NEW 'BAGETS' BARKADA BRINGS ICONIC STORY TO STAGE

TEN ACTORS, ONE STORY and dynamic energy.

- By CHARMIE JOY PAGULONG

A new generation of young actors got introduced on Friday at a press conference at Viva Café to play the iconic roles from the 1984 coming-of-age film “Bagets” in its upcoming musical adaptation.

The now-cult classic film follows the lives of five teenage boys as they navigate adolescence, while dealing with family and friendship issues, as well as matters of the heart.

Scheduled to open on Jan. 23, 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) PLUS’ “Bagets: The Musical” is produced by Newport World Resorts and is presented by VIVA Communications, Inc. and The Philippine STAR in partnership with Sun Life Philippines.

The screen-to-stage adaptation is helmed by PETA’s Maribel Legarda with Vince Lim as the music director and screenplay by PETA’s artistic director and award-winning screenwriter J-mee Katanyag.

The presale of tickets for waitlisted fans is on Oct. 15 and 16 while general ticket sales starts on Oct.17.

MEET THE CAST

Taking on the role of Aga Muhlach’s boy-next-door Adie is his son and “And Mutya ng Section E” star, Andres, as well as Viva Artists Agency talent and former “Born to Be a Star” contestant Mico Hendrix Chua.

Andres described the experience as “surreal” and a “full-circle moment” as he stepped into the role that his father originated.

Ethan David of the P-pop boy group GAT and Kapamilya singer-actor KD Estrada will essay Raymond Lauchengco’s character, Arnel, in “Bagets the Musical.”

Tomas Rodriguez of P-pop group Alamat and “Song of the Fireflies” actor Noel Comia Jr. will bring to life the character of Gilbert which was first played by Herbert Bautista in the classic film helmed by Maryo J. de los Reyes.