Tomas Rodriguez of boy group Alamat. HandoutP-pop star Tomas Rodriguez of boy group Alamat is trading the concert stage for the theater spotlight, making his acting debut in "Bagets The Musical" as Gilbert, the shy-but-playful member of the iconic 1980s barkada.
Rodriguez brings his signature free-spirited energy to the role, promising a fresh take on the beloved coming-of-age story.
"Bagets The Musical" revives the friendships, mischief, and growing pains of high school life, with Rodriguez stepping into the shoes of Gilbert, played by Herbert Bautistab in the movie classic.
“Kada high school barkada mayroong Gilbert. ‘Yung tipong mahiyain pero laging game sa kalokohan,” Rodriguez said in a press release. “Doon ako nakaka-relate, sa kapilyuhan niya.”
Despite being new to the theater world, he is already drawing on his experience as a performer in Alamat to bring Gilbert’s mischievous side to life.
“This is my first theater stint, so medyo kinakabahan pero excited,” he admits. “Malaking tulong ang opportunity na ’to to help me grow in the arts and in acting.”
He even trained specifically for some of the show’s dance sequences, showing a quirky dedication that promises to make his performance memorable.
Noel Comia Jr. HandoutSharing the role with Rodriguez is Noel Comia Jr., who explores the character’s introspective side. “We all have that experience of liking someone but not being able to share how we feel,” Comia said. “Gilbert is awkward, self-conscious, and still figuring himself out.”
Together, they capture the full spectrum of Gilbert’s personality — from playful antics to quiet reflection — inviting audiences to relive the magic of adolescence in a new way.
"Bagets The Musical" runs January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. More cast members will be revealed soon.
The production is guided by PETA Plus, with director Maribel Legarda, playwright J-mee Katanyag, and musical director Vince Lim.