Andres Muhlach Continues the Legacy of Adie in Bagets The Musical

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, Aga Muhlach, in the 2026 stage adaptation of the beloved 1984 classic.

He completes the new-generation Bagets barkada, alternating performances with fellow VIVA artist Mico Hendrix Chua.

With this final cast reveal, audiences are all set to relive the magic, friendship, and first-love thrills of their teenage years.

From Aga to Andres

It is a full-circle moment for the young star to breathe new life into Adie, the charming boy-next-door. 

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

The original Adie, Aga Muhlach, could not be prouder.

“When we first found out that I got his breakthrough portrayal, he was super happy for me,” he shares. “He was also excited to see how I’m going to approach the character.”

Making the role his own

Bagets The Musical marks Andres’ first major theater project. Nerves were real, he admits, but with thorough practice and workshops, he felt ready.

“It’s really about honing your talents,” he says. “Once you start learning more about yourself and your abilities, it just makes you more motivated—to perform, improve, and keep getting better.”

While some might call it following in his father’s footsteps, he sees it differently. 

“I’d want this to be my own path,” he explains.

“At the end of the day, the hard work is on us, the new Bagets cast. What we put out isn’t because of what the original actors did, but because we want to create something worthy for today’s fans.”

His dedication was evident in his thorough preparation for the role. Muhlach trained extensively, entered auditions well-prepared, and sang before the panel, even though he had never done anything like it on the spot.

“Ever since I was little, I dreamed of seeing myself on the silver screen and on stage,” shares Muhlach. “Now it’s happening. I just feel blessed.”

The rising star has already built a resume that includes TV series like Ang Mutya ng Section E and Da Pers Family.

The heart of ‘Bagets The Musical’

Though he has played high school roles before, Bagets The Musical gives him 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.”

Bagets The Musical is scheduled to run from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Joining Muhlach in the lead cast are Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez as Gilbert, Milo Cruz and Migo Valid as Tonton, Ethan David and KD Estrada as Arnel, and Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf as Topee, and Mico Hendrix Chua as Adie. 

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.

###

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.

The Barkada Gets a New Adie

The wait comes to a thrilling close as Bagets The Musical reveals the cast for the final lead role.

Mico Hendrix Chua is set to play the new-generation Adie, the baby-faced charmer first made iconic by Aga Muhlach in the beloved 1984 coming-of-age classic.

Get ready to swoon over his dimples and boy-next-door vibe as he brings a fresh twist to the 2026 stage adaptation.

Chua makes an acting comeback as Adie

The rising artist has been on stage since his teens, performing in local theaters in Iloilo before making the move to Manila. In 2021, he joined the reality show Born to Be a Star, which earned him a contract with VIVA.

“After I signed, I had to move to Dubai, where I worked multiple jobs while studying,” he recalls. “I started as an admissions counselor, then became an administrator.”

Despite the hiatus, the 22-year-old never let go of his love for the craft. 

“I had a pretty stable life abroad, but deep down, my heart was always with performing,” 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,” he continues. “At first, I didn’t expect anything. But the more I went through the process, the more I wanted the character.”

In the shoes of a classic 

Interestingly, Chua’s initial choice was not Adie. He had hoped to play Topee, a role he felt connected to because of their shared accent.

The switch, however, turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

“We’re a lot more alike than I thought,” he reflects. “I think many can relate when I say we’ve all had that time in our lives when we were young, naive, and just letting our emotions get the best of us.”

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.”

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

Rising to the challenge

Though he relates to the character, Chua admits the weight of portraying such an icon was real. 

“The pressure went higher, but it’s also a great challenge,” he concludes. “It means I get to give my best and portray someone as legendary as Aga Muhlach. I’m excited and deeply honored.”

The rising star rounds out the new-generation lineup of Bagets The Musical. He will alternate performances with another VIVA artist, to be announced soon.

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

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.

Catch the Topee Fever with Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf

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 ‘yun ‘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’s 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’s 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 produced by Newport World Resorts in cooperation with VIVA Communications Inc. and The Philippine STAR, guided by the vision of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Plus, with Maribel Legarda, playwright J-mee Katanyag, and musical director Vince Lim. Bagets the Musical is also supported in 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.

TAGA-ALOG Welcomes Noel Cabangon, Aicelle Santos, and Ben&Ben as Ambassadors

To help achieve its vision of seeing an Ilog Pasig that is alive and clean, the Taga-alog campaign announces its new ambassadors Noel Cabangon, Aicelle Santos, and Ben&Ben during the media and stakeholders’ launch of TAGA-ALOG 2019, Ilog Pasig: Sulong! Lusong! on August 15, 2019 at the Quezon City Sports Club in Quezon City. Now on its second year, Taga-alog aims to further expand the reach of the awareness and capacity building efforts and to strengthen capacities of partners and stakeholders in the pursuit of creative advocacy.

As Taga-alog ambassadors, Noel Cabangon, Aicelle Santos, and Ben&Ben will lend their time and give their support to highlighting the importance of caring for the Ilog Pasig and the environment in general. As artists and musicians, they believe in the power of the arts to create change, the mission and vision of this creative campaign. Given their positive influence on a wide range of Filipino audiences, they address the challenge of connecting to a diverse population in the hopes of bringing back the memories that surround the Ilog Pasig. Taga-alog is looking forward to their ability to encourage and drive action towards the protection and preservation of the environment through the arts.

The Taga-alog Campaign is spearheaded by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and is implemented by the Philippine Education Theater Association (PETA)—recipient of the 2017 Ramon Magsaysay Awards for its bold, collective contributions in shaping the theater arts as a force for social change. This year, the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) is coming in as a major partner in planning and implementing the campaign’s activities and events.

For more information, visit the Taga-alog official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TagaAlog/) or email nccatagaalog@gmail.com.

More Meaningful the Second Time Around. THE KUNDIMAN PARTY at the PETA THEATER Center

Acclaimed as one the most meaningful and relevant original Filipino plays in recent times, Floy Quintos’ “THE KUNDIMAN PARTY” comes to the PETA THEATER CENTER for limited run starting May 24.

The play, directed by Dexter M. Santos was first produced by the UP Playwright’s Theater in 2018.  It was hailed by critics and audiences alike for the seamless weaving of our  timeless Kundiman art songs into a plot that involved discontented millennials and Social Media, EJKs and other current political and social  issues.

Equally notable were the performances of the fine ensemble led by Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino as Maestra Adela, a reclusive voice teacher whose latent nationalism is awakened . Together with Frances Makil-Ignacio, Stella Cañete-Mendoza, Jenny Jamora and Missy Maramara as Adela’s close circle of Titas, the cast painted a portrait of contemporary Pinoy society that was both poignant as well as wildly entertaining.

By the time the revival opens at the PETA Theater this year, a crucial national election will have taken place, an election that for many will determine the course of the current national struggle.

Whatever the results of this political exercise, the creators of the show believe this: That the outcome of the elections will be the start of a greater struggle, the beginning  of a new chapter in the fight to regain our national dignity. Thus, “The Kundiman Party” and all that it stands for will be more relevant than ever.

It seems most meaningful that “The Kundiman Party” is being  revived at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City. PETA has long served as a vital venue for meaningful and relevant original Filipino works. “The Kundiman Party” cast and creators are thankful to have been offered the chance to collaborate with this dynamic institution of Philippine Theater.

PETA’S A Game of Trolls Returns this October 2018!

“Martial law is the best thing that happened to the Philippines in 1972. We won’t be the developing country that we are right now if it wasn’t for the Marcoses. Learn your history,” says the social media account without a real name. 

Pro-HR netizens will probably go beastmode on statements like these. But before you go lit AF, maybe it’s good to take a step back, look at the bigger picture and think if “making patol” online will do you any good. Instead of wasting precious time arguing with faceless mythical beings who hide behind screens, why not log-out, get off your mobile phone or laptop, and invite family and friends to go to the theater with you, and watch A GAME OF TROLLS, PETA’s martial law musical for millennials (and millennials-at-heart!). 

But what’s it about? A GAME OF TROLLS is the story of Hector (Myke Salomon / TJ Valderrama), a professional keyboard warrior for Marshalls of History, a troll center who is running a pro-Martial Law campaign lead by Bimbam (Vince Lim).  Hector, being the tactless and detached Internet tough guy that he is, effortlessly infuriates anti-martial law advocates with his insensitive and random unsolicited comments about the victims of Martial law, making him the top guy in the trolling game. This prompts the “visits” of the Ghosts of Martial Law from the Internet Cloud, reminding him to never forget their struggle to liberate the country from the dictatorship.  Their stories, along with his own mother’s, Tere (Upeng Galang-Fernandez / Gail Billones), made Hector re-examine his involvement in the trolling business.  

Directed by Maribel Legarda, written by Liza Magtoto and music by Vince De Jesus, (the same team that brought you Caredivas), A GAME OF TROLLS is not only an ode to the heroes of Martial Law. It is an appeal to the millennials to #NeverForget that the dark history that took away democracy decades ago has spawned the same strain of oppressor that is taking our democracy away right now. It is a reminder that by understanding the history of the people’s struggle for democracy, we are also keeping in mind to #NeverAgain allow a tyrant to steal it away from us. It is an attempt to stimulate discourse about truth and history in the age of social media: to look beyond the memes and fake news, and to encourage thinking critically and acting responsibly both online and offline. 

So what are you waiting for? Book tickets now, watch with your family and friends, and, regardless of opinions, let’s make theater a safe space for conversation, reflection, and critical thinking. Tuloy po kayo sa PETA Theater Center, kuwentuhan tayo!

CHANGING PARTNERS Returns to the PETA Stage in May

Following its successful transition into film, the critically acclaimed and award-winning musical CHANGING PARTNERS is returning to the stage this May at the PETA Theater Center. 

The Journey

According to multi-awarded composer and writer Vincent A. DeJesus, the book, libretto, and music of Changing Partners were inspired by his own personal stories and of his friends. When asked how long it took him to write this piece his reply was, “A lifetime.” 

Changing Partners was first presented in a full-house, one-night-only Stage Reading at the Virgin Labfest in July 2016. The Virgin Labfest, spearheaded by the Writers’ Bloc Inc., is a festival of new plays by emerging and established Filipino playwrights held annually at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). The staged reading featured actors Ricky Ibe, Patricia Ismael, Giannina Ocampo, and Sandino Martin and was directed by Director Rem Zamora. 

Two months after, DeJesus and Zamora came together once again to produce the full production of  Changing Partners: A Torch Musical. Produced by DeJesus and the PETA Theater Center, the musical was staged at the 115-seater PETA Theater Center’s Studios in September and October 2016. Actors Agot Isidro, Jojit Lorenzo, Anna Luna, and Sandino Martin starred in the play, while DeJesus was the musical director and provided live piano accompaniment. About the same time, The Bindlestiff Studio in California, U.S.A. produced and performed the musical as part of its Tagalog Theater Festival and featured Fil-American actors. Several weeks after, DeJesus submitted the script to the Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature where it received a Best Full-Length Play award. In November and December 2016, the musical went back onstage and had another successful rerun at the PETA Theater Center Studios.

In November 2017, Changing Partners: A Torch Musical transitioned from being a theater musical to full feature film. Under the direction of blockbuster movie director, Dan Villegas, the film starred the same cast as the full musical theater production and was a film entry at the 2017 Cinema One Originals Film Festival. Changing Partners - The Movie won eight awards: Best Director (Villegas), Best Actress (Isidro), Best Actor (Lorenzo), Best Acting Ensemble (Isidro, Lorenzo, Luna, Martin), Best Editing (Marya Ignacio), Best Music (DeJesus), Audience Choice Award, and Champion Bughaw for Best Film. Because of its success and critical acclaim, Changing Partners – The Movie was given a nationwide commercial release in January 2018. The movie also released the Changing Partners – The Movie Original Soundtrack on Spotify. Produced by Star Records, select song from the musical movie were covered by Star Music artists KZ Tandingan, Jona Viray, Khalil Ramos, and Daryl Ong. In February 2018, it won big at the 34th Movie Press Club of the Philippines – Star Awards 2018, bagging five awards under the Independent Film Category: Best Film, Best Director (Villegas), Best Screenwriter (DeJesus and co-writer Lilit Reyes), Best Editing (Marya Ignacio), and Best Music (DeJesus).

A New Offering

Looking at its track record, Changing Partners seems to be moving in the fast lane. In the span of less than two years, it has impressively achieved what would normally take about a decade, or more, to reach. But the team behind this gut-wrenching, anti-romcom musical is not slowing down anytime soon. They are taking Changing Partners to another level by bringing it to a bigger stage—the 400-seater PETA-Phinma Theater.

Agot Isidro, Jojit Lorenzo, Anna Luna, and Sandino Martin are returning to reprise their roles, and Director Rem Zamora is again directing. DeJesus will be joined by cellist Poch Gutierrez to provide live music accompaniment. Another addition to the close-knit team is production designer Ben Padero, who also designed the set of PETA’s adaptation of Marsha Norman’s “Night, Mother.”

CHANGING PARTNERS: THE STAGE MUSICAL is having a two-weekend run at the PETA-Phinma Theater, PETA Theater Center on May 11-13 and 19-20, 2018. Show dates are as follows:

May 11	8:30 pm
May 12	3:00 and 7:00 pm*
May 13	3:00 and 8:00 pm
May 19	3:00 and 8:00 pm
May 20	3:00 pm

Ticket prices for all shows except May 12 (7:00 pm) are Php1200 (VIP), Php1000 (Orchestra Center), Php800 (Orchestra Sides), Php1000 (Balcony Center), and Php500 (Balcony Sides). 

*The May 12 (7:00 pm) show is sponsored by the UPCM Class of 1998 as a fundraiser for the benefit of the National Children’s Hospital Pediatric Surgical and Cancer patients. Ticket prices are Php1500 (VIP), Php1300 (Orchestra Center), Php1000 (Orchestra Sides), Php1200 (Balcony Center), and Php800 (Balcony Sides). 

You can book your tickets through Ticketworld (http://bit.ly/CPticketworld). You may also call or text (0945 499 1008) or send a message to the PETA Theater Center Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/PETATheaterCenter/) for inquiries and reservations.

#ChangingPartnersTheMusical