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.

PNP-ACG Ramps Up Cyber Defense Training with Leading PH Finance Super App

The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) has strengthened its drive against digital financial crimes with the launch of its Cybersecurity and Fintech Handbook and the renewal of its partnership with GCash. The event also introduced the Scam Assistance Hub, a project aimed at facilitating the quick and easy filing of scam reports through a simple QR Code. These major initiatives are targeted to complement law enforcement efforts in addressing emerging cyber fraud and scams for more timely and coordinated action.

 

The PNP-ACG and GCash renewed their Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), first signed in 2022, which established a framework for cooperation on cybersecurity awareness, capability-building, and information sharing.

This reaffirms the shared commitment of both institutions to handle financial cybercrimes and to strengthen consumer protection amid the continued growth of digital payments.

“Financial technology continues to evolve, and with it, the methods used by cybercriminals,” said Miguel Geronilla, chief information and security officer at GCash. “We at GCash are honored to support the PNP-ACG in enhancing the capabilities of law enforcers through education. By sharing fintech-specific use cases, we aim to help build a more informed response force against digital financial threats.”

Supporting cyber defense frontliners across the country

The Cybersecurity and Fintech Handbook was created in partnership with GCash to complement the efforts of the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU) and ACG personnel by outlining key trends and schemes in financial cybercrime. Specifically, the handbook features modules on cybersecurity frameworks, cybercrime laws, financial investigations, fintech systems, and cryptocurrency fundamentals, ensuring officers are better equipped to address today’s digital crime challenges.

“These initiatives are a collective step forward in our continuing effort to protect Filipinos in the digital space,” said Brig. Gen. Bernard R. Yang, director of the PNP-ACG. “Through strategic collaborations and timely learning tools, we are building a law enforcement force that is ready to address today’s emerging cyber threats.”

Other key officials present at the ceremonial event were PNP ACG chief investigative officer PCol Jay D. Guillermo, GCash chief information and security officer Miguel Geronilla, GCash public affairs manager Mabel M. Niala, and GCash external affairs manager Jerome C. Lantin.

The handbook will be rolled out to regional units via virtual assemblies and video modules, aligning with the PNP’s ongoing modernization strategy and the national government’s National Cybersecurity Plan (NCSP) 2023–2028. Developed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the NCSP sets the policy direction for a secure and resilient cyberspace in the Philippines.

This joint effort also comes on the heels of the recently released Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA), a new law passed in July 2024 aimed at curbing online scams and fraudulent financial activities.

The AFASA targets key financial crimes such as social engineering scams and money muling, while also empowering institutions like the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to investigate suspicious financial activities. The Cybersecurity and Fintech Handbook seeks to help reinforce these regulatory updates by helping frontline police better understand and enforce provisions under AFASA.

Reporting scams made easier via QR

The event also marked the introduction of the Scam Assistance Hub (SAH), a new platform that simplifies scam reporting for the public.

The SAH QR code connects users to the GCash SAH website, a platform where victims of online scams can file police reports, receive assistance, and process documentation for claims under GCash’s Express Send Scam Insurance.

This initiative ensures a more coordinated response between the PNP-ACG and GCash in handling fraud complaints and supporting affected users.

Building a future-ready police force

These efforts complement the PNP-ACG’s broader public education and prevention campaigns designed to build digital literacy among both law enforcement and the general public.

“Technology will continue to evolve, and criminals will continue to adapt,” Brig. Gen. Yang added. “These initiatives will help in the long journey of strengthening our cyber defenses. What matters is that we are moving forward together with stronger capabilities, a clearer direction, and a deeper resolve.”

The group reminded that while the SAH QR Code is still being prepared for deployment,  any incidents of cybercrime and fraud can still be reported via the PNP-ACG’s hotline 1326 or via GCash’s app Help Center or through any of the official customer support channels. The public may also follow PNP-ACG’s official social media pages for updates on its ongoing efforts to fight cybercrime and promote digital security nationwide.

SM BULACAN MALLS ILLUMINATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH GRAND CHRISTMAS CENTERPIECES

SM Bulacan malls celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with the grand unveiling of their captivating Christmas centerpieces, officially ushering in the holiday season in the province.

Mallgoers are treated to a classic festive journey as SM Bulacan malls transform their atriums into a majestic Christmas attraction, embellished with the iconic Holiday Grand Red Ribbon, symbolizing joy, unity, and the true spirit of the Yuletide season.

SM City Marilao unwraps a 36-ft Christmas tree inspired by the ‘Holiday Symphony.’ Showcasing an enchanted forest of stylized rotating Christmas trees, the centerpiece shines bright with a modern sparkle—glistering lights and classic ornaments ascend in graceful harmony, together with the hanging trees with branches dressed in shimmering ornaments and cascading curtain lights.

Meanwhile, SM City Baliwag reveals the ‘Holiday Tale,’ a mystical Christmas centerpiece that exudes whimsical wonders. Built with a marvelous 30-ft Christmas tree, the attraction is surrounded by gnomes, reindeer, gift boxes, and magical candles.

SM Center Pulilan, on the other hand, unveils the ‘Wrapped Christmas Wonders.’ This year’s theme captures the concept of holiday festivities and gift-giving, highlighted by a classic 30-ft Christmas tree. Shoppers will feel every inch of the Yuletide season as the centerpiece showcases marvelous stacks of giant gift boxes, mini trees, and reindeer.

In line with the launch of the holiday centerpieces, SM malls in Marilao and Baliwag introduce the SM Besties of Joy. For every two pieces of bear purchased, one will be given to a community charity, spreading warmth and comfort this holiday season.

SM is making the holidays extra meaningful as the malls celebrate “100 Days of Kindness”—a nationwide campaign that brings cheer, joy, and generosity to millions of Filipinos.

Until December 25, SM will feature daily videos on its digital platforms featuring touching and inspiring acts of kindness through the “100 Days of Kindness” campaign, where shoppers may experience random acts of kindness such as surprise treats, warm greetings, and delightful gifts.

The coming days will be merrier as SM Bulacan malls celebrate Christmas in full swing with festivities, Christmas markets, and entertainment the malls have in store all throughout the holiday season.

For updates, visit the official Facebook pages of SM City Marilao, SM Center Pulilan, and SM City Baliwag.