Andres Muhlach Takes On His Father’s Iconic Adie Role in Bagets The Musical

 Four decades since the original Bagets film became a hit, the legacy of Adie lives on as another Muhlach takes the spotlight in Bagets The Musical.

Andres Muhlach, fresh from his film debut in Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna, will step into the role once played by his father, Aga Muhlach, in the 2026 stage adaptation of the beloved 1984 classic.

He completes the new-generation Bagets barkada, alternating performances with fellow VIVA artist Mico Hendrix Chua.

With this final cast reveal, audiences are all set to relive the magic, friendship, and first-love thrills of their teenage years.

From Aga to Andres

It is a full-circle moment for the young star to breathe new life into Adie, the charming boy-next-door. 

 

“I understand how big Bagets was, and still is, in the Philippines. It’s such a huge part of many Filipino childhood,” he says. “To be part of it, let alone play my dad’s role, feels surreal.”

 

The original Adie, Aga Muhlach, could not be prouder.

 

“When we first found out that I got his breakthrough portrayal, he was super happy for me,” he shares. “He was also excited to see how I’m going to approach the character.”

Making the role his own

Bagets The Musical marks Andres’ first major theater project. Nerves were real, he admits, but with thorough practice and workshops, he felt ready.

 

“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.”

 

While some might call it following in his father’s footsteps, he sees it differently. 

 

“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 Bagetscast. 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.”

 

His dedication was evident in his thorough preparation for the role. Muhlach trained extensively, entered auditions well-prepared, and sang before the panel, even though he had never done anything like it on the spot.

 

“Ever since I was little, I dreamed of seeing myself on the silver screen and on stage,” shares Muhlach. “Now it’s happening. I just feel blessed.”

 

The rising star has already built a resume that includes TV series like Ang Mutya ng Section E and Da Pers Family.

 

The heart of ‘Bagets The Musical’

Though he has played high school roles before, Bagets TheMusical gives him a chance to show a different side.

 

“Playing Adie now is a completely new experience,” he says. “He’s still the charismatic, charming boy-next-door type, but his story feels more mature because of his love interest.”

 

Audiences can once again enjoy the thrills and mischief of student days with the barkada.

 

“Atasha and I studied abroad, but I enjoyed my time here more because I was with my best friends,” he recalls. “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 is scheduled to run from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Joining Muhlach 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, and Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf as Topee, and Mico Hendrix Chua as Adie. 

The musical is a joint production of VIVA Communications Inc, The Philippine STAR, and Newport World Resorts, guided by the creative vision of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Plus, with 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.

 

Learn more about the artists and the 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 via https://newportworldresorts.com/bagets-musical-waitlist to be the first in line for tickets.

Mico Hendrix Chua Steps In as the New Adie in Bagets The Musical

The wait comes to a thrilling close as Bagets The Musical reveals the cast for the final lead role.

Mico Hendrix Chua is set to play the new-generation Adie, the baby-faced charmer first made iconic by Aga Muhlach in the beloved 1984 coming-of-age classic.

Get ready to swoon over his dimples and boy-next-door vibe as he brings a fresh twist to the 2026 stage adaptation. 

Chua makes an acting comeback as Adie

The rising artist has been on stage since his teens, performing in local theaters in Iloilo before making the move to Manila. In 2021, he joined the reality show Born to Be a Star, which earned him a contract with VIVA.

“After I signed, I had to move to Dubai, where I worked multiple jobs while studying,” he recalls. “I started as an admissions counselor, then became an administrator.”

 

Despite the hiatus, the 22-year-old never let go of his love for the craft. 

 

“I had a pretty stable life abroad, but deep down, my heart was always with performing,” says Chua. “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.”

 

Now back in the Philippines, the stars have aligned for him.

 

“This is my first project since I returned. During the auditions, I was anxious, especially with so many callbacks,” he continues. “At first, I didn’t expect anything. But the more I went through the process, the more I wanted the character.”

 

In the shoes of a classic 

Interestingly, Chua’s initial choice was not Adie. He had hoped to play Topee, a role he felt connected to because of their shared accent.

 

The switch, however, turned out to be 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.”

The artist acknowledges moments of peer pressure and recklessness in his past—qualities that make embodying Adie feel like reconnecting with an old version of himself.

Fans may remember the persona as a slightly confused romantic who juggles love, crushes, and meaningful connections.

“I’ve had those encounters before—stealing glances at your crush and all. But it’s all in the past now,” he says. “I think I’ve matured since then.”

The beauty of Bagets The Musical is that we can relive those moments and savor all the joy and buoyancy of youth.

Rising to the challenge
Though he relates to the character, Chua admits the weight of portraying such an icon was real. 

“The pressure went higher, but it’s also a great challenge,” he concludes. “It means I get to give my best and portray someone as legendary as Aga Muhlach. I’m excited and deeply honored.”

 

The rising star rounds out the new-generation lineup of BagetsThe Musical. He will alternate performances with another VIVA artist, to be announced soon.

Bagets The Musical is scheduled to run from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Joining Chua 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, and Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf as Topee. 

The musical is a joint production of VIVA Communications Inc, The Philippine STAR, and Newport World Resorts, guided by the creative vision of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Plus, with 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.

 

Learn more about the artists and the 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 via https://newportworldresorts.com/bagets-musical-waitlist to be the first in line for tickets.

Milo Cruz and Migo Valid Step Into Bagets’ Daredevil Role—Get Ready for Bagets The Musical

 The fun-loving barkada of Bagets The Musical is not complete without the one who leads the group into trouble and somehow saves the day. VIVA Communications Inc., The Philippine STAR, and Newport World Resorts shine the spotlight on Tonton, who is set to charm thousands of theatergoers.

Meet Milo Cruz and Migo Valid as they embody Tonton, Bagets’ resident daredevil, first made iconic by William Martinez.

 

Milo Cruz reimagines Tonton

With his P-pop debut with Xerenade on the horizon, Milo Cruz is already expanding his craft as Tonton in Bagets TheMusical. The rising artist brings new depth to the character.

 

“Tonton is a repeater, yes,” he explains. “But if we move past that — past his kalokohans — we see that he’s really just a normal kid who has to learn life the hard way.” For him, it is through challenging moments that one can truly grow and mature.

 

"Masaya maging high school. ‘Yung tipong pwede kang mag-procrastinate ng assignments tapos tambay lang pagkatapos,” says Cruz. “Pero kailangan nating maintindihan na hindi tayo pwedeng maging bata lang habambuhay.”

 

Such lessons are what the audience can look forward to in Bagets The Musical — scenes that show life before the Internet and how raw and simple those times were.

 

Cruz shares that he’s feeling both nervous and excited for the show. He promises to give his best, drawing on his years of singing and dancing, now adding acting to his repertoire.

 

Migo Valid on why his character feels familiar

The stage adaptation of the 1984 classic marks Migo Valid’stheater debut. With films like Hold Me Close, A Glimpse of Forever, and Penduko to his credit, he admits he never expected to land the role.

 

“First time ko mag audition sa PETA,” says Valid. “Sabi ko, ‘I just want to make the panel smile.’” 

 

“I wasn’t expecting anything then, so being cast as Tonton is such a blessing.”

 

The beloved character is the barkada’s risk-taker — charming, reckless, yet caring.

 

“I’m very much like him,” he laughs. “Back in high school, I had my wild moments, too. But those experiences helped me grow.”

 

Taking a moment to reflect, he says what struck him most was the feeling of being left behind — an emotion he shares with the persona.

 

“Minsan napapatanong ako kung tama pa ba ‘yung mgaginagawa ko,” the 23-year-old shares, thinking about his late start in showbiz. “But like Tonton, keep moving forward angmentality.”

 

Such a mindset has helped him land a major part in BagetsThe Musical, opening doors to a new chapter in his career.

 

Both artists are part of the P-pop group Xerenade. With their shared love for performing, they’re set to take audiences on a ride and make everyone fall for Tonton’s charm and complexity. 

 

Bagets The Musical is scheduled to run from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, with more cast members to be revealed soon. Joining Cruz and Valid in the lead cast are Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez as Gilbert. The musical is a joint production of VIVA Communications Inc., The Philippine STAR, and Newport World Resorts, guided by the creative vision of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Plus, with director Maribel Legarda, playwright J-mee Katanyag, and musical director Vince Lim.

 

Learn more about the artists and the 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 via https://newportworldresorts.com/bagets-musical-waitlist to be the first in line for tickets.