The boys are back! Check out Newport World Resorts’ upcoming musical theatre offering, ‘Bagets’

Noel Comia Jr and Tomas Rodriguez are stepping into the shoes of Gilbert, the geeky member of the barkada originally portrayed by Bautista.

Comia draws on his musical theatre background to add 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 Lea Salonga.

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

Meanwhile, Rodriguez leans into the character’s mischief. A member of the P-pop boy group Alamat, this artist is known for his free-spirited nature. His career began in Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) 737 and later appeared in films like For the Love: Anghel, Kurdapya, The Ship Show and Expensive Candy.

“In every high school barkada, there is someone who is like Gilbert. One who is shy and timid but has a knack for fun. I can relate to that, to Gilbert’s kapilyuhan,” he says.

“This is my first theatre stint, so I’m quite nervous but very much excited,” he admits. “We have dancing and singing workshops lined up for this, so I find this production a huge opportunity for me to grow in the arts and in acting.”

The barkada gets an extra dose of cool with Topee, the martial arts ace and certified athletic heartthrob. Originally portrayed by 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 are set to spark high school kilig as they bring their own brand of charm and mystery to the beloved character.

Moses is set to showcase Topee’s Hiligaynon roots in the upcoming musical, a detail that deeply resonates with his own background. Born and raised in Negros Occidental, he knows the weight of distance and the bittersweet pull of home.

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 recognised as Outstanding Youth of the Philippines in the 2023 Philippine Outstanding Men & Women Awards.

“Topee is kind, mature, and treats his friends like family, but deep inside, he hides his vulnerability,” Moses shares. “What I hope audiences take away from Bagets The Musical is that our being young at heart never goes away. We can still feel joy or sadness like a child.”

Shoaf has a fun side unknown to most. He loves the 1980s—the music, the fashion and the bright, lively colours.

“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.

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. 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.

“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. The story is about us. Just a different timeline, different variables but the same plot.”

The barkada is not complete without the one who leads the group into trouble yet somehow saves the day. P-pop group Xerenade members Milo Cruz and Migo Valid are embodying Tonton, the group’s resident daredevil, first made iconic by Martinez.

With his P-pop debut on the horizon, Cruz is already expanding his craft by taking a stint in theatre. The rising artist aims to bring new depth to the often-misunderstood character.

“Tonton is a repeater, yes,” he explains. “But if we move past that—past his kalokohan—we see that he’s really just a normal kid who has to learn life the hard way.” For him, it is through challenging moments that one can truly grow and mature.

Similarly, the stage adaptation of the 1984 cult favourite film marks Valid’s theatre debut. 

With films like Hold Me Close, A Glimpse of Forever and Penduko to his credit, he admits he never expected to land the role.

“It’s my first time auditioning for PETA,” says Valid. “I said to myself, ‘I just want to make the panel smile. I wasn’t expecting anything then, so being cast as Tonton is such a blessing.”

Valid naturally finds himself in the character of Tonton, who is known to be charming, reckless, yet caring.

“I’m very much like him,” he laughs. “Back in high school, I had my wild moments, too. But those experiences helped me grow.” Taking a moment to reflect, he says what struck him most was the feeling of being left behind—an emotion he shares with the character.

First portrayed by renowned musical theatre actor, singer, director and visual artist 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 “OG conyo boy” character through the performances of young stars Ethan David and KD Estrada.

David is a member of the P-pop boy group G.A.T. and takes pride in a solid acting resume, including credits in television series such as Seducing Drake Palma, Ang Mutya ng Section E and Avenues of the Diamond.

“Arnel’s always all-out for his friends,” David says. “I want the audience to feel that energy and see he’s there for them, whether in big gestures or small ones.”

Coming from a career that has straddled between theatre and screen, David’s dedication reflects how deeply he connects with the Arnel. 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.

Similarly, Estrada mirrors Arnel’s character in real life. His accent, height and vibe all exude 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 empathises with the role’s struggles, especially the uncertainty it brings. Portraying such depth is not new to him. This is his second theatre 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.

Four decades since the original Bagets film became a hit, the legacy of Adie lives on as another Muhlach takes the spotlight in Bagets The Musical.

Andres Muhlach, fresh from his film debut in Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna, will step into the role once played by his father.

He completes the new-generation Bagets barkada, alternating performances with fellow Viva artist Mico Hendrix Chua. The latter is a rising artist who has been on stage since his teens, performing in local theatres in Iloilo before moving to Manila. In 2021, Chua joined the reality show Born to Be a Star, which earned him a contract with Viva.

“I understand how big Bagets was, and still is, in the Philippines. It’s such a huge part of many Filipino childhoods,” Muhlach says. “To be part of it, let alone play my dad’s role, feels surreal.”

Though he has played high school roles before, Bagets The Musical gives Muhlach a chance to show a different side.

“Playing Adie now is a completely new experience,” he says. “He’s still the charismatic, charming boy-next-door type, but his story feels more mature because of his love interest.”

Audiences can once again enjoy the thrills and mischief of student days with the barkada.

“Atasha and I studied abroad, but I enjoyed my time here more because I was with my best friends,” he recalls. “Nothing beats being close to the people who made student life bearable. That’s really at the heart of Bagets The Musical.”

“I had a pretty stable life abroad, but deep down, my heart was always with performing [live],” says Chua. “I can always go back to that life, but I’m not getting any younger. I want to give my all to what I truly love.”

Now back in the Philippines, the stars have aligned for him.

“This is my first project since I returned. During the auditions, I was anxious, especially with so many callbacks,” Chua continues. “At first, I didn’t expect anything. But the more I went through the process, the more I wanted the character.”

The artist acknowledges moments of peer pressure and recklessness in his past—qualities that make embodying Adie feel like reconnecting with an old version of himself. Fans may remember the persona as a slightly confused romantic who juggles love, crushes and meaningful connections.

“I’ve had those encounters before—stealing glances at your crush and all. But it’s all in the past now,” he says. “I think I’ve matured since then.”

Ultimately, the beauty of Bagets The Musical is that we can relive those moments and savour all the joy and buoyancy of youth.

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