Cast members of 'Bagets The Musical' bring the youthful energy of the beloved coming-of-age story to the stage. Handout photos
More than four decades after the original film "Bagets" captured the spirit of Filipino youth, its 2026 stage adaptation is delivering fun and nostalgia to both the movie's original cast members and audiences.
For Aga Muhlach, who played Adie in the 1984 film, the stage revival felt "out of this world," even more so because his own son, rising actor Andres Muhlach, plays the same role in the theater version.
"Who would've thought 40 plus years after, my son would be playing my role?" Aga was quoted as saying in a press statement.
Aga Muhlach joined his son, Andres Muhlach, during the show’s gala night curtain call as the younger actor steps into the role of Adie in 'Bagets The Musical.'
Raymond Lauchengco, who played Arnel in the movie, remarked: "It was so much fun! I had so much fun!".
"I think I had more fun watching the musical than I did watching the movie that I was in 42 years ago. So congratulations to everybody, thanks for all the energy, the wonderful, wonderful music that you’ve brought back to life," Lauchengco said.
REVIEW: ‘Bagets’ returns as a joyfully nostalgic musical
Yayo Aguila, who also starred in the original, expressed excitement at reminiscing about the film.
"Happy ako kasi natutuwa ako makita ’yung reaction ni Raymond, Herbert [Bautista], Eula [Valdez], ni Cheska [Iñigo]," she said. "Ang saya lang to go back."
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Also among those who watched the musical was Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who said the performance transported her to her youth.
Senator Risa Hontiveros watched 'Bagets The Musical,' saying the production’s classic ‘80s songs reminded her of the music she listened to during her college years.
"I really didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did, kasi nga 'Bagets The Musical,' so akala ko 'yong anak ko at tsaka 'yong kaibigan niya ang mas mage-enjoy," Hontiveros said.
"But oh my god, from laughter to, you know, pleasure at the songs. Songs ng decade ko yan eh, ‘80s, noong nasa college ako," she added.
"Bagets The Musical" runs until March 22 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
Tickets are priced at P1,000 (Bronze), P2,000 (Silver), P3,000 (Gold), P3,500 (VIP) and P4,000 (SVIP). Tickets are available online and Ticketworld.