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, 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.
