The young Muhlach takes on his father’s iconic role for Bagets The Musical.
Four decades after the original Bagets film captured the hearts of an entire generation, its legacy continues—this time with another Muhlach leading the way. Andres Muhlach, fresh from his debut film Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna, is set to take on the iconic role of Adie in the 2026 stage musical adaptation of the 1984 classic.
He joins the new-generation Bagets barkada, alternating the role with fellow VIVA artist Mico Hendrix Chua. With this final cast reveal, audiences are officially geared up to relive the nostalgia, friendship, and kilig moments that defined their teenage years.
From Aga to Andres: A Legacy Continues
For Andres, stepping into Adie’s shoes is a surreal, full-circle moment.
“I understand how big Bagets was—and still is—in the Philippines. It’s such a huge part of many Filipino childhoods,” he shares. “To be part of it, let alone play my dad’s role, feels surreal.”
The original Adie, Aga Muhlach, couldn’t be prouder.
“When we found out I got his breakthrough portrayal, he was super happy for me,” Andres recalls. “He’s excited to see how I’ll approach the character.”
Defining His Own Path
Bagets The Musical marks Andres’ first major foray into theater. He admits the nerves were real, but with workshops and dedicated training, confidence eventually followed.
“It’s really about honing your talents,” he says. “Once you start learning more about yourself and your abilities, it motivates you—to perform, improve, and keep getting better.”
While many might see this as following in his father’s footsteps, Andres views it differently.
“I 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 create isn’t because of what the original actors did—it’s because we want to offer something meaningful to today’s fans.”
His commitment is clear. Andres prepared rigorously for auditions and even sang before the panel—something he had never done spontaneously before.
“Since I was little, I dreamed of seeing myself on the silver screen and on stage,” he says. “Now it’s happening. I feel blessed.”
His growing body of work already includes TV roles in Ang Mutya ng Section E and Da Pers Family.
The Heart of Bagets The Musical
Though Andres has portrayed high school characters before, playing Adie in this production lets him explore the role with more emotional depth.
“Adie is still the charming, boy-next-door type,” he explains. “But his story now feels more mature because of his love interest.”
Audiences can expect the classic Bagets energy—laughter, mischief, and the bond of an unbreakable barkada.
“Atasha and I studied abroad, but I loved my time here more because I was with my best friends,” he says. “Being close to the people who made student life fun—that’s really the heart of Bagets The Musical.”
Meet the New Bagets Barkada
Bagets The Musical will run from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
Joining Andres 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
- Mico Hendrix Chua as Adie (alternating with Andres)
The production is brought to life by VIVA Communications Inc., The Philippine STAR, and Newport World Resorts, with creative guidance from PETA Plus—led by 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.
Be Part of the Bagets Comeback
Learn more about the artists and 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 to be the first in line for tickets:
newportworldresorts.com/bagets-musical-waitlist
