Four decades after ‘Bagets’ exploded into pop culture and defined the youth of the ’80s, the iconic film is set to return — this time with a beat, a book, and a Broadway-inspired makeover.
‘Bagets: The Musical’, the much-anticipated stage adaptation of the 1984 Viva Films classic, will premiere in the first quarter of 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. The production is a powerhouse collaboration between Viva Communications Inc., Newport World Resorts, and the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) — bringing together the best of entertainment, culture, and nostalgia.
Directed by the late Maryo J. de los Reyes, the original ‘Bagets’ starred rising teen heartthrobs Aga Muhlach, William Martinez, J.C. Bonnin, Herbert Bautista, and Raymond Lauchengco. It captured the thrill, angst, and color of adolescence — from carefree school days to friendship, heartbreak, and personal growth — set to a soundtrack that became as legendary as its cast.
Now, ‘Bagets: The Musical’ aims to capture that same youthful spirit while speaking to a new generation. According to Viva chairman and CEO Vic del Rosario Jr., the goal is to celebrate Filipino creativity while discovering fresh faces who will carry the ‘Bagets’ legacy forward. “We’re creating a cultural moment,” he said. “We want the DNA of the original to stay, but we’re also giving it a modern pulse.”
The musical will be directed by Maribel Legarda, the acclaimed mind behind ‘Rak of Aegis’, with a script penned by J-mee Katanyag, PETA’s artistic director and a multi-awarded playwright. Musical direction and original arrangements will combine contemporary sound with 1980s flair, ensuring both nostalgia and relevance.
“Bagets isn’t just a throwback — it’s a chance to reexamine youth, identity, and friendship in today’s context,” said Legarda.
Auditions are set to begin from late July to early August 2025, with the production on the lookout for new talents who can sing, act, and embody the charisma of a generation.
While ‘Bagets: The Musical’ is rooted in the iconic film, it promises a contemporary twist that speaks to today’s youth — tackling themes like self-expression, peer pressure, mental health, and resilience. According to PETA President Melvin Lee, the musical will “honor the past while speaking boldly to the present.”
Newport World Resorts Executive Chairman Kevin Tan called the project “a bold step toward positioning the Philippines as the Broadway of Asia,” emphasizing the importance of staging original Filipino works.
Casting announcements are expected by the end of 2025. Meanwhile, excitement builds among original fans and new audiences alike. With the recent success of Viva’s youth series ‘Mutya ng Section E’ and its upcoming OST concert, the company is clearly striking gold with its Gen Z-focused slate.
As for the original cast, ‘Bagets’ icons Aga Muhlach, Herbert Bautista, and Raymond Lauchengco have all expressed support. Lauchengco even reunited with Eula Valdes and his former co-stars during his ‘Just Got Lucky’ concert in 2023 — a reunion that hinted at the enduring love for the film and its impact on Filipino pop culture.
‘Bagets: The Musical’ is more than a revival. It’s a reinvention — a celebration of Filipino youth, music, and timeless friendship set to the rhythm of then and now.
