Meet Arnel, the Original Conyo Boy of Bagets The Musical

The barkada of Bagets The Musical just got bigger—and a little more polished. The spotlight now falls on Arnel, the suave teen first portrayed by Raymond Lauchengco in the 1984 classic. Torn between his own dreams and his mother’s high expectations, Arnel returns to the stage for a new generation, this time brought to life by Ethan David and KD Estrada.

Ethan David Steps Into the Role
Known for his work with the P-pop group G.A.T. and TV credits like Seducing Drake Palma, Ang Mutya ng Section E, and Avenues of the Diamond, Ethan David is no stranger to performing. Yet theater presents a fresh challenge.

“I did theater abroad, but since coming home, I’ve focused more on screen work,” he shares. “On TV, subtle expressions can work. On stage, I have to make my movements bigger and project my voice for the audience.”

 

Rather than shy away, Ethan leans in—training his voice, building stamina, and channeling Arnel’s loyalty to his friends. “Arnel’s always all-out for his barkada,” he says. “I want the audience to feel that energy and see he’s there for them, whether in big gestures or small ones.”

Like his character, Ethan knows what it’s like to wrestle with big choices. “Despite his flaws, I hope the audience sees how he musters up courage and motivates others to do the same,” he adds.

KD Estrada Finds His Match
For KD Estrada, stepping into Arnel’s shoes feels almost effortless. “When I auditioned, my number one pick was Arnel because I see myself in him,” he says. “If he were real right now, he would be exactly like me.”

KD admires Arnel’s quiet strength—fun but responsible, never one to give in to peer pressure. “In the film, you can always see his hesitance,” he notes. “He doesn’t just do things because they’re ‘in.’”

 

That self-awareness comes with a cost, something KD understands. “I’m grateful to have a strong support system at home,” he shares. “But we all go through that phase where we don’t know whether to follow our own dreams or what other people want for us.”

This marks KD’s second theater outing after his debut in Walang Aray with Alexa Ilacad. He’s also appeared in series such as Unloving You, Bola Bola, Run to Me, and Pira-pirasong Paraiso. His biggest takeaway from playing Arnel? “The friends you make in high school are some of the best friends you’ll ever have.”

A Timeless Coming-of-Age Story
Arnel’s journey proves that the struggles of growing up—finding courage, balancing expectations, and staying true to yourself—never really fade. With Ethan David and KD Estrada sharing the role, his story is set to resonate with both longtime fans and first-time viewers.

Bagets The Musical runs January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, with more cast reveals coming soon. Joining David and Estrada are Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez as Gilbert, and Milo Cruz and Migo Valid as Tonton.

Produced by VIVA Communications Inc., The Philippine STAR, and Newport World Resorts, and guided by the creative team of PETA Plus—director Maribel Legarda, playwright J-mee Katanyag, and musical director Vince Lim—this new staging promises to capture the heart and nostalgia of the original film.

Be first in line for tickets by joining the waitlist at newportworldresorts.com/bagets-musical-waitlist, and follow @vivaartistsagency, @philippinestar, and @newportworldresorts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates.

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Milo Cruz and Migo Valid to play Bagets’ legendary daredevil in Bagets The Musical

Every barkada needs that one friend who stirs up trouble but somehow saves the day. In Bagets The Musical, that spark belongs to Tonton—the resident daredevil first made famous by William Martinez in the 1984 classic. Now, two rising performers are set to breathe new life into the character as VIVA Communications Inc., The Philippine STAR, and Newport World Resorts bring the iconic film to the stage.

Meet Milo Cruz and Migo Valid
Sharing the role of Tonton are Milo Cruz and Migo Valid, both ready to charm thousands of theatergoers with their own spin on the fun-loving troublemaker.

Milo Cruz and Migo Valid

For Milo, Bagets The Musical arrives just as he prepares to debut with the P-pop group Xerenade. “Tonton is a repeater, yes,” he says, “but if we move past his kalokohan, we see a normal kid who learns life the hard way.” He remembers the carefree energy of high school—late assignments and long hangouts—but also the inevitability of growing up. “We can’t stay kids forever,” he adds. Nervous yet excited, Milo promises to draw on his singing and dancing background to give audiences a layered, heartfelt Tonton.

Film actor Migo Valid (Hold Me Close, A Glimpse of Forever, Penduko) makes his theater debut with the same role. “I just wanted to make the panel smile,” he recalls of his first audition at PETA. “Being cast as Tonton is such a blessing.” Migo admits he relates to the character’s restless spirit: “Back in high school, I had my wild moments, too. But those experiences helped me grow.” Like Tonton, he’s had moments of doubt about his path, but his philosophy is simple—keep moving forward.

A Musical Blast from the Past
Bagets The Musical promises a nostalgic journey to a pre-Internet era, when friendships were forged face-to-face and every adventure felt bigger than life. Alongside Milo and Migo, Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez will play Gilbert, with more cast members to be announced soon.

Guided by the creative team of PETA Plus—director Maribel Legarda, playwright J-mee Katanyag, and musical director Vince Lim—the production will run January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

Fans eager to relive the magic can join the waitlist now at newportworldresorts.com/bagets-musical-waitlist to be first in line for tickets. For updates, follow VIVA Communications Inc. (@vivaartistsagency), The Philippine STAR (@philippinestar), and Newport World Resorts (@newportworldresorts) on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Get ready to meet the new Tonton—and fall for his charm all over again.

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Newport World Resorts gives Bagets' Gilbert

Newport World Resorts has officially revealed the first members of the barkada for its highly anticipated stage musical Bagets, inspired by the iconic 1984 teen film. Taking on the role of Gilbert—the shy but mischievous heart of the ‘80s clique originally played by Herbert Bautista—are two exciting young talents who promise to bring their own spark to the character.

Tomas Rodriguez, a rising name in the P-pop scene, will make his theater debut as Gilbert. Known as a member of the chart-topping boy group Alamat, Tomas has wowed fans nationwide with his smooth vocals and dynamic dance skills. Alamat’s distinct blend of modern pop and proudly Filipino flair has taken them to major music festivals and TV appearances, making Tomas a natural fit for the energy and nostalgia of Bagets.

 

 

Tomas shares his process in auditioning for the role.

Sharing the role is Noel Comia Jr., a multi-talented actor and singer whose credentials span both stage and screen. Noel is no stranger to theater, having earned critical acclaim for performances in productions such as The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Matilda, and The Secret Garden. His versatility and powerhouse vocals have also made him a fixture in concerts and musicals across the country, ensuring that his take on Gilbert will be heartfelt and memorable.

Ticket prices will be announced soon. For updates on show schedules and exclusive previews, follow Newport World Resorts on their official social media channels. This fresh, music-filled revival of Bagets is set to bring back the vibrant spirit of the ‘80s—don’t miss your chance to relive the era with a whole new generation of stars coming this 2026.

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"Bagets: The Musical" Opens Auditions for Lead and Ensemble Roles

Newport World Resorts, VIVA, and The Philippine Star revive the spirit of the ‘80s in a new stage production

The iconic '80s teen movie that defined a generation is hitting the stage! Bagets: The Musical is calling all young, talented performers to audition for lead and ensemble roles in this exciting new production.

Open auditions will be held at the PETA Theater Center, 5 Sunnyside Drive, Quezon City, on the following dates:

• July 14 (Sunday) from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM

• July 15 (Monday) from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

The production is looking for male and female performers aged 16 to 22 years old who can sing, act, and capture the energy and spirit of the beloved teen classic.

Audition Guidelines:

• Prepare 16 bars each of one ‘80s ballad and one upbeat ‘80s song — OPM or foreign.

• Bring your CV, headshot, and a full-body photo.

Directed and produced in collaboration with Newport World Resorts, VIVA, and The Philippine Star, Bagets: The Musical aims to bring back the nostalgia of the ‘80s with a modern twist — full of vibrant music, youthful energy, and heartfelt stories that still resonate today.

Don't miss this chance to be part of a cultural milestone that celebrates friendship, coming-of-age, and the music that defined an era.

For updates and more information, follow the official pages of Newport World Resorts and Bagets: The Musical.

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