Andres Muhlach continues the legacy of Adie in Bagets The Musical

The young Muhlach takes on his father’s iconic role for Bagets The Musical.

Bagets The Musical is coming full circle as a new Muhlach steps into the spotlight. Four decades after Aga Muhlach charmed audiences as Adie in the 1984 coming-of-age hit, his son Andres Muhlach will take on the same role in the 2026 stage adaptation. Fresh from his film debut in Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna, Andres joins the new-generation Bagets barkada, alternating performances with Mico Hendrix Chua. With this final cast reveal, fans are all set to relive the iconic magic, friendships, and first-love thrills that made Bagets a cultural phenomenon.

For Andres, stepping into Adie’s shoes is both an honor and a deeply personal moment. “I understand how big Bagets was, and still is, in the Philippines,” he says. “It’s such a huge part of many Filipino childhoods. To be part of it, let alone play my dad’s role, feels surreal.” His father couldn’t be prouder. “When we first found out that I got his breakthrough role, he was super happy for me,” Andres shares. “He’s excited to see how I’ll bring my own take to the character.”

 

This project also marks Andres’ first major foray into theater. While nerves were high, rigorous workshops and rehearsals helped him embrace the challenge. “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.”

Though comparisons are inevitable, Andres is determined to make the role his own. “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.”

The young actor came prepared for the role, training extensively and auditioning with a surprise vocal performance. “Ever since I was little, I dreamed of seeing myself on the silver screen and on stage,” he shares. “Now it’s happening. I just feel blessed.” Andres has already appeared in TV series like Ang Mutya ng Section E and Da Pers Family, but Bagets The Musical gives him the chance to showcase a more mature, layered side of his artistry.

“Playing Adie now is a completely new experience,” he reflects. “He’s still the charismatic, charming boy-next-door, but this time, his story feels more grounded—especially because of his love interest.” For Andres, the show’s heart lies in friendship and growing up together. “Atasha and I studied abroad, but I enjoyed my time here more because I was with my best friends. 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 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, and Mico Hendrix Chua as Adie.

The musical is produced by VIVA Communications Inc., The Philippine STAR, and Newport World Resorts, with creative direction from Philippine Educational Theater Association Plus. It is helmed by Maribel Legarda, with script by J-mee Katanyag and music by Vince Lim. The production is supported by Sun Life Philippines.

For updates, follow 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 newportworldresorts.com/bagets-musical-waitlist to be the first in line for tickets.

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Mico Hendrix Chua brings new charm to Adie in Bagets The Musical

Bagets The Musical is getting a fresh dose of charm with the arrival of Mico Hendrix Chua, who steps into the role of Adie—the baby-faced heartthrob first made iconic by Aga Muhlach in the beloved 1984 coming-of-age film. With his boy-next-door vibe and irresistible dimples, Chua is set to make audiences swoon as he brings a new twist to the 2026 stage adaptation.

Chua has been performing since his teens, starting out in local theaters in Iloilo before moving to Manila. In 2021, he joined Born to Be a Star, which earned him a contract with VIVA Communications Inc.. Soon after, he moved to Dubai, where he balanced multiple jobs while studying. “I started as an admissions counselor, then became an administrator,” he recalls.

Even with a stable life abroad, performing was never far from his heart. “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,” he says. Upon returning to the Philippines, he auditioned for Bagets The Musical—an experience that proved to be a turning point. “At first, I didn’t expect anything. But the more I went through the process, the more I wanted the character.”

 

Interestingly, Chua had initially set his sights on playing Topee. But landing Adie became 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.”

For Chua, playing Adie is also like revisiting an old version of himself—one marked by peer pressure, innocent crushes, and the thrill of first love. “I’ve had those encounters before—stealing glances at your crush and all. But it’s all in the past now,” he laughs. “I think I’ve matured since then.” That nostalgia is part of the magic of Bagets The Musical: reliving the joy, energy, and recklessness of youth.

Of course, stepping into such an iconic role comes with pressure. “The pressure went higher, but it’s also a great challenge,” he shares. “It means I get to give my best and portray someone as legendary as Aga Muhlach. I’m excited and deeply honored.”

Chua joins the new-generation cast of Bagets The Musical, alternating as Adie with another VIVA artist to be announced soon. The production will run from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Also starring 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.

Bagets The Musical is produced by VIVA Communications Inc., The Philippine STAR, and Newport World Resorts, in collaboration with Philippine Educational Theater Association Plus. It is directed by Maribel Legarda, with playwright J-mee Katanyag and musical director Vince Lim. The production is also supported by Sun Life Philippines.

To learn more about the show and its cast, follow VIVA Communications Inc. (@vivaartistsagency), The Philippine STAR (@philippinestar), and Newport World Resorts (@newportworldresorts) on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Sign up for the waitlist now at newportworldresorts.com/bagets-musical-waitlist to be first in line for tickets.

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Movies you will love this February at SM Cinema

Buckle up, movie lovers! February 2024 is filled with diverse and captivating films, catering t every taste. From spine-tingling horror and action-packed adventures to heartwarming nostalgia, there's something for everyone on the silver screen this love month at SM Cinem Masinag, San Mateo, and Angono.

Mean Girls, February 7
At her new school, Cady Heron is popular with the A-list girl clique known as the Plastics. But when she makes the error of falling in love with Alpha Plastic Regina George's ex-boyfriend, Aaron Samuels, everything changes.

Lisa Frankenstein, February 7
A coming of RAGE love story about a teenager and her crush, who happens to be a corpse. After a set of horrific circumstances bring him back to life, the two embark on a journey to find love, happiness, and a few missing body parts.

Ikaw Pa Rin ang Pipiliin Ko, February 7
All Jas (Julia Barretto) wants is to be part of the renowned chorale, Madrigals, but after meeting Michael (Aga Muhlach), the new conductor and arranger for their own local choir, Jas finds herself singing a different tune, one that could either give her the happiness she longs for or the unforgettable pain of heartbreak.

Madame Web, February 14
Cassandra Webb is a New York City paramedic who starts to show signs of clairvoyance. Forced to confront revelations about her past, she must protect three young women from a mysterious adversary who wants them dead.

Poor Things, February 14
From filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos and producer Emma Stone comes the incredible tale and fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter, a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter. Under Baxter's protection, Bella is eager to learn.

Hungry for the worldliness she is lacking, Bella runs off with Duncan Wedderburn, a slick and debauched lawyer, on a whirlwind adventure across the continents. Free from the prejudices of her times, Bella grows steadfast in her purpose to stand for equality and liberation.

Dune Part Two, February 28
Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while seeking revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family.

So, grab your popcorn at SnackTime, gather your family and friends, and prepare to be swept away by the magic of movies this month of love. Be in the loop for the latest movie lineups on www.smcinema.com and on the official Facebook pages of SM Cinema Masinag, SM Cinema San Mateo, and SM Cinema Angono.

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