes, Andres says the experience "feels surreal," adding that the original Adie was “super happy, and excited to see how I am going to approach the character.”
Bagets, the Musical, runs from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Newport City, Pasay City. Tickets are available through Ticketworld for P1,000 (Bronze), P2,000 (Silver), P3,000 (Gold), P3,500 (VIP), and P4,000 (VVIP).
